There’s Winter Fun For Everyone

Looking for music, laughs or family excitement? These 10 events happening this month can entertain everyone in your crew.
Cheryl De Leon,
Trumpet Players In Orchestra

The year might’ve started off chilly, but this month is heating up with plenty of ways to get the whole crew out of the house and having fun. With everything from workshops and monster trucks to concerts and community celebrations, there’s no shortage of reasons to shake off the winter blahs and make some memories together.

We’ve rounded up some of the best events for all interests taking place in Morris and Essex counties. So bundle up, grab your friends and check out the happenings below:

Essex County

Jan. 18

  • Cabaret favorite Corinna Sowers Adler holds a concert at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. Part of the Cabaret In The Loft series, the 7:30 p.m. show—dubbed “Corinna and Friends”—will include a setlist that spans American Standards to contemporary Broadway. Tickets and information are available online.

Jan. 23–25

  • Audiences of all ages will be entertained by the loud motors and daring stunts at Monster Jam: Freestyle Mania, which stops at the Prudential Center in Newark. Four shows featuring monster trucks, dirt bikes and more will take place over three days at the arena. Find out more and buy tickets at the Prudential Center website.

Jan. 23–Feb. 1

  • How about some local theater? The Maplewood Strollers will present Narnia the Musical, offering seven performances over the two weekends. The show tells the tale of four siblings who stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia. The story based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Tickets and more details are available online.

Jan. 24

  • Do you have a young nature lover in the family? The Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair is holding Animal Tracks & Signs, an outdoor scavenger hunt, craft and educational program designed for children ages 4–11 (though all are welcome). Visitors can check out footprints in the snow, nests in trees, feathers on hiking trails and more. Register now online.

Jan. 29–Feb. 1

  • The New Jersey Symphony and Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey present Romeo & Juliet, the classic story of two star-crossed lovers. Three performances are scheduled for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, and each is designed to accommodate the needs of all audiences, including individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Large-print programs, sensory guides and a relaxation room will be among the accommodations available. For showtimes and tickets, visit the NJPAC website.

Morris County

Jan. 16

  • For an evening of laughs, head to Fort Nonsense Brewing Company in Randolph for Next Stop Comedy. Comedian Jessica Levin will headline the show, which also includes Bryan Vogt-Nilsen and Tom Zappia. The laughs start at 8 p.m. See the brewery’s website for tickets and info.

Jan. 16–18

  • Why head to Broadway when you can see Chicago the Musical at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown? The professional cast will stage the Tony Award-winning musical four times over the three days, delivering all the showstopping songs and dances from the original production. Find out more and buy your tickets online.

Jan. 24

  • If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out Dessertopia 2026, happening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Morristown National Guard Armory. The event includes an array of cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, drinks, pies and other goodies, as well as an adult beverage bar, a kids’ zone and more. Find out more and buy tickets online.

Jan. 25

  • Rock out with the students at School of Rock in Parsippany. From 1 to 3 p.m., check out the center’s 2026 New Year Open House, featuring free musical performances by the students in the “Classic Metal” program. Find out more at the School of Rock’s website.

Jan. 27

  • Get into the patriotic spirit at Celebrate 250: Music of the American Revolution, a free concert with Anne and Ridley Enslow at the Morris County Library in Whippany. The two will play 18th century songs about America’s independence, including ballads, tavern songs and dance tunes. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

What events are you attending this month? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.

Categories: Morris/Essex Health & Life