The holiday season is in full swing.
North Jersey has plenty of attractions and unique shopping opportunities, like the lights at Turtle Back Zoo; the vendor event and Sensory Santa in North Arlington; the Mistletoe Market and Festival of Trees in Mount Olive; breakfast with Santa in Stanhope; a craft/vendor show and pet adoption, and the Weis Winter Wonderland, both in Ringwood; Santa landing by chopper in New Milford; the Holiday Extravaganza in Belleville; the Holiday Stroll in Bloomingdale; Dumont’s Deck the Halls sing-along; and Christmas With the Celts in Newton.
But it doesn’t always have to be about Christmas, so take in some live non-holiday music, like the Tribute Spectacular at the Meadowlands Racetrack, the Great American Soulbook at BergenPAC, the Temptations and the Four Tops at State Theatre, the Disney Songbook in Leonia, and a Carpenters tribute in Newton. Plus, if you’re in the mood for an outdoor activity, check out the history hike at Closter Nature Center.
Scroll down for all the details and the weather forecast, too!
Weather for Dec. 12-15
According to the National Weather Service:
- Thursday night: Mostly clear and windy, with a low in the mid-20s.
- Friday: Sunny and breezy, with a high in the mid-30s. Mostly clear at night, with a low in the mid-20s.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high in the upper 30s. Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain overnight and a low approaching 30.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a 40 to 50 percent chance of rain all day. High in the mid-40s, low in the upper 30s.
Essex County Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo
See the holiday lights at the zoo in West Orange, Friday through the end of the year (except Dec. 24 and Dec. 25). Admission is free. Donations of non-perishable food, new unwrapped toys, and new or gently used winter coats will be appreciated.
Go: Essex County Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange. 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 through Dec. 31. essexcountynj.org
‘Tribute Spectacular’ at Meadowlands Racetrack
The Meadowlands Racetrack hosts racing every Friday and Saturday plus this Thursday. The track’s annual Toys for Tots collection drive is underway and for the seventh year, Quincy Enunwa will be onsite to help collect new, unwrapped toys to donate to SBH Health System. Toys will be collected through Friday at 8:30 p.m.
Elvis and friends visit the racetrack on Saturday in the “Tribute Spectacular” on the ground level at Trackside. Ralph Carey performs as Elvis, Russ Davis is Elton John, Nancy Salters is Aretha Franklin and John Cozolino is Billy Joel. Each performer takes the stage for solo and combined performances.
Go: Horse racing and Tribute Spectacular at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. Racing post time is 6:20 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Concert is 8 to 10 p.m. $35. playmeadowlands.com. Must be at least 18 to wager on horses and 21 to wager on sports. Gambling problem? Call 800-GAMBLER.
Great American Soulbook at BergenPAC
The holiday edition of this journey through the decades of Motown, R&B and other soulful music highlights the music that filled dance floors and concert halls from the ’60s through the ’90s and beyond.
Go: Great American Soulbook at Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St. Englewood. 7 p.m. Thursday. Visit ticketmaster.com or call 201-227-1030 for tickets. $29 to $59.
The Temptations and Four Tops at State Theatre
The Temptations (with founding member Otis Williams) and the Four Tops will perform hits including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” and more on Thursday in New Brunswick.
While the Temptations have evolved over the years, founding member Dr. Otis Williams has continued to lead the group and carry the torch forward for the next generation. The group was ranked number one in Billboard magazine’s most recent list of the Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of All Time and is the subject of a Broadway musical, “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.”
The Four Tops made their first single for Chess in 1956, and spent seven years on the road and in nightclubs, singing pop, blues, Broadway but mostly four-part harmony jazz. Their first Motown hit was “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, but when Motown left Detroit in 1972 to move to Los Angeles, the Tops decided to stay at home with another label, producing hits on ABC-Dunhill.
Go: The Temptations and the Four Tops at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. $59 to $159. stnj.org.
Christmas shopping vendor event & Sensory Santa
The North Arlington Access for All Christmas shopping vendor event on Friday will feature Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves posing for pictures. Vendors will include Paparazzi, the NA girls softball league, DCLove Seasonal Gifts, Adorable Adornment, Designs by Maya, Herz Bath & Body, Delightful Designs by Doris, Nonna’s Sweet Treats, Shenanigans Designs, Little Shop of Trinkets, Yarnabing Yarnaboom, Bunnell Unique Gifts, Mrs. Tuero’s Creations.
Sensory Santa, is an event on Sunday designed for children with special needs or IEPS, providing a calm and sensory-friendly environment to meet Santa, enjoy crafts and indulge in snack. Siblings are welcome to join the fun. Registration is required. Contact Alexandra at 201-966-5608 with questions.
Go: Christmas shopping vendor event, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday; photos with Santa and friends from 7 to 8:30 for $5 per child, northarlington.org. Sensory Santa, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, northarlington.org. Both events are at the North Arlington Senior Center, 10 Beaver Ave. (behind the library).
‘The Disney Songbook’ in Leonia
The Players Guild of Leonia presents this original musical revue of songs and stories from the Disney catalog for five performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Written and directed by Peter Downing, the family-friendly show celebrates music from early classics to more current films and theme park attractions. Cheryl Woertz serves as music director, and the show is co-produced by Kim Queren.
Go: “The Disney Songbook” at the Players Guild of Leonia, 130 Grand Ave. 7:30 p.m. Friday, and 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. leoniaplayers.org.
Mistletoe Market, Festival of Trees in Mount Olive
The Mistletoe Market – an outdoor market where shoppers can find unique gifts, have food and drinks, and gather by the bonfire – is open for its second and final weekend at Turkey Brook Park. There will be Santa pictures, food trucks, hot chocolate, carolers and performances, a gift and food donation opportunities. Spectators will have the chance to vote for their favorite decorated trees in the Festival of Trees.
Go: Mistletoe Market at Turkey Brook Park in Mount Olive is open 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. mountolivetwpnj.org.
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Stanhope
The Armed Forces Relief Committee and the Stanhope American Legion is hosting this all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will receive a keepsake photo with Santa and the children can make their own ornament. Donations of unwrapped toys, gift cards or clothing items for local veterans and their families will be accepted.
Go: Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Stanhope American Legion on Route 183. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday. $15 for ages 10 and older; $10 for ages 3 to 10. All the proceeds benefit local veterans. armedforcesrelief.org.
History Hike at Closter Nature Center
Naturalist and historian Francesca Costa will lead a hike on Saturday exploring the area’s history. Dive into Closter’s past and learn about how crucial land stewardship was back then. Topics include Buzzoni’s farm, the story of Ruckman Road and “Closer City.”
Go: History Hike at Closter Nature Center, 154 Ruckman Road. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Participation is free; registration is requested but not required at closternaturecenter.org/events. info@closternaturecenter.org, 201-800-2008. The Closter Nature Center is a nonprofit organization and welcomes donations to support its events.
SLFD Indoor/Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show & Pet Adoption
The Skyline Lake Fire Department’s holiday craft and vendor show will be at the firehouse on Saturday. Support your local volunteer fire department, get some of your holiday shopping done and maybe find your next four-legged friend.
Go: SLFD Indoor/Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show & Pet Adoption at Skyline Lake Firehouse, 67 Edgewood Road, Ringwood. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Free parking and free admission. skylinelakefire.com.
Santa lands in New Milford
Presented by the New Milford Police Department, Santa will arrive by helicopter on the New Milford High School football field on Saturday. Photo opportunities with Santa will be available as he walks around and greets the New Milford children and families. There will be refreshments and music provided by ShopRite and SmartMove. The NMPD toy drive collection box will be available for donations.
Go: Santa Landing at New Milford High School, 330 River Road. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Santa lands at 11. newmilfordnj.gov.
Christmas tree lighting and Holiday Extravaganza in Belleville
Mayor Michael Melham, the Township Council, the Board of Education and the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs presents this event on Saturday at the high school. There will be holiday shops, food trucks, trackless train rides, a petting zoo, a giant snow globe, Victorian carolers, Santa’s workshop with elves, a special appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, photo ops for the family and more.
Go: Holiday Extravaganza at Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave., on Saturday. The holiday shops and food trucks will be available from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., Extravaganza begins at 5:30, tree lighting is at 8:15. bellevillenj.org
Holiday Stroll in the Park in Bloomingdale
Enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, carriage rides, an appearance from Santa, music by DJ Nick Salsa from Pulse Entertainment NJ, food trucks, performances by the Claim to Fame dancers, an ugly sweater contest and an after party hosted by River of Beer on Saturday at Sloan Park.
Go: Holiday Stroll in the Park at Sloan Park on Main Street in Bloomingdale. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday. bloomingdalenj.net
Dumont Decks the Halls: A Holiday Sing-Along Show
Dumont’s Arts, Beautification, and Economic Development Committee will present a joyful evening of music, laughter and holiday cheer, featuring Elizabeth Synnott & Friends, on Saturday evening at St. Mary’s Church. Donations of non-perishable food items, gift certificates or monetary contributions are encouraged to support Dumont Social Services & Food Pantry. The evening will include performances by Synnott, Luis Chavez, Jim Gregory Kristen Langford, Sofia Marchese, Diana McCullough, Rob Quiles and Emily Waver.
Go: Dumont Decks the Halls at Szelest Hall, St. Mary’s Church, 280 Washington Ave. 7 p.m. Saturday. Free admission; RSVP is encouraged eventbrite.com.
Christmas With the Celts at Newton Theatre
Irish musicians unite with Nashville players to create a hybrid of Irish Americana which combines rootsy originals and vocal harmonies with Irish traditional instrumentals. Performing in Newton on Saturday, the group consists of lead singer/fiddler Maggie Lander; Ric Blair on vocals, guitar, piano and bodhran; Patrick D’Arcy of Dublin, Ireland, on pipes, whistle, mandolin; Fiachra O’Regan of Connemara, Ireland, on pipes and tenor banjo; and Matt Menefee on five-string banjo/mandolin, dobro and vocals.
Go: Christmas With the Celts at the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St. 8 p.m. Saturday. $39 to $49, additional fees may apply. skypac.org
Weis Winter Wonderland in Ringwood
On Sunday at the New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, this fundraiser will include second-hand gift shopping in its decorated rustic cabins. Bring your gifts and have them wrapped (donations accepted) in natural, sustainable or recycled gift wrapping. Make a seasonal nature craft. Purchase a fundraiser item to support the center and programs, including t-shirts, reusable water bottles, cookbook and notecards. A cozy campfire will be going (pending fire restrictions), with hot chocolate, hot cider and s’mores. The covered pavilion (with heaters) will be set up as a drop-off center for Toys for Tots (bring a new unwrapped gift), BASS Animal Rescue (high priority donation requests are wet and dry cat food, paper towels, laundry detergent, and bleach) and the Highlands Family Success Center (accepting non-perishable pantry items, including pasta and cereal).
Go: Weis Winter Wonderland at the New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Free admission, no registration is needed. 973-835-2160, highlandsnaturefriends.org.
Top of the World – Carpenters tribute in Newton
Fronted by singer Debbie Taylor, Top of the World features a seven-piece band consisting of multi-instrumentalists that recreate the arrangements created by Richard Carpenter, with keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, flute and more. On Sunday at the Newton Theatre, the group will perform hits like “Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days And Mondays,” “Please Mr. Postman” and “Yesterday Once More,” as Taylor captures the tone and contralto range of Karen Carpenter’s voice and shares some of the stories behind the music.
Go: Top of the World at the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St. 7 p.m. Sunday. Doors open at 6. $44 to $64, additional fees may apply. skypac.org
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