Around the Towns – December Winter Festivals and Events

Short Hills

Fourth Annual Hot Chocolate Hike Weekend December 15 – 16th A guided hike on the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum followed by hot chocolate by the fire in the historic Stone House.

Summit

Carriages and Carolers Saturdays December 8, 15, and 22 Take a break from your downtown shopping to enjoy holiday music and free horse and carriage rides from 1-4pm. The boarding location will take place at Lyric Park, located at the corner of Bank Street and Beechwood Road.

 Livingston

Holiday Pops Concert December 15th 7:30pm Join Maestro Anthony LaGruth and the Livingston Symphony Orchestra for an evening of live music featuring favorite holiday and seasonal classics and more. This concert is perfect for the whole family or even a date night. Admission is free and children under 12 are welcome, but should be accompanied by an adult.

Maplewood

Dickens Village December 1, 8, and 15th Downtown Maplewood is dressed up for the holidays, and local businesses sponsor horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, concerts, refreshments, and children’s activities. Featuring a mini “village” comprised of 10 tiny houses decorated with scenes from A Christmas Carol.

 West Orange

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Light Spectacular Through December 16 (Fridays–Sundays); December 17–31, 2018 (nightly, except December 24 & 25)
A free evening event featuring more than 50 animal-shaped displays that illuminate the zoo. Several animal exhibits will remain open. Bring non-perishable foods, new/gently used winter coats, and unwrapped toys for donation.

Whippany

The Polar Express Through December 30^thA holiday train ride featuring hot cocoa and cookies served by dancing chefs, a reading of The Polar Express, and a special gift from Santa. See the website for availability.

 Morristown

New Jersey Ballet in the Nutcracker December 14 – 27^thNew Jersey Ballet will perform the holiday classic at Mayo Performing Arts Center this month, with accompaniment by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green Sundays through December 23^rdat 5:00 pmEvery Sunday throughout December, thousands of attendees from all over Northern New Jersey visit and enjoy Santa visits and photos, holiday crafts, miniature train rides around the Green, gingerbread house & ornament making, music by local choirs and entertainers, storytelling, ice sculpting demonstrations and free treats.