North Jersey family events
27 upcoming. Family events across North Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Union, Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Daytime kid-friendly picks.
TuesdayDecember 1
3:25 to 4:25pm
Whippany Railway MuseumA one-hour theatrical train ride recreating the Polar Express story, with dancing chefs serving hot chocolate and shortbread, caroling, a storybook reading, and Santa boarding to present each child the First Gift of Christmas. Dec 1 departures are sensory-friendly with softer sound and lighting; an additional 5:25pm departure runs that day.
FridayDecember 4
1 to 6pm, through Dec 6
Rauscher HallSixteenth annual holiday market in Rauscher Hall with local artisans, African crafts, and seasonal treats. Organizers added Friday hours just for families shopping with kids.
3 to 8pm, through Dec 6Free
Morristown GreenMorristown Partnership holiday festival on the Green with free family activities, seasonal entertainment, and Santa visits. Photos with Santa are $15.
9am to 4:30pm, through Dec 23$5
Environmental Education Center, Lord Stirling ParkMonth-long indoor exhibit of dozens of decorated holiday trees by community groups, with live holiday music on weekends and a Toys for Tots collection. Closed Dec 24 and 25; $5 suggested donation.
SaturdayDecember 5
1 to 3pm, through Dec 6
bergenPACNew Jersey Ballet's traditional Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's score, colorful costumes, and eye-popping special effects; a Bergen County holiday tradition since 1986 that enchants young first-time ballet goers. 1pm matinees; an additional 4:30pm show Dec 5.
FridayDecember 11
10am to 4pm, through Dec 12$10
Frelinghuysen ArboretumTour the historic Frelinghuysen mansion decked out for the holidays, with trees decorated by scouts, families, floral designers, and garden clubs. This year the trees celebrate America's 250th.
SaturdayDecember 12
1 to 3pm, through Dec 13
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker with the New Jersey Symphony playing Tchaikovsky's score live; a Morristown holiday tradition with special effects, costumes, and young dancers from the NJ Ballet School. 1pm matinees.
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