Weekend Fun for NJ Kids: Santa Train, Country Christmas, December 12-13
‘Tis the season to be jolly! With Hanukkah celebrations in full swing and Christmas just around the corner, you can be sure there’s a holiday outing for everyone this weekend. Check out a Country Christmas with Santa with a cozy campfire and s’mores at Alstede Farms, take in a classic performance of New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker featuring the NJ Symphony Orchestra or take a magical Santa’s Helpers Walking Tour in picturesque Princeton. For more activities to keep the kiddos busy, book tickets to an innovative puppet performance of Goodnight Moon, sign up for Winter Solstice Candle Making at the Watershed Reserve or make some deliciously sticky treats at PJ Library’s Messy Chanukah Celebration. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For additional activity options, check out our Event Calendar.
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New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker (Morristown, NJ)
The 45th anniversary of the NJ Ballet’s The Nutcracker features orchestral accompaniment by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. This seasonal favorite enchants kids and grown-ups alike with beautiful dancing, special effects and a touch of holiday magic.
Country Christmas with Santa (Chester, NJ)
Alstede Farms celebrates the season in a big way with their annual Country Christmas. Santa will be at the farm (of course!) to take photos with the family as you enjoy cheery Christmas music and a cozy campfire. You can also indulge in s’mores kits, hot chocolate and warm donuts – yum!
Santa’s Trolley Ride (Cape May, NJ)
Take the kids to Physick Estate and hop aboard a ride around Cape May with stories and songs led by Mrs. Claus. Afterwards, Santa will greet children with a sweet treat in the Carriage House.
Garden State Model Railway 58th Annual Show (North Haledon, NJ)
Garden State Model Railway Club presents their 58th Annual Model Railroad Show. This event features intermodal, mixed freight, coal and passenger trains. Family-friendly festivities include a visit from Thomas the Tank Engine and a Santa Claus Express train.
Saturday, December 12th
Santa’s Helpers Walking Tour (Princeton, NJ)
During a one hour picturesque stroll around beautiful Princeton, kids will take a tour with ‘Santa’s Ambassadors” and learn about the origin of holiday trees, what reindeer like to eat and even where the big man in red vacations after Christmas. A perfect way to keep the Santa magic alive for little believers!
Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny (Newark, NJ)
The Mermaid Theatre is known for its innovative, entertaining children’s productions. Little ones will love this adaptation of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd’s beloved bedtime classics, Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, featuring whimsical puppetry and original music.
Candle Making (Pennington, NJ)
Celebrate the approaching Winter Solstice and the return of the light by making candles with Watershed Teacher-Naturalists. Create hand-dipped candles and sand candles, learn how to shape them and add embellishments, then go home with your unique handmade gifts.
Santa Train (Wayne, NJ)
The Tri-State Railway Historical Society is hosting its annual train ride with Santa Claus this Saturday. The 60 minute scenic ride includes an activity book and small toy for each child and a visit with Jolly Old St. Nick – bring your cameras for photo ops!
Sunday, December 13th
Sunday Breakfast with Santa (Bernardsville, NJ)
Book your table at the Bernards Inn to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet (including pancakes and omelets) and snap your pic with Santa Claus. Special holiday treat tables for children will feature holiday cookies, candy canes and a traditional gingerbread house by the executive pastry chef.
Messy Chanukah Celebration (Randolph, NJ)
Celebrate Chanukah at PJ Library! This event will include fun Chanukah games, candle lighting and PJ Library Story Time. Create a marshmallow and Hershey kiss dreidel and enjoy hot latkes and applesauce.
Christmas at Allaire (Farmingdale, NJ)
Join the Historic Village at Allaire to celebrate the Joys of Christmas Past. Experience the sights and smells of an early American Christmas with hearth cooking, singing, dancing, wagon rides and a visit from St. Nicholas.
Check out our NJ GoList featuring our top picks for the entire month of December. And don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar.
And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend, make sure you check out the New York City Mommy Poppins Event Calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had Big Apple-style.
