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It’s that time of year when the snow’s soon to start flying (or maybe it already has) and people are starting to feel festive. From Thanksgiving events to tree lighting and Christmas festivities, you’re sure to find something everyone in your family will enjoy. While you’re gearing up for this holiday season, here are a few events to add to your calendar.
Thanksgiving Events
Polar Express Train Ride, Whippany, NJ, November 18 to December 31
Dr Silverman took his grandson and grandneice on this for the first time last winter. They loved it!
Powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway, this magical experience includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, a scrumptious cookie, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!
Early 19th Century Thanksgiving, Farmingdale, NJ, Sunday, November 19, 11 am – 3 pm.
For a traditional Thanksgiving experience, visit the Historical Village at Allaire to celebrate the end of autumn and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Enjoy a 19th century Thanksgiving reenactment.
Thanksgiving Hayrides, Lambertville, NJ, Saturday, November 25.
Visit the Howell Living History Farm for free horse drawn hay or sleigh rides depending on the weather. Rides will be offered throughout the day and guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation for the local area food banks.
Tree Lighting Festivals
Holiday Express Concert & Town Lighting, Red Bank, NJ, Friday, November 24, 7 pm.
Kick off the start to the holiday season with a concert and town light up in Red Bank. The Red Bank fire department will be providing free hot chocolate and Santa rides into Red Bank from Little Silver. A parade will follow Santa’s arrival in Red Bank.
Highlands Historic Village, Highlands, NJ, Saturday, November 25, 6 pm.
The Highlands Historic Village tree light up includes musical performances, free hot chocolate and candy canes, and a visit from Santa.
Princeton Tree Lighting Ceremony, Downtown Princeton, NJ, Friday, November 24, 4:45 pm – 6 pm.
Come to Princeton and celebrate the season with the lighting of Princeton’s 62-foot Norwegian Spruce decorated with 32,000 lights. There will be live music and a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Holiday Lights Spectacular, Turtleback Zoo, West Orange, NJ
Throughout the holiday season beginning November 17th the Turtleback Zoo presents 50 animal and holiday-themed light up figures featuring over 100,000 lights. Several animal exhibits will also be open.
Christmas Events
Christmas in the Ballantine House, Newark, NJ
From December 1st through to January 7th, you can visit the 1885 Ballantine House for a taste of how a Victorian Christmas was celebrated in Newark. Learn about German, English and Dutch Christmas traditions like plum pudding, wooden shoes, and stockings. Wednesdays – Sundays at 2 pm.
Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, Basking Ridge, NJ, December 2 & 3, 10 am – 3 pm.
Join the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable for Santa’s workshop full of games, crafts, and food, hayrides, and pony rides. The event will feature a silent auction with proceeds going to support the Lord Stirling School Horse Retirement Fund. Auction items include themed gift baskets, specialty items, and gift certificates from local businesses.
OCLI wishes to express our thanks to all of our wonderful customers and their families this holiday season. We are thankful for you all year round. Contact us if there’s anything we can do for you this holiday season.
