The 3 Bears Marionette Christmas Show – NYC (30 mins from Hoboken/JC)
November 11-December 30
The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a variety show at the Swedish Cottage in Central Park that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance and puppetry. The production quickly becomes a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to star in Mama and Papa Bear’s annual Christmas Eve holiday show. The audience also gets to join in on the fun with sing-a-longs during the performance of holiday favorites the “I Have A Little Dreidel” and “Feliz Navidad.”
Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show – Augusta (60 mins from Hoboken/JC)
November 17 through January 1
We like this one because you don’t have to get out of your warm car to enjoy it! This drive-through, musical light show features more than 2 million lights, and it’s one of the most popular in the state.
The Polar Express – Whippany (40 mins from Hoboken/JC)
Select dates from November 18 – December 10, daily from December 17–31, except on Christmas Day
Take a ride on the magical one-hour Polar Express train ride inspired by the children’s holiday classic by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa greets each child as the story is read aloud, music from the Warner Bros. movie soundtrack is played, and cookies and hot chocolate are served. Young passengers dressed in pajamas will be dazzled by the juggling chef and roaming hobos. Tickets online.
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo – West Orange (32 mins from Hoboken/JC)
November 18 – December 11 (Friday through Sunday)
December 12 –January 2 (daily except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)
Stroll through the zoo after dark to see the animals frolicking under the incredible light displays. Animal- and holiday-themed figures, including wooden soldiers and stars, will illuminate the zoo and delight your little ones. Myrtle the Turtle, the zoo’s mascot, and other costumed characters will be on hand to greet visitors. Donations of canned goods, unwrapped toys, and winter coats are appreciated. FREE
Annie- The Musical at The Paper Mill Playhouse– Millburn (40 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
November 22-December 31
The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals just in time for the winter holidays! Annie is a worldwide phenomenon and winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The score features some of the greatest musical theater hits ever written, from the unforgettable “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” and “Easy Street” to the anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts in her escape from the orphanage to the wondrous world of 1930s New York City. Along the way, she even befriends President Roosevelt and finds a home and family in the billionaire Oliver Warbucks for herself and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland – Paramus (30 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
November 24 – January 15
Spend an evening at Van Saun Park, where after-dark activities include ice skating, unlimited carousel rides, zoo entry, a train ride, and food trucks. Santa will be there on select nights.
Holiday Model Train Show – Woodbridge (40 mins from Hoboken/JC)
November 25 through December 30 (except December 25 & 26)
Head to the Baron Arts Center for the 27th annual Holiday Model Train Show, a beloved holiday tradition featuring a beautiful display of trains and scenery. Look closely and you’ll spot local landmarks and a boardwalk scene. Go on December 2 for the show’s opening reception and town tree lighting, which includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Magic Flute at The Metropolitan Opera – NYC (21 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
November 25-December 9
The Met’s English-language family version of Mozart’s enchanting masterpiece has become one of the city’s essential holiday traditions. Evan Rogister conducts Julie Taymor’s spellbinding production, with special holiday pricing (tickets start at just $27!) and a 100-minute running time. Nathan Gunn reprises his much-loved portrayal of the bird-catcher Papageno.
A Charlie Brown Christmas- LIVE – New Brunswick (45 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
Tuesday November 28
A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy® and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over 50 years ago. Now the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation
Gingerbread Wonderland – Morris Township (45 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 1-10
If the displays at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum look good enough to eat, it’s because they are. Stroll around and marvel at hundreds of edible structures, and then vote for your favorite. Sign up and enter your own family’s delicious creation!
Teddy Bear Tea – Morristown (45 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 2
Your little one can bring his or her favorite stuffed friend to tea at the Morris Museum, where there will be treats, a performance in the Bickford Theatre, and a visit from Santa. This event is perfect for kids ages 3–8. Call to reserve a spot at one of three seatings.
Civil War Christmas – Morristown (45 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 2-3
History buffs will love traveling back in time to the Civil War era for a Christmas celebration that includes attendance at an officer’s ball, complete with period music, costumes, and dancing. Visitors can also walk through a soldier’s camp and speak with costumed re-enactors.
NJ Ballet in The Nutcracker – Englewood & Morristown (30 or 50 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 2-24
Christmas just isn’t complete without a visit to the Land of the Sweets with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, and it’s even better with live music. New Jersey Ballet will perform the holiday classic at Mayo Performing Arts Center this year, with accompaniment by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Read our Nutcracker roundup to find even more performances happening throughout the state.
Hoboken Christmas Tree Lighting – Hoboken
December 5
Bring the family to Hoboken City Hall for its annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring Christmas music, hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa.
The Maccabeats – Englewood (30 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 6
The world-renowned a cappella group performs an assortment of Jewish, American, and Israeli songs in this pre-Hanukkah concert.
Tri-State Santa Train – Wayne
December 9
The Tri-State Railway Historical Society presents its 25th annual Santa Train, featuring a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with some elves and cartoon characters. Each child will receive an activity book and a toy on the ride, which lasts about an hour. Departs December 9 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12, and free for babies under 2. Tickets online.
Gingerbread Workshop – Union (30 mins from Hoboken & JC)
December 9
Kids can dig into piles of peppermint, candy canes, gumdrops, and more to decorate their own gingerbread houses at this workshop at Liberty Hall Museum. The museum provides all of the materials, and you go home with a special treat. The museum will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Reservations required.
Skating with Santa and Friends – Bridgewater (50 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 16
Hit the ice with Santa and friends at the Bridgewater Sports Arena. After you go for a spin, you can pose for a photo with Santa, Frosty, and other characters.
Hot Chocolate Hike Weekend – Short Hills (35 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 16-17
Get out of the mall and get some fresh air at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, where naturalists will lead a guided hike through the winter woods. Look for signs of animal life and learn what kinds of creatures are in the forest this time of year, then warm up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa in the historic Stone House.
Kwanzaa Festival and Forces of Nature Dance Company – Newark (45 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 16
NJPAC’s Kwanzaa festivities include the Kwanzaa Children’s Festival and Marketplace, a free event featuring arts, crafts, singing, and dancing; and two performances by Forces of Nature Dance Company, a troupe that combines modern dance with elements of West African movement, ballet, hip-hop, and martial arts.
Mommy & Me Gingerbread House Building – Hoboken (10 minutes from Hoboken/JC)
December 17
Join the folks at Hudson Table for one of the holiday’s greatest food traditions – making gingerbread houses! They provide the house, icing, and all the decorations you can think of. You bring the imagination! Each sign up is for one adult, up to 2 children, and one gingerbread house. Please note if you want a 2nd house for your 2nd child to please purchase 2 tickets so that they can pre purchase the house in advance. All gingerbread houses will be provided by Hudson Cakery. Two sessions- 10:30 and 3:30 and they fill up fast!