Things to DO This Weekend December 9 + 10: Chanukah Edition!
Chanukah doesn’t start ’til the 12th but there are some fun activities beginning this weekend in addition to the rounds of amazing holiday things to do! We’ve also put together a list of local skiing and snowtubing if you have the time to spare or want to schedule a holiday trip. There is still time for photos or breakfast with Santa. If it’s a pure Christmas rush you seek- have a look at our Holiday Family Fun Guide.
Saturday, December 9th 11:30 AM-2:oo PM Drop by Reeves-Reed Arboretum on Saturday morning, December 9 for Cookies & Cocoa and have your picture taken with Santa in the Arboretum’s beautifully decorated, historic Wisner House. Portraits are $15 per pose ($20 for Non-Members). Pre-registrations will not be taken. Photos will be available by Thursday, December 14.
Saturday, December 9th 12:00 PM-3:oo PM Visit the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison (about 45 minutes from Hoboken & Jersey City) and decorate a light bulb or make a candle that will light up the holiday season! These creative crafts are inspired by the museum’s current exhibit, SPARK! The Explosive and Dirty History of Light
Saturday, December 9th 12:00 PM-2:oo PM Bring your Little One to super cute clothing company Little Me’s Holiday party at Lord and Taylor in NYC and receive complimentary photos with Santa, free monogramming with every Little Me item purchased, milk and cookies, music by DJ Outsiders and giveaways, makeovers and massages for moms! No purchase necessary.
Saturday, December 9th 2:00 PM-3:oo PM Hear the story of the Nutcracker accompanied by the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky. Learn about the different sounds that instruments create, and then play instruments you’ve heard in the music! This free program will take place at the Cranford Community Center (just 30 minutes from Hoboken and Jersey City) and is intended for families with children age 3-12.
Saturday, December 9th 5:30PM-9:00 PM Drop off the kids at Garden Street School of the Performing Arts in Hoboken and head out for a night on the town! Catch a movie, get a drink, or go out dinner while we keep your kids having the best time ever. Event includes Pizza from Napolis, juice, and a cupcake as well as an art project, a dance class and a special screening of “Frosty and Rudolph” Reservation is required.
Saturday December 9th 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Take a guided candlelight tour of Essex County Kip’s Castle in Verona (35 minutes from Hoboken and Jersey City), view the stained glass Tiffany windows and learn its history. $8 entrance fee includes coffee, hot chocolate & cookies. Registration is required. Space is limited. Please meet at the front door of the Castle building. Please note: Not all areas of the tour are handicap accessible.
Sunday December 10th 10:45 AM-11:45 AM Home Depot Menorah Workshop at the Chabad House in Hoboken. Limited space – this event WILL fill up fast! RESERVE NOW! – Build your own Menorah! – Music & Chanukah refreshments – Free worker’s apron – Fun for the whole family – All children must be accompanied by an adult FREE A Project of Chabad of Hoboken & Jersey City
Saturday & Sunday December 9th and 10th 10:00 AM-4:30 PM Visit a gingerbread wonderland at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township. Guests, young and old, marvel at the creativity and skill displayed at this charming exhibit featuring hundreds of edible structures. Celebrate 26 years of gingerbread masterpieces, and enjoy the sweet smell of candy that fills the air. Complete your holiday shopping with ease at the Gingerbread Wonderland Craft Show. Check out local artists and crafters’ beautiful and affordable handmade creations, perfect for that special person on your list.
Sunday December 10th 12:00 PM-4:00 PM The Jewish Museum hosts its annual Hanukkah Family Day. The day includes art activities and music geared towards children ages 3 and up, such as a drop-in art workshop where kids can create Hanukkah lamps, holiday cards, and metallic ink prints. Attendees will also be able to collaborate with other families on a giant light collage. The day also features indie kid rockers Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., performing original and traditional Hanukkah songs as well as songs from their award-winning albums. Other activities include a retelling of the Hanukkah story through a drawing performance and a tour of the Museum’s world-famous collection of Hanukkah lamps. Reservations recommended.
Tuesday December 12th 6:00-9:00 PM Celebrate the 1st Night of Chanukah at Chanukah on Ice at the Wollman Rink in Central Park featuring a giant menorah that’s totally cool. Grab your skates and head outside to Wollman Rink and celebrate the first night of Hanukkah — on ice! Presented by Chabad Centers of New York City, this event features skating, live music, Hanukkah treats, and a giant Ice Menorah that will be lit in the evening. The event sells out quickly so snag tickets now — Hanukkah doesn’t get any cooler than this!