Holiday Happenings
EVENTS. From Santa Runs to New Year’s parties, check out these local celebrations.
| 22 Dec 2023 | 08:10
Santa and his assistant are pulled through the Hewitt section of West Milford by members of Fire Company 3 on Sunday, Dec. 17. (Photo by Kathy Shwiff)
Sean Quinn of Byram sits in the Sparta Historical Society’s Ford Model T, which was part of the Touch-a-Truck display at the Sparta Train Station on Dec. 9. (Photo by Nancy Madacsi)
Children sing at the Christmas tree lighting Dec. 4 in West Milford. (Photo by Rich Adamonis)
A scene from last year’s winter festival in Monroe, N.Y. (Photo by Sammie Finch)
HH1 Boy Scouts help set up a model train display for the German Christmas Market held Dec. 1-3 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Jim Hofmann)
New Jersey
Saturday, Dec. 23
Annual Santa Run: Santa will be escorted through Sussex Borough and Lake Neapaulin by the Sussex Fire Department.
Santa Coming to Town: 9 a.m. at Franklin Fire Department.
Monday, Dec. 25
13th annual free Christmas Day dinner: 1 to 4 p.m. at Wantage United Methodist Church. Full turkey dinner with sides, dessert and coffee. For children, option of hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and applesauce. Preassigned seating times at 1, 2 or 3 p.m. Reservations required. Make a reservation by texting or calling Melissa at 973-997-1822 or leaving a message on the church’s phone line at 973-875-4488.
Sunday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Magic: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special magic performance by Eric DeCamps, Joe Garsetti and friends. Shows at 7 and 10 p.m. at Sparta Stage, 10 Sparta Ave. N. Refreshments and h’oeuvres will be available and guests may bring their own. Tickets are $40. For information, go online to spartamagic.com or call 973-903-6052.
Ongoing:
Light Show & Christmas Village: Through Dec. 30 at Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta. One-mile drive-thru with 2 million lights. Free parking at Christmas Village. Live music, beer garden, s’mores pit, hot cocoa bar, photos with Santa. General admission: $29 per carload; choose a time slot. VIP admission: $79 per carload, skip the line, any time slot. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at www.skylandsstadium.com/lightshow/
New York
Sunday, Dec. 31
Bring Someone to Kiss New Year’s Eve: Bring a special someone to The Cork Wine Bar from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and enjoy great wine and champagne pairings ranging from $99-$350. Reservations are recommended, especially if reserving a special pairing selection. Location: 24 North Main Street, Florida.
Ongoing or Multiple Dates:
Winter Wonderland, Dogwood Acres Family Farm: Take a wagon ride through the holiday lights, watch holiday movies, play games, engage in a fun snowball battle, visit the animals, eat s’mores, and enjoy some holiday cheer from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 15-17, 22-23 and 26-30 at 749 Rt. 17M, Middletown.
LEGOLAND New York Holiday Bricktacular: Enjoy never-before-seen seasonal shows, meet new holiday characters like the Gingerbread Man and Snowman, enjoy special treats, LEGO activities, twinkling lights, and more during the Holiday Bricktacular now available through the end of the year. 1 Legoland Way, Goshen
Photos with Santa: Kids, families and pets are invited to get their photos with Santa until Sunday, Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria at Crystal Run, 1 Galleria Drive, Middletown.
Holiday Lights in Bloom: The Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation hosts 15th annual free exhibit at the Orange County Arboretum, Thomas Bull Memorial Park, 41 Grove St., Hamptonburgh. Visitors walk through a variety of light displays from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 30. Pets are not permitted. No buses nor groups larger than 15 permitted. Closed Christmas Eve.
