LIKE SANTA’S ELVES, THE GARDEN STATE IS PREPPING FOR ANOTHER HOLLYJOLLY HOLIDAY SEASON, OFFERING A SENSATIONAL SPREAD OF YULETIDE FESTIVITIES, FROM NORTH POLE-BOUND TRAIN RIDES AND BUZZING BAZAARS TO SPECTACULAR STAGE SHOWS AND GLITTERING GALAS
BY INDUSTRY STAFF
LIVE THEATER AND CONCERTS
ALGONQUIN
60 Abe Vorhees Drive, Manasquan, algonquinarts.org
A Carole King Christmas November 24
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Step into a winter wonderland of song, dance, and holiday cheer with this heartwarming musical. December 7 through December 21
AXELROD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
100 Grant Avenue, Deal axelrodartscenter.com
Winter Wonderland: Holiday Classics on Stage December 14 and 15
CARTERET PERFORMING ARTS & EVENTS CENTER
46 Washington Street Cateret Carteret, cateretpac.com
Holiday Dreams A Spectacular Holiday Cirque! A holiday show unlike anything you’ve seen before, featuring acrobats, aerialists, comedians, daredevils, and award-winning specialty acts alongside holograms, projection mapping, and interactive lasers. December 8
‘Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical December 12
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live December 15
THE VOGEL
90 Monmouth Street, Red Bank thebasie.org
David Benoit Christmas Tribute To Charlie Brown December 7
Sister’s Christmas Catechism December 8
A Christmas Carol Performed By Gerald Charles Dickens December 9
Chris Pinnella: Christmas in Red Bank December 14
Everett Bradley’s HOLIDELIC Created by the Grammynominated singer/percussionist, this groovy funk-tastic is told through ‘70s- and ‘80s-inspired originals and reimagined classics. December 20
The Sensational Soul Cruisers December 21
The Weeklings and Friends: Holiday Hullabaloo December 22
MAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
100 South Street, Morristown, mayoarts.org
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays A mind-blowing showcase of illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, and technological spectacles by master entertainers. November 16
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage November 29
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis November 30
The Sensational Soul Cruisers: Destination Soultown Holiday Show December 3
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert with New Jersey Symphony December 5
A Johnny Mathis Christmas December 7
New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker With New Jersey Symphony New Jersey Ballet’s cherished annual tradition captivates all ages with breathtaking dancing, dazzling special effects, and a dash of holiday magic, all set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony. December 13
MCCARTER THEATRE
91 University Place, Princeton mccarter.org
A Christmas Carol The classic returns. December 10-29
PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE
22 Brookside Drive, Millburn papermill.org
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas November 27-December 29
STATE THEATER
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, stnj.org
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical November 23-24
Murray & Peter Present A Drag Queen Christmas November 25
An Evening with Chevy Chase & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation A special 35th anniversary screening of the Christmas classic followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni. December 5
The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert with New Jersey Symphony December 8
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland December 14
American Repertory Ballet The Nutcracker December 20-22
NJ PAC
1 Center Street, Newark njpac.org
A Magical Cirque Christmas December 5
New Jersey Symphony: The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert December 7
The Hip Hop Nutcracker December 8
An Eric Roberson Holiday Show December 8
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin following a screening of Home Alone Watch Home Alone on NJPAC’s big screen, followed by a conversation with Kevin McCallister himself, Macaulay Culkin. December 13
The Nutcracker The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine December 15
NORTH POLE TRAIN RIDES
BLACK RIVER & WESTERN RAILROAD NORTH POLE EXPRESS/FLEMINGTON
A nonstop train ride from Flemington directly to the North Pole, where you’ll meet the Clauses while sipping hot cocoa and nibbling freshly baked cookies. Upgrade to the Club Car for the most exclusive (and luxurious) experience. blackriverrailroad.com
CAPE MAY SEASHORE LINES SANTA STARLIGHT EXPRESS/ RICHLAND VILLAGE/TUCKAHOE
The famed coastal train expedition is back for its 29th year, taking families on an enchanting ride to meet Santa and his jolly crew. Departures from Richland and Tuckahoe Stations, with coach and first class tickets available. seashorelines. org/the-santa-express
SANTA’S TROLLEY RIDES/ CAPE MAY
Mrs. Claus leads this cruise through town, regaling travelers with tales from the North Pole and leading classic holiday songs. capemaymac.org
THE POLAR EXPRESS/WHIPPANY
Aboard the Morristown & Erie Railway, enjoy a delightful onehour trip to meet Santa, along with live entertainment, hot chocolate, and treats. whippanythepolarexpressride.com
THE POLAR EXPRESS/ PHILLIPSBURG
Passengers are whisked away for a magical hour-and-a-half trip to meet Santa. Expect hot cocoa and homemade cookies by way of dancing chefs. 877trainride.com/polarexpress
MAGICAL HOLIDAY EXPRESS/ HAMMONTON
All aboard a train ride through millions of Christmas lights with a meet and greet with Santa and his elves in his workshop. didonatofuncenter.com/ magical-express
THE SANTA TRAIN WITH THE TRISTATE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/WAYNE
Hop aboard this wondrous, hour-long fundraising journey on a special NJ Transit Train featuring live musicians, costumed characters, and a chance to meet Santa himself. tristaterail.org/santatrain
MARKETS, BAZAARS & FESTIVALS
ALLAIRE COMMUNITY FARM CHRISTMAS VILLAGE/WALL TOWNSHIP
For the second year in a row all 25 acres of the farm will be transformed into a magical Christmas village, with 20,000 more lights than last year. November 29-December 29. allairecommunityfarm.org
ASBURY PARK AND LONG BRANCH HOLIDAY BAZAARS
Inspired by Germany’s traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts,” this award-winning market features locally made goods and gifts, plus live entertainment, bites, drinks, photos with Santa, and more. Grand Arcade of Convention Hall: November 29-December 22; The Asbury Hotel: December 1-15. asburyparkbazaar.com
THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL AT THE MORRISTOWN GREEN
A Santa House, holiday music and crafts, a vintage-style oversized rocking horse, ice sculpture demonstrations, free rides around the Green on a miniature electric trail, and more. Every weekend December 1-22. morristown-nj.org/event/ christmasfestival
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE/ PHILADELPHIA
November 23-December 24. philachristmas.com
DICKENS VILLAGE/ MAPLEWOOD
December 7-21. maplewoodvillagenj.com/dickens-village
MONTCLAIR HOLIDAY FLEA MARKET
November 30-January 19. montclairflea.com
SKYLANDS STADIUM CHRISTMAS VILLAGE/AUGUSTA
Drive along a glittering milelong path filled with two million lights before browsing unique giftables in the indoor village. November 22-December 30. skylandsstadium.com/lightshow
MORE FESTIVE FARE
CHRISTMAS IN CAPE MAY
A feast of festivities awaits in this historic seaside hamlet, starting with the kick-off Christmas tree lighting ceremony on November 23. Highlights include candlelight house tours, holiday inn tours, charming trolley rides, and an immersive Christmas Caper live story experience. November 22-January 5. capemaymac.org
DEMAREST FARMS ORCHARD OF LIGHTS/HILLSDALE
November 23-December 30. orchardoflights.com
HANDMADE HOLIDAY/ MAPLEWOOD
December 15. maplewoodartsandculture.org
HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW/ SMITHVILLE
November 28-January 6. historicsmithville.com/smithville-events LET IT GLOW/PARAMUS A holiday lantern spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo. November 7-January 12. friendsofbergencountyzoo.org
LUMINOCITY HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW/FREEHOLD
Stunning light show and immersive art experience. November 15-January 5. luminocityfestival.com
MAGIC OF LIGHTS/HOLMDEL
A dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience. November 22-January 4. magicoflights. com/locations/holmdel-nj
SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK
November 23-January 1. sixflags.com/greatadventure/ events
STORYBOOK LAND CHRISTMAS FANTASY/EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP
November 16-December 30. storybookland.com/christmas
GOTHAM CITY GLITTER
Few cities embody the holiday spirit like the Big Apple, with its enchanting window displays, festive pop-up ice rinks, bustling gift markets, and glamorous red-carpet galas. Here are a few standout experiences:
BRYANT PARK WINTER VILLAGE
The iconic holiday gift extravaganza is officially open! Sip spiced wine while browsing over 180 new and returning kiosks and eateries to find the perfect present or bite before taking on the 17,000-squarefoot ice-skating rink. The heated igloos are returning, dressed with festive décor and serving hearty shareables like charcuterie plates, giant pretzels, and loaded crispy fries. Through March 2, 2025. bryantpark.org
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
The Holiday Train Show offers a magical winter experience with model trains traveling through miniature replicas of New York City’s iconic landmarks, while Holiday Train Nights bring the Conservatory to life with festive lights, music, seasonal treats, and holiday activities for all ages. Expect sweet and savory bites, spiked cider cocktails and mocktails, and gingerbread. Now running through January 20th. nybg.org/event/holidaytrain-show-2024
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
The Radio City Rockettes are high-kicking into the holiday season once again this year, performing now through January 5. Daily shows kick off November 22. msg.com/radio-city-music-hall
HOLIDAY DISPLAYS OF 5TH AVENUE
For more than a century, the storefronts along Manhattan’s swanky Fifth Avenue flaunt dazzling holiday window displays from Thanksgiving through New Years each year, from Bloomingdale’s and Cartier to Macy’s and Bergdorf. One of the most hotly anticipated debuts this year is Saks Fifth Avenue, featuring a collaboration with Dior for a “Dreamy Dior” display.
HOME ALONE 2: CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK PRIVATE TOUR
Experience the magic of NYC like everyone’s favorite cheeky solo traveler, Kevin McCallister, along this five-hour journey that stops in iconic movie locations, including the Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Battery Park, and the Rockefeller Center, before ending the expedition atop one of the city’s breathtaking observation decks. $1,997, projectexpedition.com
M SOCIAL NYE PARTY IN TIMES SQUARE
The New Year’s Eve event at M Social Hotel offers a guaranteed live view of the Times Square Ball Drop from its luxurious indoor lounge, Beast & Butterflies, and expansive 5,700-squarefoot outdoor terrace, providing an unforgettable experience with cocktails, bites, and panoramic city views right in the heart of Times Square. Tickets start at $949. msocial.com
STARBUCKS RESERVE WINTER WONDERLAND POP-UP
A whimsical wintry wonderland is taking over the Starbucks Reserve at the Empire State Building this season, featuring a holiday pop-up experience with specialty coffee drinks, cocktails, and nibbles, plus dreamy yuletide décor. New festive menu items include a Caramel Brulée Eggnog Latte, Eggnog Espresso Martini, Fog Nog Tea Latte, and Coffee Eggnog Holiday Cookie, plus the return of the ever-popular Peppermint Mocha. Adult standouts include the Empire State Cocoa Cocktail, featuring a blend of dark chocolate and steamed milk infused with Hennessy VS Cognac and served with chocolate bites. about.starbucks.com
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 2024 INDOOR VIEWING GALA IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER
The warmest and most luxurious way to watch in awe as the Rockefeller Tree is illuminated for the 2024 season features gourmet bites, free-flowing champagne, and live entertainment, all behind an eight-foot glass window overlooking the country’s most famous Christmas tree. $1,300, eventbrite.com
WOLLMAN RINK AT CENTRAL PARK
Glide along the ice amid a staggering backdrop of the NYC cityscape at the Wollman Rink, set a quick five-minute walk from Central Park’s south entrance at W 59th Street and 6th Avenue. Open now through the end of February. wollmanrinknyc.com