A CORNUCOPIA OF DELIGHTS THAT’LL MAKE THE GARDEN STATE SPARKLE!

BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI

NORTH
AUGUSTA/ SKYLANDS STADIUM
The Christmas Light Show, featuring a new outdoor village, runs through Dec. 30. Two million lights, photos with Santa, a skating rink, carnival games, vendors, food, caroling, and more. The Wheelhouse Craft Kitchen & Bar is on site. 94 Championship Place, 973.383.7644, skylandstadium.com

ENGLEWOOD/BERGEN PAC
This year’s Holiday Doo Wop features Lou Christie, The Passions, the Capris, the Happenings, the Earls, and a tribute to Dion and the Belmonts. Sure to get audiences joining in! Dec. 14.
30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201.227.1030, bergenpac.org

MONTCLAIR
Spend New Year’s Eve with the Dark Star Orchestra performing the Grateful Dead catalog at the historic Wellmont Theater in an internationally acclaimed show. Champagne toast. Monday, Dec. 30. 5 Seymour St., 973.783.9500, wellmonttheater.com

BONUS: Get an early start on New Year’s Eve with the all new “A Night at Studio 54” disco fever dance party at the Wellmont, featuring Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Trammps, Peaches & Herb, and more, hosted by legendary NJ DJ Joe Causi. Dec. 27.

MORRISTOWN
The Irish Tenors Holiday Concert. Traditional Irish tunes and seasonal music from the soaring voices of Ronan Tynan, Declan Kelly, and Anthony Kearns. Dec. 6, Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., 973.539.8008, mayoarts.org

NEWARK MUSEUM
“Victorian Holiday High Tea and Tour” at the 1885 Ballantine House includes music, carolers, and a docent led tour. Enjoy scones, sandwiches, and traditional sweets, and wonder at the beauty and authentic decorations of the historically accurate former home of the legendary brewery family. Dec. 8 and 15. 49 Washington Street, 973.596.6550, newarkmuseum.org

RAHWAY/UNION COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Pixie Dust Players present Elf: The Musical, based on the film about fish out of water, Buddy the Elf, and his quest to reunite with his real father in New York City. Performed on the Hamilton Stage Dec. 6 through 15. 1601 Irving St., 732.499.8226, upac.org

WEST ORANGE
The Annual Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo illuminates the attraction with over 100,000 bulbs, including animal and holiday themed lit figures and winter scenes. Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. 560 Northfield Avenue, 973 731 5800, turtlebackzoo.com

WHIPPANY/ POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Set to the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story of a magical trip to the North Pole. Hosts guide the action and refreshments are served by dancing chefs. Santa and his helpers are onboard, and each guest receives a silver sleigh bell. Caroling, entertainment, and precious memories through Dec. 30. 1 Railroad Plaza, 973 419 6255, whippanythepolarexpressride.com

CENTRAL
ASBURY PARK
Santa Crawl 2019 starts at the Asbury Ale House, 531 Cookman Ave., at 1:00 p.m. Dec. 7, in cooperation with santacon.org. Drink specials, bargains, and special seasonal surprises throughout the downtown and boardwalk benefitting jerseyshorerescue.org. Tickets required. santacon.org, pubcrawls.org

AVENEL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre takes audiences back to 1945 as a handful of actors brave a blizzard to perform their broadcast of the famous film to keep the station afloat in this new adaptation. Dec. 12 – 13. 150 Avenel St., 732.314.0500, avenelarts.com

FLEMINGTON
All aboard for The Black River & Western Railroad’s most popular event: The North Pole Express, new and improved this year. Activities and surprises fill a family fun train ride to North Pole Station with Santa and Mrs. Claus. November 23 through December 28. 80 Stangl Rd., 908.782.6622, blackriverrailroad.com

FLEMINGTON
Join the Family Chanukah Celebration at the Flemington Jewish Community Center in an evening that starts with a candle lighting. A magic show will be followed by a holiday dinner. Reservations required. Dec. 22, 5 Sergeantsville Rd., 908.782.6410, flemingtonjewishcenter.org

FLEMINGTON/NORTHLANDZ
This Guinness World Records standout fills a large structure with realistic model railroad displays. Renovated by new owners, it features 100 trains running on eight miles of track, an outdoor railroad ride, a doll museum, snack shop, and more. 495 Rt. 202, 908.782.4022, northlandz.com

FREEHOLD
The family owned Old Monmouth Candies, with a candy factory in back and a store in front, goes all out for holidays with decorations, displays, and especially onsite made treats. In business since 1939, it’s charming, old fashioned, and pure yummy. Try their famous Peanut Brittle! 627 Park Ave. (Business Rt. 33), 732.462.1311, oldmonmouthcandies.com

JACKSON/SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE
“Holiday in the Park” features millions of lights, decorated trees, entertainment, seasonal treats, Santa’s Village, and 30 operating rides through Jan. 1. Off Rts. 537 and 195, 732.928.2000, sixflags.com

LONG BRANCH
Don your skates and head to Pier Village across from the boardwalk to enjoy the Ice at the Pier temporary rink, now through at least President’s Day (Feb. 17). Skate rentals, snack/hot chocolate stand, and adjacent shops and restaurants. Ocean Ave. and Centennial Dr., eventbrite.com

NEW BRUNSWICK
“Salute to Vienna” New Year’s Eve Concert featuring the Strauss Symphony of America, dancers from the Kiev Aniko Ballet of Ukraine, and international Champion Ballroom Dancers. Dec. 31, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., 732.246.7469, stnj.org

PHILLIPSBURG
All Aboard The Polar Express at Delaware River Railroad Excursions operated by the non profit New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society. Inspired by the hit movie based on the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. Music, hot chocolate, cookies, performers, Santa, and a silver sleigh bell for each child. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas. Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. 100 Elizabeth St., 877 872 4674, 877trainride.com

PRINCETON
The annual Festival of Trees at Morven Museum, a National Landmark, features the museum’s elegant galleries decorated for the holidays and adorned with trees festooned by local businesses, garden clubs, and nonprofit organizations. Nov. 27 through Jan. 5. 55 Stockton St., 609.924.8144, morven.org

RED BANK
The Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, based on the animated TV classic. Nov. 29. 99 Monmouth St., 732.842.9000, thebasie.org

RED BANK
Free Classic Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides, Pictures with Santa at the West Side Galleria, “Holiday Harmonies” live performances on city sidewalks, and more seasonal delights are scheduled throughout December. A Menorah Lighting is scheduled at Riverside Gardens Park on Front Street overlooking the Navesink River on Dec. 22. Details available via the Red Bank Rivercenter at redbank. org, and the Red Bank Visitors Center, 732.741.9211, visitredbank.com

SCOTCH PLAINS
Celebrate Hanukkah with “World Songs” singer/musician Phyllis Chapell performing an eclectic mix of standards, Broadway hits, songs in various languages, and Jewish and Hanukkah tunes. Dec. 10, JCC of Central Jersey, 1391 Martine Ave., 908.889.8800, jccnj.org

SPRING LAKE
The Christmas Inn & House Tour on Dec. 7 opens the doors to some of the shore’s finest lodgings and homes decorated in holiday splendor. Start with tea and cookies at The Breakers. 1507 Ocean Ave., 732.449.0577, eventbrite.com

WALL TOWNSHIP/ALLAIRE STATE PARK
Ride The Christmas Express with Santa Claus through the scenic, historic park; a 35 year tradition presented by the New Jersey Museum of Transportation. Daytime and nighttime rides available Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Twp. 732 938 5524, njmt.org

SOUTH
ATLANTIC CITY/BORGATA
A new musical highlights Christmas classics performed by top tribute artists emulating Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Elvis, Dean Martin, and Johnny Mathis, accompanied by a swinging band and dynamic dancers. Feel free to sing along! Dec. 13 – 15. 1 Borgata Way, 609.317.1000, theborgata.com

ATLANTIC CITY/HARRAH’S
The Santa’s Christmas Wonderland show has St. Nick and his merry helpers taking audiences on a memorable family friendly musical journey with festive sets, nostalgic songs, an energetic cast, and highkicking chorus dancers. Dec. 10 – 15. 777 Harrah’s Blvd, 609.441.5000, caesars.com/harrahs

CAPE MAY
Party like Charles Dickens while taking in the historic splendor of this seaside town that looks like a Christmas card. See why visitors make the holiday pilgrimage to Cape May for its Victorian ambiance, architecture, superb dining, and copious events. Trolley, walking, and carriage tours allow riders to absorb period decorations and fascinating facts delivered by guides and docents. The calendar is packed, so visit capemaymac.org, the complete source for all the area’s unique delights. And don’t miss the remarkable Emlen Physick Estate—its 15 beautifully restored rooms (tour takes 45 minutes) a glimpse into the lifestyle of the town’s Victorian era. The Estate also erects a dazzling Department 56 Dickens Village display in its gift shop. Bring cameras, and extra batteries.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP/ STORYBOOK LAND
Since 1955, this 20 acre wonderland has delighted children of all ages with its fairy tale and nursery rhyme replicas, rides, attractions, and colorful joy. Holidays mean millions of lights, music, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the elves, snack and dining options, and much more. A true must see minutes from Atlantic City, and winner of a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor. 6415 E. Black Horse Pike, 609.646.0103, storybookland.com

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP/ SMITHVILLE
A year ’round historic village destination for shopping, strolling, and dining really turns it up at holidaytime. At dusk, enjoy seasonal music synchronized with over 120 floating Christmas trees in a dazzling light show on Meone Lake. The picturesque 1787 Smithville Inn is an ideal spot for a warm grog or gracious meal. Don’t miss the Magic Talking Tree next to the train station! Route 9, 609.748.8999. historicsmithville.com

MILLVILLE
The Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center is a fascinating place any time of year with its Museum of American Glass, craft studios, and variety of events, exhibitions, and educational programs. On Dec. 7, 13, & 21, visitors can wonder at world class glass blowing artisans creating holidaythemed objects. The store offers the chance to procure its handmade items while supporting the organization.105 Glasstown Rd., 856.825.6800, wheatonarts.org

TROPICANA/ATLANTIC CITY
In addition to the 35 foot decorated tree in the Quarter with its flashing lights synchronized to music, “Jingle: a Whimsical Wonderland” fills the casino’s showroom through December 20 with a family friendly holiday celebration featuring costumed dancers and singers. Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk, 800.843.8767, tropicana.net

TUCKERTON SEAPORT
Christkindlmartkt, an annual event with a holiday market and craft fair, offers something different, and quintessentially rural maritime New Jersey. Food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, hay, train, and horse drawn carriage rides, and demonstrations throughout the Seaport are enlightening and fun for everyone. Dec, 6 – 8, 120 W. Main St., 609.296.8868, Tuckerton, tuckertonseaport.org.