With the holiday season now upon us, Santa is checking his list, holiday baking is underway and the crowds are searching for those holiday bargains.
Have guests coming from out of town you’ll want to entertain? Looking for something to do as the weather chills?
Why not take that well deserved break from shopping, wrapping and planning to enjoy the great things offered in December throughout Somerset and Hunterdon counties? As always, my list of things to do focuses on free or low-cost activities…. Please check back often. Happy Holidays!
Frost Fest at the Environmental Education Center
Environmental Education Center
190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge
- Includes a variety of activities from December 2-18
- Activities include a dogsled demo, snowshoeing, ice sculpting demo, cookie chemistry, candle making, and much more.
- Wander through an indoor winter wonderland of educational habitat exhibits while listening to holiday music.
- Visit the Somerset County Park Commission website for details or call (908) 766-2489 x328.
Festival of Trees at The Red Mill Inn
The Red Mill Museum Village
56 Main Street, Clinton
- December 2-4, 10am – 4pm
- Donated trees on display, music, entertainment and refreshments.
- $5 for Adults, free for museum members and children 6 and under
- Call (908) 735-4101 for details.
Early Morning Yoga
Gurukul Yoga
1300 Prince Rodgers Avenue, Bridgewater
- December 2, 6:30am-7:20am
- Call (908) 526-0002 for details
Weichert’s Annual Pictures with Santa and Annual Toy Drive
Weichert Realtors
3290 Route 22 West, Branchburg
- December 3, 10am-1:30pm.
- Pictures with Santa, Refreshments and crafts.
- Receiving unwrapped toys through Dec 11.
Clinton Christmas Parade
Clinton
- December 2, 7pm
- The 25th annual Clinton Christmas Parade takes place in the center of Clinton.
- Visit www.clintonchristmasparade.com for details.
Winter Wonder Lights at Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium
Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg
- Saturdays and Sundays, December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 at 3pm
- Listen to songs such as “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” and “Jingle Bell Rock” while lasers dance on the dome overhead.
- Recommended for ages 6 – Adult
- Admission $6 for all shows and all ages
- Call (908) 231-8805 for details
13th Annual Holiday Festival at Lord Stirling Stable
Lord Stirling Stable
256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge
- December 3-4, 10am-4pm
- Hayride to see Santa Claus, pony rides, ornament decorating and more.
- Fees vary; admission, parking, hayrides & pony rides are free.
- Contact Lord Stirling Stable at (908) 766-5955 for more information.
Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!
Somerset County Library
1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater
- Thursday December 8, 7pm-9pm
- Meet and listen to three professional bakers talk about their cookie cookbooks and answer your questions
- Sample cookies will be provided and cookbooks will be available for purchase and signing.
- Admission is free but registration is required
- Register via library website or by phone at (908) 526-4016.
A Christmas Carol
The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg
- Friday December 9, 7pm
- Tickets are $37 and $47.
- Buy Tickets online or call the Theatre box office at (908) 725-3420.
Festival of Trees
Ted Blum 4-H Center
310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater
- Saturday and Sunday, December 10 10am-4pm, December 11 10am-3pm
- Crafts, Santa, local musicians.
- Admission is free.
- Visit 4-H website for more details
Holiday Light Show at Schaefer Farms
Schaefer Farms
1051 County Route 523, Flemington
- From Thanksgiving through and including January 1st, 2012
- Hours are Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday 5:30pm to 9:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 5:30pm to 10:00PM.
- Admission is $12.00 per carload, $17.00 per passenger van, and $27.00 per busload
- Visit Schaefer Farms website or call (908) 782-2705 for informaton
Movie Night at the Library – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
Somerset County Library
1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater
- Friday December 16, 7pm-9:30pm
- Admission is free, but registration is required.
- Register at the library website or call (908) 526-4016
First Night of Chanukah: “Magical Chanukah” Celebration
Hillsborough Municipal Complex
379 S Branch Road, Hillsborough
- Tuesday December 20, 5:30pm
- Celebrate the First Night of Chanukah at the Hillsborough Municipal Complex with a Menorah lighting and a Chanukah-themed magic show
- Crafts, games and refreshments.
- Admission is $5 in advance, $10 at the door.
- Visit myjewishcenter.org or call (908) 874-0444 for details.
Winter Break Games and Activities for Kids at Somerset County Library
Somerset County Library
1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater
- December 27-30
- Activities include Drop-In Game Week, Retro Game Night, and New Year’s at Noon (ages 3-8)
- Visit the library website or call (908) 526-4016 for details