Not too Spooky Weekend activities 10-10-2015

Dinosaur and Train Show 
Oct. 10,11 & 12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
& Nov. 1st 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial
2610 Amawalk Road (Route 35)
Katonah, NY 10536

Bronx Zoo 
The weekend forecast calls for clear skies with a chance of mischief! Spend the long weekend with us in the Bronx during Boo at the Zoo!
Our Halloween festivities are in gear and we're giving pumpkin treats to our animals and winding through a hay maze to celebrate.

Get your spookiest costume ready and join us for a costume parade. You can pick up treats along the way, or stop by our creepy crafts station and create a mask to take home. Keep your eyes peeled around the zoo, some of our animals are celebrating the holiday with pumpkin enrichments!

On October 10 and 11, we'll have a special treat at the Jack O'Lantern Illumination. In celebration of the worldwide release of Goosebumps, in theaters October 16, 2015, put yourself inside an action-packed scene from the movie in a virtual reality adventure!

We have activities all weekend, including Columbus Day, so check the schedule and plan a trip!

Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Pumpkins - Corn Maze - Wine - and The Polar Express At the Delaware River Railroad Excursions there are events for the whole family. Take a look at all the events we have taking place over the next three weekends, I am sure you will find something you will enjoy!  See you on the railroad!

The Great Pumpkin Train The Great Pumpkin Train  runs from October 3rd to the end of October, weekends. Every train is "The great Pumpkin Train"in October!Take the Great Pumpkin Train to the Corn Maze or just for a scenic ride along the Delaware River! Ride our steam train through the beautiful fall landscape of Western New Jersey. Take the train to the pumpkin patch located in a little glade in front of the historic Carpentersville Lime Kilns dating from the 1700's. Once we arrive at the Pumpkin Patch  everyone is welcome to get  off the train and EVERY CHILD can pick their own pumpkin for FREE. For more family fun add the CORN MAZE & OLE' SUSQUEHANNA MINING COMPANY (for an additional charge)  experience  to your  Pumpkin Train ride! PRICING: Child Pumpkin Train $11.00 Adult Pumpkin Train $ 17.00 trains leave: ( 11 AM 12:30, 2 OR 3:30)          CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS The OI' Susquehanna Mine The original mine shaft is back in production.  Come tour the grounds, listen to an interactive history of the ol' Susquehanna Mine and pan for real gem stones you can take home. One person in each group  can "blow the mine" and everyone can witness the mine shaft explosion.* Gemstone Panning is a great activity for all ages. Participants may find up to 11 ounces of gemstones in a single bag which may include amethyst, rubies, rose quartz, emeralds, crystals, and an arrowhead. All gems are of high quality and may be suitable for cutting, polishing, and mounting. With every mine train ticker you will  receive one bag of  mining ore from  the Ole' Susquehanna Mine. Upon arriving at the mine site your guide will tell you the story of Sylas Smith and how he found the mine and about his tragic death which left the mine uncovered until this very year! Next you will walk over the the Ole' Susquehanna mines operating sluice and learn how to pan for gem stones. Once you understand how to pan give it a try and see if you can find some gems! Fare includes Steam Train ride, mine history and instructions as well as one bag of  mining ore guaranteed to contain 4 to 5 ounces of Gem Stones Purchase your ticket for the great Pumpkin Train and check the box to add the Mine  to your order!  CLICK HERE FOR MINE TRAIN TICKETS Corn Maze Come play the game where getting lost is half the fun! To buy tickets visit the ticket office and purchase a steam train ride and choose the "Corn Maze" add on. Take the train to the maze where you can have a nice calm picnic lunch in our shaded picnic grove, visit the Susquehanna Mining Company ( for an additional fee) and play the corn maze game. You goal is to make it through each maze and finding each of the 12 check points!  CLICK HERE FOR CORN MAZE TICKETS The Warren County Winery Train After a Steam Train ride along the Delaware and a short bus ride through rolling farmlands, you will arrive at Villa Milagro Vineyards(www.VillaMilagroVineyards.com) .  There, you will learn how grapes are grown and made into wine with a nice tour of the grounds.  Then you will have about one hour to sample their delicious wines and have an opportunity to purchase them at the source. Once that is done, they will let you know when the bus has come back to pick you up and bring you back to the train, so no worries about being left behind! Once the bus drops you back off and you board the train again, it will begin to make its journey home... but not before passing the Ol' Susquehanna Mine! You are welcome to detrain at the Mine free of charge and spend as much time as you like relaxing in the picnic grove and then catch a later train home (trains come every hour and half). If you would like to enjoy your wine with a picnic, bring a lunch and relax at picnic tables in tree groves at the Ol' Susquehanna Mine/Corn Maze grove or at the station in Phillipsburg where you originally parked (please see our website for pictures of our groves at the mine/maze and at the station). The cost is $35 per person and it includes everything for a day filled with wine and fun!  CLICK HERE FOR WINERY TRAIN TICKETS

The Polar Express Another day of Polar Express tickets will go on sale on October 12th at 6 pm EST. Tickets will sell out fast  CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Wine Train & Historic House Tour Oct 17th  Ride back in time on the Delaware River Railroad Excursions behind steam locomotive #142.  The train will take you to just North of "Pinchers Point" along the Delaware where you will board a bus on a docent guided tour of three beautiful historic houses.  You will receive an informative brochure with plenty of information about the houses. After the house tour the bus will take you to Villa Milagro Vineyards for Hors D'orvres and wine tasting, then back to the steam train for your homeward bound trip to Phillipsburg. Click here  to buy tickets

2014 Christmas Tree Lighting in New Jersey

Cliffside Park

Sunday November 30th

Cliffside Park Recreation will be hosting the annual tree lighting ceremony on the steps of Borough Hall on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 6:00 P.M.Please come join Santa and his friends as we light up the Borough Hall for the Holidays. Following the tree lighting, the characters will be on parade at the Fire House for all to meet.

Free pictures will be taken with Santa. Refreshments will be served.
Over 30 Characters including: Santa, Mrs. Santa, Minnions, Doc McStuffins, Jake the Pirate, Elsa, Clifford, Abbey Cadaby, Elmo, Cookie, Big Bird, Ernie, Dora, Pooh, Ninja Turtles, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Scooby, Buzz, Luigi, Cinderella, Nemo, and many many more!!

Nutley

Sunday November 30th

One of Nutley's oldest traditions – the annual Holiday Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting - will take place on 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30 with activities scheduled to take place inside and around the John H. Walker Middle School and the Park Oval.

"The annual holiday celebration is a wonderful community event bringing families and friends together to welcome in the holiday season," Mayor Alphonse Petracco said. "It is a great way to see our community
at its best."
Franklin Avenue will be closed between Chestnut and New Streets during the celebration. Chestnut Street between Franklin Avenue and Vincent Place also will be closed during the festivities.
The event also includes a return visit by Santa with his reindeer ready for photos with children available for purchase.
The celebration also includes live entertainment by Nutley musical groups

Edgewater 

Monday December 1st

The entire community is invited to share in the spirit of the holidays on Wednesday, December 1st at 7:00 pm, at the Holiday Tree Lighting at the beautiful and scenic City Place at The Promenade in Edgewater, New Jersey.

This great family event will feature holiday music, live performances, prizes, give-a-ways and more. Attendees will have an opportunity to win one of 15 holiday cookie jars filled with store coupons, candy and gift cards, compliments of Hallmark, a two-week membership to Cando Fitness, a men's bracelet from Alain Jewelers, Ferry Tickets from NY Waterway, Gift cards for dinner at Fleming's Steakhouse and more.
There will also be a very special guest who will perform during the Tree Lighting event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring food for the local Holy Rosary Food Bank. Food may be dropped off during the Tree Lighting event.
For more information, call the Hallmark store at 201-840-8955.

Ridgewood

Fri, December 05, 2014

Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood NJ
Tree Lighting
Live Entertainment and Tree Lighting Celebration

Sat, December 06, 2014

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood NJ
Santa is in Ridgewood-bring your list!

8:00am-10am Breakfast with Santa-The Office Beer Bar and Grill
10:00am Santa arrives at Columbia Bank* in his Fire Truck
10:30am FREE Movie at Bowtie Warner Theatre "Nightmare Before Christmas"

2:00-4:00pm Visit Santa at his house – Memorial Park @ Van Neste Square
Kilwins serving Hot Chocolate

East Rutherford 

Friday, December 05, 2014

East Rutherford Recreation presents the 2014 Holiday Celebration, with the tree lighting, on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., at Boro Hall Park. There will be refreshments, music and candy canes. Visit with Santa. Bring your camera.

Hoboken

Tuesday Dec. 9th,  begins at 5:00pm

In front of City Hall, 94 Washington Street, between. 1st and Newark Streets. Local school children and performers singing favorite Christmas songs. With Host and MC, Elvis the Elf and a special appearance by Santa Claus Special Prizes and Giveaways by radio station CBS FM  101.1

Buy your Polar Express Tickets Early

Every Year it's the same thing Christmas rolls around and I see an Advertisement for the Polar Express Train. But then I go to purchase them and they are all sold out... well not this year. Tickets Go on Sale in August and sell out quickly so book early while they are available.

BUY YOUR POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS EARLY! ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT FOR THIS OFFER!

IF YOU PURCHASE DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY  ABLE TO BUY  POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS ONE DAY EARLY CLICK HERE TO BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS Buy Polar Express Tickets One Day Early BEFORE The General Public.  Last year our Polar Express trip in Phillipsburg, NJ sold out in just 12 hours. To reward our loyal customers that frequent our trips, we are making it easy for you to buy your  Polar Express tickets before the general public. If you purchase Dinosaur Train tickets  DINOSAUR TICKETS     you will be allowed to purchase Polar Express tickets before the General Public on July 31st at midnight. They go on sale to the general public August 1st at midnight and sell out by noon that day.  When you go to order tickets on the 31st of July, the site will ask you for your last name and your order number ( six digit number starting with 0). Once you enter these, the system will verify your Dinosaur Train order, and allow you to buy Polar Express tickets one day early, before the general public.  Many of you would be buying Dinosaur Train tickets anyhow, and this is our way of saying THANK YOU! Dinosaur  Train August 16,17,23,24 Roar...take a ride back to the Jurassic Period on the Dinosaur Train™! Patterned after the hit PBS Television cartoon series, families take an adventurous ride to the Nature Trackers Activity Area where they explore, play and learn about life science, natural history and dinosaurs. Guests will meet their favorite T-rex, Buddy, find real fossils and dig for dinosaur bones! There is also music, giant dinosaurs and merchandise! BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS NOW Buy Tickets

All Aboard the Polar Express - Storytime

Polar Express Storytime

On Friday, December 10th at 7:00 pm, all Barnes and Noble stores are holding a Polar Express Party, highlighted by a special reading of the holiday classic. Of course hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Click here for Location near You

Best 4th of July Celebrations in New Jersey for the whole family

Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day later, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

American's still celebrate the anniversary of our independence with parades,fairs and family get-togethers but the most synonymous activity with the fourth of July has to be our fireworks. For years elaborate displays have delighted Americans young and old. This year will be no different. On the East coast the Macy's Fireworks display is the pinnacle of all fireworks displays with more than 40,000 fireworks expertly synchronized to a 25 minute score including many standards and pop favorites.

Two of the best places to view the fireworks from are aboard the Intrepid. We did this last year and although it is pricey $160/ GA ticket the Intrepid offers a great view (provided you find your seats early enough to be at the front of the deck and an amazing backdrop for the fireworks.

The NYC waterway also offers a host of cruises for both families and couples with some packages including full buffet and open bar as well as DJ's on-board.

There are also a number of free or less pricey vantage points to get a great view of the fireworks from in New Jersey along the river in West New York and  Weehawken (You will need to get out early or use public transportation to get around because parking is will be almost non-existent also be prepared for an hour or more exodus out from any of the paid parking spots. I shot this video from the Riverwalk in West New York.

NYC isn't the only place celebrating independence day and the fourth isn't the only day to get out for the celebrations on Monday July 2 the town of Wayne NJ will be hosting its Annual fireworks extravaganza with clowns and magic acts for the kids. 

Also in New Jersey is the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration beginning at 9:00 am with the flag raising followed by the parade at 10:00 am and finishing up the day with fireworks (Gates open at 6:00 pm)

Be sure to check out previous years Fourth of July tips and Articles from Kidzense

Children's Activities for Easter 2010

This Easter there are plenty of opportunities to get out with the kids from riding the rails with the Easter Bunny to Easter Egg Hunts and other special activities.

Celebrate the coming of Spring with a visit from the Easter Bunny on the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. Board our beautifully decorated train and visit with the Easter Bunny! Join Mr. Bunny on a ride to his home! Once we arrive in the Bunny patch join Mr. Rabbit for an Easter Egg Hunt!

Every child will be able to look for their very own colorful Easter Egg. Each egg is filled with either a small toy or candy and each child can forage for a couple of eggs!

Enjoy your train ride while the kids have the time of their life with Mr. Rabbit!

4 trips a day!

11:00 AM- 12:30 PM- 2:00 PM- 3:30 PM

March 27,28 &

April 3

Ticket prices are as follows:

Coach: Child $8.00 Adult $16.00

All Trips Leave From Scenic Phillipsburg, New jersey

Click here for Directions
Click here to Purchase Tickets

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Easter Bunny trains are now operated in both Bergen County and in Morris – Passaic County! The Volunteer Railroaders Association would like to announce the return of their very popular Train Ride with the Easter Bunny.

On Saturday March 27th the trains will depart the NJ Transit Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center at 9:30AM, 12PM and 2:30PM for a round trip into Morris Country and back. During the trip we will pass historic Boonton Yard where you can see the numerous locomotives and cars being restored for inclusion in the proposed New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center.

On Sunday March 28th the trains will depart from NJ Transit Glen Rock/Borough Hall station at 9:30AM, 12PM and 2:30 PM where the train will head up into Rockland County and back again. Each round trip will last about 90 minutes giving everyone plenty of time to enjoy the festivities on the train.

During the approximately 90 minute ride the Easter Bunny will hop through the train and visits each child, giving them a special gift from his basket. In addition to the Easter Bunny there will be other surprise characters that will also visit each child. Each child can have his or her picture taken with the Easter Bunny so they can always remember their ride, so bring your cameras.
These Easter holiday decorated train rides are pleasant family fun with the little children enjoying the most! These events combine the mystery, history and love of the American railroad and the thrill of "riding the rails" with the magic of celebrating the holidays. The main characters stroll from car to car of the trains to the surprise and delight of the children while they visit with their families.
Buy Tickets

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Here Comes Peter Cottontail Hoppin’ Down the Strasburg Rails

Strasburg, PA – Hop into the season with an Easter tradition at the Strasburg Rail Road, one of Pennsylvania’s leading family attractions. Travel with Peter Cottontail as an authentic steam train takes you on a 45-minute journey from the East Strasburg Station to Paradise, PA and back. Also enjoy a ride on our miniature steam train, or steer the Cranky Cars around a track. For a look behind-the-scenes take a tour of the Mechanical Shop where trains are built and refurbished. For a special treat, tempt your taste buds in our Dining Car, our Trackside Restaurant or pack your own lunch for an Easter picnic at Groff’s Grove.

The Easter Bunny Train pulls into the station April 2-4, 2010. Trains depart hourly from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Friday and Sunday. On Saturday, trains depart hourly from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. Adult coach fares (age 12+) are $16, child coach fares (ages 3-11) are $9 and infant coach fares (under 3) are $2. Tickets can be pre-purchased at www.StrasburgRailRoad.com or by calling 717-687-7522. Tickets can also be purchased at the ticket window.

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Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Saturday April 3rd

Tickets are $10.00 plus tax, children and adults.
(Sorry no coupons or discounted tickets can be used for this special event).

Come meet the Easter Bunny as you enjoy a light breakfast at the New Jersey Children's Museum. Make a special Easter craft and then enjoy unlimited play in the museum after. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Tickets may not be available day of event.

For Tickets and more information vist: www.njcm.com

Don't get Scrooged this Holiday Season

Charles Dickens Classic Story of a mean who finds the meaning of Christmas through a series of visits from the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

Scrooge is a miserable Curmudgeon but somehow Dickens character is also someone worthy of being saved. By the end of the story you right there with Scrooge happy that the spirits were able to complete their work in one night and filled with the Christmas Spirit.

This is a timeless story and has been retold numerous times in different forms and adaptations.

The most recent remake of the story is now on the big screen in 3D in Disney's version of

A Christmas Carol

This is not Disney's first attempt at telling the Dickens Classic in 1983 they released Mickey's Christmas Carol

In 1962 Mr. Magoo took a turn at playing Ebenezer Scrooge in Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

While the Animated versions are entertaining. A Christmas Carol can be seen live onstage at a number of Playhouses and Performing Arts Centers.

One of my earliest memories is see A Christmas Carol at the Papermill Playhouse on a 2nd grade class trip. It was a surprise trip and I wasn't sure what to expect but after a few minutes I was lost in the magic of live theater. The Papermill production will always hold a special place in my holiday memories.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Event Date: Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 10:00 am

Facility: Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn NJ

Take Route 80 East to Route 280 East, to Exit 7 for Pleasant Valley Way.

Turn left onto Pleasant Valley Way. After five miles, the road turns into Brookside Drive and

the Paper Mill Playhouse is on the left.

Bergen Performing Art Center

Sat Dec 19 at 1:00 PM

Sat Dec 19 at 4:00 PM

$28, $22, $15, $10, $10

A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of selfless giving.

Performed by TheatreworksUSA.

Christmas Carol in Hackensack

Original Story by Charles Dickens

Adapted by Marianne DiMaria and Nick Piccialo

Directed by Greg Liosi

Musically Directed by Michael Wada

Choreographed by Jacki Herzog

The Hackensack Cultural Arts Center

39 Broadway Hackensack, NJ 07601

For Tickets call (201) 646-8042

Showtimes

December 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th & 12th at 7:30pm,

December 12th at 2pm

*a special fundraiser performance on December 6th at 3pm*

$13 for seniors & students / $16 general admission / $11 groups of 10 or more

*All Tickets For December 6th Performance $13*

Holiday Celebrations in and around New Jersey

Northern New Jersey

East Rutherford Recreation will hold its 2009 holiday celebration on Friday, Dec. 4, in the Borough Hall park.

The tree lighting will be held at 7 p.m.

The event will include hot chocolate, music, hot pretzels, candy canes and a visit with Santa.

Holiday Lights Spectacular atTurtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Avenue West Orange, NJ

973-731-5800

Experience Turtle Back Zoo in the winter as 100,000 bulbs and 50 lit displays illuminate the zoo this holiday season! Regular admission: $7 Adults $3 Children

Beginning Friday, November 27, 28, 29 2009 and then nightly during December until January 2, 2010 (except December 24 & 25th)

Time: 5-9pm

Candlelight Christmas Tour

Friday, December 18 , 2009 6pm-9pm

Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

194 Main Street Flemington, NJ
908-782-4928

The Inn’s public space will be decorated with fresh greens, twinkling lights and two fresh evergreen trees.

Snowbabies, antique angels and of course, Santa Clauses will grace the dining room.

Merrymakers are invited to visit the grand Manor which will be elaborately festooned for the best of the Holidays.

Hot cider, cheese & crackers along with holiday cookies will be offered to all who come for the tour.

A donation of $5.00 per person is rerquested to supportthe non profit K-9 Soldiers which is a grassroots organization which supports the K9’s & handlers of military working dogs of all four branches of the service, presently serving our Country in Iraq & Afghanistan

Ringwood

Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Please be prompt!

Call the recreation office on Sunday, Dec. 6 after 11 a.m. for recorded message on possible postponement of Santa’s arrival and/or the tree lighting ceremony due to weather.

Residents are invited to the community sign on Skyline Drive for the lighting of the tree to usher in the holiday season. Refreshments will be served.

Iron Mountain Stage Company and the Lakeland High School Band Ensemble will make appearances.

Ringwood Manor
Victorian Christmas
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 5 & 6; Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12 & 13
11am-5pm

$7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for children

Tour the Manor, decorated in authentic 19th century holiday decor, with guides in period costumes leading you from room to room. Craft vendors will have hand-made items available- get that perfect last-minute gift!
*please contact Carol Henkel at 973-853-7258 if you are interested in bringing a senior group or other group on Wednesday, December 9th.

Dover

Annual tree-lighting ceremony

on Thursday, Dec. 3, at JFK Commons Park (across from the Dover Library) at 6 p.m.

Rain date is Monday, Dec. 7. Share in the holiday caroling by school choral groups.

Hot chocolate will be served, compliments of the Dover Fire Dept.

Children can visit with Santa and receive a treat.

Montclair

Annual Tree Lighting Event and a Visit With Santa

Montclair Township invites you to the annual holiday tree lighting to take place Friday, December 4, 6:00 p.m., in Church Street Plaza. Listen to music by the Montclair Community Band and enjoy an evening of fun winter entertainment in downtown Montclair. Have a picture taken with Santa Claus - $3.00 with a frame. Please Note: Church Street will be closed to vehicular traffic at 5:00 PM.

Santa Comes to Town

Saturday, December 5, Santa will visit the Business Districts on an MFD fire truck and will have gifts for all youngsters.

11:00 AM - South End Business District (Orange Rd. & Cedar Ave.)

11:30 AM - Walnut Street Lot

12:00 PM - Watchung Plaza

12:30 PM - St. James Church (Bllevue Ave. & Valley Road)

The Montclair Community Band will play at each location, and Santa will have candy and gifts for all youngsters.

Santa's Mailbox

Kids can mail a letter to Santa and will receive a personalized letter in return!

Letters can be mailed to:

SANTA CLAUS

205 Claremont Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07042

Letters may also be dropped off at the Montclair Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Please remember to include a return address No letters after December 15, 2009.

South Jersey

Red Bank New Jersey

Red Bank is alive with exciting activities this holiday season. There is something to help everyone get in the holiday spirit!

The season kicks off on Thanksgiving Day weekend with the annual holiday tree lighting in downtown Red Bank. The Victorian Courtyard on Monmouth Street, with its cobblestone streets and old world charm, is home to the holiday tree, and there couldn’t be a better place. The annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on November 27th. The streets fill with holiday music sung by carolers and the popular holiday group known as Holiday Express. The whole town is lit up with lights and music—what better way to get in the spirit of the holidays!

Staring on Saturday, November 28th, the Red Bank business district is filled with the sounds of live music. From 12 noon until 3pm, shoppers can enjoy the music of traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, rock and roll, folk, jazz and blues. All these great musicians bring their talent and excitement of the holiday season to the sidewalks of Red Bank in celebration of the holiday season. The music is every Saturday from November 28th to December 19th from 12 noon until 3pm.

If you think the holiday music revved up your holiday spirit, wait until you experience the traditional horse and carriage rides that take place every Saturday in the Red Bank business district. A holiday classic, the horse and carriage rides are a favorite way in Red Bank to enjoy the sights and the sounds of the holiday season. Horse and carriage rides are free and they are available every Saturday from 1pm-5pm beginning on Saturday, November 28th and going through Saturday, December 19th. There are two locations to be picked up—on Bridge Ave, across from the Galleria and in front of Murphy Style Grill at 26 Broad St.

Santa Claus loves spending time in Red Bank during the holidays. On Saturdays and Sundays he spends his time at the Galleria taking pictures with enthusiastic children of all ages! “Pictures with Santa” takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in the Galleria from 12 noon until 4pm staring on November 28th and going through December 20th.

Another fun way to celebrate the season is to take part in the Red Bank Gingerbread Walk. The Gingerbread Walk is new to Red Bank this year. There are 14 participating businesses in downtown Red Bank. Each participating business has professionally decorated gingerbread creations on display for everyone to enjoy. There is also the Red Bank Raffle taking place at stores that are participating in the Gingerbread Walk. People can enter to win an overnight hotel stay at the Oyster Point Hotel, tickets to the Count Basie Theatre, and a Red Bank Gift Cheque Shopping Spree. The more participating stores that you visit, the more chances you have to win, so be sure to check out the gingerbread creations in all 14 participating stores! The participating stores are: Better Housekeeping, Front Street Trattoria, Monmouth Street Emporium, Murphy Style Grill, Pierre Deux, Ricky’s of Red Bank, Riverbank Antiques, Sassy Chic, Selve, SurrayLuggage, Tiffany & Co, Ten Thousand Villages, Vizzini and Company, and White Butterfly at Red Bank.

The Westside Community Group Tree Lighting will be taking place on December 5th at WestsidePark, Drs. James Parker Boulevard & Shrewsbury Avenue.

Red Bank has celebrations for Hanukkah, too! Menorah lighting will take place at the Red Bank Train Station on Sunday,

December 13th at 6pm. Come celebrate the start of the Hanukkah season in downtown Red Bank.

PNC Arts Center Holiday Light Spectacular

PNC Arts Center

Holmdel, NJ

732-203-2500

The Light Spectacular usually runs from the end of November through January 2. It is open 5:00pm - 9:00pm 7 days a week.

Each weekend, Red Bank comes alive with holiday spirit. With so many different events and stores to choose from,

there are many reasons to come back every weekend and celebrate the holiday season.

this is one of the most extravagant drive through light displays in the tri - state area.

The spectacular is a 2.5-mile drive through a forest of lights.

Over 5 million lights were used over 225 displays.The display is set up in the parking lot around the Arts Center

on a specially prepared road for the display.

In the premises of the light spectacular, there is a radio station that plays Christmas Carols.

New York City

The 2009 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is going to be Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Location:

Rockefeller Center is located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues.

The 77th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 2, 2009 from 7-9 p.m.

The annual event is televised and features musical performances from a variety of popular artists.

Typically, the Radio City Rockettes perform and there are also ice skaters performing in the Rockefeller Ice Rink.

Santa Claus is Coming to a town in New Jersey

Santa Claus will be in Leonia today between 12:30 and 2:30 at Dante's Place an Italian restaurant located at 373 Broad Ave.
Come in for Lunch and get a picture with Santa.
You are welcome to bring your own camera.

for more information about Dante's Place visit: dantesplace.com
Dante's Place 373 Broad Ave Leonia, NJ

(201) 592-9071


Rutherford

The Rutherford Holiday Festival is a joyous kick off to the winter holiday season.

The Holiday Festival begins at 9:00 Am and runs throughout the day.

There will be a tree lighting at the library and Story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus (Twas the night before Christmas) The program will be held in the library auditorium at 4:30 pm.

Activities in the downtown area include:

*Caroling at the Williams Plaza;

*Lighting of the Children's Tree at the Williams Plaza;

*The Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade

*The Children's Village with crafts;

*Entertainment and rides at Lincoln Park;

*A craft sale at the Presbyterian Church;

*Photo's with Santa;

*Horse & carriage rides throughout the downtown;

*A Victorian Tea;

*Lighting of the creche at the Presbyterian Church;

*The Lighting of the Tree at the Library;

* The Night Before Christmas reading by Santa at the Rutherford Public Library.

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Pictures from the Holiday Festival

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Video of the Community Band performing Christmas Carols

The Santa Train

It's the Holidays! And one of the things I have done the past few years is to take a holiday themed train ride. It always seems like a great idea. Ride the rails along the snowy countryside, everyone is filled with holiday cheer. You sing Christmas Carols together and then Santa comes through and greets all the happy boys and girls. Afterwards you snuggle with you little one sipping Hot Chocolate and eating a cookie as the clack-clack of the trail lulls them off to sleep. Sounds great! right? Unfortunately this has not been the case. It usually goes something like this. We get in the car and drive to some out of the way place park the car and rush to the train. Get on the train and sit our butts on some cold fiberglass seats. (Other Parents must have had similar experiences because there do not seem to be too many smiling faces.)

As the train starts down the track we look out our window to see the countryside rolling by. Unfortunately this year it is not covered in a glistening blanket of white fluffy snow. The Christmas carols are sung by the Santa's elves and a few passengers join in myself included but only at a volume that my daughter and I can hear. Then Santa comes out or at least someone dressed as Santa because inevitably some child will call out that's not the real Santa his beard is fake. Some of the younger children start to cry because they are frightened by the man in red.
After Santa leaves our car we make our trek to the food car to get some snacks, of course that takes us through the gift car. We purchase a train whistle get our snacks and go back to seat. We drink our Hot Chocolate and eat some cookies but instead of relaxing to the clack-clack of the rails I am treated a cacophony of toy train whistles and the voices of sugar charged kids.

At the End of our trip it is not quite the Hallmark holiday special I had planned but I did get a few good pictures to remember the day and my daughter had fun. This year I am determined to get a little closer to the idea.

So here is a checklist to bring the experience closer to the idea

• Have good directions and a map of where you are going.
• Book a train ride late enough in the day so that you can get there relaxed
• Bring a Camera with fully Charged Battery and Plenty of space available on the memory card
• Thermos with Hot Chocolate (and a baggie of mini-marshmallows)
• Some Snacks (recommend Oatmeal raisin or Chocolate Chip cookies)
• Warm Clothes (To make Standing around waiting to get on the train or walking around afterwards more enjoyable) Dress in layers.
• A Small Blanket for Snuggling up especially if the cars aren't too heated.

Some Tips to make the Santa Train Ride picture perfect.

Pick a good place to go. While there are many Santa trains I find that a ride on a old fashioned steam train can be a better choice for creating that memorable moment than getting on a NJ Transit commuter train, also the old steam trains make that cool Whoo-Whoo sound.

What route will the train take - Is is Scenic country side or an Urban, graffiti strewn route.

Go with friends and family - The more the merrier as long as everyone gets along and is in the holiday spirit. It takes only one Scrooge to ruin the day.

Keep positive, hope for a coating of Snow and enjoy the day.

Here are some Santa Train Rides and Other Holiday Rail Events.

Strasburg, PA - A little far but a nice weekend trip if you can find the time.
The holiday celebration begins on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the sounds of the season fill the air and the platform sparkles with lights. Passengers relax as an authentic vintage steam train, warmed by a potbelly stove, travels on a 45-minute journey, past more than 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland on the way to Paradise, PA. As the train chugs down the track, Santa and musicians stroll from car-to-car.StrasburgRailRoad.com

Glen Rock NJ I did this one last year and while the scenery and Train decor was so-so Santa was a hit and the trip was fun
During the approximately 90 minute ride the Santa Claus will Ho Ho Ho his way through the train and visit each child giving them a special gift from his bag. In addition each child can have their picture taken with Santa Claus so they can always remember their ride, so bring your cameras. On board will be Mrs. Claus and several other surprise cartoon characters sure to entertain the kids and make for a great day out for all on board.
For more Info Click Here

Phillipsburg, NJ Did this one a few years back it was okay bit of a car ride for average experience
Santa Train Ride departs weekends in December from Lehigh Junction located in the Historic Main Street area of Phillipsburg New Jersey. This ride features a visit from Santa on the train Website: 877trainride.com or call 1-877-train-ride.

Purchase Polar Express Tickets

Other Santa Train ride in and around NJ can be found at: santatrain.net

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East Windsor Connecticut I have never been on this but always wanted to try it

Winterfest has been a tradition in East Windsor for many years and a favorite of museum visitors of all ages. Some visitors return every year from all over the area to see the museum all decked out with holiday spirit.

Ride through the Tunnel of Lights on the electric sleigh, or choose an enclosed heated trolley. Don’t forget to visit Santa in the Visitor Center, where he’ll be holding court among the exciting model railroad displays.

Runs weekend evenings from 5-9 PM plus other select Weekdays

See Connecticut Trolley for more information

New York City Fireworks Display 2009

Video of Fireworks Display on the Hudson River Independence Day 2009

New Jersey 4th of July 2009 Independence Day Events

Annual Fireworks Display, Beachwood, NJ - July 4, 2009

Independence Day Celebration, Belleville NJ - July 4th 2009
To begin the festivities on Saturday, July 4, the Recreation Department will hold its annual field day for youngsters, ages 4 - 12 at the Municipal Stadium starting promptly at 9:30 a.m.
The events, which will be open to all young Belleville residents, will be divided into three categories. There is a Junior division for ages 4 - 6; An Intermediate division for ages 7 - 9; and a Senior division for ages 10 - 12.
Events will include the 25, 50 and 100 yard dash, an agility race, a three-legged race, sack race, a girl’s tug-of-war and a boy’s tug-of-war.
All activities will be conducted by the members of the Belleville Recreation playground staff. Ribbons will be awarded to the first, second and third-place finishers and all will share in slices of watermelon.
On Saturday night, July 4, a fireworks display will be presented at the Stadium starting at sundown (approximately 9:15 p.m). The rain date for these events will be Sunday, July 5.
On July 4th, there will also be a Pre-Fireworks show beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Stadium. This year’s entertainment will include continuous music by a disc jockey, as well as the following performances:
MAGIC SHOW – featuring Joe Fischer8:00 p.m.
Sand Art and Spin Art will also be offered for a nominal fee, as well as Refreshments/ concessionaires.
In all, it promises to be an exciting holiday and Bellevillites young and old are invited to share in the glitter of our country’s historic day.
Independence Day Family Festival, Bridgewater, NJ - July 4, 2009
Independence Day Festival, Buena, NJ - July 5, 2009
Independence Day Celebration, Cape May, NJ - July 4, 2009
Independence Day Celebration - John Walter Cape, Cape May, NJ - July 5, 2009
Independence Day Celebration, Chester, NJ - July 4, 2009
City Picnic and Fireworks Display, Clifton, NJ - July 4, 2009
Independence Day Township Celebration, Collingswood, NJ - July 4, 2009
4th of July Fireworks, Denville, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Celebration, East Hanover, NJ - July 4, 2009

Florham Park's July 4th Celebration, Florham Park, NJ - July 4, 2009
Florham Park has been throwing a party for the 4th of July for 52 years and it seems that they didn’t let the economy slow them down this year.
Here’s their extensive schedule of events for the day:
Schedule 9:00 AM Flag Raising Ceremony at Firehouse #1 on Brooklake Road
9:30 AM Parade begins (Rain or Shine) at Ridgedale Ave. and Brooklake Road Road
10:30–3:00 PM Family Picnic at the Borough Hall Lawn—Featuring…Kiddie Rides and Games Monster Wave Slide Mega Obstacle Course Fairytale Castle Combo Bungee Run Sea of Balls Trailer Hay Ride Sports Radar Cage 3-1-1 Sports Combo Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
Visit the St. Barnabas “Fire Safety House” And the July 4th Celebration Day Continued…
11:45 AM Presentation of Parade Trophies by Mayor Eveland
12 PM–3:00 PM Social Garden (must be over 21 to enter, mug purchase (required to enter).$6.00 mug purchase required to enter. Music provided by the Mariachi Band
9:00 PM Fireworks begin.
The rain date for the Florham Park Fireworks is Sunday, July 5, 2009.

Independence Day Celebration, Freehold, NJ - July 3, 2009
Independence Day Fireworks, Haddonfield, NJ - July 3, 2009
4th Of July Beach Party, Hamburg, NJ - July 4, 2009
July 4th Children's Patriotic Parade, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fireworks, Hazlet, NJ - July 3, 2009
Independence Day Celebration, Hightstown, NJ - July 2, 2009
Fourth of July Fireworks, Lyndhurst, NJ - July 2, 2009
Gala Fourth of July Celebration, Manasquan, NJ - July 3, 2009
4th of July Celebration, Monroe Township, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Celebration, Ocean City, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Parade, Ocean Grove, NJ - July 4, 2009

Paramus 4th of July Celebration - Annual Parade, Paramus, NJ - July 4, 2009
Paramus 4th of July Celebration - Block Party and Fireworks, Paramus, NJ - July 5, 2009
STARTING WITH THURSDAY, JULY 2NDAn evening of music with the Paramus community OrchestraDirector- Judy Wilkes"An American Tradition"Patriotic and Pop selectionsCome to the Bandshell at the Library at 7:30 P.M. at 116 Century Road.
SATURDAY, JULY 4thJuly 4th Parade - This year's theme is "Paramus, families, business bringing our community together". The Parade kicks off at 9:00 A.M. from Century RD. and Farview Avenue, north to Midland Avenue and right turn onto Midland Avenue to Memorial School. A July 4th Ceremony will be held at the grandstand after the parade. Mayor Jim Tedesco will give awards to winners of:- Mr. and Miss 4th of July- Best Float
SUNDAY, JULY 5THBlock Party - At the Sports Complex right next to Westfield Shopping Center in Paramus.5:00 P.M. to DuskA wide variety of food booths, drinks, snacks, free rides for the kids, entertainment & more! Bring the whole family! There will be music at 7:00 P.M. followed by our great fireworks display!
July 4th Parade and Fireworks, Pitman, NJ - July 4, 2009

Ridgefield Park 4th of July Celebration - July 4th 2009

The Ridgefield Park Fourth of July Parade and Celebration, founded in 1894 is one of the oldest parades in the United States, and the oldest in New Jersey.

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Ridgewood, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks, Trenton, NJ - July 2, 2009
4th of July Country Festival, Vernon, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Weekend Freedom Festival and Craft Show, Wildwood, NJ - July 3, 2009
Fourth of July Weekend Freedom Festival and Craft Show, Wildwood, NJ - July 4, 2009 Independence Day Parade, Wildwood, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Special Live Music Show - The Mango Men Band, Wildwood, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Fireworks Display, Wildwood, NJ - July 4, 2009
Fourth of July Weekend Freedom Festival and Craft Show, Wildwood, NJ - July 5, 2009

Other New Jersey Celebrations
Randolph New Jersey Freedom Festival: Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2009
Randolph holds one of New Jersey’s biggest celebrations of the 4th. The festivities go on for three whole days. This year they begin on Thursday and continues through Saturday with the grand finale being the fireworks on Saturday night. [Randolph-Morris County-North Jersey]
Thursday, July 2:
Freedom Fair is a carnival that features rides, games, crafts and food. Visitors can ride all the rides as many times as they want for $20.00. The fair is open from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.
Friday, July 3:
Parade Day,The parade starts at Dover-Chester Road and Randolph Avenue at the Mt. Fern Church and ends at the County College of Morris [CCM]. The parade includes bands, pipe and drum cores, floats, local dignitaries, antique cars and riders on horseback.
Freedom Fair is a carnival that features rides, games, crafts and food. The carnival and fair is open from 2:00 to 11:00 PM.
Saturday, July 4:
Freedom Fair is a carnival that features rides, games, crafts and food. The carnival and fair is open from 2:00 to 11:00 PM. This is the last day of the fair.
The Freedom Festival Fireworks Display begins at 9:45 and the promoters call it the best show in Morris County [and it does have quite a few competitors for that title] The event features paid parking which helps defer the cost of the fireworks. Parking is plentiful and inexpensive. The cost is $5.00 per car and the first 500 visitors will receive an eco-friendly shopping bag. [limit 1 per car] The rain date for the Randolph fireworks display is Sunday, July 5, 2009.

Long Branch: Oceanfest, Saturday, July 4, 2009
This annual Fourth of July tradition is a free, family oriented festival, which attracts both local residents and visitors from throughout the region. The event takes place along a half mile stretch of the oceanfront promenade between Seven Presidents Park and the Ocean Place Resort and Spa. Activities will include master sand sculpting exhibits on the beach, strolling entertainers, live music of every imaginable type, food vendors, craft vendors and lots of activities for children. The fun-filled daytime activities offer a great prelude to a spectacular fireworks display.

NJSO IN THE PARKS — FREE CONCERTS!
NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAJEFFREY GROGAN conductor
Soloists from OPERA NEW JERSEY

Pack a picnic, gather friends and family, and enjoy the NJSO's annual summer outdoor concert series! You'll hear selections from West Side Story, Carmen, Don Giovanni and The Mikado, patriotic favorites including the "Armed Forces Salute" and "America the Beautiful," and much, much more. Fun for all ages!

FREE!
Brookdale Park, Montclair/Bloomfield
Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 pm
Fireworks provided by Essex County
Fireworks!

FREE!
Branch Brook Park, Newark
Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 pm
Fireworks provided by Essex County
Fireworks!

FREE!
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel (reservations required)
Monday, July 27 at 8 pm
For this performance only, please send a note with the number of tickets you are requesting and a self-addressed, stamped envelope (#10) to:
Garden State Arts Foundation
Attention: July 27, 2009 NJSO concert
P.O. Box 5013
Woodbridge, NJ 07095-5013


BRIDGEWATER -- Families from across Somerset County will celebrate the Fourth of July at Somerset County's biggest party, the 39th annual Independence Day Family Festival. The festival begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at North Branch Park on Milltown Road. There is no charge to attend.

The Leadership Somerset Class of 2008 will partner with the Food Bank Network of Somerset County at the Family Festival to collect food donations. Families are asked to bring canned goods for donation to help supplement the Food Bank inventory that is historically low in the summer months.The events of the day will begin at 5 p.m. and will include a variety of performers, historical reenactments celebrating the birth of the nation, a reenactment of a Revolutionary War encampment by the Third New Jersey Regiment Revolutionary


New York
July 4, Sat. New York City NY USA "Macy's 4th of July" Fireworks.
Hudson River between 24th and 50th Streets, 9p. ("Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® pyrotechnic splendor returns to the Hudson River for the first time since 2000 to celebrate America’s birthday with the nation’s largest 4th of July fireworks display.
On Saturday, July 4, at 9:00 PM, Macy’s will create a showstopper like no other to honor the country’s independence and to kick off the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson. The patriotic revelry will feature approximately 40,000 shells exploding in a kaleidoscope of color at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute.
The 26-minute display, designed in collaboration with SOUSA Fireworks, will be set off from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River giving New York City residents a stunning front row seat to America’s biggest Independence Day party.
“The Hudson River is where Macy's 4th of July Fireworks was born," says Robin Hall, executive producer, Macy's Fireworks, "and we're excited to return this year to be part of New York City's larger celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage of discovery aboard the Dutch vessel, The Half Moon.”

Saturday, July 4th, 2009, Ringwood Manor, Ringwood State Park
10am-1pm Tours of Ringwood Manor available to the public (no charge)
1pm-4pm Market/Town Green Atmosphere-Suttlers/craftspeople/displays/demonstrations1pm
Event Opens- Welcome & Greeting 2:15pm Militia Muster & Public Debate between Rebels & Loyalists
2:30pm Delivery of the Declaration of Independence to the House
3:00pm Flag Ceremony & Salute to New Nation
3:10pm Ringing of the Manor Bell Thirteen Times
3:20pm Blacksmith Demonstrations for the public - Blacksmith shop open to public all day
3:20pm General Activities Resume
A great Family Event! Join us as we celebrate our nation’s 233rd birthday by reenacting a traditional reading of the declaration of independence. Reenactors help to create a lively 18th century town atmosphere. Activities include: Colonial Games, Colonial Crafters, drilling with the Militia, Sign your own Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War map making, Colonial Dancing, and blacksmith shop demonstrations. Event begins at 1:00pm; Declaration of Independence is Read at 2:30pm. Historic House tours will be available in the morning. Free watermelon for visitors! No cost for event, $5 per car parking fee to enter park. Sponsored by the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society and Ringwood State Park. Participants in this year’s event include: NJ Militia – Heard’s Brigade, The Department of the Geographer to the Army, Friends of Long Pond Ironworks, the 5th NJ Regiment, the 35th Regimental Society, the North River Colonial English Dancers, and various individual reenactors and volunteers.

State Fair Meadowlands at Giants Stadium Fairgrounds will run daily from June 25 - July 12. Kick off this summer with New Jersey's Most Gi-Normous, family-friendly event, featuring plenty of free nightly entertainment with dazzling performers, delicious food, over 150 rides and attractions, bargain ticket nights, live concerts and spectacular fireworks on July 3 & 4.
Enjoy recession-busting bargains for the entire family close to home at State Fair Meadowlands. Parking is only $3! Log on to njfair.com for information, discounts and live concert line-up.

New York Macy's Fireworks Display on the Hudson
Before becoming an annual tradition beginning in 1976, Macy’s Fireworks debuted in 1958 on the Hudson River and previously held a special event marking the 350th Anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson with a spectacular show in 1959. A half-century later, Macy’s Fireworks are returning to the Hudson to continue to celebrate the eternally fascinating story that culminates with the founding of New Amsterdam and to kick off the City’s NYC400 summer celebrations, which culminate on September 13th with Harbor Day. “The people of the Netherlands are extremely pleased to see the commemorative return of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks to the Hudson River in honor of Henry Hudson’s discovery and New York City’s 400th birthday,” said Renée Jones-Bos, the Dutch Ambassador in the USA. “It is a symbol of a long-standing friendship between two strongly tied nations, which share the open-mindedness of those Dutch-American pioneers. We are two countries, but one spirit, united by values, history and a vision of the future.” The nation's largest and most incredible birthday bash lights up the night sky with over 120,000 bursts of color, light and breathtaking pyrotechnics from around the world! 12 million television viewers and 2 million live spectators watch in amazement as our stirring fireworks burst 1,000 feet in the air to the riveting soundtrack!") 212-695-4400/494-4495