Happy Everything December 2023

Warren County Wanderings

"I want an official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot Ranger Model Air Rifle!" - Ralphie Parker, A Christmas Story

What do YOU want for Christmas - or Hanukkah - this year? This Wanderings issue presents several opportunities to sit on Santa's lap to let him know. (Hopefully a nicer Santa than the department store one in the film referenced above.) This week's cover photo was pulled from the archives in honor of the Moravian Village of Hope's upcoming lantern tour.

Crafts, games, music, dance, wine, beer, cheese, cookies, ugly sweaters and even alpacas await you in the coming days and weeks in Warren County. And that's not all!

So Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

As the family holiday spectacular, Centenary State Company brings to life a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

Spend an evening under the lights surrounded by Christmas sounds, sights and scents! Enjoy homemade baked goods and coffee as you browse special Christmas sales with friends & family

Enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner followed by a sinfully decadent dessert. Bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with your dinner.

The Bobby Clark Band is set to start playing at 7pm. Come for dinner and/or drinks and enjoy he show!

Trivia night is taking a turn towards the North Pole this month as Buttzville beertender, DJ, will be hosting a fun night of quizzes and games to test your knowledge of holiday traditions, movies, songs, history, and more.

Boston's best stand-up comedy at Invertase Brewing with a brand new line-up of comedians each month.

Artisan crafts, Tricky Tray, holiday plants, homemade treats, lunch, Santa's Workshop and more!

North Warren is holding its annual holiday market complete with vendors, food, live music and raffles. Plenty of free parking too!

Come out to Hidden Brook Ranch for Alpaca Jingle, a fluffy wonderland of cheer where adorable alpacas and delightful llamas transform into Santa's little helpers. Prepare to be dazzled as these fluffy creatures dress up as Elves and Santa himself, spreading joy and holiday cheer.

Getting tired of shopping?  Wine is always an easy and welcome gift!  Come on out to pick up bottles for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and be rewarded with a small plate of holiday cookies! Complimentary cookies with bottle purchase, and volume discounts available all mont

Adapted by Joe Landry from the classic Frank Capra film, It's A Wonderful Life turns back the clock and sets the dial for a double-dose of holiday nostalgia. This version harkens back to the golden age of radio, and is performed as a live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience.

1,500 luminaries around the whole village with lantern walking tours every 20 minutes from 4-6pm at the community center. Enjoy a Moravian candlelight service at St. John's Methodist Church at 7:30pm on Saturday.

Guided Lantern tours will be Saturday only!

Wear your favorite ugly sweater, and Czig Meister will bring the brews and play your holiday favorite hits! Sample a Holiday Flight: Pecan Pie Brown Ale, Ginger Snap Brown Ale, Rainbow Cookie Imperial Stout and Peppermint Bark Barrel Aged Imperial Stout.

Prepare for a night of laughter with comedy virtuoso Billy Garan, who's shared the stage with comedy legends like Robert Klein, Jay Leno, and Jerry Seinfeld.

Ol' Saint Nick will be taking photos with good boys and girls and, of course, listening to their Christmas wish lists!

Eat brunch with the hairy, green beast himself with two seatings.

Menu includes mini donuts, bagels, eggs, sausage, home fries, orange juice, hot cocoa and more!

Adults - $16.95, Children (2-12) $10.95

Call 908-223-1226 for reservations.

Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule and to Buck Hill. Say hi and enjoy a hot delicious meal and a ice cold beer.

This thrillingly epic event, Murder Mystery Dinner at Four Sisters Winery, will be one that you won't want to miss! This is an interactive dinner that begs the question can you identify the perpetrator?

Exhibits at the Warren Heritage Museum located at Bread Lock Park tell the story of the valley now bisected by Route 57, also known as the Warren Heritage Scenic Byway, as well as the people who lived and worked

What's better than cookies and craft beer? Bake two dozen of your favorite holiday cookies (and printouts of your recipe) and bring them to share with friends and neighbors! Prizes for crowd favorites and live music by Piper's Request.
 

Swing into the holiday season with the Water Gap Singers, who will be sharing a variety of musical greetings of the season.

Blairstown's annual public Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration will be hosted by Rabbi and Fraida Shusterman and their children; everyone is invited to join in the fun and the initial lighting of the brand new 9' menorah, along with refreshments, music and children's gifts.

An enchanting ballet and holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is a classic production for all ages.

A selection of musical theatre favorites performed in repertory by the students of the Young Performers Workshop feature The Gifts of the Magi and Really Rosie. The Gifts of the Magi a heart-warming story set in New York at Christmas about two young lovers, Jim and Della.

Learn to create that famous meat and cheese tray with Fromage at Czigmeister. Cost is $50 and includes everything you need to make your own charcuterie board.

Registration required. Purchase through the website, in person or over the phone, 908- 269 -8129.

Join Brook Hollow for their holiday concert with The Captains of Leisure. Enjoy an evening filled with many of your favorite hits, including a few of the best holiday jingles.
$10 cover OR $30 for show and open buffet

Santa is coming to town and he is making a special stop at the Brass Rail for breakfast! Buffet includes donuts, bagels, pastries, bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, French toast, breakfast potatoe, assorted fruit, tea, coffee, soda, juice and hot cocoa.

Villa Milagro will celebrates Las Posadas, a traditional early California/Mexican celebration of the journey of Joseph and Mary in search of lodging. As they were turned away at each inn, they were offered small bites of food to sustain their travels.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one of a kind experience, sure to intoxicate all your senses. The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan dinner served with roasted vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.

Santa face, gnome, snowman and elf hat and shoes on plates

Let's paint a plate, take pictures with Santa, have some snacks, and make reindeer food! Kids even get a gift from Santa!

Bring your kids, family, friends and pets! Make sure you have your cellphone/camera ready for photos! Live music from Seth Witcher and Champ's Dogs will be nearby vending all day too.

Wear your ugliest sweater to Buck Hill for a night of live music and cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place!

This dynamic, heavy, swagger- injected, sexy & dirty, blues-influenced rock n' roll band brings vintage sound and vibe to modern ears with their much-anticipated third album Black Leather Blues underlining that sentiment.

Santa is coming to Propagate Studio and setting up a special workshop where you get to create with him and take pictures. This year's event features a handmade mini market on the second floor.

Please pay what you are able and fill out the form on who is coming. All ages welcome.

Meg from Crafters Corner LLC is back for another awesome paint & sip with an adorable Winter Gnome. Each participant with be guided through creating their very own work of art.

Light snacks are always provided. BYOB is welcome.

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams is a perennial favorite at Roy’s Hall and consistently sells out their Christmas show at Roy’s.

Just in time for last minute Christmas ideas or treats for Santa. Join MOC for an afternoon filled with laughter and joy as they bake and you decorate. This is a free event with hot chocolate, beverages and snacks available for purchase.

First timers to seasoned dancers are welcome to join in on country line dancing lessons lead by Jennifer Horsey. 

Registration is required to hold your spot. Call 908-362-5670. Cost is $5 per person.

BYOB. Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase.

Dinner begins at 8pm with a cash bar, live DJ and dance floor. There also be a complimentary glass of Champagne at midnight.

Limited seating is available so reservations are encouraged.

Join Mohican Outdoor Center to welcome in the New Year with an assortment of delicious assortment of savory and sweet appetizers, BYOB and a live stream of the ball drop.

Cost: $25 for adults $15 for children 17 and under.

Festive party favors will be provided to make some noise at midnight, with Bulldog Mack. Continental breakfast at 12:30am.

Signature drinks and shot specials, hot and cold passed Hors d' oeuvres along with a full buffet to include:

Experience how the Bread Lock got its name! Bread Lock Park is one of Warren County's historic recreation sites, and while you can visit the park any day, the museum will be open Sunday, January 14, featuring this special demonstration.

Join Four Sisters for an enchanting Valentine's murder mystery and dinner featuring wine, a new menu and a souvenir glass.

Cost for this 21+ event is $60/person, plus tax.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one of a kind experience, sure to intoxicate all your senses. The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan dinner served with roasted vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one of a kind experience, sure to intoxicate all your senses. The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan dinner served with roasted vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

This dynamic, heavy, swagger- injected, sexy & dirty, blues-influenced rock n' roll band brings vintage sound and vibe to modern ears with their much-anticipated third album Black Leather Blues underlining that sentiment.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one of a kind experience, sure to intoxicate all your senses. The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan dinner served with roasted vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

Trivia night is taking a turn towards the North Pole this month as Buttzville beertender, DJ, will be hosting a fun night of quizzes and games to test your knowledge.

Win prizes, have fun with friends, and support local craft beer.

Continuing

Start your Christmas tradition by visiting three of Warren County’s family-owned farms within 4 minutes of each other. Mackey’s Orchard, Flowerland Growers and Four Sisters Winery invite your family to enjoy a fun-filled day.

Kathy's Kove invites everyone to shop for the holiday season at the 3rd Annual Fair Trade market, open Wedneday-Sunday, November through December.

Shop local at this month-long, indoor market featuring a wide variety of items, including gift baskets, books (new and old, with a focus on local authors), local honey, chocolate, art, crystals and jewels, artifacts, plants and botanicals, gourd bird houses, and more!

Hang out with Brass Rail for tunes every weekend!

Little Ridge has live music in December.

December 2 - Jeff Bellfy

December 9 - Walt Kosar

December 16 - Jeni Hackett

 

 Come out to Brook Hollow for weekly music, wine by the bottle and glass will be available, tastings will conclude by 5:30pm. $3 off pitchers of slushies $2 off wine by the bottle $1 off wine by the glass.

Tiptons will be rockin' in December!

Enjoy Sunday brunch with live music.

Dec. 3 - Carson DeAngelis
Dec. 10 - Thomas Johnston

Visit Well-Sweep Herb Farm at a time of year when garden fairies transform the Gift Shop into a Christmas wonderland. The greenhouse is stocked with a selection of attractive windowsill herbs, tender perennials in bloom, and unique topiaries.

Enjoy Sunday brunch with live music.

Feb. 4 - Steve Kirchuk
Feb. 11 - Brian Molnar
Feb. 18 - Peter Amaedo
Feb. 25 - Bill Ihling

Panther Pub continues with tunes Friday February tunes featuring the Maribyrd Duo 2/2; Michael Long 2/9; Sue and Dave 2/16; Zach and Cat 2/23 and a special Valentine's Day treat with Tea Envy 2/14.


 

Hang out with Brass Rail for tunes every weekend!

Feb. 2 - Naked Jake
Feb. 3 - Gear Box
Feb. 17 - Razz Brothers
Feb. 23 - Three Dudes with Glasses
Feb. 24 - Pittstown Road

Little Ridge has live music in March.


March 2: Frank Mondillo
March 9: Dave Read
March 16: Peter Amadeo
​March 23: Scott Messina 

 

Panther Pub continues with tunes on Fridays in March and a couple of Sundays, especially St. Patrick's Day! Artists featured will be :

Little Ridge has live music in April.

Little Ridge has live music in May, along with Mother's Day celebration, a gala and more!


May 4-Allan Willcockson

May 5-Lauren Christine

May 11 -Scott Messina

Little Ridge has live music in June!

Little Ridge has live music in July!

Little Ridge has live music in August!

Community Corner
Decorated Chrismtas trees at Rossi Auto Group

Rossi is excited to announce Warren County Habitat for Humanity joining the festival along with longtime recipient Abilities of Northwest Jersey.

Kick-off your holiday by making a gingerbread with your family! Edible Arts will provide all the materials for your family to make your own gingerbread house at this fun and delicious workshop!

Please register as a family. All ages welcome.

Join Anne and Ridley Enslow for a joyful celebration of Christmas past with a special emphasis on the Victorian Christmas traditions-Christmas trees, carols, cards, and accompanied with fiddle, dulcimer, and harmony vocals.

What better way to combined dogs and reading than reading to a therapy dog who loves to listen! Please register for one time slot for each child attending. 

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Santa flying into the Blairstown Airport! Santa is planning to arrive promptly at 10 a.m. He'll also be available for photos! While you are waiting, enjoy something special from the Airport Café's menu created for this event.

Attention Oxford residents! The fire department has just received word from the Chief of North Pole that Santa Claus himself will be coming to town. Make sure to listen for the sirens and come out to say hi!

Plan Ahead

Start your year off on the right foot- literally! Join Park Naturalist, Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, for a beautiful 4 miles hike around White Lake on New Year’s Day.

The PVTC, a Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host a 4-5 mile hike along the Paulinskill Valley Trail.  The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level walking. Meeting at Footbridge Park in Blairstown.