The Town of Phillipsburg and the Phillipsburg Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) will host a pre-game Tailgate and big-screen Watch Party featuring food, fun, community and a giant screen on which to watch the Phillipsburg-Easton game.
Let the Giving Season Begin: Nov. 26 - Dec.7
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” - William Arthur Ward (1921- 1994), American motivational writer
The Explore Warren team is grateful for our following (this means YOU!), and wishes all a blessed Thanksgiving. It warms our hearts when we meet you at various events, encouraging Wanderings sign-ups, and we're told, "I already receive it - that's how I found out about this!" That's what we're here for; spreading the word about enriching and fun things to do within our beautiful county's borders. You turn our routine jobs into joy!
Enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities, whatever your traditions may be, but we can't hold back the tide that is "The Holidays." It is already here! Various breakfasts with Santa and small-town tree lightings can be found in the Community Corner section. Warren County's Christmas tree farms are already open, Small Business Saturday is this weekend, and craft shows are all over the place, especially the first weekend in December. So get ready to jingle those bells, don those "ugly" sweaters, and get jolly with Santa!
Speaking of crafty things, the cover photo was plucked from Mackey's Orchard social media.
Scroll, scroll, scroll and see what joys await you. Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Wanderings!
Coming Up
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.
It's not too late to see this spectacular show! Join Dorothy, Tinman, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Toto for an adventure through this beloved tale, where a small town Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home.
Experience holiday joy under the lights with Christmas music, coffee, hot chocolate, homemade goodies, special sales & giveaways! An annual tradition at Flowerland, this year Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance!
Experience a little bit of Christmas South of the Border. Luminarias will light the indoor Cantina, where you will warm to traditional Mexican Christmas music.
Well-Sweep invites you to experience the serenity of their greenhouses, filled with unusual blossoms and exotic scents. There will be an informative lecture and tour as this is a wonderful way to learn about the rare and unusual as well as familiar herbs.
The Cellar Dwellars Band delivers powerhouse riffs with their eclectic style and an impressive skill set. These rock & roll youth weave their own innovative sound into the classics. The guys are eager to hit the stage with their distinctive sound and youthful fun vibe.
Shop local on Small Business Saturday with local vendors, decorate your own wreath, kids crafts and activities, visit Santa, bring a canned good or unwrapped gifts for collections at Benny’s Bodega, pre-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery, food, snacks, special ice cream menu and more!
Shop the lavender farms favorites including lavender bath and body products, lavender household products, lavender culinary products, lavender teas and tea accessories, honey from the hives on the property, soy candles in various scents, lavender sachets in all shapes and sizes, beautiful lavende
Godlewsky Farms is celebrating the season by inviting everyone to enjoy their shop complete with wreaths, handmade grave blankets, fresh cut trees, center pieces and more! Open Monday - Saturday 9am- 5pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Shop the antique store for during Small Business Saturday for complimentary coffee, hot cocoa and danish. Look for candy cane discounts, the clearance vault, holiday decor, vintage finds more. Handmade wreaths and grave blankets will also be available along with 50% off rack giveaways.
Jingle on Main is a festive Small Business Saturday event featuring over 50 local vendors, food and music, presented by the Blairstown Enhancement Committee and held throughout Blairstown's Historic Main Street.
Brook Hollow has too many amazing vendors to fit in just one day so they made it a whole weekend! Knock out your holiday shopping while perusing local vendors, drinking wine, and enjoying live music! You can even get your picture with Santa!
Take a chance and spin-to-win up to $50 in BID Bucks at the Hackettsotwn BID office, 219 Main St. as well as other prizes! Spend at least $20 to spin the wheel. BID Bucks are redeemable at any participating Hackettstown BID business.
Santa Claus is coming to Invertase! Bring your kids, friends & pets; Santa has a gift for everyone! Candy for the kids, treats for pets and Santa will be buying visiting adults a 5-oz. pour of their choosing (he recommends the Christmas Stout, Glad Tidings). Bring your phone or camera for photos.
Be part of the magic in Downtown Phillipsburg! Annual Tree Lighting & Mistletoe Market includes:
Santa visits & Mrs. Claus Quiet Area
Live music & carolers
Elves Workshop – Free Crafts
Goodie bags for kids
Bundle up and jingle all the way to the Festive Fair Market at Belvidere High School! Shop local and support merry makers, crafty elves, and small businesses. Find one-of-a-kind gifts and sprinkle a little sparkle into your season while enjoying holiday tunes and cheer.
Father Christmas at the Van Nest-Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead on December 2, 2025, has been cancelled due to the impending bad weather. This event will not be rescheduled this year. Sorry for the inconvenience. See you next year!
One of several merchants staying open late to keep you in the town of Belvidere for its evolving First Friday endeavor! Choose a specialty coffee or tea and stroll through town! Keep an eye on King's Gambit's social media for this developing story.
Hometown Holiday is a family fun filled evening with the Borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, live DJ, free holiday hay rides (weather permitting), vendors, selfies with Santa and every child receives a small gift.
It’s a fun-filled weekend for Hackettstown residents and visitors featuring holiday music on Main Street, businesses open late with specials, shop small offers and much more! The Community Center will present a Santa Winter Wonderland on Saturday, 12-3pm.
Harper's Grill will be open 7am-8pm, with Santa stopping by for photos from 5-7pm! The eatery normally closes at 3pm, so this is an opportunity to enjoy dinner there for a change.
Another First Friday in Belvidere! Belvidere Books and other shops and eateries in Belvidere will stay open late on December 5. Live music, outdoor fire pits, drinks, extra special snacks and a hot chocolate bar!
Creek Bend Farm is hosting a wreath making class at Czig Meister. This is a one-of-a-kind 18” grapevine wreath, a symbol of warmth, joy, and a festive welcome to all.
More than 125 of the area's finest crafters and artisans come together for this one-day juried event to display their unique handmade items. The event features door prizes, lunch options, bake sales, and more for a fun-filled holiday shopping experience. $2 entry fee.
Embrace the holiday spirit and discover a treasure drove of unique handmade crafts, delightful treats, and festive joy.
This popular town-wide holiday tradition, now in its 48th year, spans two days, with seven buildings full of holiday cheer to explore. Nominal entrance fee to enter all buildings both days, including complimentary shuttle service to get around town. Be sure to pop in the local stores, too!
All are welcome! Free children's Story Time at Belvidere Books & Cafe. Check out all the other fun offerings at this delightful small business: belviderebooksnj.com
Belvidere hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting complete with Santa, music, snacks, crafts and more!
The Roseberry Homestead opens its doors the first Saturday in December for a bit of yuletide spirit! Featuring carolers from Phillipsburg Elementary School, and speaker Jeff Finegan will give a talk about how George Washington spent the holidays over the years. Light refreshments.
Everitt House Bed and Breakfast is spreading Christmas cheer with an evening of carolers, NJCYB performs excerpts from The Nutcracker, Greene's Beans and Sweet Bite Delights offering food and drinks, music and more!
Do you have what it takes to be a CSI?? Prime Suspect will bring the tools; you'll work the crime! They'll teach you to use real forensics to solve a staged crime. Fun & educational!
Tickets are $35 per person and covers all supplies. Seats are limited.
Support local artisans and crafters at this holiday market while sipping on a craft beer or seltzer. This is family and dog friendly environment and free.
Come by for a tour, music and refreshments in Hardwick across from White Lake.
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.
Entertainment
The distillery is open and jammin' with live music.
Nov. 26 - DJ Alyssa - Night Before Feast
Nov. 29 - Ciro Patti, Jr. solo
Nov. 30 - The Masons - Rockin' Around the Holiday!
Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.
Nov 28- OPEN MIC NIGHT
Nov 29 - Katy Gerhold
Nov 30 - Ashley Marquez
Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.
Dec 5 - Water Street
Dec 6 - Katy Gerhold
Dec 7 - Rich Ortiz
Dec 12 - OPEN MIC NIGHT
Dec 13 - Scott Messina
Tiptons will be rockin' in December!
December 6 - Whiskey Mansion
December 12 - Tim VG
December 13 - Harmony Garage Band and UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY
December 19 - Cowboy and The Hippies
The distillery is open and jammin' with live music.
Continuing
Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.
Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve your sp
Kathy's Kove invites everyone to shop for the holiday season at its Fair Trade market, running from November into December, Wednesday through Sunday.
Kathy's Kove invites everyone to shop for the holiday season at its Fair Trade market, running from November into December, Wednesday through Sunday.
Community Corner
Take part in this growing town tradition of locally sponsored tree lighting while enjoying hot cocoa, Christmas carols, visits from Santa and not to forget the light parade!
Broadway United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Santa breakfast featuring pancakes, eggs, sausage and drinks. Mrs. Claus will be there too! Entry by donation. Bring Your Camera!
Call 908-689-4696 for more information. No RSVP needed.
Be an agent of change volunteering with Ridge and Valley Conservancy at one of its many perseves. It is recommended you bring water and wear gloves, sturdy shoes, long pants, a head covering, and tick/bug repellant.
Nov. 8 - Shuster Pond Preserve
Dec. 4 - Muckshaw Pond Preserve
Join the Alpha Volunteer Fire Co. for holiday music, light refreshments and a tree lighting to make the season official.
The fire department is working tirelessly with Santa to set up this enjoyable fundraiser breakfast. Adults & teens are $14, seniors $9, children 5-12 are $5, and children 4 and younger are free.
Santa Clause will be available for family photos.
Ol' Saint Nick will be taking photos with good boys and girls and, of course, listening to their Christmas wish lists!
Come out to Tunnel Field for Knowlton's tree lighting and meet Santa at 6pm. Free refreshments include hot dogs, coffee, hot cocoa, cookies and doughnuts provided by the Lions Club.
Bring a canned food item for the local food bank.
All-you-can-eat breakfast with Santa! Cost is $12/adult, $10/senior (65+), and $6/child. Kids younger than 5YO are free. Bring your camera!
Santa will arrive at 8am! Ages 3-10, $10; Over 10, $14; Senoirs, $10.
Washington Borough's Green Team will be leading hikes through the Shabbecong Mountain Preserve, an 80-acre piece of land owned by the town. Join them the first and third Sundays in December, January and February. Meet at the end of Nunn Ave trailhead.
Heartsaver CPR provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, and first aid training. This course empowers students to act with confidence in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.
Cost is $65. Registeration required.
Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church is hosting a Santaville Fair and Breakfast with Santa. There are two formal seatings, 8-9:15 and 9:30-10:45, and complimentary holiday crafts following the meal.