Warren County Wanderings

Santa, Santa Everywhere - Starting November 30, 2022

“Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know, the birth of Santa.” - Bart Simpson

We can debate the true meaning of Christmas, but whatever you believe, one thing is certain: Santa will be all over Warren County this weekend! He MUST be magic, because he's going to be in several places at once, arriving via fire truck, train, and even flying in on an airplane! This week's photo is courtesy of Pete Blaess of Phillipsburg Railroad Historians, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via historic Lehigh & Hudson River Railroad caboose #18. Breakfast with Santa? Check. Santa at various tree lightings? Check. Photos with Santa - and pets? Check. He will even be visiting an historic farmstead early next week. 

Okay, enough about Santa! Moving on! Warren County presents two major craft fairs this weekend, and Centenary Stage Company premieres this year's Family Holiday Spectacular, Cinderella. And despite what Bart Simpson may believe, Christmas is a season of giving, and you will see a couple of opportunities to donate to worthy causes. Read on to find out about even more things to do, and we can't wrap things up before making sure you know where to find Choose and Cut Christmas trees in our area.

Happy Santa searching, 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.

Watch a videotaped horse race using cinematography cameras and narrated from start to finish by many of America’s top-rated announcers. All the suspense and close-up action that will make you feel like you are at the racetrack.

Inspired by the 1997 teleplay starring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother, this adaptation for the stage includes warmth, hilarity, and romance. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance in this year's family holiday spectacular at Centenary Stage Company.

Create your very own Christmas centerpiece, arrangement, mantelpiece or wreath with Flowerland! You can bring your own container or choose from their wonderful selection.

Shop small for unique gifts, and a chance to win one of three gift baskets!

Featuring carriage rides, music, local businesses, restaurants, and community groups, and, or course Santa, it’s a fun-filled weekend for Hackettstown, residents, and visitors.

 

Hackettstown Historical Society invites friends, members, neighbors, Centenary University students, and all local schools to its annual Hometown Holiday Open House. The museum's shelves are filled with hundreds of vintage Santas, thanks to member John Covert and his wife. Mr.

Hometown Holiday is a celebration that will light up the downtown with Santa selfies, free crafts for kids, horse and carriage rides (weather permitting), cookies and hot chocolate, live music, strolling brass band and more!

Mike Ventura, an exceptional singer and songwriter, will be singing & playing acoustic music.during dinner! Dine with chefs Catering on Friday, no reservations required!

By Donation. Bring Your Camera! Call 908-619-6455

Annual Warren County Technical School Craft Show. More than 130 of the area's finest crafters and artisans will come together for this one-day juried event to display their unique handmade items.

The 45th anniversary of a wonderful town-wide holiday event spans two days with six buildings to explore full of holiday cheer!

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Santa flying into the Blairstown Airport! Please arrive early to see him land and you'll have the opportunity to sit with Santa! While you are waiting, enjoy something special from the Airport Café's menu created for this event.

Belvidere is hosting their annual Christmas tree lighting complete with Santa, ice skating, Santa Paws photos, music, snacks, crafts and more!

Santa "Paws" is coming to town! The Pet Adoption League (PAL) hosts its annual photos with Santa event at Whole Pets Market in Mansfield! For $10 you will receive a lovely photo with a holiday themed frame and a link to where you will be able to digitally download the photo.

The Phillipsburg Railroad Historians' annual Santa Train returns this weekend! The Centerville and Southwestern miniature railroad will be in operation and Santa will be there to interact with guests.

Peter Coccorese will be joined by Jeff on harmonica and Heather on vocals & guitar. $15 cover includes seating, music, wine tasting and samplings of wine cookies, chocolate truffles & holiday pepperoni bread.

Sure to put you in the holiday spirit, Hackettstown BID is bringing back Candy Cane Lane at Hackettstown High School. Santa and one of his elves will hand all cars a goody bag at the end. Reservations are required so sign up today!

Aztec Two-Step debuted in ’72 with their self-titled debut album on Elektra Records. This first album and their three subsequent albums for RCA Records made the duo staples of progressive FM and college radio, helping to usher the folk-rock music of the 1960s into the 1970s and beyond.

All-you-can-eat breakfast with Santa! Cost is $10/adult, $9/senior (65+), and $5/child. Kids younger than 5 are free. Bring your camera!

Ol' Saint Nick will be taking photos with good boys and girls and, of course, listening to their Christmas wish lists! Limited seating is available. You are encouraged to make reservations as early as possible.

ADULTS $25.95
KIDS (5 to 12) $15.95
KIDS (4 & Under) Free

Operation Toy Train is once again making its way into Washington Boro via the tracks at the park and pool. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on board to help load the train.

Lonely Sailors sing some salty songs from sea, some traditional Irish tunes and other popular pieces. $15 cover includes seating, music and wine tasting. Groups of 4 or more must call for a reservation. 908-995-2072

 

Welcome the holidays by enjoying a concert including several local choirs and instrumental groups. Free, but donations accepted. Refreshments afterward.

The Warren County Community College Visiting Authors Series presents a reading and master class by the poet Terrance Hayes, who has authored six books of poetry as well as collections of short stories and essays.

Come visit Father Christmas at the VanNest-Hoff-Vannatta Homestead! This is a free event for children and adults. Please bring your own camera. Sponsored by Historic Preservation Commission of Harmony Township and Harmony Historical Society.

Watch a videotaped horse race using cinematography cameras and narrated from start to finish by many of America’s top-rated announcers. All the suspense and close-up action that will make you feel like you are at the racetrack.

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.

Dec. 1 SOLD OUT Create your very own Christmas centerpiece, arrangement, mantelpiece or wreath with Flowerland! You can bring your own container or choose from their wonderful selection.

Hometown Holiday is a celebration that will light up the downtown in more ways than one. Come see Santa and much more!

Operation Toy Train is once again making its way into Washington Boro via the tracks at the park and pool. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on board to help load the train.

Featuring carriage rides, music, local businesses, restaurants, and community groups, and, or course Santa, it’s a fun-filled weekend for Hackettstown, residents, and visitors. Centenary will also be hosting the Grand Illumination tree lighting at 5 p.m.

 

The 46th anniversary of a wonderful town-wide holiday event spans two days with six buildings to explore full of holiday cheer! Be sure to visit Santa located in the Community Center for that special holiday photo. Don't miss out on entering to win a hand crafted Amish quilt!

All-you-can-eat breakfast with Santa! Cost is $10/adult, $9/senior (65+), and $5/child. Kids younger than 5 are free. Bring your camera!

Come visit Father Christmas at the VanNest-Hoff-Vannatta Homestead! This is a free event for children and adults. Please bring your own camera. Sponsored by Historic Preservation Commission of Harmony Township and Harmony Historical Society.

Broadway United Methodist Church is hosting their annual Santa breakfast. Entry by donation. Bring Your Camera! 

Call 908-619-6455 to reserve your spot.

Annual Warren County Technical School Craft Show. More than 130 of the area's finest crafters and artisans will come together for this one-day juried event to display their unique handmade items.

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

The Phillipsburg Railroad Historians' annual Santa Train returns this weekend! The Centerville and Southwestern miniature railroad will be in operation and Santa will be there to interact with guests. Cookies and hot cocoa will be avaailable. This event is outdoors so please dress appropriately.

A day of fun for all in Belvidere square with ice skating, Santa Paws photos, face painting, food trucks, crafts, music and trackless train rides! And, of course, the lighting of Christmas tree with the arrival of Santa! And while you're at it, check out the Belvidere Shopping Trail.

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.

A fun night for a great cause! "Night at the Races Beefsteak" promises an exhilarating evening featuring horse races from the '90s, presented on a large screen with commentary from some of America’s most acclaimed professional announcers. Attendees will have the opportunity to place bets, with a chance to win one of more than 30 exciting prize baskets. All the suspense and close-up action will make you feel like you are at the racetrack!

Continuing

All Aboard The Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions operated by the non profit New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society. Inspired by the run-away hit movie produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

Celebrate the this warm season with some great food and live music at Tiptons.

Dec. 2 - Mind & Soul
Dec. 3 - Naked Jake
Dec. 9 - DTMcG
Dec. 10 - Harmony Garage Band
Dec. 16 - The PS Experiment
Dec. 17 - Lifeboat

Brook Hollow is bringing the cozy feelings with music in December.

UACNJ provides free public programs on-site at our Observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings. During the off-season (November through March) UACNJ is now presenting an on-line astronomy related presentation that begins at 8pm.

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.

Welcome the new year with great food and live music at Tiptons.

UACNJ provides free public programs on-site at our Observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings. During the off-season (November through March) UACNJ presents an online astronomy-related presentation that begins at 8pm.