| Explore Warren

 

"What if today, we were just grateful for everything?" - Charlie Brown

With such a busy season upon us, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle-bustle, and lose sight of what should be the focus of the Thanksgiving holiday: gratitude. We are grateful for our Explore Warren followers, and for all the hard-working local businesses that plan the promotions and events that comprise this newsletter! Thank you! 

This special edition of Wanderings celebrates the upcoming four-day weekend, which includes Small Business Saturday and officially kicks off the holiday season. We encourage you to shop small (and unique, with two major craft shows next weekend) for those special gifts. A tradition for many families is to visit a local farm to find that perfect Christmas tree, so we've updated our list of Warren County choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms for your reference. Santa will be appearing at numerous events this weekend and next, so read on to plan your visit!

Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Wanderings!

Special Edition: Nov. 24 - Dec. 3

Coming Up: 

Holiday Bazaar at Infloressense

Shop local at this month-long, indoor market featuring a wide variety of items, including gift baskets, books (new and old, plus a focus on local authors), local honey, chocolate, art, crystals and jewels, artifacts, plants and botanicals, gourd bird houses, and more! Weekends feature local baked goods and oracle readings in the purple tent. Live music and open mic nights may be featured on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Peter Karp Band @ Roy's Hall

The Peter Karp Band continues to carve out his own unique niche, with a sound born in the swamps of New Jersey and the trailer parks in southern Alabama.

Centenary Stage Company's Family Holiday Spectacular: The Little Mermaid

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 to Sunday, December 3, 2023
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 to Sunday, December 10, 2023

It's CSC's annual Family Holiday Spectacular, the stage musical based on the beloved Disney movie. Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. Have your photo taken with Little Mermaid cast members after the Dec. 2 performance. Call to reserve your spot!

Jingle on Main in Blairstown

 A festive Small Business Saturday event featuring at least 60 local vendors, food and music, presented by the Blairstown Enhancement Committee and held throughout Blairstown's Historic Main Street.

Merry Green Up Weekend at Flowerland Growers

Friday, December 1, 2023 -
10:00am to 3:00pm
Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
10:00am to 3:00pm

Create your very own Christmas centerpiece, arrangement, mantelpiece or wreath with Flowerland's friendly assistance and wares! You may bring your own container or choose from their selection.

Holiday Shopping Trail in Belvidere

Friday, December 1, 2023 to Sunday, December 3, 2023

Stop in for a map of participating retailers, enter each drawing and get your map stamped. Follow the directions and enter to win prizes!

Hometown Holiday in Washington Borough

Friday, December 1, 2023 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm

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!

Hackettstown's Hometown Holiday

Friday, December 1, 2023 -
5:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
12:00pm to 4:00pm

The Hackettstown BID hosts their 18th annual Hometown Holiday celebration with music, treats, horse-drawn carriage rides through the Historic District, Santa parade, tree lighting at Centenary, Santa Selfie Station and much more!

Downton Abbey-style Dinner @ Twenty Belvidere

Friday, December 1, 2023 - 5:00pm
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 5:00pm
Friday, December 8, 2023 - 5:00pm
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 5:00pm
Friday, December 15, 2023 - 5:00pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - 5:00pm
Sunday, December 17, 2023 - 5:00pm

Enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner followed by a sinfully decadent dessert. Bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with your dinner. Cost is $75 per guest, including tax and gratuity. Call 908-476-9951 or email landiaulaire@outlook.com to reserve your seat.

Breakfast with Santa @ Architects Golf Club

Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
9:00am to 12:00pm
Sunday, December 10, 2023 -
9:00am to 12:00pm

Ol' Saint Nick will be posing for photos with boys and girls and listening to their Christmas wish lists! Limited seating is available; you are encouraged to make reservations as early as possible.

13th Annual Crafts in the Warren Tech

Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
9:00am to 4:00pm

More than 130 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.

46th Hope Christmas Craft Market

Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, December 3, 2023 -
10:00am to 4:00pm

This wonderful town-wide holiday tradition spans two days, with six buildings full of holiday cheer to explore. Santa will be available in the Community Center for that special holiday photo. Small entrance fee to enter all buildings both days. Don't miss out on entering to win a hand crafted Amish quilt, and be sure to pop in the local stores, too!

Belvidere Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
12:00pm to 8:00pm

Belvidere hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting complete with Santa, music, snacks, crafts and more!

Phillipsburg Holly Jolly Express Day

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 12:00pm

All the railroad non-profits will be open for "Holly Jolly Express Day" including the Historic Roseberry House. In addition, Phillipsburg Union Station will have it first of its kind Holiday Market with craft vendors inside and food trucks outside. There will be four walkable areas of railroad fun and free trolley rides.

Operation Toy Train in Washington Boro

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 1:00pm

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.

Santa presented by the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians

Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
1:00pm to 3:00pm

 The Centerville and Southwestern miniature railroad will be in operation and Santa will interact with guests. Small gift bags for children, and complimentary hot chocolate and coffee for all.

A Wassail Tour in Belvidere

Saturday, December 2, 2023 -
7:00pm to 11:00pm

Tour through five historic homes and the Warren County Historical Society building. Tickets can be purchased through The Cellar Door and Found. This event is sponsored by the Belvidere Tree Lighting Committee and trolley transportation will be available.

Holiday Celebration & Craft Fair at Rutherfurd Hall

Sunday, December 3, 2023 -
1:00pm to 5:00pm

This holiday event hosted by Rutherfurd Hall will include photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides, arts and crafts, dance performances, cookie decorating, Cold Nose, Warm Heart Animal Rescue and holiday music.

 
Continuing: 

Christmas in the Country at Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Visit Well-Sweep Herb Farm at a time of year when garden fairies transform the Gift Shop into a Christmas Wonderland! Beautiful handmade fresh evergreen wreaths, sprays and arrangements will be available, and orders for custom wreaths are accepted. Look for special events, tours and classes.

3rd Annual Fair Trade Holiday Market @ Kathy's Kove

Kathy's Kove & Kafe hosts its Third Annual Fair Trade Galley Holiday event, Wednesday-Sunday, through December. Stop by for some shopping, refreshments and know your purchases go to support fair trade and Ghana 4E, a computer learning center in Omanjor, Ghana – Africa.

3rd Annual Fair Trade Holiday Market @ Kathy's Kove

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - 1:00pm to Sunday, December 3, 2023 - 6:00pm
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - 1:00pm to Sunday, December 10, 2023 - 6:00pm
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 1:00pm to Sunday, December 17, 2023 - 6:00pm
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 1:00pm to Sunday, December 24, 2023 - 6:00pm

Kathy's Kove & Kafe hosts its Third Annual Fair Trade Galley Holiday event, Wednesday-Sunday, through December. Stop by for some shopping, refreshments and know your purchases go to support fair trade and Ghana 4E, a computer learning center in Omanjor, Ghana – Africa.

 
Plan Ahead: 

Under the Lights @ Flowerland Growers, LLC

Friday, December 8, 2023 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Friday, December 15, 2023 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm

A wonderful night of twinkling lights, the scents of the season, decorating and shopping ideas, plus holiday giveaways and refreshments!

Hope's Annual Moravian Christmas

Saturday, December 9, 2023 -
3:00pm to 7:30pm
Sunday, December 10, 2023 -
1:00pm to 4:00pm

The historic village is lit with some 1,500 luminaries for a lantern walking tour held every 20 minutes from 4 - 6pm. Enjoy a Moravian candlelight service at 7:30pm, while other activities include the Festival of Trees at the Inn, Putz Replica of the Nativity Story at the Distillery, a live Nativity and food at the community center. Tickets are still available for Saturday!

Murder Mystery Dinner @ Four Sisters

Sunday, December 10, 2023 -
1:00pm to 4:00pm

This is interactive dinner where you'll help solve the crime! It starts with a formal wine tasting, followed by a plated dinner of Chicken Parmesan, salad, roasted vegetables, bread, and dessert. This is a 21+ event.

Please be advised that we do our best to make sure the information in this message is accurate at the time it is sent. But things happen, plans change, weather can be fickle... you get the idea. Please click on the links provided to other websites to obtain further details and updates.