| Explore Warren

 

"Santa’s little yelpers are ready for presents!" 

A shout out to Fur the Love of Dogs pet groomer in Washington for posting these adorable pictures on its Facebook page! Talk abour spreading holiday cheer!

The Christmas countdown continues, and there are still plenty of opportunities to visit with Santa (remember to scroll down to "Community Corner"), shop local, partake in festive crafty decor classes, check out live music (bonus if you wear an "ugly" holiday sweater), go on group hikes, and more.

Extra-special highlights include Hope's annual Moravian Christmas, The Watergap Singers Holiday Concertand perennial favorite The Nutcracker presented by The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet at Centenary Stage Company.

Hackettstown will be ringing in the New Year with its third annual M&M lentil drop, and surrounding businesses will stay open late, including Living Spirits Distillery and Czig Meister Brewing Co.

We expect this to be our last Wanderings of the year, so we wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Christmas, Happy and Healthy New Year, and, as always, Happy Wanderings! Peace out!

December 10 - 31, 2025

Coming Up: 
Decorated Chrismtas trees at Rossi Auto Group

16th Annual Festival of Trees at Rossi Auto Group

Guests will be welcomed by the sounds of holiday music, the warmth of Christmas cheer, and of course, Christmas trees as far as the eye can see! The evening includes a performance of holiday musical classics by the Abilities’ Rockstars, a visit from Santa, voting on beautifully decorated trees, and food and refreshments.

Christmas in the Country Trail

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Mackey’s Orchard, Flowerland Growers and Four Sisters Winery invite your family to enjoy a fun-filled day of Christmas trees, baked goods, wine tasting and much more along the Christmas in the Country Trail! You will receive a pair of commemorative trail wine glasses with a $10 minimum purchase an stamp from each farm. Please note Flowerland is closed Sundays and Four Sisters is closed Wednesdays. Mackey's is open daily.

Green Up Workshop at Flowerland Growers

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. 

Christmas Centerpiece Workshops @ Tranquillity Farms

Thursday, December 18, 2025 -
5:30pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 -
12:30pm to 3:00pm

Create a beautiful Christmas centerpiece using fresh greens and seasonal decor in this festive, hands-on workshop! Pre-registration required.

Socks in the Frying Pan at Roy's Hall

Get your Irish on! This youthful trio blend Irish traditional melodies with their own personal flair which has gained them critical acclaim and accolades including ‘New Band of the Year’ by the Irish Music Association.

Las Posadas at Villa Milagro

Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
11:00am to 5:00pm

Celebrate Las Posadas, a traditional early California/Mexican celebration of the journey of Joseph and Mary in search of lodging. Enjoy a bite of bocadillos, small bites of Mexican tidbits and a sip of Feliz Navidad for your journey through for the Holidays.

Ugly Sweater Weekend @ FSW

Show up to Four Sisters Winery in your "ugly" holiday sweater for $5 off a souvenir mug of Warm Crimson! Red Wine Hot Chocolate will aslo be offered as a special, along with homemade chicken noodle soup all weekend.

Hope's Annual Moravian Christmas

Hope's annual Moravian Christmas features 1,500 luminaries lining the whole village. Walking tours (guided and self-guided) for a fee. Other activities include the Festival of Trees and refreshments at the Community Center, Putz replica of the Nativity Story at the Distillery, and a Live Nativity in the barn.

Ugly Sweater Party at Czig Meister

Saturday, December 13, 2025 -
6:00pm to 10:00pm

Wear your favorite ugly sweater, and Czig Meister will bring the brews, holiday cheer, and great music.

Holiday Pop-Up Market at Czig Meister Brewing

Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
12:00pm to 4:00pm

Stop by Czig's Holiday Pop-Up Market hosted with the West End Farmers' Market featuring gifts for everyone. Get ready for photos with Santa, hot cocoa flights from Greene's Beans, local craft beer and more!

Fresh Evergreen Tree Workshop @ Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
1:30pm to 3:30pm

Create a long-lasting festive tree for your holiday table using fresh boxwood, holly and assorted winter greens. Decorate with pine cones, ribbon and berries, with a completed height of approximately 18.” Reservations required.

Shippen Manor

Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
2:00pm to 4:00pm

Shippen Manor decked out in its Christmas finery! Walk-throughs welcome to visit with Victorian Santa.

Water Gap Singers presents Holiday Song Festival

Sunday, December 14, 2025 - 4:00pm

Swing into the holiday season with the Water Gap Singers, who will perform a variety of seasonal music - including Vivaldi's Gloria - under the direction of Joseph Mello. Free - with goodwill offerings gratefully accepted - and a reception after the performance. 

Holiday Centerpiece @ Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 -
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 -
10:00am to 12:00pm

Using holly and various types of fresh greens, create a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table. Add pinecones, berries and finish with a candle and decorative bow. The approximate size is 14.” Reservations required.

The Nutcracker at Centenary Stage Co.

Friday, December 19, 2025 - 7:00pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 12:00pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 5:00pm
Sunday, December 21, 2025 - 2:00pm

An enchanting ballet and holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is a classic production for all ages. With the talented young dancers of the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet, Warren County's only non-profit ballet company, and featuring professional dancers from around the world, this production is sure to delight!

Alpaca Jingle at Hidden Brook Ranch

Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 10:30am
Sunday, December 21, 2025 - 10:30am

Come out to Hidden Brook Ranch for Alpaca Jingle, a fluffy wonderland of cheer where adorable alpacas and llamas transform into Santa's little helpers. You'll have the opportunity to interact with the alpacas and experience the magic of connecting with these gentle creatures by offering them their favorite treats. An unforgettable experience to create heartwarming memories that will last a lifetime.

Holiday Cookies at Villa Milagro

Saturday, December 20, 2025 -
11:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, December 21, 2025 -
11:00am to 5:00pm

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! Volume discounts available all month long.

Clay Ornaments at Propagate Studio

Saturday, December 20, 2025 -
11:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday, December 21, 2025 -
11:00am to 1:00pm

Learn simple techniques for shaping, texturing, and customizing your pieces with paint, ribbons, and festive embellishments. No experience needed. Make up to 6 ornaments.

TubaChristmas Belvidere

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - 4:00pm

An old fashioned singalong and performance of TubaChristmas at the Warren County Courthouse for the 15th TubaChristmas! All listeners and musicians of Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba, and Sousaphone are welcome regardless of age or experience. Audience members attend free of charge. Help make Christmas Eve magical and memorable!

NYE Cocktails & Countdown Celebration at Living Spirits Distillery

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 - 10:00pm to Thursday, January 1, 2026 - 1:00am

Living Spirtis presents DJ Alyssa spinning beats all night, a generous Fromage grazing table, and an open bar featuring a special menu of curated favorites crafted with our premium house-made spirits and liqueurs.

 
Entertainment: 

Brook Hollow Live Music - December

Sunday, December 14, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Friday, December 26, 2025
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Sunday, December 28, 2025

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with Water Street 12/5; Katy Gerhold 12/6; Rich Ortiz 12/7; OPEN MIC NIGHT 12/12; Scott Messina 12/13; Ally Brown 12/14; Rich Berry 12/19; Stan and Elise 12/20; Michael Long 12/21; OPEN MIC NIGHT 12/26; John Cain 12/27; Ashley Marquez 12/28.

Live Music @ Tiptons Tavern

Friday, December 19, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Saturday, December 27, 2025

Tipton's has live music every weekend featuring Whiskey Mansion 12/6; Tim VG 12/12; Harmony Garage Band  and UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY 12/13; Cowboy and The Hippies 12/19; Cody Templeton (solo) 12/20; Bobby Clark 12/27.

Live Music at Living Spirits Distillery

Sunday, December 14, 2025 - 2:00pm
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 6:30pm
Friday, December 19, 2025 - 7:00pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 2:30pm
Saturday, December 27, 2025 - 2:30pm
Sunday, December 28, 2025 - 2:00pm

Hackettstown's own distillery is open and bringing the live music featuring Music Bingo 12/11; Erika Sherger 12/13; Lelica & Mike Duo 12/14; Acoustic Name that Tune 12/18; DJ Alyssa 12/19; Six String Stories 12/20; Mike & Luke Duo 12/21; Burnt Leftovers Duo 12/27; Karen Payne Duo 12/28.

 
Continuing: 

5th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Market at Kathy's Kove

Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 1:30am to Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - 6:00pm

Kathy's Kove invites everyone to shop for the holiday season at its Fair Trade market, running from November into December, Wednesday through Sunday. These gifts are created in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the US and feature fine hand-made items whose proceeds support Ghana4E.

Christmas in the Country at Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Friday, December 19, 2025 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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.

Friday Night Meal Deal at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, December 19, 2025 - 6:00pm

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.

Walk the Halls Where History Happened @ Rutherfurd Hall

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie 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 spot by emailing jsalvas@aes.k12.nj.us

 
Community Corner: 

Line Dancing at WCTS

Fun for levels, ages 12 and older! $15/person in advance, $20 at the door. Held in the school's cafeteria with refreshments available for purchase. Dress code: Western casual.

Santa Arrives on a Fire Truck in Blairstown

Help someone in need this holiday season! Santa is partnering with First Hope Bank in Blairstown to stuff the fire truck with non-perishable foods items. Take photos with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and live music!

Wreaths Across America Ceremonies

White Twp. and Harmony are hosting two ceremonies to honor American's veterans. Anyone can sponsor a wreath to be placed on a grave for $17. 

 

Christmas Drive-Thru at Agape Farms

Saturday, December 13, 2025 -
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
6:00pm to 8:00pm

Breakpoint Church and Agape Farm Ministries invite you to their annual Christmas Drive-Thru.

Breakfast with Santa at Architects Golf Club

Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
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.

Rutgers Environmental Steward Program Information Session at CDH library

Friday, December 19, 2025 - 10:30am

Are you passionate about environmental issues? Do you want to learn more and make a difference in your community? Join this online session and learn about the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program, designed to teach and train volunteers in the important environmental issues affecting New Jersey and work to help solve local environmental problems.

Santa Sightings in Belvidere

Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 1:00pm

Santa will be touring the Belvidere area in a fire truck thanks to the good folks at Good Will Fire Co. Listen for the sirens in your neighborhood!

Guided Hikes led by Washington Borough Green Team

Sunday, December 21, 2025 - 11:00am
Sunday, January 4, 2026 - 11:00am
Sunday, January 18, 2026 - 11:00am
Sunday, February 1, 2026 - 11:00am
Sunday, February 15, 2026 - 11:00am

Washington Borough's Green Team will be leading hikes through the Shabbecong Mountain Preserve the first and third Sundays of December, January and February.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are Coming to Pizza Mia!

Sunday, December 21, 2025 -
4:00pm to 8:00pm

Happy Holidays from the Pizza Mia family! Any customers purchasing food to dine in or take out are welcome take pictures (with their own smartphones) with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

 
Plan Ahead: 

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.