Weekend Events

Special or one-time weekend events. You can also check out my list of museums and centers open most weekends.of the Morris Area. (METC, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown; ... )

1. 11/26 - 12/21: Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green. Santa's Arrival and The Lighting of the Green Ceremony opens the month-long Morristown Partnership event beginning on Friday, November 26 at 6:30pm and every weekend through December 21st. Santa visits, photos, and goody bags, miniature electric train rides around the Green, hands-on holiday activities and entertainment every weekend, ice sculpting demonstrations, and thousands of lighted decorations on the Morristown Green and antique-replica streets lights. Free street parking from 12/13 through 12/24/2010!
2. 11/26 - 12/12. Oliver! Called the perfect "London Christmas Matinee," Charles’ Dickens’ "Oliver" will herald in the holiday season with performances Nov 26th through Dec 12th in the Sitnick Theatre of Lackland. The story of the orphan boy, Oliver Twist, who is swept into a band of pickpockets led by the wily Fagin in 19th century London is a perennial favorite with songs such as "Where is Love," "Who Will Buy" and "Consider Yourself." Lackland Center Sitnik Theatre, 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840
3. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.
• Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5 - Program — A Macculloch Hall Classic Christmas — See holiday decorations by the Garden Club of Morristown, Christmas exhibit and iconic Thomas Nast holiday images and enjoy special tours of the period rooms. Find unique gifts created just for the museum’s expanded holiday shop, including Thomas Nast Christmas cards, wrapping paper and ornaments, along with other traditional toys and unique stocking stuffers.
• Saturday December 4: Museum open from 12 – 5pm; at 2pm the talented children from the Community Theatre Performing Arts Company will perform a selection of holiday songs and carols. The Company is made up of students from throughout Morris County who use their talent to give back to the community, performing for non-profit and community groups all over the tri-state area.
• Sunday, December 5: Museum open from 12 – 5pm; from 2 – 4pm Sharlys Dugan of the acclaimed Dugan’s Hooligans will perform in the main gallery. Sharlys, 16, is an engaging and multi-talented performer. A three time Irish harp champion, she’s played with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, has her own solo CD, and is currently studying the concert harp. Be sure to join us to hear Sharlys perform holiday and classic favorites. General admission for Classic Christmas applies; members free.
  
• Exhibits: A Century of Family Life & Hearth and Home: Every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday through June 30, 2011 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
  
  
4. ongoing: Fosterfields Write On Program: Fosterfields is presenting this exciting new program that draws on the wealth of local history and focuses on those who interpreted and recorded it. Visit Fosterfields for a look at farm life in Morris County 100 years ago. Call for weekly programs. Throughout the year, farming, live–stock and domestic life demonstrations follow actual events documented in Charles Foster's 1901 farm journal. A shuttle bus is available to The Willows mansion for handicapped and elderly visitors on Sundays.
5. (move ahead of lots on Dec 4th & 5th)
   
6. Acorn Hall, the headquarters of the Morris County Historical Society, is an 1853 house remodeled into the Italianate Villa style in 1860. It is open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (closed December 26), and 1-7 on Friday, December 3, 10, and 17. Special events are planned throughout the season; call 973-267-3465 or see www.acornhall.org for details
• Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, December 3, 4 to 7 p.m. (Tours of Acorn Hall’s Victorian Christmas decorations and the stunning “Gowns” exhibit, Oakleaf Gallery Gift Shop with special discounts for members, Wine and cheese, Live music, Free gift with admission, Door prizes.
• Family Night, Friday, December 10, 4 to 7 p.m., Pictures with Santa. A free holiday photo card for every child, Tours of Acorn Hall’s Victorian Christmas decorations including the famous upside-down Christmas tree, Oakleaf Gallery Gift Shop with special discounts for members, Christmas carol sing-along, Hot cocoa and cookies, Door prizes,
• Wine and Wassail, Friday, December 17, 4 to 7 p.m.. Tours of Acorn Hall’s period rooms decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Wine and wassail, Live music, Oakleaf , Free gift with admission, Door prizes
• Current Exhibit: (Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday.) "Gowns: From Birth to Bedroom to Ballroom" showcases the varieties of “gowns” that define a woman’s life – christening, ball, wedding, dressing, and even nightgowns. Featuring more than two dozen garments from the Society’s costume collection, as well as loaned items, "Gowns" runs into 2011.
• 12/3-1/16. Acorn Hall. Victorian Christmas: Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Acorn Hall, a mid-19th-century Italianate mansion in Morristown, is celebrating a Victorian-style Christmas from December 3 to January 16 with lavish holiday decorations throughout its period rooms. The Hall’s famous upside-down Christmas tree, an homage to Queen Victoria’s 1860 holiday, will once again hang in the library. The Oakleaf Gallery gift shop will offer a delightful variety of ornaments, books, and gifts for young and old.
  
7. METC, Madison, NJ: Crafting Chocolate: A Delectable Trade, Saturday, December 4th 1 PM - 4 PM, Join local chocolatiers for a delicious chocolate filled afternoon. Participants will tour around the Museum, meet each chocolatier and learn about their chocolate making process, while sampling some. Limited amount of tickets sold. Pre-registration strongly advised; call 973-377-2982 x14. Admission is $10 for non-members and $5 for Members.

8. 12/4-5. Handcrafted Holidays: Crafters Trunk Show and Stickley Museum Open House highlight handcrafts and offer guests an old-fashioned holiday welcome, craft demonstrations, and more, amid festive period decorations. The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, 2352 Route 10 West, Morris Plains, NJ

9. 12/4 - 12/12. Gingerbread Wonderland. This December marks the 19th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland. Guests, young and old, marvel at the creativity, skills and sense of optimism that characterizes this charming and ecumenical exhibit of over 200 edible structures. Past year’s “gingerbreads” have included models of Notre Dame cathedral, Hanukah menorahs, Japanese temples, Chinese pagodas, European castles and neighborhood sweet shops. Groups of 8 or more must make a reservation by calling at 973-326-7601. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 E. Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960

10. METC, Madison, NJ: Chocolate Shoe Workshop, Sunday, December 5th 2 PM - 5 PM Join artist and educator, Rachel Prager as she leads a tasty shoe-making workshop. Using nothing but chocolate, participants will create a life-size chocolate shoe and learn how to decorate it using various techniques. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by Monday, November, 29th; call 973-377-2982 x14. Admission is $30 for non-members & $25 for Members.
11. 12/5. Ride on the Whippany Railway Museum's SANTA CLAUS SPECIAL.The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland and return allows riders time to enjoy the Spirit of the Season and the merriment on the train. Santa Claus makes his way through the train and visits with every child onboard. Santa's train crew follows along, giving the kids a special gift from Santa. For full details and ONLINE TICKET ordering, visit the website: www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net or call: 973-887-8177.
    
    
12. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, December 11th, 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
    
    
13. METC, Madison, NJ: Dragon Tales Pajama Party, Friday, January 14th, 5 - 6 PM, Everyone is invited to a Dragon Pajama Party at the Museum. Come ready for bed, make some dragon crafts and meet dragon puppet "Hermione..." as she recites some of her favorite dragon stories. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12. $3 admission/ person.
    
    
14. Jan. 15: 10 am: Flint and Steel, Wick House at Jockey Hollow.Come and learn how to start a fire they way they did before matches and explore how important and necessary these two materials were during the Revolutionary War.
    1:30pm Feeding the Army: Why didn’t the army have enough to eat during their encampment here? Join us around a warm hearth as we explore the reasons why local farmers weren’t feeding the army.
    
    
15. METC, Madison, NJ: Pre-Groundhog Day: Tuesday, February 1st 4 PM - 5 PM. Pop-up to the Museum and celebrate Groundhog Day with an afternoon of ground hog theme activities. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended. Call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person.
    
    
16. February 4th,8pm New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: HMS Pinafore. Gilbert and Sullivan’s delightful comedic tale about overblown nationalism, personal ambition and forbidden love amongst the social classes of British society and the Royal Navy. The Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
17. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, February 12th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
18. METC, Madison, NJ: Colonial Cooking Contest, Saturday, February 26th 10 AM - 5 PM. Research a historic recipe, cook it and enter it in the Museum's 2nd annual Colonial Cooking Contest. Participants are asked to use a recipe from Early American times (cookbooks and recipes are available at the Museum) and make it as close as possible to the original recipe. Dishes will be judged and awards will be granted.
    
    Children's (12 and under) & Family division will take place at 10am. The adult division will take place at 2pm. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by Friday, February 18th. Call 973-377-2982 x14 to register or for more information. $5 registration fee (includes Museum admission) and Regular Admission for all others.
19. METC, Madison, NJ: Happy Birthday Widget! Monday, February 28th 4 PM - 5 PM. You are invited to celebrate our mascot, Widget the Beaver's birthday. Join us at the Museum for an afternoon of fun beaver activities and birthday goodies. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person.
20. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, March 12th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join the Education staff at the Museum to celebrate the Tooth Fairy. Story telling, tooth care information and crafts will take place. Advance registration required; call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
21. METC, Madison, NJ: Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Thursday, March 31st 4 - 5 PM - Friday, April 1st Regular Hours. Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll for a sleepover on Tuesday, March 31st. Enjoy a snack and story time with your toy and then tuck them in to spend the night at the Museum. Come back on Wednesday, April 1st between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm to pick-up your stuffed animal, make a craft and find out what mischief they have gotten into during the night! Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person(includes both day's activities).
22. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, April 9th 1 PM - 3 PM, Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
23. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, May 14th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
24. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, June 11th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
25. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Ice Cream Social. Saturday, July 9th 1 PM - 3 PM. Cool off from the hot summer sun at METC's annual Ice Cream Social. Make your own ice cream sundae and participate in the numerous games and activities taking place, while you explore our current exhibit. Drop in any time between the hours of 1-3 pm to participate. Advanced registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x14 for more information. $3 for Members & $5 for Non-Members.

See more at the Morristown Tourism Board's Morris_county_calendar_of_events

Future/Annual:

1. Annual New Jersey Meadowlands Festival of Birding: one weekend in mid-September: Folks of all experience levels from around the state and region will come together to share their interest and knowledge of birds in a variety of venues in the Meadowlands. The Meadowlands contains over 8,000 acres of valuable wetland habitat, and is home to over 280 bird species. As in past years, the Festival is comprised of two days of activities including walks, eco-cruises, paddles, indoor workshops and presentations led by some of the area’s most accomplished and respected birders. Breakfast and lunch & keynote expected on Saturday.
   

   2009 Admission was $40.00 for people 18 and over & children 9 and under are not permitted to attend – sorry! The Festival of Birding is organized by Hackensack Riverkeeper and NJ Audubon, and is sponsored by the NJ Meadowlands Commission. www.hackensackriverkeeper.org

2. late March, Saturday. 10 am - 5pm, Annual Astronomy Day at the Morris Museum
   
   
3. late November, Saturday. 10 am - 5pm, Mineral Day at the Morris Museum

Weekends - Morris County Parks

Cooper Gristmill

à Saturday, October 16^th, Celebrate Apples
Visitors can assist with cider pressing as it was done in 1880s Milltown/ Chester. They can use a hand-cranked apple peeler, and decorate an apple. Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: Cooper Gristmill. Cost: FREE. Donation appreciated.

à Saturday, October 30, A Miller’s Halloween
For a fun-filled afternoon, enjoy spooky storytelling at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Come in costume if you’d like! Create corn husk dolls, color pumpkins, and play old time games. Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: Cooper Gristmill. Cost: FREE. Donation appreciated.

Fosterfields Farm

à Saturday, October 16, “Amaizing” Corn is Popping
Come to the Farmhouse and help make popcorn. Vintage utensils and the wood burning stove will be used. Lean about the different types of corn (maize). Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

à Saturday, October 23, Cider Pressing: A “Must” See!
Watch the apple cider press in action as it produces the popular drink called “must.” After seeing the demonstration, enjoy a sample of non-alcoholic cider. Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

à Sunday, October 24, Family Activity Center: Pumpkin Decorating
Families are invited to select and decorate a pumpkin with natural plant materials to take home. At the farm, play old-fashioned games with a Halloween theme. Parental supervision required. Time: 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

Went to a Garden Party...

Sunday, August 24
Exhibit Opening "Who's Minding the Store?" & Member's Garden Party
1-4 PM
At Acorn Hall
The opening of “Who’s Minding the Store?” will take place at the Society’s annual Garden Party and feature a “Pie Contest” and “Home-grown Tomato Competition.” A raffle will include a gift certificate to a local food business and food-related merchandise. "Who's Minding the Store?" is a traveling exhibit from the Jewish Historical Society of Metrowest. A reconstructed store from Morris County’s earlier days, the exhibit will demonstrate how people once shopped for food and other essentials. The exhibit will be augmented with agricultural, dining, and food merchandising artifacts from the collection of the Morris County Historical Society.

Homemade Dessert Pies Contest & Jersey Tomatoes Contest
Entry forms are now available on-line and at Acorn Hall on the day of the event.

Entrants for the various contests should bring their pies and tomatoes, with competed application forms, to Acorn Hall, 68 Morris Avenue, Morristown, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Pies should be accompanied by their recipe.

Judging begins at 2:00 p.m., beginning with any cream pies. No refrigeration is available.

Pies will not be returned.

MCHS members are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn of Acorn Hall. Tea and dessert will be served.

Follow this link for contest rules and entry form.

George Washington Crosses the Delaware

at Washington Crossing, PA

12/9/2007 - dress rehearsal, The event/village activities will occur from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the crossing time occurring around 1:00 pm. (2nd Sunday of December)

On Christmas day the crossing will occur around 1:00 pm. The Visitor Center opens around 11:00 am and will close at 3:00 pm. The village
houses are not open on this day as all activity will occur at the river. (Christmas Day)

Washington Crossing Historic Park is generally open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm & Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 pm. (Hours and tour availability are subject to change without notice.)

Tickets: $5.00 per adult, $4.00 Seniors/AAA, $2.00 ages 6-17, under 6 is free. (Special event fees and school children group fees may vary.) Bring your valid adult ticket from another site within the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission and receive a $1.00 off your admission at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

Guided tours of the McKonkey Ferry Inn section and the Thompson-Neely section occur everyday but Monday and select holidays/special events. Tours begin on the hour at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00. During winter months, tours may conclude earlier in the day due to low light levels in the historic structures.

A tour of the McKonkey Ferry Inn section is approximately one hour in length. Allow 30 minutes to tour the Thompson-Neely House. The Thompson-Neely grist mill is open seasonally for tours. Allow additional time to tour the grist mill.

See, Washington Crossing, Annual Crossing Visit for more details or go here for directions.

Other 2007 Events at Washington Crossing included: -

Cooking for our First President - Sat., February 17, 2007, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sun., February 18, 2007, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

His Majesty's Troops - Sat. and Sun. March 10 and 11, 2007, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Musket firing & drilling; Posting of the guard; Preparing their kits for the march; Open-hearth cooking; and Period field music.

(Annual) Colonial Days for groups (esp. for 3-5th graders) - Colonial Days take place Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from late March through early November. The group must have an arrival time between 9:30 and 10:00 am and must be able to stay at least 2½ to 3½ hours.