Events for December 4, 2026
48th Festival of Trees
Environmental Education Center 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking RidgeDecember is the time to visit the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) to welcome winter and get into the holiday spirit! The festival is an indoor exhibit of decorated trees by various community groups and individuals alike. Enjoy holiday music and relax while viewing the beautiful trees! Please call 908-722-1200 (ext. 5328) or email mjuhasz@scparks.org participate as an exhibitor and decorate a tree, to make group reservations, or for more information. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 27, 2026, 9:00am-4:30pm **Please note the EEC will be closed December 24 & 25** Please check out our Facebook page for more information. Schedule of Musical Performances See you in December at the EEC – the perfect lead into the holiday season!
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet Experience the wonder of the holidays with North America’s largest Nutcracker production. This breathtaking spectacular combines world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes and towering puppets in a visually stunning retelling of the beloved holiday classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, every scene is filled with magic, beauty and unforgettable moments that captivate audiences of all ages. Presented by Talmi Entertainment and enjoyed by families across the country for more than three decades, this cherished holiday tradition transforms the stage into a spectacular celebration of the season, creating memories your family will treasure for years to come. The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ Box office: 908-725-3420 Hours: M-F 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 90 minutes before showtime RVCCArts.org
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet Experience the wonder of the holidays with North America’s largest Nutcracker production. This breathtaking spectacular combines world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes and towering puppets in a visually stunning retelling of the beloved holiday classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, every scene is filled with magic, beauty and unforgettable moments that captivate audiences of all ages. Presented by Talmi Entertainment and enjoyed by families across the country for more than three decades, this cherished holiday tradition transforms the stage into a spectacular celebration of the season, creating memories your family will treasure for years to come. The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ Box office: 908-725-3420 Hours: M-F 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 90 minutes before showtime website: rvccarts.org
Holiday Jubilee
Join us for Somerville’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration — a joyful night packed with live entertainment, in-store surprises at participating businesses, jolly trolley rides, and of course, a special visit from Santa himself! (plus FREE Santa pictures at United Reformed Church after the tree lighting) Festivities begin at 5 PM on Division Street and continue all throughout Downtown Somerville — don’t miss the fun! Parking Information: Please park only in designated public parking areas and obey all posted parking signs, time limits, and restrictions. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. To make your visit easier, view our Downtown Somerville parking map before you arrive: https://downtownsomerville.org/directions-parking/
Fired en Masse
The Center for Contemporary Art 2020 Burnt Mills Road, BedminsterThe Center for Contemporary Art is pleased to present Fired En Masse, an exhibition of large-scale ceramic works by eight New Jersey artists. Curated by John Reinking, the exhibition will be on view September 25 through December 7, 2026. The public is invited to a free opening reception on Friday, September 25, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster. Fired En Masse features Jennifer Evans Arbo (Green Brook), Kaileen Campbell (Bridgewater), Keiko Inouye (Bridgewater), Sarah Poluszny (Sergeantsville), Mike Reed (Milford), John Reinking (Pittstown), Alicia Ulmes (Dunellen), and Kimberly Hardiman Winnicky (Hampton).
A VERY BARRY CHRISTMAS: Daybreak Manilow Tribute Holiday Edition!
One of the most authentic tribute acts ever to hit the music scene, DAYBREAK “The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow” takes audiences on a musical journey back to the ‘70s with some holiday classics sprinkled in! DAYBREAK “The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow” will have fans experiencing Barry Manilow’s greatest hits the way they remember them. Barry Manilow is considered by many to be one of the most successful pop artists ever and became an international star with a string of hits combining heart on the sleeve sentiment, with lyrical pop craftsmanship and a slick, highly orchestrated production. Barry Manilow recorded and released 51 Top 40 singles including 13 that reached No. 1. Led by veteran musician and accomplished pianist Joe Hite, DAYBREAK brings to life timeless classics like “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and the foot-stomping rhythm of “Copacabana” just to name a few. The Very Barry Christmas edition includes some festive holiday classics sprinkled in.
Little Women the Musical
Somerset Valley Players 689 Amwell Road, HillsboroughBased on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.
Performance- The Night I Died at the Palace Theatre
PeopleCare Center 120 Finderne Ave, BridgewaterOpen Door Arts Center is proud to present its fall production, The Night I Died at the Palace Theatre, at the PeopleCare Center Auditorium, 120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater, NJ. Can you figure out whodunnit? Performances will be held October 16–18 and October 23–25, 2026, with Friday and Saturday shows at 8pm and Sunday shows at 2pm. Tickets are only $20 and may be purchased in advance through the Open Door Arts Center website at https://www.opendoorartscenter.org/tickets or at the door. Please note that tickets purchased at the door are cash only.
