Events for December 18, 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!
Santa @ The Commons
Bridgewater Commons Commons Way, BridgewaterSanta will begin welcoming children of all ages for visits and photos filled with holiday magic. Located in Center Court on the shopping center’s Lower Level, visits to Santa Celebration will begin Saturday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 24. Presented by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, the one and only Kris Kringle returns to Bridgewater Commons for a season of sparkling sights, memorable moments and holiday magic. Located in Center Court on the shopping center’s Lower Level, Santa @ The Commons welcomes children of all ages from November 14 through December 24. Click HERE to make a reservation. SANTA PHOTO HOURS November 14 1:00pm - 8:00pm November 15- November 25 Monday - Friday 12:00pm - 7:00pm Saturday 11:00am - 8:00pm Sunday 12:00pm - 6:00pm Closed Thanksgiving
Wreath Making Workshop
Abma's Farm 282 Amwell Road, HillsboroughJoin us for a festive hands-on workshop! Create your own custom decorative wreath with our homegrown dried flowers while sipping on your favorite beverage. BYOB. Arrive 30–60 minutes before your session to enjoy the petting zoo, then choose your wreath materials and pay before the workshop stars. We'll have all other materials to help you create your wreath. Admission: $25 per adult, plus the cost of materials. Booking Required, Purchase Online
The Nutcracker
State Theatre New Jersey 11 Livingston Avenue, New BrunswickCelebrate American Repertory Ballet's annual Nutcracker tradition with your family! FEATURING A LIVE ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR! Bring the entire family to experience the joy and celebration of this holiday tradition and make memories to last a lifetime—featuring thrilling choreography, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, a cast of more than 100 dancers, and ARB’s only area performances with a live orchestra and choir! This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle larger-than-life mice alongside toy soldiers, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. A tradition for more than 60 years, ARB’s The Nutcracker is one of the longest continuously running Nutcracker productions in the nation.
Tartan Terrors – Celtic Christmas Spectacular
Tartan Terrors – Celtic Christmas Spectacular Celebrate the season with an exhilarating holiday performance that blends the energy of a rock concert with the rich traditions of Celtic music. Featuring spirited step dancing, lively humor and outstanding musicianship, this festive production combines classic Christmas favorites, traditional Celtic melodies and Hogmanay tunes into one unforgettable celebration. For nearly three decades, these internationally acclaimed performers have entertained audiences across North America and beyond with their infectious energy and engaging stage presence. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or simply love great live entertainment, this high-energy holiday spectacular will have you laughing, clapping and singing along from beginning to end. The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg NJ Box office: 908-725-3420 Hours: M-F 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and 90 minutes before showtime rvccarts.org
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.
