Holiday markets & celebrations
ENTERTAINMENT. Get a start on your Christmas shopping.
| 17 Nov 2024 | 03:50
Residents get drinks during the Festival of Lights celebration Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Newton Medical Center. (Photo by Maria Kovic)
Women shop at the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Branchville. (Photo by Maria Kovic)
The Headless Horseman rides through Sparta on Halloween. (Photo by Nancy Madacsi)
Addison Smith poses in the pumpkin patch at the Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 19 in Ogdensburg. (Photo by Maria Kovic)
JP Dillman of Milford, Pa., among figures at the Haunted Harvest Food Truck Festival on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. (Photo by Maria Kovic)
Byram-A-Blaze on Friday, Oct. 18 was sponsored by the Byram PTA. It included a Trunk or Treat, pumpkin decorating, bounce house, games, face painting and food trucks. (Photo by Maria Kovic)
Children paint pumpkins at Norwescap’s Fall Frolic in the Park on Thursday, Oct. 10 at Sussex County Community College in Newton. (Photos by Maria Kovic)
Julian Dominguez, Denis Collins, Ariana Hastings and Amanda Papallo, all of New York, are dressed for Oktoberfest on Sept. 21-22 at Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon. (Photo by Maria Kovic)
Saturday, Nov. 23
Fall Bazaar: Crafts, baked goods, Granny’s Attic and lunch, including Thanksgiving dinner. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frankford Plains United Methodist Church, 99 Plains Road, Augusta.
42nd annual Fall Craft Fair: 10 a.m. at Sussex County Fairgrounds, 29 Plains Road, Augusta. Sponsored by Northwest Christian School.
Holiday Train Display: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3320 Route 94, Hamburg. Admission is $5 for a family and $2 a person. Please bring a new unwrapped toy and canned or dry goods for the food pantry. Organized by the Sussex County Railroad Club.
Craft Fair: More than 40 vendors and Sweet Shop. Deacons Cafe will be selling lunch. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Milford Presbyterian Church, 1452 Union Valley Road.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Annual Giving Back Event: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dance performance at 10:45 a.m. Children’s toy drive, craft table for children, gift basket raffle. Free admission with toy donation. Hosted by the Centre for Dance Artistry, 191 Woodport Road, Sparta. Benefits O.S.C.A.R. animal rescue.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Pick up Thanksgiving dinner: Wantage United Methodist Church, 199 Libertyville Road, will provide free traditional Thanksgiving dinners. Pick them up between 3 and 4 p.m. Reservations required. Call the church office at 973-875-4488 to leave a message or may text reservation to Melissa at 973-997-1822. Leave name, phone number and how many meals are requested. Limit of five meals per family unless other arrangements are made. Reservations due by Nov. 20.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot: Run or walk on your own, with the family or create a team with friends. 8 a.m. at Holy Counselor Lutheran Church, 68 Sandhill Road, Sussex. Fundraiser for Harvest House Food Pantry in Sussex. Hosted by Vernon Township Board of Recreation. Early-bird price is $25, rises to $30 on Nov. 14. Children younger than 10 admitted for free. Register online at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Sussex/VernonsTurkeyTrot Please bring a nonperishable item to donate to local food pantries. For information, call 973-764-4055 ext. 2261.
18th Annual Krogh’s Turkey Trot: One-mile Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m. and 5K begins at 8:45 a.m. in front of Krogh’s Restaurant and Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta. Major fundraiser for the Sparta Education Foundation. Race-day registration is $40 for adult 5K, $35 for youth 5K (age 17 or younger) and $25 for the Fun Run. Register online at kroghsturkeytrot.com
Friday, Nov. 29
Christmas Tree Lighting: Sussex Fire Department and EMS will escort Santa into town. Holiday crafts, free hot chocolate, hot dogs and popcorn. 6:30 p.m. at 2 E. Main St., Sussex. Hosted by the Sussex Borough Community & Cultural Events Advisory Committee.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Breakfast with Santa: Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice, pastries and hot cocoa bar. 9 to 11 a.m. at Wantage United Methodist Church, 199 Libertyville Road. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. Children younger than 3 admitted for free. Reservations required. Leave a message at 973-875-4488 or text Melissa at 973-997-1822 with name, how many attending and first name and age of children so they may receive a gift from Santa.
Holiday Parade: Theme of “All I Want for Christmas.” Begins at 10 a.m. on Spring Street in Newton.
Holiday Vendor Fair: Food, home decor, crafts, unique gifts and more for sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church, 614 County Road 517, Vernon. Free admission. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 5563.
Christmas Tree Lighting: Visit by Santa, live music by the Franklin Band, photos provided by Boy Scout Troop 90, crafts and hot chocolate. 5 p.m. at the Senior Center, 6 Cork Hill Road, Franklin. Organized by the Franklin Borough Recreation Committee.
Christmas Light Parade: Lineup begins at 5 p.m. at 1 Railroad Ave., Branchville. Hosted by Branchville Hose Company #1. For information, call Khyle at 862-354-3336.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Christmas Market: Vendors selling hand-crafted items, refreshments, arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and first night of “Christmas Past” lighting. Free entry. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for the Highlander Success Center. 2 to 6 p.m. at Wallisch Homestead, 65 Lincoln Ave., West Milford.
Christmas Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. at Lake Mohawk in Sparta.
Monday, Dec. 2
West Milford Holiday Tree Lighting: Festivities start at 6 p.m. in front of the municipal building, 1470 Union Valley Road. Lighting of the tree at about 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Holiday Concert: Broadway star Craig Schulman will perform Broadway classics and holiday favorites at 7 p.m. at Sussex County Community College’s Performing Arts Center, One College Hill Road, Newton. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students, veterans and SCCC employees. They may be purchased online at sussex.simpletix.com
Saturday, Dec. 7
Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frankford Township School, 2 Pines Road, Branchville.
“Happy Holidays 2024”: Dance performances, including selections in jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, tap, musical theatre and hip hop, by students of Dance Expression Dance Arts in Hamburg. Shows at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. in Sparta High School auditorium, 70 W. Mountain Road. Free for senior citizens age 62 and older; no ticket required. General admission tickets available at the door. For information, call 973-823-9500.
Christmas Festival of Lights: Songs and lighting of 30 decorated trees donated by members from 4 to 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 246 Woodport Road, Sparta. Live Nativity and visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their helpers. Free admission. Hot chocolate, cookies, breads and muffins will be provided. Donations of nonperishable pet food welcome to support Father John’s Animal House and Hopatcong Animal Shelter.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Breakfast with Santa: Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and home fries. 8 to 11 a.m. at McAfee Fire Department, Route 94. Santa will arrive at 8:30 a.m. for photos. $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $8 for children. Children age 4 and younger admitted for free. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Breakfast with Santa: 8 to 11 a.m. Hosted by Branchville Hose Company #1, 1 Railroad Ave.
Santa Breakfast: Breakfast, games, crafts and more. Visit and photo opportunity with Santa. 9 to 11 a.m. at Lafayette House. Tickets are $39 for adults and $27 for children if purchased by Nov. 25. Babies younger than 1 admitted for free. Advance ticket purchase required; no tickets at the door. Tickets available online at jwcsparta.org/santa-breakfast Presented by the Junior Woman’s Club of Sparta.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Cookie Bake Sale: Variety of homemade cookies, including gluten-free; breads; and nuts. Gloves provided and must be worn. 10 a.m. to noon at St. Thomas of Aquin Church, 53 Kennedy Ave., Ogdensburg. 973-827-0360. Snow date: Saturday, Dec. 21.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Bazaar and Adoption Event: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta. Sponsored by Eleventh Hour Rescue.
Wreaths Across America: Ceremony at noon followed by placement of wreaths at Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 75 N. Church Road, Sparta. Sponsor a wreath for $17 online at wreathsacrossamerica.org/Shop/Product/597?tid=ED40E033-F9A6-4EF1-ADD1-623E0E182BF6&pageIds=21274,171871
Wreaths Across America: Ceremony at noon followed by placement of wreaths at Old Newton Burial Ground, 79 Main St. Sponsor a wreath for $17 online at wreathsacrossamerica.org/Shop/Product/597?tid=E10BB44E-6C83-422F-B8AC-BB7C0AAD5B23&pageIds=150500,150499
“The Nutcracker”: Presented by the Centre for Dance Artistry at 1 p.m. at Newton High School. Tickets are $22. Purchase them online at thecentrefordanceartistry.com/cda-store/
Operation Toy Train: Santa arrives on train at 2:40 p.m. at Newfoundland Station, 1667 Green Pond Road. Bring a new unwrapped toy.
Operation Toy Train: Free children’s games, crafts, model train display, robotics demonstration, visit by Smokey the Bear and Touch-a-Truck display. 1 to 6 p.m. at Sparta Train Station, 30 Station Road. Santa arrives on train at 3:55 p.m. Bring a new unwrapped toy. Ice cream and baked goods available for purchase.
Operation Toy Train: Train arrives at 4:50 p.m. (please arrive at 4 p.m.) at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 50 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon. Bring a new unwrapped train. Santa will be there.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Yuletide Stroll: 11 a.m. on Main Street in Stillwater.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Christmas Market: Shopping from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sussex United Methodist Church, 15 Bank St. Soup, coffee, hot chocolate and tea available for purchase.
Ongoing events:
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village: Mile-long drive-thru holiday light show. Indoor Christmas Village open from 5 p.m. until close. Photos with Santa. Winter beer garden. Nov. 22-Dec. 30. 94 Championship Place, Augusta. Tickets start at $29. Buy them online at vivenu.com/seller/sussex-county-miners-oiwj
49th annual Victorian Christmas: The first floor of Ringwood Manor, 1304 Sloatsburg Road, is decorated for the holidays and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays Nov. 29-Dec. 15. Tickets available at the door for $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens age 62 and older, and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children age 5 and younger are admitted for free. Victorian Christmas Evening Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased online at ringwoodmanor.org/evening-christmas-concerts.html For information, call 973-962-2240 or go online to ringwoodmanor.org
German Christmas Market of New Jersey: Vendors, entertainment and family activities. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance for ages 13 and older; $7 at the door and $5 in advance for senior citizens age 62 and older. Free admission for veterans and children age 12 and younger. Buy tickets online at tickets.njstatefair.org/tickets Most of the proceeds are donated to Sussex County charities.
“Tis The Season To Sing - A Holiday Sing Along”: Presented by the West Milford Players at 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 6 and Saturday Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the West Milford Presbyterian Church, 1452 Union Valley Road. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at thewestmilfordplayers.org
Christmas in the Village: Jefferson Museum, decorated as “Candy Land Christmas,” will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Free admission. 315 Dover-Milton Road, Jefferson.
Send information about events to editor.ann@strausnews.com
Wreaths Across America: N
“The Nutcracker”: Presented by the Centre for Dance Artistry at 1 p.m. at Newton High School. Tickets are $22. Purchase them online at thecentrefordanceartistry.com/cda-store/
Operation Toy Train: Santa arrives on train at 2:40 p.m. at Newfoundland Station, 1667 Green Pond Road. Bring a new unwrapped toy.
Operation Toy Train: Free children’s games, crafts, model train display, robotics demonstration, visit by Smokey the Bear and Touch-a-Truck display. 1 to 6 p.m. at Sparta Train Station, 30 Station Road. Santa arrives on train at 3:55 p.m. Bring a new unwrapped toy. Ice cream and baked goods available for purchase.
Operation Toy Train: Train arrives at 4:50 p.m. (please arrive at 4 p.m.) at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 50 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon. Bring a new unwrapped train. Santa will be there.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Yuletide Stroll: 11 a.m. on Main Street in Stillwater.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Christmas Market: Shopping from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sussex United Methodist Church, 15 Bank St. Soup, coffee, hot chocolate and tea available for purchase.
Ongoing events:
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village: Mile-long drive-thru holiday light show. Indoor Christmas Village open from 5 p.m. until close. Photos with Santa. Winter beer garden. Nov. 22-Dec. 30. 94 Championship Place, Augusta. Tickets start at $29. Buy them online at vivenu.com/seller/sussex-county-miners-oiwj
49th annual Victorian Christmas: The first floor of Ringwood Manor, 1304 Sloatsburg Road, is decorated for the holidays and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays Nov. 29-Dec. 15. Tickets available at the door for $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens age 62 and older, and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children age 5 and younger are admitted for free. Victorian Christmas Evening Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased online at ringwoodmanor.org/evening-christmas-concerts.html For information, call 973-962-2240 or go online to ringwoodmanor.org
German Christmas Market of New Jersey: Vendors, entertainment and family activities. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance for ages 13 and older; $7 at the door and $5 in advance for senior citizens age 62 and older. Free admission for veterans and children age 12 and younger. Buy tickets online at tickets.njstatefair.org/tickets Most of the proceeds are donated to Sussex County charities.
“Tis The Season To Sing - A Holiday Sing Along”: Presented by the West Milford Players at 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 6 and Saturday Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the West Milford Presbyterian Church, 1452 Union Valley Road. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at thewestmilfordplayers.org
Christmas in the Village: Jefferson Museum, decorated as “Candy Land Christmas,” will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Free admission. 315 Dover-Milton Road, Jefferson.
Send information about events to editor.ann@strausnews.com