Community Corner
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Holiday Concert, Winter Fair and Santa's Arrival This Weekend
Expect the jolly old elf himself to make an appearance at Verona’s Winter Fair on Saturday. Santa is not the only clue we have that the holidays are upon us – is decked out in her holiday best and ready for tours; the Rutgers Chorus will sing a diverse repertoire of holiday music; and local homes and historic sites are open for a walking tour. The young (and young at heart!) will want to enter the Environmental Center’s Sustainable Homes Gingerbread House Contest, and attend the workshop to perfect their masterpiece.
Read on for the details of these events and others, and please feel free to add your own suggestions for weekend fun in the Comments section. Enjoy!
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Where/When: 600 Bloomfield Ave, Verona; Saturday noon to 5 p.m.
Why Go? The arrival of Santa and the tree lighting will highlight the 15th annual festival for Verona and surrounding communities. The afternoon includes crafters, vendors, food and beverages and entertainment for all ages.
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Pricing: Free
Where/When: , 22 Crestmont Rd, Verona; Friday and Saturday noon to 4 p.m.
Why Go? Experience the castle all decked out for the holidays! Decorated in the style of circa 1928, the first floor will available for self-guided tours.
Pricing: free
Where/When: , 207 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell; Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m.
Why Go? Experience the extravagant holiday displays at 6 local residences and 3 historic 19th century homes, including , The Zenas C. Crane House, and Roseland's Harrison House during this walking tour hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex. Docents will be at each stop to answer all of your questions.
Pricing: $25 per ticket
Where/When: , 36 Gould St, Verona; Sunday at 4 p.m.
Why Go? The internationally acclaimed Rutgers University Chorus will perform the first of its’ holiday concerts, featuring special arrangements of Christmas carols, Hanukah songs, Hispanic folksongs and African-American spirituals, all reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the choir and campus.
Pricing: $10 for general admission; $25 for preferred seating and $5 for students and seniors.
Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center, 621a Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland; Saturday at 11 a.m.
Why Go? If you are planning to enter "6th Annual Sustainable Homes Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit" at the Environmental Center, but need a little help or advice, this is the workshop for you! Some materials will be provided, however participants are encouraged to bring their own items. Projects must be completed by 1 p.m. to enter the contest!
Pricing: Free
Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center, 621b Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland; Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go? Shop with a variety of vendors who specialize in selling sustainable and alternative gifts for this holiday season, while the kids are kept busy making handmade recycled cards and other holiday crafts.
Pricing: Admission and crafts are free
Where/When: , 120 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell; Saturday at 1 p.m.
Why Go? This wonderful children’s opera by Seymour Barab is appropriate for the entire family. The familiar tale will be presented in the Alumni Theatre at Caldwell College.
Pricing: Suggested admission is a non-perishable food item for the Caldwell Food Pantry or a financial donation to the Music Department Scholarship Fund.
NOTE: The will be held Monday, December 5th at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
