Compiled by Katrina Langer
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Greater Morristown.
Sit on Santa’s lap. Ride an electric choo-choo. Visit a gingerbread wonderland. Time-travel to a Civil War holiday. Sample a Celtic Yuletide. Sing the Hallelujah chorus.
And that’s just for starters. Scroll below for many intriguing weekend activities. Want more? Don’t forget our handy calendar.
THURSDAY, NOV. 29, 2012:
The Morristown Neighborhood House holds its annual gala, rescheduled because of Hurricane Sandy, starting at 6 pm at the Hyatt Morristown. It’s a fundraiser for the Nabe’s after-school tutoring and mentoring programs, which took a huge hit after its primary sponsor was a victim of state budget cuts. The evening will feature a silent auction and entertainment by pianist Nick Sainato and the Midnight Street Shakers, a Chicago- and Texas blues band. Civic leaders will be honored, too. To attend, please contact Mable Stapleton at 973-538-1229 x 20 or e-mail stapletm@neighborhood-house.org.
History buffs don’t like it, but many residents do. CVS aims to build a pharmacy at the corner of Speedwell Avenue and Spring Street in Morristown. The town council will weigh the matter at 7 pm in town hall; should be a lively meeting.
Take a hilarious journey with comedian Steven Wright at 8pm at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown. Tickets: $29-$59. Language and mature themes. Call 973-539-8008 for more details.
FRIDAY, NOV. 30:
Wander through the Annual Gingerbread Wonderland at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum from now until Dec. 8. Enjoy 200 charming, edible structures of The Wonderland from 10 am to 8 pm today; check the arboretum website for weekly hours. Admission: $2 per person.
This year’s election wasn’t nasty; it was part of a grand tradition! Ask Abigail Adams. Her husband John battled Thomas Jefferson in a 1796 presidential race that set a standard for mud-slinging that has endured for more than two centuries. Abby–channeled by historical re-enactor Kim Hanley–will speak at the Morristown & Township Library at 7 pm. It’s a do-over of a presentation postponed by Hurricane Sandy. And it’s so good that the library is staying open late for the performance. Admission is free. The library is at 1 Miller Road in Morristown.
Get a first-hand look at the time-honored rituals and spectacular imagery of Kung Fu as presented by the Shaolin Warriors, at 7:30 pm at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $19-$39. Call 973-539-8008 for more details.
Known individually as successful musicians, Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor and Joe Jencks come together as Brother Sun, with openers The Sea, The Sea, at The Minstrel, from 8 pm to 11 pm, at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, at 21 Normandy Heights Road, in Morris Township. Adults $7, Children 12 and under are free.
Universal Rebel brings its feel-good hip hop repertoire to Pete’s Pub, at 119 Morris St. in Morristown, at 10 pm.
Over at Hennessey’s Washington Pub, meanwhile, Jon Zlock and his guitar will be entertaining tavern-goers at 10 pm. The pub is at 140 Morris St. in Morristown.
SATURDAY, DEC. 1:
The Presbyterian Church in Morristown is hosting a morning workshop, “What Can You Do about the Problem of Human Trafficking?” from 9 am to noon at the Parish House, at 65 South St. Speakers represent the United Nations, the Presbyterian Church of the US, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The event is free and open to the public.
The Junior League of Morristown’s Third Annual Holiday Gift Expo kicks off at 10 am at the Hyatt Morristown and Headquarters Plaza. Admission: $5. Find a list of vendors at juniorleagueofmorristown.blogspot.com.
It’s a Civil War Christmas from noon to 4 pm at Historic Speedwell in Morristown. Visit the encampment and speak with soldiers from the 2nd NJ Brigade as they prepare for a holiday away from home. Then chat with family members back home and hear them read actual letters from Union troops written during the holidays. Last, but certainly not least, attend a Civil War era Officer’s Ball, recreated in the 1849 Carriage House with live fiddlers, and an authentic period dance instructor. Traditional crafts, treats, and more will be provided. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; and $5 for children ages 4 to 16. Call 972-285-6550 for more information.
Week 1 of the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green commences at 3 pm. Here is the schedule:
- 3 pm – 7 pm – Santa Visits & Photos
- 1 pm – 7 pm – Electric Train Rides
- 2 pm – Ice Sculpting Demonstration
Michael Londra’s Celtic Yuletide comes to the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown at 8 pm. The warm glow of Ireland heats up a cold December night when Michael Londra and some of Ireland’s finest musicians and dancers perform seasonal songs full of the holiday spirit of a traditional Celtic Christmas on the Emerald Isle. Tickets: $39-59. Call 973-539-8008 for more.
SUNDAY, DEC. 2:
The Morristown Unitarian Fellowship recognizes World AIDS Day with two services at 9 am and 11 am, and two HIV learning sessions at 10 am and 12 pm. HIV testing will be available. Free and open to the community.
During two services at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, Matthew Webb conducts the Chancel Choir and the Baroque Chamber Orchestra in a performance of Handel’s Messiah, Part I. 9:15 and 11 am. Freewill offering.
The Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green continues:
- Noon – 3 pm & 4 pm – 7 pm – Santa Visits & Photos
- 1 pm – 7 pm – Electric Train Rides
- 2 pm – Ice Sculpting Demonstration
The Christmas encampment at Historic Speedwell continues, from noon to 4 pm. See Saturday entry for details.
Morristown’s Sunday Night Portrait Drawing Sessions have returned to ArtSpace at 14 Elm Street. Sessions run from 6 pm to 9 pm and feature live models and camaraderie for $10.
Kevin Coughlin contributed to this preview.
