Mostly Free & Fun Things to Do With NJ Kids This Weekend Nov 22- Nov 23: Colonial Thanksgiving, Santa, Rudolph & More!

11/19/14 - By Laurie Rein

Holiday décor in the stores… Black Friday ads in the mail… Santa making his rounds…it’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season. And there are plenty of ways to get in the holiday spirit on this pre-Turkey weekend. Commence your Thanksgiving celebration, colonial-style, at an 18th Century Thanksgiving Dinner Demonstration. Greet Santa when he arrives at Camden Children’s Garden. Even the family pet can get in on the Santa action during Pet Photo Night at Quakerbridge Mall. And theatre buffs can rejoice in all kinds of family-friendly performances this weekend, including The Monster Who Ate My Peas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, 360 ALLSTARS and Little Red and the Hoods. For even more weekend fun, check out the full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

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Rodgers and Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing (Union, NJ)
Enjoy famous and iconic hits by musical theater trailblazers Rodgers and Hammerstein. The revue, presented by Union High School Performing Arts Company, features songs from some of their most influential musicals, such as The King and I and The Sound of Music.

Retreat Weekend (Fort Lee, NJ)
Step into history at this hands-on event which commemorates the 238th anniversary of the British invasion into New Jersey. Activities include music, cooking, artillery demonstrations and more, at Fort Lee Historic Park.

Saturday, November 22nd

Santa Comes to iPlay America (Freehold, NJ)
Santa Claus will stop his sleigh at iPlay America for a morning of holiday fun from 10am to noon. Parents must register their children for the event, which is free with the donation of an unwrapped gift. Registered participants will get a free picture with Santa and a souvenir frame.

360 ALLSTARS (New York, NY)
Hop on the train to New York for this cant-miss performance, showcasing seven sensational champions on a single stage at the New Victory Theater. Following the event, join Mommy Poppins readers for an exclusive cookie-decorating party. Check the link for ticket discounts.

Kids Choice Car Show (Cinnaminson, NJ)
Rev up your engines and check out the cars on display, where a winner will be chosen by the kids. The show also features music, food and family activities. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey.

Santa Arrives at Camden Children’s Garden (Camden, NJ)
Celebrate an early Christmas as Santa visits the Garden. Holiday crafts, treats, Christmas carols and Santa photos are all part of the festivities.

The Monster Who Ate My Peas (South Orange, NJ)
Not a fan of peas? The family will appreciate this amusing musical about a boy who can’t stand them, and a monster who tries to cut a deal to help out. The kids will be entertained and engaged in this tale about will power.

Sunday November 23rd

18th Century Thanksgiving Dinner Demonstration (Westfield, NJ)
Step back in time and experience the traditions of colonial Thanksgiving at the Miller-Cory House Museum. Participants will learn about preparing an early American Thanksgiving feast and proper colonial table customs.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (Branchburg, NJ)
If your kids haven’t seen Rudolph, or would love to see him on the big stage, watch this beloved television tale come to life at the Raritan Valley Community College theatre. Join the red-nosed reindeer himself, Santa, the snow monster and more in this musical spin on the 50 year old classic.

Pet Photo Night with Santa (Lawrence Township, NJ)
Has your pet been naughty or nice this year? Bring your puppy or kitten to the Quaker Bridge Mall’s Center Court to pose for cute Santa photos. Pet owners are responsible for their actions, so let’s hope there’s no naughty.

Silly on Sixth Presents Little Red and the Hoods (Hoboken, NJ)
Head on over to the Hudson School Performance Space for a fun, interactive adaptation of the classic tale. Your child may even be chosen to join the performers on stage.

Open Arms: Family Evening (Cherry Hill, NJ)
The Garden State Discovery Museum hosts a special evening for families of children of children on the autism spectrum. This free event features open play and discovery in a safe and interactive environment.

Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids this month; GO NOVEMBER is full of family fun!

And don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar. And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.