Holiday Pop-Ups, Light Displays, SantaCons: Events In NJ This Weekend

NEW JERSEY — This time of year is always busy with special events and bright holiday displays to check out in New Jersey, and this weekend is certainly no different. Patch took a look at the calendar (and the forecast) to find some ideas for those who are ready to get out of the house.

Saturday is predicted to be warm for mid-December, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 50s and sunny skies — so it looks like a great day to shop local craft markets, and a nice night to see some holiday light displays.

Another major storm front will move through the area this weekend, though forecasters predicted that the bulk of the wind and rain will hold off until Sunday. Up to 3 inches of precipitation could fall with this storm system — read the latest info here.

With that in mind, here are some ideas for things to do in the Garden State this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and Dec. 17.

Christmas Market at Colonial Nursery, Middletown

There will be a wide variety of vendors tucked into the greenhouses, as well as 'reindeer' pony rides, live music, food trucks and more. Read more here.

The holiday market goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, Dec. 16 and 17, at Colonial Nursery, 1124 W Front St, Middletown.

Holiday Pop-Up at Two River Theater, Red Bank

Live music, local vendors, and artisans with independently-produced goods can help check off your gift list. Community groups will also be on hand to share information and resources. Read more here.

This event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank.

Lighting Up Nature at Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood

Swing by Jakes Branch, which will be aglow with their free, neighborhood-style drive through light display. Read more here.

This event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Dec. 15 through 18 at the park, 1100 Double Trouble Rd, Beachwood.

SantaCon, in both Hoboken and Seaside Heights (21+)

Local bars and restaurants will host revelers in their best Santa Claus suits, elf ears, and other holiday costumes on Saturday in these two Garden State communities. Both are raising money for charity, as well. At the Seaside Heights event, you're asked to bring an unwrapped toy and nonperishable food item when you check in, and ticket proceeds go to Jersey Chivers Charities. For Ho-Ho-Hoboken, a portion of the proceeds from the events go to Toys for Tots.

Festival of Trees at Morven Museum and Garden, Princeton

Local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations have decked the halls (and galleries, and porches, and mantles) at this annual holiday display, running through Jan. 7.

Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors, students (with ID), youth ages 7-18, and active military or veterans (with ID). Children 6 and under are free.

Address is 55 Stockton Street, Princeton NJ.