| Explore Warren

 

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” - William Arthur Ward (1921- 1994), American motivational writer

The Explore Warren team is grateful for our following (this means YOU!), and wishes all a blessed Thanksgiving. It warms our hearts when we meet you at various events, encouraging Wanderings sign-ups, and we're told, "I already receive it - that's how I found out about this!" That's what we're here for; spreading the word about enriching and fun things to do within our beautiful county's borders. You turn our routine jobs into joy!

Enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities, whatever your traditions may be, but we can't hold back the tide that is "The Holidays." It is already here! Various breakfasts with Santa and small-town tree lightings can be found in the Community Corner section. Warren County's Christmas tree farms are already open, Small Business Saturday is this weekend, and craft shows are all over the place, especially the first weekend in December. So get ready to jingle those bells, don those "ugly" sweaters, and get jolly with Santa!

Speaking of crafty things, the cover photo was plucked from Mackey's Orchard social media. 

Scroll, scroll, scroll and see what joys await you. Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Wanderings!

Let the Giving Season Begin: Nov. 26 - Dec.7

Coming Up: 

Thanksgiving Tailgate and Watch Party

Thursday, November 27, 2025 -
8:00am to 2:00pm

The Town of Phillipsburg and the Phillipsburg Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) will host a pre-game tailgate featuring food, fun, community and the Phillipsburg-Easton game playing on a giant screen! The traditional interstate Thanksgiving Day rivalry is believed to be the oldest in the nation, dating back to 1916. BEAT EASTON!

Christmas in the Country at Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Friday, November 28, 2025 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Visit Well-Sweep Herb Farm at a time of year when garden fairies transform the Gift Shop into a Christmas Wonderland! Beautiful handmade fresh evergreen wreaths, sprays and arrangements will be available, and orders for custom wreaths are accepted. Look for special events, tours and classes.

Centenary Stage Company's Holiday Family Spectacular: The Wizard of Oz at CSC

Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, December 14, 2025

We're off to see the wizard! Join Dorothy, Tinman, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Toto for an adventure through this beloved tale, where a small town Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home. Reserve your tickets now for CSC's annual holiday musical spectacular, which opens Friday! Also, after the 2pm show on Dec. 6, CSC adds some extra magic with a character photo fundraiser, as families are invited to meet and take photos with beloved characters from the production. Click MORE for pricing details.

Flowerland Under the Lights

Friday, November 28, 2025 -
4:00pm to 8:00pm
Friday, December 5, 2025 -
4:00pm to 8:00pm

A wonderful night of twinkling lights, scents and sounds of the season, decorating and shopping ideas, plus holiday giveaways and refreshments! Bring your camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Holiday Greenhouse Tours at Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Friday, November 28, 2025
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025

Well-Sweep invites you to experience the serenity of their greenhouses, filled with unusual blossoms and exotic scents with greenhouse tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations required.

The Cellar Dwellars Band - Thanksgiving Homecoming Show at Roy's Hall

Friday, November 28, 2025 - 8:00pm

The Cellar Dwellars Band delivers powerhouse riffs with their eclectic style and an impressive skill set, weaving their own innovative sound into the classics. Hailing from the Skylands of Northwestern NJ, this multi-talented rock band will be throwing down hits from the '60s to the '90s spanning across several genres.

Holiday Market at Tranquillity Farms

Saturday, November 29, 2025 -
10:00am to 4:00pm

Ice cream for breakfast?! Shop small with local vendors, kids crafts and activities, visit Santa, pre-cut Christmas trees and other greenery, decorate your own wreath, food, special ice cream menu and more! Accepting canned goods or unwrapped gifts for collections at Benny’s Bodega.

Pop-Up Market at Orchard View Lavender Farm

Saturday, November 29, 2025 -
10:00am to 4:00pm

Shop the lavender farm on Small Business Saturday and help the Outreach Connection program by donating items to theie food pantry via Orchard View.

Country Christmas Shop at Godlewsky Farms & Greenhouses

Saturday, November 29, 2025 to Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025 to Sunday, December 14, 2025
Monday, December 15, 2025 to Saturday, December 20, 2025

Godlewsky Farms is celebrating the season by inviting everyone to enjoy their shop complete with wreaths, handmade grave blankets, fresh cut trees, center pieces and more!

Holiday Market at Blue Bird Antiques and More

Saturday, November 29, 2025 -
10:00am to 4:00pm

Blue Bird Antiques and More will be open on Small Business Saturday with complimentary drinks and food, candy cane discounts, the clearance vault, holiday and vintage decor and so much more! 'Tis the season to shop local!

Jingle on Main in Blairstown

Saturday, November 29, 2025 -
10:00am to 4:00pm

 A festive Small Business Saturday event featuring over 50 local vendors, food and music, presented by the Blairstown Enhancement Committee and held throughout Blairstown's Historic Main Street.

Corks and Crafts at Brook Hollow Winery

Saturday, November 29, 2025 -
11:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday, November 30, 2025 -
11:00am to 4:00pm

Get a jump on your holiday shopping at Brook Hollow's weekend event featuring local vendors, wine, and live music! Plus, photos with Santa!

Shop Small Saturday in Hackettstown

Saturday, November 29, 2025 - 12:00pm

Come out for Hackettstown's Shop Small Saturday for live music, great bargains, a chance to spin the wheel for BID bucks.

Santa Visits Invertase Brewing Co.

Saturday, November 29, 2025 -
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, December 21, 2025 - 2:30pm

Santa Claus is coming to Invertase! Bring your kids, friends & pets; Santa has a gift for everyone! Candy for the kids, treats for pets and Santa will be buying visiting adults a 5-oz. pour of their choosing (he recommends the Christmas Stout, Glad Tidings). Bring your phone or camera for photos.

Holiday Celebration with Tree Lighting in Downtown Phillipsburg

Sunday, November 30, 2025 -
12:00pm to 6:00pm

Be part of the magic in Downtown Phillipsburg! Annual Tree Lighting & Mistletoe Market includes a wide variety of family-friendly activities, crafts and fun contests, music and caroling, and Santa will make an appearance!

King's Gambit Extended Hours

Friday, December 5, 2025 -
7:00am to 1:00pm
Friday, December 5, 2025 -
5:00pm to 8:06pm

Another merchant staying open late to keep you in the town of Belvidere for its evolving First Friday endeavor! Choose a specialty coffee or tea and stroll through town! Keep an eye on King's Gambit's social media for this developing story.

Hometown Holiday in Washington Borough

Friday, December 5, 2025 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm

Hometown Holiday is a celebration that will light up the downtown with Santa selfies, free crafts for kids, horse and carriage rides (weather permitting), cookies and hot chocolate, live music, strolling brass band and more!

Hackettstown's Annual Hometown Holiday

Friday, December 5, 2025 - 5:00pm
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025

The Hackettstown BID hosts its annual Hometown Holiday celebration with music, Santa Selfie Station, Gingerbread house contest and much more!

Late Night @ Harpers Grill - plus Santa!

Friday, December 5, 2025 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm

Harper's Grill will be open 7am-8pm, with Santa stopping by for photos from 5-7pm! The eatery normally closes at 3pm, so this is an opportunity to enjoy dinner there for a change.

First Friday @ Belvidere Books

Friday, December 5, 2025 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm

Belvidere Books and other shops and eateries in Belvidere will stay open late on December 5. Live music, outdoor fire pits, drinks, extra special snacks and a hot chocolate bar!

Wreath Making Class at Czig Meister Brewing Co.

Friday, December 5, 2025 -
6:00pm to 7:00pm

Swing by Czig Meister's for a festive wreath making workshop presented by Creek Bend Farm. You ticket includes a pint and materials for your unique project.

16th Annual Crafts in the Warren Tech

Saturday, December 6, 2025 -
9:00am to 3:00pm

More than 125 of the area's finest crafters and artisans come together for this one-day juried event to display their unique handmade items. The event features door prizes, lunch options, bake sales, and more for a fun-filled holiday shopping experience. $2 entry fee.

Community Craft Market in Hackettstown

Saturday, December 6, 2025 -
10:00am to 3:00pm

Embrace the holiday spirit and discover a treasure drove of unique handmade crafts, delightful treats, and festive joy.

48th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market

Saturday, December 6, 2025 -
10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, December 7, 2025 -
10:00am to 4:00pm

This popular town-wide holiday tradition, now in its 48th year, spans two days, with seven buildings full of holiday cheer to explore. Nominal entrance fee to enter all buildings both days, including complimentary shuttle service to get around town. Be sure to pop in the local stores, too!

Holiday Yule at Roseberry House

Saturday, December 6, 2025 -
3:00pm to 6:00pm

The Phillipsburg Area Historical Society invites you to celebrate Roseberry Yule 2025! Carolers from the elementary school, snacks, and historical speaker Jeff Finegan will share how George Washington spent the holidays over the years. 

Everitt House Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 6, 2025 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm

Everitt House Bed and Breakfast is spreading Christmas cheer with an evening of carolers, NJCYB performs excerpts from The Nutcracker, Greene's Beans and Sweet Bite Delights offering food and drinks, music and more!

Shippen Manor

Sunday, December 7, 2025 -
2:00pm to 4:00pm
Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
2:00pm to 4:00pm

Shippen Manor decked out in its Christmas finery! Walk-throughs welcome to visit with Victorian Santa.

 
Entertainment: 

Live Music @ Living Spirits Distillery

Saturday, November 29, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, November 30, 2025 - 2:00pm

Hackettstown own distillery is open and bringing the live music featuring DJ Alyssa 11/26; Ciro Patti, Jr. 11/29; The Masons 11/30.

Brook Hollow Live Music - November

Friday, November 28, 2025
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with OPEN MIC NIGHT 11/28; Katy Gerhold 11/29; Ashley Marquez 11/30.

Brook Hollow Live Music - December

Friday, December 5, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Friday, December 26, 2025
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Sunday, December 28, 2025

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with Water Street 12/5; Katy Gerhold 12/6; Rich Ortiz 12/7; OPEN MIC NIGHT 12/12; Scott Messina 12/13; Ally Brown 12/14; Rich Berry 12/19; Stan and Elise 12/20; Michael Long 12/21; OPEN MIC NIGHT 12/26; John Cain 12/27; Ashley Marquez 12/28.

Live Music @ Tiptons Tavern

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Saturday, December 27, 2025

Tipton's has live music every weekend featuring Whiskey Mansion 12/6; Tim VG 12/12; Harmony Garage Band  and UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY 12/13; Cowboy and The Hippies 12/19; Cody Templeton (solo) 12/20; Bobby Clark 12/27.

 
Continuing: 

Friday Night Meal Deal at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, December 5, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, December 12, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, December 19, 2025 - 6:00pm

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Walk the Halls Where History Happened @ Rutherfurd Hall

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve your spot by emailing jsalvas@aes.k12.nj.us

5th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Market @ Kathy's Kove

Kathy's Kove invites everyone to shop for the holiday season at its Fair Trade market, running from November into December, Wednesday through Sunday. These gifts are created in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the US and feature fine hand-made items whose proceeds support Ghana4E.

 
Community Corner: 

Jingle Eve in Blairstown

Friday, November 28, 2025 - 6:00pm

Take part in this growing town tradition of locally sponsored tree lighting while enjoying hot cocoa, Christmas carols, visits from Santa and not to forget the light parade!

Open Volunteer Day with RVC

Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 12:00pm

Be an agent of change by volunteering some time at one of RVC's many trails. Tools will be provided appropriate to the project.

Alpha Borough Tree Lighting

Friday, December 5, 2025 - 6:00pm

Join the Alpha Volunteer Fire Co. for holiday music, light refreshments and a tree lighting to make the season official.

Breakfast with Santa at Architects Golf Club

Saturday, December 6, 2025 -
9:00am to 12:00pm
Sunday, December 14, 2025 -
9:00am to 12:00pm

Ol' Saint Nick will be posing for photos with boys and girls and listening to their Christmas wish lists! Limited seating is available; you are encouraged to make reservations as early as possible.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Knowlton Twp.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 - 5:30pm

Come out to Tunnel Field for Knowlton's tree lighting and meet Santa at 6pm. Free refreshments include hot dogs, coffee, hot cocoa, cookies and doughnuts provided by the Lions Club.

Guided Hikes led by Washington Borough Green Team

Sunday, December 7, 2025 - 11:00am
Sunday, December 21, 2025 - 11:00am
Sunday, January 4, 2026 - 11:00am
Sunday, January 18, 2026 - 11:00am
Sunday, February 1, 2026 - 11:00am
Sunday, February 15, 2026 - 11:00am

Washington Borough's Green Team will be leading hikes through the Shabbecong Mountain Preserve the first and third Sundays of December, January and February.

Heartsaver CPR training at Rutherfurd Hall

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 -
6:00pm to 9:00pm

Heartsaver CPR provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, and first aid training. This course empowers students to act with confidence in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.

 
Plan Ahead: 

Hope's Annual Moravian Christmas

Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 4:00pm

Hope's annual Moravian Christmas features 1,500 luminaries lining the whole village. Walking tours (guided and self-guided) for a fee. Other activities include the Festival of Trees and refreshments at the Community Center, Putz replica of the Nativity Story at the Distillery, and a Live Nativity in the barn.

“A Very Slambovian Christmas” at Roy's Hall

Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 8:00pm

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams is a perennial favorite at Roy’s Hall, and their Christmas show has become one of the band's premier events of the year, consistently selling out. Drawing on a set list comprised of traditional Christmas songs with a twist, a sprinkling of original holiday tunes, and a generous helping of non-traditional musical fare, it is guaranteed there will be something for everyone!

Water Gap Singers presents Holiday Song Festival

Sunday, December 14, 2025 - 4:00pm

Swing into the holiday season with the Water Gap Singers, who will perform a variety of seasonal music - including Vivaldi's Gloria - under the direction of Joseph Mello. Free - with goodwill offerings gratefully accepted - and a reception after the performance. 

The Nutcracker at Centenary Stage Co.

Friday, December 19, 2025 - 7:00pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 12:00pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 5:00pm
Sunday, December 21, 2025 - 2:00pm

An enchanting ballet and holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is a classic production for all ages. With the talented young dancers of the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet, Warren County's only non-profit ballet company, and featuring professional dancers from around the world, this production is sure to delight!

Please be advised that we do our best to make sure the information in this message is accurate at the time it is sent. But things happen, plans change, weather can be fickle... you get the idea. Please click on the links provided to other websites to obtain further details and updates.