SUNDAY EVENTS: 'Hibernation Masquerade,' Walk to Bethlehem

It may be hard to decide between which holiday treats and special occasions to attend, starting on Thursday night through the weekend. This is a long list of things to do, some of which are eagerly awaited year after year.

The holiday events are in full swing — but there still are some other interesting things to do. There's a roller derby for charity, a LEGO competition, and a chance to dance to The Fuzzy Lemons in your pajamas!

And if you need to walk off some of your party treats, there's a real hike to one of the state's most interesting rock formations listed at the end of this column.

When/Where: Starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday at 184 S. Finley Ave., and then traveling to nearby, and ending up at where this part pageant and part biblical parade, with all the biblical characters dressed in costume, with a live donkey, will conclude at about 5:30 p.m.
Why Go: A Christmas tradition for about 20 years in Basking Ridge. All are invited to "walk" the story of the Nativity. At each church carols are sung, there is a scripture reading, and there are musical presentations by the respective choirs.
Cost: Free

Where/When: December's Frost Fest wraps up with the Hibernation Masquerade from noon to 4 p.m. at the in Basking Ridge through this Sunday Dec. 18 at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road. The Fuzzy Lemons will perform live music before 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Guests are invited to wear their pajamas, make masks, listen to stories by the fire, play, and dance while saying goodnight to animals that will sleep through the winter. Other events during the day, including outdoor games from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. Information online at Somerset County Parks website.
Cost: Free, fee for some other events.

Children's Holiday Concert at the Bernards Township Library
Where/When: 11 a.m. at the at 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Join children's entertainer Kurt Gallagher for a fun-musical-interactive holiday program for all ages. No registration or tickets are required. Doors to the program will open at 10:45 a.m. for a first-come, first-served seating. Following the concert, families are invited to stay and create holiday crafts from noon to 2:00 pm.   
Cost: Free

Annual Christmas Tree Sale at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church
Where/When: The first trees are scheduled to be delivered at 7 a.m. on Saturday. The sale is scheduled for Nov. 26 through Dec. 24, or until trees sell out.
Why Go: There's nothing like a real tree, and this sale goes to support charities and community service projects. The sale has been going on for about 50 years!
Cost: Prices set for individual trees.

Handel's Messiah Selections
Where/When: The Christmas Choir will present selections from Handel's "Messiah" during the 9:15 and 11 a.m. worship services this Sunday, December 18.
Why Go: Because you can enjoy the joyous Christmas music — including the "Hallelujah Chorus" — with a choir and orchestra.
Cost: Free, donations

Photography 11 Exhibit
Where/When: The monthlong exhibit and sale featuring 28 area photographers will continue on weekends through Dec. 18 at the center at 650 King George Road in Basking Ridge. It is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Why Go: To view and possibly purchase works by some of the area's most talented photographers.
Cost: Free, bring your wallet.

Where/When: At 7 p.m. on Friday at the on Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge
Why Go: The Y's Adventure Guides and the are teaming up to bring Santa to YOUR neighborhood.
Cost: Free, drop off gift ahead of time at the YMCA's front desk, with name clearly marked, for Santa to present to your child.

When/Where: Line up at 7 p.m., step off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the flag pole on Church Street in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards Township.
Why Go: The Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce and Liberty Corner Fire Co. arrange this annual community holiday celebration, topped off by refreshments and a chance to greet Santa at the Liberty Corner Firehouse after the parade.
Cost: Free

Ridge High Orchestra Winter Concert
Where/When: The Ridge chamber and symphony orchestras will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday under the direction of Jennifer Curran, and with featured soloists.
Why Go: A treat of classical holiday and seasonal music, including Fantasia on Greensleeves, composed by R. Vaughan Williams; and Dance of the Tumblers from the Snow Maiden; by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
Cost: Free, donations accepted

Maggiano's Style Breakfast with Santa
When/Where: Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Maggiano's Little Italy in the Village at Commons.
Why Go: To partake in filling breakfast buffet with muffins, eggs and other items, all while enjoying the company of Santa himself
Cost: $18 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 to 11, and free for children under 5 years of age.

When/Where: Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. at the  in Hillsborough
Why Go: It’s Dickens’ holiday classic that's totally timeless!
Cost: $17 adults; $15 seniors and students.

New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker
When/Where: Eleven performances starting Friday at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown.
Why Go: C'mon, it's the Nutcracker. It's a Christmas thing.
Cost: $19-$59

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
When/Where: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. on the Morristown Green.
Why Go: Because Santa, a mini train and all the holiday fanfare is what gets you in the spirit.
Cost: Free

Roller Derby Double Header Charity Bout
When/Where: Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Inline Morristown.
Why Go: You love the knock down, drag out goodness of roller derby; you want to support Toys for Tots.
Cost: $12

LEGO Competition
When/Where: Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. at the , 39 Keep St., Madison.
Why Go: Children 6-12 can build something spectacular at home and bring it to the Library for a chance to win a prize!
Cost: Free

Charles Dickens' A Christmas CarolWhen/Where: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16, 17 and 18, 8 p.m. at , 36 Madison Ave, Madison.
Why go: What's Christmas without Scrooge, especially in this new incarnation of the funny, dark, and haunting morality tale.
Cost: $32-55

 
When/Where: Thursday at 7 p.m. at , 1675 Route 46 West, Parsippany
Why Go: To experience truth in advertising: The event features what its title promises, along with cocoa, Christmas spirit and joy.
Cost: Free 

When/Where: Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. at , 1130 Knoll Road, Parsippany
Why Go: To see the holidays come alive on stage, thanks to the talented and creative company at the Community Center's Parsippany Playhouse
Cost: $25


When/Where: Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at , 31 Simpson Ave., Parsippany 
Why Go: To see the iconic, innovative magazine covers of the underrated Mount Tabor illustrator 
Cost: Free

Holiday Hike
When/Where: Sunday at 1 p.m. at  Kinnelon
Why Go: Get your exercise on before eating your weight this holiday season.
Cost: Free