12 Days Of Cheer In Hillsborough: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Hillsborough. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Hillsborough feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. See the local lights in and around Hillsborough.

Grab some hot chocolate and take a drive around town to find beautifully decorated homes. For 20 years, the Volpe family on White Meadow Road has put out intricate displays, complete with synchronized lights, blow-up holiday figures, a flying Santa and a three-story light tree. Head to Starview Drive to see a light show with synchronized music. Keep a lookout while you’re driving—there may be more to see around your neighborhood this year!

2. Take a Holiday Hayride at Norz Hill Farm.

Climb into a tractor-drawn hayride at Norz Hill Farm and enjoy a tour of the farm, interactive displays and Christmas decorations. You can also visit the Norz Hill Farm Living Nativity to hear a Christmas story and interact with the animals. Then, you can get cozy by the fire with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows. Norz Hill Farm’s Holiday Lights Hayrides run from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15 and are available on their website.

3. Stroll through Somerset County’s Festival of Trees.

Now in its 47th year, the Somerset County Parks Commission Festival of Trees is an indoor exhibit of over 40 decorated trees in nearby Bridgewater. Each tree is decorated by groups and individuals from the community. The Festival of Trees is open daily from Dec. 5 through 28, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, at the Environmental Education Center (closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Attendees are invited to bring new, unwrapped toy donations for Toys for Tots through Dec. 15.

4. Enjoy a holiday play with the Somerset Valley Players.

On select dates fom Dec. 5 through Dec. 21, the Somerset Valley Players are presenting “The 24 Days Before Christmas.” Based on the book by Madeleine L’Engle, this heartwarming play follows the story of Vicky Austin and her family as they prepare for Christmas and the arrival of a new baby. Tickets are $24 for adults and $22 for seniors, children and students, and can be purchased on the Somerset Valley Players’ website.

5. See the state’s largest light show at Winter Wonderlights.

The biggest animated light show in New Jersey is about 35 minutes away in East Brunswick. Winter Wonderlights is a drive-thru show with over two million lights, complete with dazzling tunnels and themed displays. You can visit Winter Wonderlights daily from Nov. 21 through Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 10 PM. Tickets are available online and start at $35 per car.

6. Find gifts for everyone on your list at Bridgewater Commons.

In nearby Bridgewater, you can shop at over 150 stores at Bridgewater Commons. Along with shopping, Bridgewaeter Commons has a full calendar of holiday events, including Santa Cares Day on Nov. 30 from 10 AM to 12 PM, when kids and families with special needs can meet Santa in a quiet atmosphere. On select dates, bring your family pet (in a carrier or on a leash) for their photo with Santa.

7. Visit a working farm and petting zoo at Abma’s Farm.

The petting zoo at Abma’s Farm here in Hillsborough is open year-round with sheep, alpaca, goats, pigs, cows, ducks and more. After spending time with the animals, you can explore the Education Barn to learn more about the farm. Amba’s Farm also has several holiday events, such as the Weihnachtsmarkt on Dec. 5 and 6 with local crafters and artisans.

8. Discover great coffee at it's a hidden cafe.

Don’t let the name fool you – it’s a hidden cafe on Route 206 is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Their menu includes espresso drinks, turmeric lattes, brewed coffee, lavender lemonade and several varieties of tea. Grab a drink after a busy day of holiday errands and find a comfy chair to read, work or catch up with friends.

9. Taste award-winning wines at Old York Cellars.

About 25 minutes away in Ringoes, Old York Cellars offers one-of-a-kind wine tastings, including guided tastings and self-guided wine flights. You can explore their menu with three-course, five-course and 14-course meals. Old York Cellars also hosts events, including Weekend Bubbly Brunch and live music on Saturdays and Sundays.

10. Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Rocket Sports Group.

Rocket Sports Group in Bridgewater boasts two NHL-sized ice sheets and two 100' x 60' ice sheets. They offer public skating hours, skating lessons, hockey lessons and more. On Dec. 5 and Dec. 19, stop by for Friday Night Theme Nights with a DJ from 8 to 10 PM (tickets required).

11. Spend time with friends at Sophie’s Bistro.

Enjoy French comfort foods like cassoulet and soupe à l’oignon gratinée at Sophie’s Bistro in nearby Somerset. Sophie’s Bistro is focused on serving hearty, well-prepared meals with fresh ingredients. They serve dinner Wednesday through Sunday, lunch Wednesday through Friday, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

12. Find unique Zen gifts at Sunnyside Gift Shop.

Since 2015, Sunnyside Gift Shop on Triangle Road has been inspiring joy with fun, one-of-a-kind gifts. They offer a wide range of Zen and spirituality gifts, such as candles, incense and fragrance oils. Sunnyside Gift Shop also sells handcrafted jewelry, crafts, toys and Funko Pop collectibles. Sunnyside Gift Shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 7 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Hillsborough!

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