5 Things to Do in the Region

We expect many of you will, like us, spend much of the weekend dealing with last-minute mishegas for the holidays. But should you have some leisure time to spend alone, with family or with friends, here are some diverting events to consider.

1. Be a part of the first Super Santa 5K Run! The race, which will feature competitors dressed as Kris Kringle, starts and finishes at Ginty Field Saturday morning in Morris Township. It's a great way to burn off calories from those leftover latkes and Christmas cookies. The Morris Township Fire Department will open its firehouse to provide warm shelter for runners before and after the run. Proceeds from the run benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation. Register online if you'd like to don a Santa suit and run; the cost is $35 or, for USA Track and Field members, $32.  On-site registration on the day of the event is $40. The race starts at 10 a.m. Get running, Santas!
2. Can it even be the holiday season without a performance of the classic ballet "The Nutcracker?" The beloved Christmas story comes to the Centenary Stage Company's Sitnik Theater in performances by the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Show times are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Call the box office for tickets at 908-979-0900 or order them online.
3. The Valley View Chapel Sanctuary Choir  presents Journey of Faith: A Christmas Musical, a contemporary concert about the journey of faith that culminated in the birth of Jesus Christ.  The 30-voice choir will feature full orchestral accompaniment and solos, duets, trios and a children's choir.  The concert will also feature cherished songs of the season including many children's holiday favorites. Admission is free and the whole family is invited. The performance takes place Saturday at 4 p.m. at Valley View Chapel, 115 E. Mill Road in Long Valley.
4. For adults, the holiday shopping season is the perfect time to get their drink on. Saturday is the day: Morristown presents its eight annual Santa Pub Crawl starting at 6 p.m. A big change is in place for 2013's version—there will be no set route, which organizers say will help prevent bars from becoming overcrowded. One thing, however, stays the same. Participants are encouraged to dress up as the red-suited, super Superman or Mrs. Claus and spread Christmas cheer. Santas for a Day are asked to be on their best merry behavior, to avoid pouting and to be good, for goodness' sake.
5. The reception for painter and printmaker Andrea Epstein's exhibit "Bold Impressions" was postponed due to snow and will be held Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Lundt-Glover Gallery in the Chatham Township Municipal Building, 58 Meyersville Road. All are welcome to attend the rescheduled event; it is free and refreshments will be served.  The exhibit features paintings and prints by Epstein and it will run until March 11, 2014. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.