12 Days Of Cheer In Morristown: 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 Morristown. 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 Morristown 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. Feel the magic of the holidays at the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green.

Head to the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green weekends from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21 for photos with Santa, ice sculpture demonstrations and miniature train rides. The month-long festival will feature a variety of activities and performances throughout the season. Check the event page for the full schedule of what’s happening each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

2. Perfect your ice skating skills at Mennen Arena.

With programs for ice skating, hockey and skating lessons, Mennen Arena is a great place to take your skating skills to the next level. Mennen Arena offers public skate times seven days a week, with added sessions during school winter break. Entry fees are $11 on weekends and holidays, $9 on weekdays and $12 for Friday Night DJ Skate.

3. Take your time over a cup of coffee at LOKL Cafe.

Everyone is welcome to stay for a while at LOKL Cafe. This cozy South Street cafe offers a full menu of espresso drinks, coffee and tea, along with sandwiches and pastries. LOKL Cafe is open seven days a week from early morning until 7 PM (8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays).

4. Enjoy the festivities with Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo.

The Turtle Back Zoo will be fully decorated for the season during their Holiday Lights event. This event runs daily from Nov. 28 through Jan. 3 (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day). You can indulge in holiday treats like s’mores and hot cocoa while enjoying the twinkling lights. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring donations of toys, coats or non-perishable food items.

5. Find New Jersey-themed gifts at Just Jersey.

You can support local crafters and makers at Just Jersey, a gift shop dedicated to celebrating the Garden State. Their curated selection of goods includes home decor, kitchen items, gift baskets, apparel and accessories sourced from New Jersey businesses and artisans. Just Jersey is located on South Street and open seven days a week.

6. Stay active on the trails at the Schiff Nature Preserve.

Enjoy our area’s natural beauty just down the road in Mendham at the Schiff Nature Preserve. With 12 miles of trails ranging in length from 0.5 miles to 2.4 miles, hikers have plenty of opportunities to see native flora and fauna. The trails at Schiff Nature Preserve are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

7. Enjoy a modern spin on classic dishes at Bistro 46.

At Bistro 46, the chefs start with the freshest ingredients to create delicious, memorable meals. Their menu features empanadas with braised short ribs, seafood risotto and Maryland crab cakes. This Elm Street spot is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 3 to 9 PM.

8. Support a local nonprofit with great coffee at Ethan & the Bean.

Ethan & the Bean is known for two things: great coffee and providing employment support and opportunities for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. Stop into their Speedwell Avenue shop for fresh-brewed coffee, espresso drinks and delicious pastries. Ethan & the Bean is open seven days a week and is the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of holiday errands.

9. Take a dazzling holiday tour at the Orchard of Lights.

About 40 minutes away in Hillsdale, you can enjoy 32 acres of holiday displays at the Orchard of Lights. As you’re driving through the tour, make sure to turn your radio to 107.9 FM to enjoy the lights with holiday music. After the tour, you can stop by the fire pit for a cup of hot cocoa. The Orchard of Lights is open on weekends in November and December from 5 to 9 PM. Reservations are required and must be booked online.

10. Watch a holiday show at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been promoting the performing arts in northern New Jersey since 1994. This year, they have a full event calendar with several holiday-themed performances throughout December. You can see the New Jersey Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 12 through 27 and “A Magical Cirque Christmas” on Dec. 7. At the end of the season, ring in the New Year with First Night Morris 2026.

11. Find thoughtful and unique home goods at The Depot.

Located on Mt. Kimble Avenue, The Depot offers a curated selection of home decor, stationery and holiday items. If you’re hosting for the holidays, this local shop has a wide selection of table linens and serving pieces to make your meal feel like a truly special event. Stop by on Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, or Sunday and Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

12. Spend a winter afternoon exploring the Morris Museum.

The Morris Museum offers programs, exhibitions and performances for visitors of all ages, making it a great place to get out of the cold and spend the day. The museum’s Spark!Lab is a place for kids to get hands-on experience with the process of invention. You can also take a Family Dino Tour on the first, second or third Saturday of each month. Museum tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

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

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