The days may have gotten shorter and the temperatures colder, but there’s still plenty to do in and around Bridgewater. One of these events may make the perfect addition to your calendar this winter.  

Mondays through December 16^th

Pet Pictures With Santa: Bridgewater Commons Mall in Bridgewater

Do you have any recent holiday photos of your pet? Why not take your dog or cat to visit the big guy at the Bridgewater Commons Mall this holiday season? Pet Pictures with Santa will be held every Monday from 5 p.m. until closing time at the mall’s lower level center court. Visit the mall website to reserve a time slot for your pet.

Thursdays, December 5^th – 19^th

Thursday Night Holiday Lights in Flemington

If you’re looking for a more unique holiday shopping experience this year, you’ll want to add a visit to Thursday Night Holiday Lights to your December calendar. Every Thursday from December 5^th - 19^th, Flemington becomes the ultimate holiday shopping destination. As you stroll from store to store, you’ll be treated to live music and may even be serenaded by a group of wandering carolers.

Held on the streets and in the shops of historic Flemington from 5 to 8 p.m., the event features rides on an antique fire engine, wine tastings, special offers from local stores and visits from Santa and Paw Patrol. Worried that you’ll be too tired to shop after a long day at work? Thanks to the free Holiday Shuttle, you can travel between the shops in comfort.

December 6^th

Colonial Christmas Cocktail Reception at the Jacobus Vanderveer House and Museum in Bedminster

You may almost believe that you’re celebrating Christmas in 18^th century New Jersey when you attend the Colonial Christmas Cocktail Reception at Jacobus Vanderveer House and Museum. You’ll be serenaded by The Baroque Orchestra while you enjoy adult beverages and shop for holiday gifts offered by the event’s merchants. Your admission also entitles you to tag along on one of the museum’s festive Colonial Christmas house tours.

Tickets for the reception are $150 per person or $100 for junior patrons (25 and under). The reception will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

December 15^th

White Christmas Movie and Sing Along at the Brook Arts Center in Bound Brook

If you enjoy watching vintage holiday movies, you’ll love the White Christmas Movie and Sing Along at Brooks Art Center. Join in as Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye launch into “White Christmas,” “Snow,” “Sisters” and other songs.  Don’t worry about remembering the lyrics to the songs. As soon as a song begins, you’ll see the words displayed on the screen. An ugly sweater contest will also be held during the event.

White Christmas begins at 2 p.m., but the doors will open at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $7 and are available online.

December 27^th

Hanukkah: Around the World at the Somerset County Library in Bridgewater

Have you ever wondered if the rest of the world celebrates Hanukkah the same way people in the U.S. do? Hanukkah: Around the World explores Hanukkah food, crafts and customs around the world. The event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. and is geared toward families with children.

December 30^th

New Year’s Eve Eve Murder Mystery Dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Bridgewater

No, that’s not a typo. Maggiano’s Little Italy’s New Year’s Eve Eve Murder Mystery Dinner is held the night before New Year’s Eve. As soon as you walk through the doors of the restaurant, you’ll become one of the lead detectives in this puzzling murder mystery. Since you’re bound to work up an appetite while you’re solving clues, Maggiano’s will provide a family-style dinner that includes rigatoni, chicken Marsala, eggplant rollatini, chicken Saltimbocca, warm apple crostada and chocolate Zuccotto bites.

The dinner will be held from 7 until 10 p.m. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.

Would the holidays be more fun if you had an apartment closer to the action? Fairway 28, a Country Classics Community offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments minutes from shopping and restaurants in Bridgewater. If you’re ready to move, contact us for current apartment availability.