With Thanksgiving break behind us and the holiday season approaching, there are a wide variety of activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for a solo activity or something to do with a friend, family member or significant other, there are lots of activities near campus.
If you are looking for a classic tree lighting and winter festival to attend this weekend, the annual Winterfest Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Mahwah, N.J. is happening this Sunday, Dec. 8. The festival will start at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Commodore Perry Field, which is a three minute drive from campus. The festival will be complete with a parade, tree lighting, DJ, local craft vendors, food trucks and more. This is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
One classic winter activity that is perfect for getting you into the chilly season is ice skating. The Sport-O-Rama Ice Rinks in Monsey, N.Y. are a 15 minute drive from campus. They host public skate sessions every weekend that range from $14 per person on Fridays to $16 on Saturdays and Sundays. There are ice skate rentals available for $4 each session.
If ice skating is not on your winter agenda, seeing a Christmas light display may be what you are looking for. The Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, N.J. is a 16 minute drive from campus. The light display is 32 acres for you to drive through. The tour lasts about 20-25 minutes and is guided by a local radio station. To make a reservation visit their orchardoflights.com.
For those who want a more creative way to get into the holiday spirit, glazing a ceramic piece may be the perfect option. Arts & Creations Pottery Studio in Woodland Park, N.J. is a 41 minute drive from campus. Whether you are in the market for a light up ceramic tree, a new mug or a ceramic gingerbread house, they have a bunch of different holiday themed ceramics to choose from.
If you are not interested in glazing a holiday ceramic, they have hundreds of non-holiday pieces. The prices of each depend on its size and complexity, but they are all reasonable. A reservation is required through a phone call to the studio.
For a more relaxed way to enjoy the holiday season, seeing a movie, especially a holiday themed one, is a viable option. Whether you catch a new movie in theaters like “Red One” or decide you want to stay in your dorm or home, there are different ways to make the experience align with the holiday season.
If you decide to go out, wearing a comfy holiday outfit or bringing a blanket to the theater is one way to make it cozier. If you choose to stay in, making hot chocolate and baking cookies, whether homemade or store bought dough, is a fun way to make movie night more of an event.
Whether you decide to try a new activity or stick with the classics, there are lots of ways to ring in the holiday season as it approaches. I hope you have a very happy holiday season!
squinn5@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @artsandcreationsps, Instagram
