Tour the Reeves-Reed Arboretum and other Summit homes this holiday season. Courtesy of: Reeves-Reed Arboretum
December 8
Summit Holiday House Tour
This annual tour features several Summit-area homes, as well as the Reeves-Reed Arboretum—an historic 13.5 acre public garden. There are six stops on the tour, including Wisner House, the main building of the arboretum that was the home to three different families consecutively—the Wisners, the Reeveses and the Reeds—who all had green thumbs. Visitors can peruse the holiday boutique following the tour for artisanal treats such as one-of-a-kind seasonal wreaths and arrangements designed by the horticulture staff.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit. 9:30 am- 2:30 pm. Non-members, $40; members, $35; day of tour, $50.
December 8, 11, 18 and 27
Montclair Historical Society Holiday Tours
Festive decorations from the 1700s to early 1900s set the mood for tours at the Crane House and Historic YWCA. Highlighting stories and traditions of Christmases past and the families who lived in these historic homes, the tours also include holiday food samples in the hearth kitchen and merry music. Family-friendly tours on December 11 feature story time, ornament making and vintage musical entertainment by Michael Cumella.
Crane House and Historic YWCA, 110 Orange Road, Montclair. Prices and times vary by day.
December 9 and 10
Holidays in The Log House: Candlelight Tour at The Stickley Museum
Known as the leader in Craftsman-style furniture, Gustav Stickley’s work was largely influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement in Europe. In 1908—after decades of running a highly successful furniture company—Stickley began purchasing tracks of farmland in Morris Plains, known today as Craftsman Farms. This two-day event is an opportunity to explore the architecturally unique log house, decorated for the holidays. Candlelight makes these after-hours tours even more special.
The Stickley Museum, Morris Plains. 5:30 pm. Non-members, $12; members, $5. Advance registration required.
December 9, 10, 16, 17
The Historic Village at Allaire Christmas Lantern Tour
Get in the holiday spirit with a stroll through Allaire’s lantern-lit village and learn about Christmas in 1836. This walking tour takes you through the historic buildings and grounds that make up Allaire, a preserved 19th Century iron producing community. Visit the bakery and shop at the general store on your way out. Extend your trip with a visit to nearby Allaire State Park with over 3,000 acres of hiking trails.
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale. 5 pm-8 pm. $14.50.
Cape May’s Victorian homes are decked out in their holiday best during this season’s tours. Courtesy of: Cape May MAC
December 9, 16, 23, 28 and 31
Cape May Lamplighter Christmas Tour
This self-guided lantern tour allows visitors to explore five of Cape May’s majestic bed and breakfast inns and private homes. Tickets for the tour also include a stop at the late 1800s Victorian-style Emlen Physick Estate, where visitors can check out the holiday exhibit while enjoying holiday refreshments.
Cape May downtown. 7-9 pm. Adults, $20; children (3-12), $15.
December 10
43rd Annual Historic Mullica Hill Christmas House Tour
Moseying through this Gloucester County town will have your eyes wide in awe as you pass historic homes, churches and other buildings—some dating back to the 1700s. Of course, the Christmas celebrations wouldn’t be complete without live music and an appearance from Kris Kringle himself. At Old Town Hall, a reading of the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol rounds out the day’s events.
Downtown Mullica Hill. 2-7 pm. In advance, $8; day of tour, $10.
December 10
Historic Bordentown City Holiday House Tour
Bordentown City’s beautiful historic homes are dressed in their holiday finest for this self-guided walking tour of the downtown. Peek inside private homes, the 1740’s Old Friends Meeting House and the Clara Barton Schoolhouse (complete with Barton’s original teacher’s desk) all done up in festive frills. Stop by the Old City Hall Holiday Train Display to see model trains zip around tracks surrounding mini decorated towns.
Friends Meeting House, 302 Farnsworth Ave, 4- 8pm. $20, Proceeds benefit the Bordentown Historical Society.
December 10 and 11
Ocean Grove Victorian Holiday Festival and House Tour
Wander through Ocean Grove’s wonderland of inns and homes full of Victorian charm on foot or hop on the jitney transporting tour-goers around the town. Welcome the holidays as your enjoy caroling, the Christmas tree lighting, holiday exhibits and gift boutiques throughout the weekend.
Ocean Grove Chamber Office, 45 Pilgrim Pathway. Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday 11 am- 3 pm. $30.
Downtown Princeton is full of holiday activities, shopping and tours. Courtesy of: Princeton Tour Company
December 10, 17 and 24
Princeton Holiday Trolley Tours
Take a break during your holiday shopping spree throughout Princeton’s boutiques on the toasty warm trolley tour stopping at the homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Aaron Burr Jr. and Nancy Drew. Meet with Santa as he strolls through the town square and at night gaze at the Christmas tree in downtown Princeton. Use your ticket from the tour that same day to enjoy discounts at the shops.
Downtown Princeton. 10-5 pm. $15
December 11
48th Annual Christmas in Greenwich Holiday House Tour
Admire the cozy homes gift-wrapped in holiday decorations throughout this historic Cumberland County town, the site of a 1774 British tea burning movement. Visit with Santa in his busy workshop and delight in the smells and sights of the decorated gingerbread houses on display.
Noon-5 pm. $15, children under 12 free. Free parking.
December 11
Burlington Holiday House Tour
Turn your visit to Burlington into a winter tradition with this day full of festive activities sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. Visit over 20 locations throughout this Quaker town including Revell House, the oldest building in Burlington County and the Library Company of Burlington, the first library in New Jersey. The day isn’t over yet; do some shopping in Burlington’s many boutiques or grab some grub from a local restaurant.
3 pm- 7pm. $20 until December 10; $25 day of.
You forgot the Ocean Grove House Tour on the 12th & 13th!
Information at oceangrovenj.com!
What about the Stanton Holly Trail. It is truly the best house tour I have ever been on. I think it was the first in New Jersey. It benefits a local hospital and is managed by teams of professional holiday coordinators. Really is a must.