Fall festivals & holiday events
Celebrate the season locally with these fall festivities and get a start on the Christmas season.
New Jersey
Ongoing events
Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm: Hayrides, corn maze, farm animals, pig races, Canine Dog Show, pedal cars, touring cars, giant sling shot, giant straw pyramid, boo barn, Baseball Speed Throw, carnival rides, wine tasting, food, vendors and more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 3. Tickets online at heavenhillfarm.com. Heaven Hill Farm, 451 Route 94, Vernon. 973-764-5144.
Skylands Jack-O’-Lantern Experience and Fall Festival: Skylands Stadium has transformed with more than 6,000 Jack-o’-lanterns. The 45-minute walk-through spectacular also features a pumpkin patch, beer garden and live music on select dates. Tickets are $19 and must be purchased in advance at vivenu.com/seller/sussex-county-miners-oiwj. Open through Nov. 3. Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta. 973-383-7644.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Special Olympics 2024 Fall Vendor & Craft Fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sparta High School, 70 W. Mountain Road.
45th annual Auction with Harvest Dinner: Hosted by Sussex Christian School. 4 p.m. at 51 Unionville Ave., Sussex.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Vendor & Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McAfee Fire Department, 88 Route 94, Vernon. Hosted by Ladies Auxiliary.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Harvest on the Glen Farm: See what life was like on a rural farm at harvest time in the 18th and 19th centuries. 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tours every half hour. $10 per person for daytime or candlelit tour. Also craft and bake sale. DAR Van Bunschooten Museum, 1097 Route 23, Wantage. Hosted by the Chinkchewunska Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. For information or to buy tickets, send email to vanbunschootenmuseum@gmail.com
Festive Christmas Craft Bazaar: 1 to 7 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 209 Route 206, Branchville.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Christmas Market: Shop for baked goods, jams and jellies, spices, crafts, candles, soaps, pickles, jewelry, home decor and wind chimes. Food will be available for purchase. Special visit from Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Jude RC Church, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong.
Holiday Market: Shop for handmade gifts from local vendors, enjoy holiday treats and snap a photo with Santa. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mountain Creek’s Cobblestone Village, across from Red Tail Lodge, Vernon.
Festival of Lights: Festive treats and the chance to meet Santa and other special guests at 4:30 p.m. Community Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by fireworks. Newton Medical Center, 175 High St.
Annual Ullr Fest: Celebration of Ullr, the Norse god of snow and skiing, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the South Lodge at Mountain Creek, 200 Route 94, Vernon. Tickets are $20. Refreshments, ceremonial bonfire, special appearances by Ullr and Vern, activities for all ages (face painting, inflatables, lawn games) and retail sale on winter gear. All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Hession Foundation.
Saturday, Nov. 23
42nd annual Fall Craft Fair: 10 a.m. at Sussex County Fairgrounds, 29 Plains Road, Augusta. Sponsored by Northwest Christian School.
Fall Bazaar: Crafts, baked goods, Granny’s Attic and lunch, including Thanksgiving dinner. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frankford Plains United Methodist Church, 99 Plains Road, Augusta.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot: Run or walk on your own, with the family or create a team with friends. 8 a.m. at Holy Counselor Lutheran Church, 68 Sandhill Road, Sussex. Fundraiser for Harvest House Food Pantry in Sussex. Hosted by Vernon Township Board of Recreation. Early-bird price is $25, rises to $30 on Nov. 14. Children younger than 10 admitted for free. Register online at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Sussex/VernonsTurkeyTrot Please bring a nonperishable item to donate to local food pantries. For information, call 973-764-4055 ext. 2261.
18th Annual Krogh’s Turkey Trot: One-mile Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m. and 5K begins at 8:45 a.m. in front of Krogh’s Restaurant and Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta. Sponsored by the Sparta Education Foundation. Race-day registration is $40 for adult 5K, $35 for youth 5K (age 17 or younger) and $25 for the Fun Run. Register online at kroghsturkeytrot.com
Saturday, Nov. 30
Holiday Parade: Theme of “All I Want for Christmas.” Begins at 10 a.m. on Spring Street in Newton.
Christmas Light Parade: Lineup begins at 5 p.m. at 1 Railroad Ave., Branchville. Hosted by Branchville Hose Company #1. For information, call Khyle at 862-354-3336.
New York
Ongoing events
Pure Terror Scream Park: 13 haunted house attractions. General admission is $60. Open through Saturday, Nov. 2 at Pure Terror Scream Park, 1010 Route 17M, Monroe. For information and to purchase tickets, go online to pureterror.com
Pennsylvania
Saturday, Nov. 2
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration: Celebrate the Day of the Dead from 3 to 7 p.m. All are invited to join La Posada for an afternoon filled with music and activities, such as face painting, piñatas, Ofrenda, street food and a free screening of Disney’s movie “Coco.” La Posada, 210 Second St., Milford. 570-296-9940.