Avoid the Malls, Hit Holiday Vendors

Already sick of incessantly blaring Christmas and holiday music, long lines, the war for parking and general mall wandering?

Take a break from it while helping local groups—several in Somerset County offer vendor fares that promise unique wares, a break from the crowds and less time spent battling for parking.

Here's what's happening this weekend:

When/Where: Friday 5:30 p.m. at the .
Why Go: You can avoid the mall crowds, snag handmade crafts and gifts and get a photo with Santa.
Cost: Admission is free, but bring your wallet for purchases.

Holiday Boutique
Where/When: The in Basking Ridge will hold its Holiday Boutique from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. this Friday, with local vendors (children’s books, clothing, make up, skin care, jewelry, gourmet foods, etc.), great music, basket raffles and a cash for gold table for cash on the spot.
Why Go: The boutique will benefit the YMCA's dance team. Vendors include local artist Serena Bocchino, who will be selling her children's books, with her daughter, Rachel selling Unique Wrap bracelets and Trendy Tab Bracelets.
Cost: Cost of purchases

When/Where: Friday 7 p.m. at the Hillsborough Public Library.
Why Go: You can see a movie on the big screen without paying an arm and a leg for tickets.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. at the .
Why Go: It’s Dickens’ holiday classic.
Cost: $17 adults; $15 seniors and students.

Where/When: Doors open at 9 a.m. sharp Saturday for the 21st annual Cookie Walk at the  at 200 Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge. Hundreds of homemade cookies and treats will be available for purchase by the pound during this unique and popular fundraising tradition.
Why Go: Each year, fans line up to snap up holiday favorites, many of which return year after year. Decorations also are available, including holiday boxwood centerpieces created by the Basking Ridge Garden Club. All proceeds benefit the Adult Day Center at the VNA.
Cost: Priced by pound, and cost of decorations.

Wagner Farms Arboretum Holiday Boutique
Where/When: Wagner Farms, 197 Mountain Ave., Warren. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Locally-produced honey and bake goods, as well as artwork and other gifts items for sale, with proceeds going to help build a greenhouse at the edu-enviro center.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Saturday 1:30 p.m. at the .
Why Go: To learn about the similarities and differences between the time periods’ Christmas celebrations, while also learning which customs we celebrate in modern times.
Cost: $3 to cover the cost of refreshments.

Auditions at KPAC
Where/When: Saturday at , 51 Mt. Bethel Road in Warren.
Why Go: Everyone wants to be a star—here a chance to shine in upcoming productions of "Seussical Jr." and "Rent." Kids ages 7-18 are invited to audition for "Seussical Jr."—auditions start at 9 a.m.  Auditions for "Rent" will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for performers age 15 and above. Be prepared to sing and read for the auditions. For more information, call KPAC at 908-755-3400.
Cost: Free to try.

When/Where: Saturday 4 p.m. at Why Go: You’ll see Hillsborough children and teens perform the classic holiday ballet.
Cost: $15

Annual Christmas Tree Sale at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church_
Where/When: The first trees are scheduled to be delivered at 7 a.m. on Saturday. The sale is scheduled for Nov. 26 through Dec. 24, or until trees sell out.
Why Go: There's nothing like a real tree, and this sale goes to support charities and community service projects. The sale has been going on for about 50 years!
Cost: Prices set for individual trees.

Photography 11 Exhibit 
Where/When: The month long exhibit and sale featuring 28 area photographers will continue on weekends through Dec. 18 at the center at 650 King George Road in Basking Ridge. It is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Why Go: To view and possibly purchase works by some of the area's most talented photographers.
Cost: Free, bring your wallet.

All You Can Eat Breakfast
When/Where: Sunday at 8 a.m. with the Raritan Knights of Columbus on Anderson Street in Raritan.
Why Go: To enjoy a special holiday breakfast with omelets, bacon, pancakes, French toast and more, all while supporting the Knights of Columbus and future charity endeavors.
Cost: $8 per person

Breakfast with Santa
When/Where: Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at California Pizza Kitchen in the Bridgewater Commons Mall
Why Go: To eat breakfast pizzas, French toast sticks or pancakes with the big guy from the North Pole, and to donate to charity because a portion proceeds will go to the United Way.
Cost: $8 per person, but children under 2 years of age eat free.

Hanukkah Sale/Concert
When/Where: Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence on DeMott Lane in Somerset.
Why Go: To purchase gifts for those who are important to you from 15 different vendors, and to enjoy the music at 3 p.m. of the The Makhelat Ha’Mercaz.
Cost: Free, but bring money to purchase from the vendors.

Party Showcase
Where/When: Temple Har Shalom, 104 Mt. Horeb Road, Warren. Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Why Go: Because a cake and balloons won't cut it for a real celebration anymore. Meet with area event planners, entertainers specializing in parties, caterers—everything you need to know to make your next event extra special. 
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Sunday 4 p.m. at .
Why Go: This Christmas themed children’s musical is produced by Crossroads Community Church and tells the story of the first Christmas.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Sunday 5 p.m. at Bound Brook Presbyterian Church, 409 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook.
Why Go: To hear Christmas carols and watch the church light its Christmas tree.
Cost: Free.

Pilgrim Church Christmas Band
Where/When: Pilgrim Congregational Church, 105 Mountainview Road, Warren. 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Christmas music performed live by a group of professional musicians. Even Ebenezer is in the spirit after hearing this.
Cost: Free.