The Holiday's Here, How Ever You Celebrate

The weeks of preparation paid off—the holidays are here.

Hanukkah's underway, and the families who celebrate already have a head start on the preparations. Christmas is around the corner—meaning there aren't a lot of non-religious events this weekend.

Luckily, many of the township churches will welcome those who don't worship regularly during the year. And, with a variety of services, there's bound to be one that fits the schedule.

For those who don't celebrate Christmas, or don't celebrate religiously, there are a slew of movies—including "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "The Adventures of Tintin" and more—that opened this week. 

Here's what's going on this weekend:

Christmas Eve in The Hills
When/Where: Saturday 1 p.m., the first-ever outdoor Christmas service, to be presented by  in the pavilion at Harry Dunham Park at the edge of Liberty Corner and near The Hills in Basking Ridge.
Why go: At the informal service, to which everyone is invited but children might especially enjoy, Rev. Rick Morley says, "We'll sing carols, we'll retell the story of the birth of Jesus, and we'll pray for peace and goodwill." The service will follow with Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, and Christmas cheer.
Cost: Free

Children's Christmas Pageant
What/When: Saturday at 4 p.m. at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Washington Valley Road in Bridgewater
Why Go: To get in the Christmas spirit with a children's pageant.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Saturday 5 p.m. at .
Why Go: Pray for peace on earth and worship with others in observance of Christmas Eve.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Saturday, 6 p.m. at the .
Why Go: Because unto us a Savior is born and you want to celebrate the miracle.
Cost: Free.

Hanukkah for Adults
When/Where: Shabbat service at 6:30 p.m., with 7:30 p.m. kosher Chinese buffet on Friday at the Chabad Jewish Center at Basking Ridge, 3048 Valley Road in Basking Ridge. Simultaneous children's program.
Why go: Appreciate that Chanukah can be for adults, too, and let your kids celebrate separately that night.
Cost: $25 adults, $10 children, $100 sponsorship. RSVP online, or call 908-604-8844, ext. 229.

When/Where: Saturday, 7 p.m. at Lin’s Kosher Chinese, 244 South Main Street, Manville.
Why Go: It’s the fifth night of Hanukkah and you can celebrate with laugher, company, and food.
Cost: $20.

When/Where: Saturday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. in Basking Ridge center, at the holiday tree. Caroling song sheets handed out at 6:45 p.m. Brass band members can show up to join the band at 6 p.m., Westminster Hall, 
Why Go: A local tradition since 1924, just show up and sing. Christmas Eve services immediately following at some local churches.
Cost: Free

When/Where: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at .
Why Go: To celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at .
Why Go: Pray for peace on earth and worship with others in observance of Christmas Eve.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Sunday, 10 a.m. at .
Why Go: Pray for peace on earth and worship with others in observance of Christmas Day.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Sunday, 11 a.m. at the .
Why Go: To worship with others in observance of Christmas.
Cost: Free.