Events Calendar
Please check ucnj.org in case of any event cancellations.
Welcome to the calendar – your reliable resource for upcoming events in Union County!
Scroll below and explore the upcoming educational programs, networking mixers, career opportunities, and inclusive recreational activities taking place in your community. Whether you want to go ice skating with Santa or paint like Picasso, you can experience the joy of the seasons through our vibrant and engaging events that the whole family will love. Be sure to check back often for updates!
For the latest Union County news, visit ucnj.org/press-releases/.
Winter Activities
Celebrate the Season at Warinaco Park
Skate with Santa, Visit with Elves, Holiday Carols, Snacks for Purchase
Tickets are $8 each – includes skate rental, two hour timed entry, hot chocolate and a cookie.
Tickets must be must be purchased in advance at warinancopark.com
2024 Model Train Show and Open House
More than 200 Model Train Cars on a 40×40-foot Layout Tell the Story of NJ Railroads in the 1950s
December 7th & 8th (Sat and Sun)
December 14th & 15th (Sat and Sun)
Tickets can be purchased online at themodelrailroadclub.org or at the door
At the Door: $10/adult, $5/child, $8/seniors
Children age 2 and under admitted FREE.
Learn More
The Holiday Train Show and Open House at Union County’s Model Railroad Club runs on weekends from Friday November 29 to Sunday, December 15.
The show features show train operations where special trains traverse the club’s huge 11,000 square foot layout.
Parents and kids can tour the trains and layout up-close, and get an insider’s peek at the expansion that’s currently under construction. See how track is being hand-laid, how mountains and scenery are created, and find out about the planning and engineering that goes into the club’s bi-level corkscrew loop. In addition to the HO-scale trains featured in the show, there are G-scale and N-scale layouts on display, a small play area, and gift shop.
By popular demand in celebration of our 75th anniversary we are pleased to announce that Jenny is coming home. Each hour at the bottom of the hour Jenny will make a return to tell her story of growing up on along our Trenton Northern railroad.
DATES
- Three Weekends: Nov 29-Dec 1, Dec 7-Dec 8, and Dec 14-15
- Opening Day, Fri, Nov. 29 – 11 am – 6 pm
- Saturdays (Nov 30, Dec 7 & 14), 11 am – 6 pm
- Sundays (Dec 1, Dec 8 & 15), 11am – 6pm
- Jenny show times: 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30
LOCATION
- The Model Railroad Club, Inc. – Free Parking!
- Jefferson Avenue, off Route 22 East, Union Township, NJ
- (Behind The Home Depot)
- Building is Wheelchair-Accessible.
TICKETS & INFO
- www.themodelrailroadclub.org
- (908) 964-9724
- At the Door: $10/adult, $5/child, $8/seniors
- Children age 2 and under admitted FREE.
PRESS CONTACT:
Tim McCollum | 908-964-9724 | tim.mccollum@tmrci.org
The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt public charity affiliated with the Union County, NJ Department of Parks and Community Renewal.
All proceeds support the operations of The Model Railroad Club, Inc., one of the largest railroad clubs in New Jersey. The Club has approximately 170 volunteer members who help to fulfill the mission of the club to educate the general public about the railroads and the industries they served in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas.
Toddler Time
Sensory hikes, stories & activities for adults with children ages 3 & under
Parents with children ages 3 and under are invited to our Toddler Time program at the Trailside Nature & Science Center to connect with the natural world. Activities will take place on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. or Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., as indicated below. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors and bring a baby carrier or sling as strollers are not recommended. Maximum 4 family members per class.
The fee is $10 for residents, and $12 for non-residents. Registration is required. Click here to register or visit ucnj.org/trailside for more information.
For event cancellations or changes, please contact Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org.
Fall Schedule
Saturday, November 23rd: Naturally Artistic
Back to Nature
Nature walks for families with children ages 4 & up
Our Back to Nature walks are an excellent way for families with children ages 4 and older to spend time together in the great outdoors, enjoying Union County’s largest park, the Watchung Reservation.
The fee is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Registration is required for adults and children. Click here to register or visit ucnj.org/trailside for more information.
For event cancellations or changes, please contact Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org.
Fall Schedule
Saturday, November 23rd: Lenape Life
Sensory Friendly
Sensory Friendly Theatre
December 1st
These sensory-friendly performances are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for children and adults experiencing autism and other sensory sensitivities. The performances offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where attendees can have a magical time, without feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli.
Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
Skating With Santa
December 14th
Join us for a lovely afternoon of ice skating with friends, family, and jolly ol’ Saint Nick at our inclusive “Skating with Santa” event, where we provide a welcoming and accessible experience for residents with disabilities!
Click here to register. To learn more about our inclusive events, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/.
Art for All Abilities
For Union County Residents of All Ages
December 3rd: 6pm – 7:30pm at Plainfield Public Library, Meeting Room 2, 800 Park Avenue, Plainfield
December 17th: 6pm – 7:30pm at Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Zumba
For Union County Residents, ages 5 – 14
Thursdays, November 7th, 14th, and 21st • 5:30pm – 6:15pm
Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Zumba
For Union County Residents, ages 15 & up
Thursdays, November 7th, 14th, and 21st • 6:30pm – 7:15pm
Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Ceramic Painting
For Union County Residents, ages 16 & up
Tuesdays, November 12th & 19th • 7pm – 8pm
John T. Gregorio Center, 330 Helen Street, Linden
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Visit the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs for additional events and more information.
Activities and Services for Seniors
Farmers’ Market Food Vouchers
Farmers Market vouchers are now available for eligible Union County seniors. Each eligible senior can obtain a $50 e-benefit card to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables, and herbs at participating Farmers Markets.
For more information about the Farmers’ Market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Division on Aging and Disability Resource in the Union County Department of Human Services, call 1-888-280-8226, or visit online at www.ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
Visit your local Aging Services Kiosk
Residents seeking information about services for seniors and their care givers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.
ASK is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60+ and their care givers. Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.
Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Visit ucnj.org/aging for upcoming dates.
NEW! Volunteer Opportunities in 2025
Start the New Year with purpose and generosity by volunteering in your community!
Become a Master Gardener…
If you love gardening, have a passion for teaching, and want to contribute to your community, consider joining the Master Gardeners of Union County!
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is now recruiting volunteers for the 2025 Master Gardener Program, offering residents 18 years and older interested in volunteering the opportunity to learn or enhance their gardening and horticulture skills while assisting Rutgers professionals in educating the public. Click here to register or visit the Master Gardeners website at mastergardeners-uc.org/ for more information.
…or an Environmental Steward!
Are you passionate about the environment and eager to create a positive impact in your community?
Look no further than the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program! This dynamic program empowers individuals to learn from leading scientists and environmental experts about critical issues facing New Jersey. For more information or to register for the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program,visit go.rutgers.edu/RES2025. If you are committed to environmental stewardship, willing to learn, and ready to volunteer, this program is for you!
For more volunteer opportunities, click here or visit ucnj.org/rce.
Conferences & Networking Events
Stay tuned for upcoming networking mixers and conferences in 2025. For the latest updates, visit ucnj.org.
Recycling
For more information, please visit ucnj.org/recycling.
Cultural Events Around the County
Dec. 13
7:30 pm
FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT
Westfield Community Band – 35th Annual Holiday Concert
Enjoy fabulous holiday music at this annual free concert, as the Band performs traditional, popular and contemporary holiday selections, along with guest singers – the Edison Intermediate School Broadway Singers
Edison Intermediate School Auditorium
800 Rahway Ave., Westfield
Dec. 13 @ 8 pm
Dec. 14 @ 8 pm
CONCERT
The Celebration Singers’ Winter Concert
Come enjoy beautiful choral music at The Celebration Singers holiday concert, “Hearth, Harmony and the Journey Home.”
St. Michael’s Church
40 Alden St., Cranford
Tickets: $20 for Adults, $15 for Youth & Seniors, FREE for children under 9
facebook.com/celebrationsingers
Dec. 14
4 pm
HOLIDAY CONCERT
Concord Singers – Keep Yo’ Lamps
The Concord Singers will perform choral music inspired by sacred traditions and the winter solstice. Bask in the glow of harmonies radiating from diverse musical styles and genres from around the world, with choral works by Abbie Betinis, Josef Rheinberger, Rosephanye Powell, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Uzee Brown Jr., Camille Saint-Saëns.
Tickets: $20
Calvary Episcopal Church
31 Woodland Ave., Summit
Dec. 14
7:30 pm
HOLIDAY CONCERT
Summit Chorale – Winter Holiday Concert: Dona Nobis Pacem
Marking the anniversary of the December 1944 Battle of the Bulge, Summit Chorale will perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’s powerful Dona Nobis Pacem from 1936, a beautiful anthem for peace, composed with hope of avoiding a second World War. Featured soloists are Soprano Julia Lamon and Baritone Christian Waugh. The Chorale will also perform Christmas songs that Americans would have heard on the radio in the World War II era, including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Happy Holiday,” “White Christmas,” “Let It Snow!” and more. Ring in the holiday season with this one-of-a-kind musical event.
Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 at the Door
Faith Lutheran Church
524 South St., New Providence
summitchorale.org/concerts-and-events.html
For any accommodations, email events@summitchorale.org to be assisted
Dec. 15
2 pm
FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT
Holiday Pops Concert – Summit Symphony
Featuring holiday favorites from movies, plus classic holiday songs, Summit Symphony concert will perform music of the season, including The Nutcracker Suite, Sleigh Ride, L’Arlessienne Suite by Bizet, The Klezmer Nutcracker, and The Christmas Song. Concert is free. Donations welcomed
Summit High School
125 Kent Place Blvd,. Summit
551-804-8114
summitsymphony.org
Wheelchair accessible venue via ramp entrance to the building. Auditorium has a lift, as well as seating not requiring use of stairs. Elevator on site.
Jan. 25, 2025
3 pm
FREE CONCERT
Annual Free Family Concert by the Plainfield Symphony
Save this Saturday afternoon for the popular Free Family Concert performed by the Plainfield Symphony. Perfect for all ages. Concert will be performed live and livestreamed
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
plainfieldsymphony.org
Venue is wheelchair-accessible with lift to performance area, accessible restrooms and accessible parking places