ESSEX COUNTY AREA, NJ — Residents looking to fill their week with holiday cheer are in luck, as many local celebrations are in full swing.

From family-friendly events to kid-centric story times, and senior citizen dances to adults-only happy hours, there is something on the calendar for every member of the family from now until Dec. 25 and beyond.

Dec. 15

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Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon, N.J.

Open for the season  

Dec. 16

Holiday Lights Spectacular, Turtle Back Zoo

5-9 p.m., nightly through Jan. 1.

Dec. 16

Christmas Ice Caverns, Fairfield

Open daily until Dec. 25. Closed on Christmas

Dec. 16

Visit Santa, Livingston Mall

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. , daily through Dec. 24                                   

Dec. 16                                                                                                                                              

Kids' Crafts & Hot Cocoa at the Camuso Holiday Display, Livingston

7-8:30 p.m.                 

Dec. 16

Light of the World Christmas Show, West Orange

6 p.m.

Dec. 17

Light of the World Christmas Show, West Orange

9 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m.

Dec. 17

Holiday Concert Series, Livingston Mall

12-1:30 p.m.: Andy's Music Center

2:30-5 p.m.: Newark Academy "Horns-a-Plenty"

7-8 p.m.: Governor Livingston HS Chamber Choir

Dec. 18

Holiday Train Exhibit, Roseland Public Library                                                                       

Hours vary. Exhibit on Display until Dec. 21                                                              

Dec. 19

Holiday Concert Series, Livingston

4-7:30 p.m.: Newark Academy Jazz Band "Chameleon"

                                               
Dec. 20

Holidays From Around the World, Preschooler story time, Fairfield  

2-3 p.m.

Dec. 20 

The Livingston League of Women Voters Annual Holiday Dinner, Livingston

5:30 p.m., cost $20                                                                                                                                                                   

Dec. 21

Pajama story time, Roseland

6 p.m.                                                                         

Dec. 22 

Holiday Happy Hour at the Manor, West Orange

5:30-7:30 p.m.                                                                                                                                     

Dec. 23

Last day for pictures with Santa Claus at the Ice Caverns, Fairfield

11 a.m. - 8 p.m.                                                                                                                                                          
Dec. 23

Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Turtle Back Zoo

Hours vary. Some events require paid entry.                                                                                                                                                                

Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Caldwell

8-9 p.m.                                                                                                                                              

Dec. 24

Candle Light Christmas Eve, West Orange

9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.

Dec. 27

West Orange Senior Citizen Holiday Party at the Manor, West Orange

11a.m.- 2 p.m.

Dec. 29 

19th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, West Orange

5:30-9:30 p.m.

Dec. 29  

Holiday Happy Hour at the Manor, West Orange

5:30-7:30 p.m.