Events October 27, 2025
May 14 - Oct 27, 2025
The Historic Chester Courtesy Coach
Weekends and Monday Holidays
Location: See complete details below.
Explore and Experience Historic Chester...for FREE!
A complementary transportation service− THE HISTORIC CHESTER COURTESY COACH − is available to and from 2 of Chester's renowned locations. Runs on weekends and Monday holidays (from May 14th to the end of October 2015) to enhance your Historic Chester Experience.
Details of Service
* From Gladstone NJ Transit Station to Alstede Farms for the 12:08pm & 1:08pm (arrival times) trains
* Continuous loop from Alstede Farms to the Historic Shopping & Dining District on Main
Street from 12:30pm to 5:00pm with stops cycling every 20 minutes.
* From Alstede Farms to the Gladstone NJ Transit Station for the 5:52pm & 6:52pm trains - Courtesy Coach departs Alstedes at 5:25pm and 6:25pm for these trains.
*For Columbus Day 2016 Only* -
*From Gladstone NJ Transit Station to Alstede Farms for the 12:12pm & 1:12pm (arrival times) trains.
*From Alstede Farms to the Gladstone NJ Transit Station for the 4:53pm train - Courtesy Coach departs Alstede Farms at 4:25pm for this train.
THE HISTORIC CHESTER COURTESY COACH stops are marked by signage with the official logo and are located at:
*Alstede Farms (Back Parking Lot)
*92 Main Street (Next to the Chester Clock)
For details, call 908-879-7189
**The Historic Chester Courtesy Coach is sponsored by Alstede Farms and The Historic Chester Business Association.
Sep 23 - Oct 29, 2025
Harvest Moon Hayride and Night Time Corn Maze Event
6 pm - 10 pm (last ticket sold at 9:00 pm)
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Enjoy a moonlight hayride, a roaring campfire, hot or cold cider, venture through our corn maze at night (bring your flashlight) and enjoy the sounds of a country music DJ. Family friendly - nothing scary!
Oct 1 - 31, 2016
Art of Dance: Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
M-TH 9:30-8:30, FRI 9:30-7, SAT 9-4
Location: Essential Dance Shop
Breast Cancer Awareness Month! When buying "PINK" items at the Art of Dance Essential Dance Shop, 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help provide mammograms for women in need. Ballet shoes are pink! Tights are pink! Leotards can be pink! Shop for a cause and help those in need! Our goal is to raise $500!
Oct 27 - 30, 2016
Fall Open House at Country Curtains
Thurs. - Sat.: 10:00 am to 6:00pm / Sun. 11:00-5:00
Location: Country Curtains at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Route 206 South, Chester, NJ 07930
Join Us for a Fall Open House October 27th - 30th! Come FALL in love with Country Curtain's new line of bedding and window treatments.
Light Refreshments, Special Promotions & Door Prizes! 20% Off Home Décor including all Christmas décor as well.
Events after October 27, 2025
Oct 28 - 31, 2016
The Great Pumpkin Carve-Out Contest!
see description below
Location: Municipal Field/Gazebo Park, Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Great Pumpkin Carve-Out Contest
October 28 - October 31
Offered by Chester Recreation at Gazebo Park
Bring your already carved pumpkin to the Gazebo on Main Street in Chester to illuminate the town at night and participate in the 'Great Pumpkin Carve-Out' contest. Place your pumpkin on the benches under the Gazebo and be sure to fill out a ballot voting for the 'Best Pumpkin.' One vote per person please.
Open to Chester residents in grades K-8; one pumpkin entry per person. 'Best Pumpkin' prizes will be awarded to top three-- 1st prize $50, 2nd prize $25, 3rd prize $25.
You may also bring your already carved pumpkin to our 'Trunk-or-Treat' event on October 29th at Chubb Park if you are attending. Pumpkins will be moved to that event for display and voting. Winners announced on 10/31.
While you are the Gazebo, be sure to enter the Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin Contest for a chance to win a $75 prize!
For more info please see www.chesterborough.org or e-mail [email protected]
Oct 29, 2025
A Miller's Halloween at The Cooper Gristmill
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
A Miller's Halloween at the Cooper Gristmill:
Come in costume for a fun-filled afternoon! Enjoy spooky story telling at 1pm & 2:30 pm, make corn husk dolls, create creepy crafts, and play old time games. In the Gristmill, be alert for spooks, spiders, skeletons, and surprises!
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Donations are greatly appreciated.
Admission: (Suggested Donation for Mill Tours)
$3 Adults, $2 Senior Citizens, $1 Children 4-6, FREE for children under age 4
Friends of Fosterfields and Cooper Gristmill members - FREE with valid membership card.Discounted fees for special events.
For additional information, please call 908-879-5463.
Directions: Copper Gristmill is located on County Highway 513 (old Route 24) in Chester Township, NJ. 1.3 miles west of the Route 206 intersection.
GPS: 66 Washington Turnpike (old state route 24), Chester, NJ 07930
Online Map Directions: 74 County Highway 513, Chester, NJ 07930
Oct 29, 2025
TRUCK OR TREAT at Chubb Park!
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: Chubb Park, East Main Street, Chester, NJ
(Rain Date: October 30th)
Join us for pre-Halloween fun at 'Trunk or Treat' on Saturday, October 29th from 4:00-6:00 pm at Chubb Park (rain date 10/30).
Lots of treats, music, and prizes! This is an annual favorite with Chester's children. This event is offered by Chester Recreation in cooperation with Chester Township & Borough Police, Chester Volunteer Fire Company, and the Chester First Aid Squad. Free, open to Chester Residents with advanced registration required. Of course, there will be additional trick-or-treating in neighborhoods on 10/31.
Attendees must provide candy in a trunk in order to participate. Music, contests, games, a bonfire, toilet-papering the tree, as well as trick-or-treating from trunk to trunk will be offered. Prizes to be awarded for best adult costume, best child's costume, best decorated trunk, and best pet costume. Pets permitted on leashes only. Please bring non-perishable food donations for the Chester Food Pantry.
Also, bring your already carved pumpkin to the event to enter into the 'Great Pumpkin Carve Out' Contest! Please include a flameless candle for illumination. For more info please e-mail [email protected]
Oct 30, 2025
Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Come Enjoy the taste of the harvest season at our Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast! Enjoy a Hay Wagon ride around our beautiful farm and a delicious ‘all you can eat’ breakfast featuring pumpkin pancakes! Adults $12.99 Kids $7.99 Kids under 2 are free Price includes breakfast and Pick Your Own admission with scenic hay wagon ride. Kids Package: $19.99 Includes all inclusive children’s activities* wristband and breakfast. (*Just pay one price and enjoy unlimited access for the day to: Pony Rides, Moon Bounce, Wagon Train Ride, Corn Kingdom, Pick Your Own Admission, and Hayrides)
Nov 1, 2025
Dean's Thanksgiving Trimmings 'Try Before You Buy' Tasting
11am-3pm
Location: Dean's Natural Food Market - The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Looking for a great and healthy alternative to your Thanksgiving Meal?
Stop by Dean's Natural Food Market (at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center) on Tuesday, November 1st from 11am-3pm for a special Thanksgiving Trimmings Tasting!
Let Dean's help you with the cooking this year. Whether you just need a few sides, a turkey, or your entire Thanksgiving meal, they've got you covered.
Dean's dishes are made with 100% organic produce and are free of GMOs, artificial colors & flavors, and refined sugar. Our turkeys are organic and free-range. We also have a wide selection of vegan offerings.
(Accepting pre-orders of all holiday items until 11/17. Available while supplies last.) Questions? Call 908-888-2256
Nov 11, 2025
Dean's 'How To Cook The Perfect Turkey' Class
6:00 pm
Location: Dean's Natural Food Market at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Whether you're making your first Thanksgiving turkey or just need a refresher on the basics, Dean's own AWARD WINNER Executive Chef, Scott Sleckman, will be sharing easy step-by-step instructions for how to cook a the perfect turkey.
This 1-hour Class begins at 6:00 pm at Dean's Streets of Chester Shopping Center location...
REGISTER FOR FREE! http://www.deansnaturalfoodmarket.com/vegan-thanksgiving
Nov 12 - Dec 18, 2025
Experience Historic Chester this Holiday Season!
n/a
Location: Throughout Chester, NJ
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Historic Chester Experience you will never forget!
Exciting holiday events, in-store events, holiday sales, and complimentary holiday treats will be offered at various merchant locations to enchant even the Grinchiest of bargain hunters.
Shop Small Business-Shop Chester
and You could WIN during our 12 Days of Giveaways!
Every weekend from November 12th to December 18th, special "holiday helpers" will be strolling throughout Chester randomly giving away HCBA member-affiliated gift certificates and other prizes to unsuspecting shoppers. :)
No purchase necessary. Winners will be posted weekly on our facebook page, as well as on our website.
CLICK HERE TO SEE OFFICIAL CONTEST PAGE!
OTHER EXCITING HOLIDAY-RELATED EVENTS IN HISTORIC CHESTER!
*Manhattan Holiday Dickens' Carolers
No holiday celebration is complete without the stunning sights and sounds of Manhattan Holiday Dickens' Carolers - An a cappella caroling quartet. Performing a variety of traditional and contemporary holiday classics in beautiful hand-made Victorian-style costuming, these festive troubadours will be performing throughout downtown Chester on November 26th, December 3rd, 10th and 17th, 12:30pm to 4:30pm.
*Sculpted Ice Works: CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Due to weather, this event has been cancelled. We are currently researching having Sculpted Ice Works perform in Chester for Valentine's Weekend 2017. More details to follow in the new year.
Don't miss this holiday's crystal-clear performance by the amazingly-talented ice carvers from ICE WORKS.
An amazing and spectacular artistic talent not to be missed, come and see how they create dazzling sculpted ice displays right in Downtown Chester on Saturday, December 17th, 11am-3pm
Ron Albanese
is
POLKA DOT the Elf!
Polka Dot is super excited to return back to Chester - his home-away from the North Pole. He always brings along his guitar - a gift from Santa Claus - to spread his holiday cheer singing songs with everyone! He also will have some fun giveaways, courtesy of the HCBA member businesses. Who will get these prizes? Look for him and say, 'Hey POLKA DOT!,' and maybe it will be YOU!" This acclaimed, unique children's and family entertainment personality will be performing throughout Downtown Historic Chester on November 12, 13, 19, & 20 and Sunday, December 11 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
S.C.3. Presents 'Sounds of the Holidays'
S.C.3. Entertainment is Morris County's premier DJ and event company. Now you can see S.C.3. LIVE in Historic Chester for the Holidays as they play some of the BEST Holiday Classic Tunes to renditions by new artists. Stop by their Holiday Decorated Trailer (along Main Street).
Performing in Downtown Chester on November 27th and December 4th, 12:00pm-4:00pm
Nov 25, 2025
BLACK FRIDAY BREAKFAST at Dean's Natural Food Market
7:00 am to 10:00 am
Location: Dean's Natural Food Market at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Fuel up for some major Black Friday shopping with breakfast from Dean's Natural Food Market!
Dean's will be offering a full breakfast menu from 7am – 10am, including:
• Oatmeal
• Caramel Bread Pudding
• Fruit Cobbler
• Breakfast Potatoes
• Scrambled Eggs
• Bacon
• Tofurky Breakfast Sausage (V)
• Tofu Scramble (V)
• Made-to-order Smoothies & Smoothie Bowls
• Fresh Juices
• Coffee (Hot or Cold Brew)
In true Dean's fashion, everything will be made with organic and/or non-gmo ingredients, and will be free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
Nov 25 - Dec 18, 2025
Country Christmas With Santa at Alstede Farms
11 am - 4 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farm Lane, Chester NJ 07930
Come on over to Santa’s Country Corner! He will be visiting us at the farm on Nov. 25th and every Sat. and Sun until Dec.18th.
Make sure you bring your camera! Enjoy Christmas music and a cozy campfire too! Available for purchase: hot cider, hot chocolate, donuts, and more.
Nov 26, 2025
*Official* Shop Small Business (Shop Chester) Saturday!
All Day!
Location: All Throughout Chester, NJ
Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide.
Amex has just announced the date of its annual post-Thanksgiving Small Business Saturday, which will be on November 26th this year.
The first Small Business Saturday took place in 2010, and since then, the day has joined the consumer-driven craze of Black Friday and Cyber Monday as one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Instead of hitting up the big chain stores and online retailers, Amex's promotion drives business to mom-and-pop shops (including many restaurants) that help fuel local economies.
Last year, over one hundred million people* came together to Shop Small® in their communities on Small Business Saturday®.
For details on enrollment for the American Express Statement Credit Cardmember Offer, please call Shop Small at 1-800-235-8916, Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm EST.
Be sure to Shop Small Business - Shop Chester!!
Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2025
Gift Wrap for A Cause at the SOC!
11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Former 'Streets Cafe' Space
Route 206 South, Chester, NJ 07930
A HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT LOCAL NON-PROFITS.
Sponsored by The Streets of Chester Shopping Center & co-sponsor Papyrus.
Don't get WRAPPED UP in the Holiday Stress!
Get Your GIFTS WRAPPED at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center and SUPPORT a Great Cause.
Gift Wrap Fundraising Workshop Schedule:
Hours of Operation: 11am-7pm
- Saturday, November 26th
Donations to benefit Family Promise of Morris County
Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness faced by Morris County families by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations and community volunteers to provide shelter, case management and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency. - Sunday, November 27th
Donations to benefit the Eric Koby Grace Memorial Fund
The Eric Koby Grace Memorial Fund (parent company, fatrabbitCREATIVE) was established as a way to help adoptive families financially through donations to bring their children home. The adoption process is a long and grueling one and is made more difficult by the numerous expenses a family has to incur, from paperwork, the purchase of government documents, home study fees, travel and long in-country stays. Thank you for your support in helping orphans to make their journey to their forever homes. - Saturday, December 3rd
Donations to benefit Friends & Neighbors of Allamuchy
Friends and Neighbors of Allamuch, NJ is a non-profit organization whose goal is to know your neighbor by working together and community betterment by sharing common interests. The organization raises money for the Allamuchy Fire Department and First Aid Squad, offers a year-round camp for developmentally disadvantaged children and adults, and supports church-based food pantries. They also grant three scholarships a year to mature women who are returning to school to complete their education or beginning a program of higher learning in order to develop a new career. - Sunday, December 4th
Donations to benefit Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network provides free one-on-one support to adult cancer patients and their caregivers. Each of CHN's 400+ volunteers is at least one year post-treatment or successfully undergoing maintenance therapies. They are trained to lend a listening ear – sharing their own experiences, offering the unique perspective that only someone who has faced cancer can give. www.cancerhopenetwork.org
...and if you need to get your gifts wrapped during the week or later in the Holiday Season...The SOC has another stress-free solution!
Our official event co-sponsor, Papyrus (located at the SOC), offers an in-store gift wrapping service. Call 908-879-5775 for details & store hours.
And don't miss the festive HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT at the SOC:
S.C.3. Entertainment presents "Sounds of the Holidays"
S.C.3. Entertainment is Morris County's premier DJ and event company. Now you can see S.C.3. LIVE for the Holidays as they play some of the BEST Holiday Classic Tunes to renditions by new artists. Stop by their Holiday Decorated Trailer (located in the Parking Lot). Performing at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center on Nov. 26th, Dec. 3rd & 18th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Manhattan Holiday "Dickens" Carolers
No holiday celebration is complete without the stunning sights and sounds of Manhattan Holiday Dickens' Carolers - An a cappella caroling quartet.
Performing a variety of traditional and contemporary holiday classics in beautiful hand-made Victorian-style costuming, our singers, these festive troubadours will be performing at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center on Dec. 4th & 11th from 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Nov 26, 2025
Chester Art of Dance - Small Business Saturday SALE
9AM-4PM
Location: Essential Dance Shop 15 Seminary Avenue Chester, NJ
20-50% OFF everything in store when you shop during Small Business Saturday! Shop Small and Save Big!
Nov 26 - Dec 18, 2025
Holiday Music Series at The SOC!
See specific dates and times below
Location: The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Route 206 South
Chester, Nj 07930
Shop to the festive sounds of the season during The Streets of Chester Shopping Center's Holiday Music Series: featuring S.C.3. Entertainment and the Manhattan Holiday Carolers.
Performances at Chester's Premier Shopping Center Destination!
S.C.3. Entertainment
S.C.3. (DJ) Entertainment plays holiday music and hits from all genres to fit all musical tastes.
Performing at the SOC on Sat., Nov. 26th, Dec. 3rd and on Sun., Dec. 18th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Manhattan Holiday Carolers
No holiday celebration is complete without the stunning sights and sounds of Manhattan Holiday Carolers - An a cappella caroling quartet. Performing a variety of traditional and contemporary holiday classics in beautiful hand-made Victorian-style costuming, these festive troubadours will be strolling through the shops at the SOC on Sun. Dec. 4th and 11th from 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Dec 4, 2025
29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Chester
Starts at 5:00 pm
Location: Gazebo / Municipal Field on Main Street in Chester, NJ
Annual Chester Tree Lighting is celebrating 29 years of lighting up the tree and marking the official start of the holiday season.
The event is planned for Sunday, December 4, 2025 at the Gazebo on Main St. All are invited to arrive at 5pm for the start of the program which includes musical entertainment by the West Morris Mendham Concert Band and The Treble Makers.
Santa arrives via firetruck courtesy of the Chester Volunteer Fire Company at 5:15pm. Individual visits with Santa and sharing of holiday wish list.
There will be refreshments for all to enjoy and plenty of good cheer!
Click here for official flyer.
These activities are sponsored by Chester Recreation with gratitude to the Chester Garden Club for running the event for 25 years. This is an evening of fun for all ages, not just those with little ones! Please come out and join your neighbors for a special way to start the holiday season. For more information please contact [email protected]
Dec 4, 2025
Breakfast With Santa at Alstede Farms
9 am - 2 pm
Location: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester NJ 07930
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast with Santa! Ticket includes hot cider, hayride (weather permitting), breakfast and time with Santa - bring your camera! Reservations are required. See our website for more details.
Dec 7, 2025
Free Cooking Class: Creating Healthier Versions of Your Favo
6:00 pm
Location: Dean's Natural Food Market at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Route 206 South, Chester, NJ 07930
Tis the season to enjoy your favorite traditional holiday foods – which usually means lots of extra empty calories -- but it doesn't have to!
In this class, Dean's Award Winner Chef, Scott Sleckman, will explore ways to make your favorite holiday dishes healthier, yet still tasty and enjoyable. All attendees will have the chance to sample the dishes and will be entered to WIN PRIZES. REGISTER FOR FREE: http://www.deansnaturalfoodmarket.com/healthy-holidays
December 7, 2016 @ 6:00pm
Dean's Natural Food Market, The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
