Events December 11, 2025
Nov 12 - Dec 18, 2025
Experience Historic Chester this Holiday Season!
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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
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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 - 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 - 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
Events after December 11, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
S.C.3. Entertainment DJ Holiday Classic Tunes
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: Broadcasting from 'Charming Charlies' at
The Streets of Chester Shopping Center
Route 206 South, Chester, NJ 07930
S.C.3. Entertainment is Morris County's premier DJ and event company.
Now you can see S.C.3. LIVE at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center for the Holidays as they play some of the BEST Holiday Classic Tunes to renditions by new artists.
Broadcasting from inside 'Charming Charlies' at the Streets of Chester Shopping Center on December 18th from 12:00pm-4:00pm
Dec 20 - 31, 2016
Happy New Year
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Location: Historic Downtown Chester
Happy New Year Wishes from The Historic Chester Business Association
Dec 21, 2025
Holiday Shopping Event
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Ann Taylor Streets of Chester
Let Ann Taylor help you wrap up your holiday season of giving.
Jan 14, 2026
Cinderella Performance
10:30 am
Location: Chester Library 250 West Main St. Chester NJ
Join us for a fun family performance of “Cinderella, Cinderella” by the Trilogy Repertory Theater. This interactive version of an old favorite will feature costumes, scenery and plenty of audience participation! Register online at chesterlib.org or call 908-879-7612.
Jan 14, 2026
Hip Hop Master Class with Denzel Chisholm
10:15am
Location: Art of Dance, Chester NJ
We are So Excited to have Denzel Chisolm to come and teach hip hop as our Saturday guest teacher this week. Denzel is one of The Hottest hip hop dancers in the dance industry. He is in the movie La La Land and is currently dancing in JLo’s show in Vegas. He has choreographed for Janet Jackson and has danced with Beyonce, Selena Gomes, Demi Lavato, Ariana Grande, Nicki Manaj and danced in the Victoria Secret Fashion show to name a few of his credits. This is a fantastic opportunity for our dancers!! This opportunity may not come our way again so all dancers should take advantage of his class. Denzel is in NYC while on break from JLo’s show. Be sure to have sneakers for this class. If you want to take advantage of this amazing opportunity the cost of the class is $25 10:15-11:30 intermediate class $30 11:30-1:00 advanced class
Jan 29, 2026
FREE Chester Recreation Winter Fest!
2pm-4pm
Location: Highlands Ridge Barn, 100 North Road in Chester
Save the date for Chester Recreation's next fun event- Winter Fest! Featuring Rick, the Butterfly Guy, winter crafts & activities, refreshments and so much more!
Register at https://register.communitypass.net/chestertwp
Mar 3 - 5, 2017
Orchid Open House
10am-5pm daily
Location: Stony Hill Gardens 8 Rt.24 Chester NJ
FREE event featuring wine tasting, cheese samples, orchid lectures, and refreshments. Orchids available for viewing and for purchase.
Mar 9, 2026
19th Century NJ Photographers: Morris County
7 pm
Location: Chester Library 250 West Main Street Chester, NJ 07930
Of the approximately 3,000 different photographers who were active in New Jersey before 1900, a substantial number worked in Morris County. In this fascinating slide lecture, Gard D. Saretzky will profile these pioneers and discuss them within the large context of New Jersey photography in the nineteenth century. Gary D. Saretzky, archivist, educator and photographer, has been the Monmouth County Archivist since 1994. This program is funded by the Horizons Speakers Bureau of the NJ Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the Nat’l Endowment for the Humanities.
Apr 1, 2026
Highlands Backyard Tree Fruit Seminar
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
You will have the opportunity to practice pruning techniques for apples, peaches, and summer & fall bearing brambles. You’ll also be able to ask questions about all aspects of fruit tree and small fruit tree care. Learn more on AlstedeFarms.com
Apr 30, 2026
Free Ice Cream Day
10am - 6pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
We’re celebrating Farmer Kurt’s Birthday today! Help us celebrate – stop by any time between 10 am and 6 pm for a FREE cup or cone of our delicious homemade ice cream! While you’re here, enjoy lots of fun farm activities!
May 13, 2026
Beekeeping Seminar
9 a.m. to 12:00
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
This course will take you through you everything you need to get started, from equipment, hive location, breed selection, biology, pest, and disease control. Seminar Participants will examine a nucleus hive and hive a 3lb package of bees.
May 14, 2026
Mother's Day Brunch
9 am - 2 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
This Mother's Day try doing something a little different: enjoy a scenic hayride around the farm to Harvest Hall to enjoy a delicious buffet style brunch! Relax in the delightful farm atmosphere with casual open table seating. Reservations required - see website for details. Children under 2 are free!
May 14, 2026
Free Ice Cream For Moms
10 - 6
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
There's no sweeter way to celebrate Mom on Mother's Day than with a free ice cream cone or cup. Stick around afterwards for tons of fun farm activities.
Jun 3 - 4, 2017
19th Annual SPRING Chester Craft Show
10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
Location: Gazebo/Municipal Field
134 Main Street, Chester, NJ
Call your friends and make plans to attend the 19th Annual SPRING CHESTER CRAFT SHOW being held on Saturday and Sunday, June 3rd and 4th.
We are proud to announce that the Spring Chester Craft Show was ranked as one of the top 60 craft shows IN THE COUNTRY, WITH OVER 150 ARTISTS from around the region.
Admission: $4.00. No dogs/pets allowed.
****$1.00 OFF* A SINGLE ADMISSION***
PRINT THIS AD AND PRESENT AT THE GATE TO RECEIVE $1.00 DISCOUNT.
Experience a wide variety of hand made items including traditional craft, fine art and country crafts. Find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list as well as beautiful handcrafted furnishings for your home. Be sure to stroll through Historic Chester and visit over 80 unique shops and eateries which are just steps away from the show. You will discover a wonderful selection of antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and accessories, gourmet pet products, confections and wonderful eateries. The
Note: If you are a vendor and wish to exhibit at this show, please visit http://www.chestercraftshow.com.
Sep 9 - 10, 2017
44th Annual FALL Craft Show
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
Location: Gazebo/Municipal Field,134 Main Street, Chester, NJ
(Music Provided By S.C.3. Entertainment on Sat. & Sun.)
CHESTER CELEBRATES 44 YEARS OF FALL CRAFT SHOW
**RATED #1 IN NEW JERSEY AND ONE OF THE TOP 50 CRAFT SHOWS IN THE NATION**
Over 200+ Tents Filled with the Finest Handmade Crafts.
The most talented artisans on the East Coast will exhibit and sell their unique hand-crafted creations at the upcoming Chester Fall Craft Show, which will take place on September 9th and 10th at Municipal Field and Perry Street in Chester, NJ. This year marks the 44th anniversary of the award-winning 'rain or shine' weekend event, which is produced by the Historic Chester Business Association (HCBA).
Rated #1 in New Jersey and one of the Top 50 "Best Crafts Show in The Nation" by America's Premier Art and Craft Show Magazine, Sunshine Artist, previous shows have set all-time attendance records, with crafters and artisans from throughout the region offering an array of select, hand-crafted furniture, jewelry, apparel, ornaments, home accessories and more.
"For the past 44 years, Chester has been the home to one of the Northeast's most celebrated arts and crafts event." says Kathy Barbieri, President of the HCBA, "This is the perfect time for attendees to join in the celebration and kick-off their holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind gifts."
During this special weekend in September, Chester will host thousands of people from all over the country who come to enjoy this two-day, juried and tented arts & crafts expo. But this is not just an event to satisfy the artistic soul—be sure to stroll the brick-lined sidewalks and visit over 80 specialty shops featuring antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and accessories, gourmet pet products, confections and wonderful eateries.
Whether it's a decorative piece for your own home or a distinctive holiday gift for a friend, Chester is the place to discover that special something. Children under 12 are free (no pets please). Also, don't forget to enjoy all the natural beauty of the season, as Chester is home to wonderful parks and farms offering fun for the whole family.
Note: If you are a vendor and wish to exhibit at this show, visit http://www.chestercraftshow.com.
Admission: $5.00 per person
***$1.00 Off Single Admission with a printed copy of this event listing**
Crafters interested in participating in the show can call 973-377-6600 or visit www.chestercraftshow.com.
Oct 14 - 15, 2017
34th Annual HARVEST Celebration
11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
Location: Downtown Chester, NJ
You couldn’t pick a better way to spend a weekend!
Come and enjoy this FREE 2-day event in Historic Downtown Chester.
Sampling of Activities include...
*NBC Celebrity - Produce Pete
*Apple Press Demonstrations
*Antique Cars
*Wood Carving Demo
*Pumpkin Painting
*Colonial Musketeers and much, much, more!!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS to be posted September 2017
