Spruce up your holiday season with these local activities

With classes winding down, it's starting to feel like winter break is upon us. Finals will soon pass, and there'll be nothing more to do except enjoy the holidays. Though we still have to get through the last stretch of the semester, it's never too soon to get a head start soaking up the winter fun. 

Here's The Daily Targum's list for the best local activities to spruce up your holiday season. 

New Brunswick Winter Wonderland

It isn't a singular activity, but New Brunswick's Winter Wonderland provides loads of opportunities for any sort of holiday excursion from now until the end of December. Located throughout New Brunswick, the city's Winter Wonderland is a series of performances, outings and celebrations all centered around the holidays.

If you're in the mood for an indoor performance, consider attending the Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at the State Theatre New Jersey on Saturday. Looking for something more active? Try a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, taking place on various dates through the end of December.

Check out the full list of events for New Brunswick's Winter Wonderland to find the one that works best for you.

Outdoor ice skating rinks

If you want to embrace the cold and glide into the holiday spirit, head to a local outdoor ice skating rink. These seasonal spots offer a chance to lace up your skates and enjoy a classic winter pastime. 

It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, outdoor ice skating is a refreshing way to spend an afternoon or evening. The most local option to Rutgers would be the Roosevelt Park Family Ice Skating Rink in Edison but be sure to check out any outdoor rinks closest to you. 

Don't forget to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from a nearby vendor after your skate!

Lighting displays

Holiday lighting displays provide a cozy way to take in the season's glow, all from the comfort of your own car. 

Luckily for Rutgers students, Winter WonderLights, New Jersey's largest outdoor lighting display, can be found nearby in East Brunswick. With a display featuring more than 1.5 million animated lights, just tune your radio to their station and enjoy the magic of the holiday season.

If you can't make it to Winter WonderLights, check out a list of New Jersey lighting displays here to find your best local option.

Local holiday markets

Whether you need to do some last-minute gift shopping or just can't get enough of the winter festivities, check out one of New Jersey's local holiday markets to ensure you don't head into the holidays empty-handed.

One local option is the Highland Park Night Owl Market, open on Saturday, December 21 and 22. Featuring local artists, artisans and crafters, the Night Owl Market offers the most convenient opportunity for Rutgers students to shop for unique gifts and support small businesses. 

If you're looking to travel a bit farther, hop on New Jersey Transit and ride to Princeton Junction for their Off the Wall Holiday Market, running from Friday to Sunday, December 19 and 21. It's another locally sourced market featuring homemade gifts, perfect for anyone on your holiday shopping list.

Regardless of what activity you choose, remember to stay safe and have fun. Happy holidays!