Colonial Christmas, Shelter Donations, More in This Weekend's Planner

This week is full of art exhibits, book signings and more to fill your time.

Below is the combination of our weekly pick of weekend activities, offering both fun weekend activities and great family-friendly fun at the same time.

Here are this week's picks:

Donations for Somerset Regional Animal Shelter
When/Where: Friday all day, and everyday through Dec. 14 at the Bridgewater Township Library on Vogt Drive.
Why Go: Because the library is accepting donations for the shelter from Friday until Dec. 14. They are looking for canned kitten and cat food, dog toys, cat litter, dog leashes, dog collars, batteries, comforters and more.
Cost: Free.

Center for Contemporary Art Juried Exhibition
When/Where: Friday and Saturday all day at the Center for Contemporary Art on Burnt Mills Road in Bedminster.
Why Go: A total of 45 pieces will be on exhibit, chosen by Edwin Ramoran, with galleries open all day Friday and Saturday.
Cost: Free.

Colonial Christmas
When/Where: Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Jacobus Vanderveer House one Route 202/206 in Bedminster.
Why Go: Because it’s time to travel 200 years in the past for a little history lesson about Somerset County and all the offerings of the Vanderveer House, plus visits from Santa, period costumes and reenactors.
Cost: $10.

Book Signing with Dan Gutman
When/Where: Friday at 4:30 p.m. at The Bookworm on Claremont Road in Bernardsville.
Why Go: Because children’s book author Dan Gutman will be signing books, and his newest book, “The Genius Files,” will be on sale too.
Cost: Free.

Youth Open Gym
When/Where: Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Bradley Gardens Primary School on Pine Street in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Students in grades seven through 12 are invited to attend the open gym to play basketball and other games, while also feasting on pizza and soda.
Cost: Free.

Holiday Open House
When/Where: Friday at 6:30 p.m. on Morristown Road in Bernardsville.
Why Go: Because it’s time to get inspired by holiday decorations with the opportunity to find gifts for everyone, including women’s accessories, home furnishings, jewelry and more.
Cost: Free.

Peter Mayer Stars and Promises Holiday Concert
When/Where: Friday at 7:30 p.m. on West Main Street in Somerville.
Why Go: The Peter Mayer Group is performing its holiday concert at the United Reform Church in Somerville, and the ticket costs will be donated to charity.
Cost: $25.

Craft Fair
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School on Merriwood Drive in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Band Parents Association is holding the fair to sell some great stuff and fundraise for the band.
Cost: Free.

Basking Ridge Author to Read at Bernardsville Library
When/Where: Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Bernardsville Public Library on Anderson Hill Road in Bernardsville.
Why Go: Basing Ridge author Jacqui Boulter will be reading her book “Where Horses Fly” at the library, and residents will be able to both listen and get her to sign a book.
Cost: Free.

Nutcracker Ballet, Act II
When/Where: Saturday at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Bernards High School on Olcott Avenue in Bernardsville.
Why Go: It’s the holiday season and The Repertory Dancers are performing “The Nutcracker,” with a showing of the second act through the kingdom of sweets.
Cost: $22.

Breakfast With Santa
When/Where: Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Ann’s Parish on Anderson Street in Raritan.
Why Go: The holiday event will include a buffet menu of scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, hash browns, muffins, fresh fruit and more, plus a special appearance toward the end by Santa.
Cost: $8.

Lighting the Way
When/Where: Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church on Route 202/206 in Pluckemin.
Why Go: This community event will include caroling, a live nativity, refreshments and much more.
Cost: Free.

Youth Open Gym
When/Where: Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Adamsville Primary School on Union Avenue in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Students in grades seven through 12 are invited to attend the open gym to play basketball and other games, while also feasting on pizza and soda
Cost: Free.