Easter is commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God.
In Christian religions, and specifically whether you are a Western Christian or Eastern Christian, Easter is often times celebrated on different days.
Western Christianity
In Western Christianity, The date Easter is celebrated varies, but it occurs on a Sunday from March 22 to April 25, and marks the end of the forty days of Lent, a period of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter which begins on Ash Wednesday.
Eastern Christianity
In Eastern Christianity, Easter also varies but occurs on a Sunday in the Gregorian calendar, from April 4 to May 8.
Celebrating Easter with Pagan Traditions
The Easter Egg and the Easter Bunny
The adoption of the Easter Egg in the U.S. has at its origin, many pagan traditional spring or vernal equinox rites that pre-date the popularity of the Easter in The United States. Myths from ancient civilization, and old Latin proverbs recount that "life springs from an egg" and that eggs had long been viewed as the symbol of life.
In early Europe, eggs were as hung on trees and Maypoles during pagan spring or festivals. In the spring or equinox festivals in ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome, eggs were colored, used as decorations, eaten, and were sometimes used as gifts.
It is believed that the ritual of Easter eggs was introduced by the Missionaries in Western Europe, in the fifteenth century.
The Easter bunny, although secular in origin and tradition, is perhaps the most popular symbol of Easter. It is believed that the fertility of the rabbit has resulted in the Easter Bunny becoming an Easter symbol. It was the German immigrants and their children that are given credit for introducing the Easter Bunny and the colored eggs in the U.S. Today the popular Easter egg basket takes it adoption from the earlier rabbit's nest and colored eggs that were popular with Western European children, and especially German children.
2010 Easter Events In New Jersey
Northern NJ Easter Events |
Easter Bunny Express
Departing Whippany, NJ
Celebrate the return of Spring with a fun themed train ride through northern New Jersey! The Easter Bunny and helpers will be on board greeting everyone during the 45-minute round-trip ride along the Morristown & Erie Railway's historic Whippanong Trail. You'll enjoy the comfort of heated passenger coaches as the Easter Bunny's helpers hand out holiday treats for the kids. You are welcome to bring your camera to take photos enroute (free of charge), but be aware that the Easter Bunny has to visit many children and can't stay long with each person.
March 27, 2010 (Saturday) 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM March 28, 2010 (Sunday) 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM April 3, 2010 (Saturday) 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM
For Tickets: http://whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/
Easter Egg Hunt & Barn Activities
Alstede Farms!
84 Route 513 (Old Route 24)
Chester, New Jersey
908-879-7189
Take a scenic farm hayride to the barn - Visit with baby farm animals - Throw some fastballs in our "Farm Pitch" pitching game - Hunt for eggs in our Hay Bale Maze - Sit on a real farm tractor - Take your picture with the Easter Bunny.
Friday, March 26th, 2010: 1pm - 5pm Saturday & Sunday, March 27th & 28th 2010: 10 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday, March 29th - April 1st 2010: 1 pm - 5 pm Friday, April 2nd, 2010: 10 am - 5 pm Saturday, April 3rd 2010: 10 am - 5 pm (We are closed on Easter Sunday - April 4th, 2010)
Train ride from Glen Rock, NJ with the Easter Bunny
Sunday March 28, 2010
Leaves Glen Rock Borough Hall. This 90 minute ride travels into Rockland County New York and back. For times and tickets, click here.
Train Ride From Wayne, NJ with the Easter Bunny
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Departs from
the NJ Transit stop on Route 23 in Wayne
The 90 minute ride takes you into Morris County and back.
For times and tickets, click here.
Easter Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Celebrating Easter on the water is a great way to kick off Spring with a bountiful lunch buffet, live entertainment and DJ dancing. Get out on the water to enjoy the wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline.
Spirit Cruises
866.483.3866
Sailing from Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, NJ
LUNCH CRUISE
Board: 11:30 am
Cruise: Noon to 2:00pm
Price: $40.90 per person*
DINNER CRUISE
Board: 6:30 pm
Cruise: 7:00 to 10:00pm
Price: $74.90 per person
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Central NJ Easter Events |
Easter Egg Hunt
Belmar, NJ
The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on March 27th at 11 am Sharp. Ages 1-3 will meet at the 6th ave beach Ages 4-5 7th ave beach (north) Ages 6-7 7th ave (south) Ages 8-9 8th ave beach. Please don't be late as the Easter Egg Hunt will start on time and only lasts a few short minutes before all the eggs
Ocean Grove Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Easter Egg Hunt
Main Ave. Beach, 11am
800-388-4768
Bunny Chase
Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-924-2310
Saturday and Sunday, April 3rd 4th, 2010, from 1 - 3:30 pm
A free, fun event for families with kids. Follow the treasure hunt clues and find a spring surprise at the end of the hunt! Wonderful for children ages 2 – 8 years. Each child can make a bunny to take home; everyone can enjoy a Terhune Orchards bunny cookie. Event is weather-dependent.
Asbury Park Easter Parade
Asbury Park Boardwalk holds an Annual Easter Parade each Easter Sunday.
With inclement weather, the event is held in Convention Hall or the Paramount Theatre.
Point Pleasant Beach Easter Parade
April 4, 2010
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach
(732) 899-1659
Prizes awarded in various categories. Registration takes place from 11:30am-12:30pm. Parade kicks off at 1pm in front of Joey Tomatoes.
The Easter Day Promenade
April 4, 2010
Seaside Heights
Kicks off on the Boardwalk at noon. Admission is free so come by to check out or show off your Easter Sunday best.
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Southern NJ Easter Events |
The Discovery Egg Hunt
Easter Sunday April 4th from 11am- 3pm.
Garden State Discovery Museum
Springdale Road
Cherry Hill
Every child is a winner with this eggs-citing event
Ocean City - Easter Fashion Promenade
Sunday, April 4, 2010
1pm, at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Come dressed in your Easter’s best to stroll in our Fashion Promenade and meet the Easter Bunny.
609-525-9300
Historic Smithville's Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
April 3rd and Easter Parade on April 4, 2020
For times and tickets, call 609-748-6160
Easter Wildwood Opening Day Celebration
April 4, 2010
On the Boardwalk at 23rd Ave
North Wildwood.
12PM to 4PM.
Morey’s Piers, Schellenger Avenue, Wildwood. Opening day celebration with fun for the kid in all of us including rides, food, entertainment and an Easter egg hunt for the kids.
609-522-3900. |
Best Easter Chocolates and Chocolatiers
Pierre Chocolat
Allenwood General Store
3208 Allenwood-Lakewood Road
Allenwood, NJ
732-840-1879
Their chocolates are creative, unique, and delicious. All the chocolates and French pastries are hand made on the premises. The specialize in French chocolates with healthy ingredients that produce exception taste; Their popular favorites are: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffle,
Green Tea Buddha,
Guinness Chocolate Cup,
Wasabi Pyramid
Champagne Truffle,
Chocolate chip cookie sandwich dipped in chocolate,and assorted sugar-free items.
Donna Tuscana
Artisan Chocolates & Lounge
19 Eastman Street
Cranford, NJ 07016
908-272-4380
Diane Pinder has turned her passion for chocolates Donna Tuscana Tuscan style "Culinary Quality" chocolates. The lounge is open Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 10 pm. Diane has appeared on NBC Today. Her chocolates include:
balsamic, olive oil and sea salt, caramel balsamic, blood orange, raspberry, and lemon basil. Chocolates can be purchase on line at http://cocoabee.com
J. Emanuel Chocolatier
7 Main ST.
Chester, NJ 07930
888-536-2683
Specializes in create delectable, good-for-you confections from scratch. Offers holiday creations. Cook’s Illustrated judged their Van Leer Chocolate "best dark chocolate and cocoa powder in the world."
Antoinette Chocolatier
87 South Main Street
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
(908) 859-4545
Antoinette Chocolatier never uses preservatives and
only uses the freshest ingredients to make its handmade
products. They offer special assortments for holidays and can create custom arrangements for you. |
Check out our list of the Best Family restaurants or the Best Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants if you plan on celebrating Easter with your family at a New Jersey restaurant.
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