Tis the season for holiday cheer and there’s nothing better than seeing the joy through your little one’s eyes. A favorite moment every year? Watching those little eyes light up when the tree lights up. Towns across New Jersey are decking out their trees for the holidays and we’ve rounded up some of the best and brightest. So bundle up the littles and make your way to one of these—it’s a festive family outing that’s sure to be a very merry memory-maker.
featured image via NJNext
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom so we can see those cute smiles all season long.
Here are 10 Must-Know Holiday Tree Lightings in NJ:
Princeton Tree Lighting
Friday, November 29th | 5:00 PM
Performances from the Princeton High School Choir and School of Rock all lead up to the main event. Kick off the holiday season on the beautiful Green at Palmer Square and watch as 32,000 lights glow on the giant spruce tree. Mamas, keep in mind there’s construction going on in the area (Alexander Road, coming from Route 1) so you’ll want to give yourself some extra time to make sure you get a good spot for the kids.
Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ 08542
For more information, click here.
Red Bank Holiday Express Concert & Town Lighting
Friday, November 29th | 7:00 PM
Kick off the season with the annual Holiday Express Concert & Town Lighting. Expect downtown Red Bank to be rocking starting at 7 PM (word is that some special guests will be stopping by). But, you may want to come early to get a good spot and to hear (and see the youth band of the Monmouth Conservatory). The kids will love the LIVE countdown to light-up time, which is around 8 PM.
Broad Street at Canal Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, click here.
Asbury Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 30th | 5:30 PM
Asbury Park’s Christmas Tree Lighting celebration has become a shore tradition, now in its 12th year. Doors open at 5:30 PM and you’ll want to get there early, since it gets packed with families admiring the state’s tallest, live, indoor tree twinkling with 40,000 lights. The lighting happens at 6:45 PM, followed by a live performance by the Asbury All Stars Holiday Band. Keep your eyes out along the boardwalk for Santa to stop by.
The Grand Arcade at Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
For more information, click here.
Long Branch Tree Lighting at Pier Village
Sunday, December 1st | 4:00 PM
There so much to celebrate at Pier Village: Try ice skating, hop on a mini train ride, meet Santa, dance to live music, take selfies with costumed characters, and of course, watch the tree lighting. Your littles will have a ball at this is a holiday celebration, which includes live performances by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, and the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance team.
Festival Plaza at Pier Village, 50 Chelsea Ave, Long Branch, 07740
For more information, click here.
Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
Sunday, December 1st – Sunday, December 22nd | 5:00 PM
Your kids will love Santa’s rooftop arrival, along with all kinds of family activities and entertainment on the historic Morristown Green. Then, you’ll be wowed by the dazzling “Lighting of the Green” ceremony, with brilliant lights and wreaths adorning streetlights town-wide—it’s a 100+ year tradition. Can’t make the lighting? Each weekend in December, The Green hosts Santa visits and photos, holiday crafts, miniature train rides, gingerbread house & ornament making, music by local choirs and entertainers, ice sculpting demonstrations and free treats.
Morristown Green, North Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
For more information, click here.
Westfield Annual Tree Lighting with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Sunday, December 1st | 3:30 PM
Take pictures with your family in a life-sized snow globe, meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and warm apple cider. Festivities start at 3:30 PM and the tree will be lit at 5:30 PM. Wear your “Ugly Holiday Sweater” to get a free cookie (while supplies last) and get ready for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer and community.
Westfield Train Station, 104 N Ave W, Westfield, NJ 07090
For more information, click here.
Hoboken Tree Lighting
Monday December 2nd | 5:00 PM
The Mile Square City will be merry as local school children and performers sing favorite Christmas songs and Jolly Ol’ St. Nick stops by to light the tree. Be sure to secure your spot early: Festivities start at 5 PM all leading up to the lighting of the tree.
City Hall, 94 Washington Street, 07030
For more information, click here.
Toms River Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6th | 5:00 PM
Get into the holiday spirit with performances from the Donovan Catholic Choir, a Dancer’s Pointe and the Toms River South High School Choir. Enjoy a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with Mrs. Claus. Then, Santa arrives at 7 PM to light the tree. Be sure to stick around to snap some pics with the big guy.
Town Hall Courtyard, Toms River, NJ 08753
For more information, click here.
Cape May Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 6th | 7:00 PM
Enjoy some old-fashioned holiday cheer when the City of Cape May officially kicks off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Rotary Park Bandstand. This historic village is definitely the place to get festive with your fam: There will be caroling, a presentation by the Lower Cape May Regional High School choir and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Rotary Park Bandstand, 400-498 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204
For more information, click here.
Jersey City Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Tuesday, December 10th | 6:00 PM
Jersey City’s annual holiday celebration includes a Christmas tree and Menorah lighting to put everyone in a holiday mood. Get there early for a fun tree decorating activity for the kids from 4:30 until 6 PM, then listen to music from Rock-it Docket and wait for Santa to visit on a fire truck. Gifts will be given out to children in need, while supplies last.
Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall, 119-158 Newark Ave, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
For more information, click here.
