It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and if you plan on keeping the kids busy over winter break, we’ve got plenty of things to do during the days between Christmas and New Year’s. Glide on an ice rink, check out the sparkling light displays, or bring the whole family on a First Day Hike in the fresh air. Scroll down for ideas on making the most of your Christmas vacation. (featured Photo Credit: NJ MOM)
Get Set For Fun During Winter Break In NJ
Finally, see those light displays
Holiday events will expire after the new year, and if you’re spending winter break in NJ, you can get in those last-minute special events this time of year. Stay cozy in your car as you admire the drive-through Christmas lights like the Magic of Lights at PNC Arts Center, Glow To Bed on the Tinsel Turnpike in Sicklerville, or buckle up for the Winter WonderLights in East Brunswick. Or walk around for a Holiday Light Show—either way, the lights will put the whole family in a merry mood. And there are plenty of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa events to celebrate all week during winter break, along with winter activities too.
Take a weekend road trip
Sneaking away after the busy holidays can be just what you need to recharge your family’s batteries. The good news is you don’t need to book a plane ticket or gear up for an endless car ride—there are family-friendly resorts in and around NJ for all ages and budgets that you can drive to in under 2 hours. Whether you want to experience the shore at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, visit Great Wolf Lodge, or stay overnight nestled in the mountains at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, a little getaway is always a good idea. Want to make it feel more like home? Rent a cozy cabin with a crackling fireplace and lots of snowy activities for the littles
Splash around
Think waterparks are only a summertime thing? Nope—you can plunge down a waterslide, drift in the lazy river, or get knocked down in the wave pool. There are a bunch of indoor waterparks to discover nearby, including American Dream DreamWorks Waterpark in East Rutherford, Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin, and The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark in New York. Kids will have a ball getting soaked indoors, and you’ll all feel like you were on a resort vacay miles away.
Explore a holiday-themed village
Why not put yourself in a Hallmark-worthy location to keep that seasonal feeling going? Historic Smithville has shops, restaurants, a carousel, and special events that make you feel like you’re on a holiday movie set. Skylands Stadium has a light show and a Christmas Village open until January 3, 2026.
Travel over the river (Delaware or Hudson)
One of the awesome things about living here is our access to two world-class cities—New York and Philadelphia—that you can visit for a day trip or an overnight. Use these days off to explore NYC classics like the Empire State Building and the Central Park Zoo, or unique attractions like the Museum of Ice Cream or The Edge. In Philly, check out historical sights and museums like Independence Hall and The Franklin Institute, as well as Philly spots like Once Upon a Nation Storytelling. Or visit Longwood Gardens in the Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania, for beautiful holiday lights and trees. New Jersey is also full of unique downtowns, from historical Morristown to nostalgic Cape May.
Glide on an ice skating rink
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skater, ice skating is a fun workout and bonding experience with the fam. Check out one of these NJ ice rinks with outdoor, festive skating, like Mercer County Park’s open-air ice skating, or if the weather isn’t the best (or too warm), head to one of the indoor skating rinks, like the NHL regulation-size rink at Skylands Ice World in Stockholm or American Dream’s rink in East Rutherford. Or check out Van Saun Park with ice bumper car sessions (no skates needed).
Go under the sea
The temps may be dropping, but plenty of sea life can be seen indoors. From observing brilliant and bright fish at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach to seeing the sharks up close at the NJ SEA LIFE Aquarium in East Rutherford or hanging with the hippos at the Camden Adventure Aquarium, the aquariums in NJ are perfect for your little sea explorer.
Climb to new heights
Climbing as a family at an indoor rock climbing space is a fantastic way to work on team-building. Children and parents can work together to overcome a difficult wall or to conquer unique challenges, such as blindfolded or three-legged climbing. And many also have zip lines or places to do bouldering, making you feel like you’ve escaped to a mountain range activity park.
Watch a classic come alive
Didn’t get to that show you’ve been dying to see? Catch one of the holiday shows over winter break to entertain the whole family. Score tickets to A Christmas Carol at the McCarter Theater in Princeton, or see the Nutcracker perform at MPAC in Morristown, or catch a kid-friendly show for the whole family to enjoy.
Let loose indoors
Whether it’s getting your game on in indoor mini-golf, bowling, testing your speed at an indoor go-kart track, or bouncing it out at a trampoline park, you can have a ball no matter what the weather. Most of these places are more than just one activity—many offer arcades, laser tag, games, and gourmet cuisine to make a full day of it. Or, if you want to introduce your kids to the video games you played as a kid (hello, Donkey Kong), head to a retro arcade in the Garden State. Or head to playspaces where your littles can run wild and, if you’ve got older kids, places where you can find entertainment for all ages.
Travel in space
Sit back, relax, and get lost in space as you look up at the stars and watch a special film presentation in the domes of New Jersey’s educational and entertaining planetariums. Kids (and parents!) of all ages will get lost in the enchantment of the dome’s crystal-clear projection—all while learning something new.
Hit the slopes
Whether you’re looking for a day trip with the littles or a week-long family vacation, you don’t have to go far to get on the slopes. Sign up for lessons, spend the day on the trails, try boarding, or cozy up to an apres-ski fire pit—you can find a mountain to fit your family’s needs, like the Jack Frost Ski Resort or Camelback Resort in the Poconos. Check out our guide to the best ski resorts for families.
Take a run at snow tubing
If you’re looking for more of a thrill than a traditional sledding day but aren’t quite ready to hit the slopes of the ski mountain, this activity is for you. Snow tubing is a great way to get outside, breathe in the crisp air, and laugh the whole way down. Unlike skiing and snowboarding, no experience or lessons are required to enjoy this activity. Not sure where to go? Look at these snow tubing spots in and around NJ for a day of thrills.
Explore a museum exhibit
Now is a great time to use that excuse to visit New Jersey museums. Witness art coming to life indoors and outdoors in cool weather at the unique Grounds For Sculpture. Or head to Liberty Science Center, where kids can have fun without realizing they are learning. The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton is another excellent option, with the bonus of being free.
Scope out area attractions
Didn’t get to an amusement park this summer? You can catch one now, all decked out in holiday finery. Head to the Christmas Fantasy With Lights at Storybook Land, build on family memories at Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® New York Resort, or stay inside at Nickelodeon Universe in the American Dream Mall. There are also places in NJ where you don’t have to buy a ticket or pay an entry fee—from the Cape May County Park & Zoo to tours of the governor’s mansion at Drumthwacket—and these free attractions are worth checking out during the days off.
Volunteer, organize, donate, and repeat
The toy explosion is real around the holidays, and finding the best home for everything makes all the difference. Donate clothing and toys to those in need and show the family the true meaning of the holiday—helping others. Or get friends and family together to learn all about the giving season. Give to a charity like the Pajama Program or volunteer with friends at the JBJ Soul Kitchen and make others’ spirits bright.
Take a First Day Hike
Get a fresh start to the New Year on one of the many guided First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. It’s a great way to get the whole family outdoors and moving. Marvel at the nature around you, look at how the snow frames the trees, and spot animals, all while getting your heart rate up. Or take your own hike by checking out this guide for the trail nearest you—head to Liberty State Park for a glimpse of New York City landmarks, or tackle one of the trails at Hacklebarney State Park.
Ring in a family-friendly New Year’s Eve
Get those party poppers ready—it’s almost 2026. Whether you want to celebrate at home or out, you can have New Year’s Eve with the fam. Kick off New Year’s at Noon at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach, watch the Blueberry Drop in the “Blueberry Capital of the World” in Hammonton, or see the fireworks fly at midnight from the Battleship New Jersey in Camden. No matter where you ring in the new year, there are plenty of options all over the Garden State.
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