Hello, 2026 – we’re ringing in the new year with lots of family fun all weekend long. Bundle up for the cold winter weather and spend the day enjoying gliding across the ice at WinterFest Ice Skating in Cherry Hill; take a nature walk where you will encounter birds and many other animals that stay active all winter at the NJ Audubon: New Year’s Resolution Hike at Hawk Rise in Linden; or take in the sights and sounds while exploring the layout of the Patacong Valley Model Railroad in Richland. And for more family-friendly fun, check out the list of winter activities to do this month. (featured photo: iStock/Marina_Skoropadskaya)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
9th Annual Deck the Hall: Festival of Trees
January 2
Want to see a winter wonderland? This festive event features dozens of decorated trees.
Cost: Free
Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
January 2-3
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with over 50 winter and animal characters. There will also be a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
January 2-3
With over two million brilliant lights, your littles will be amazed by all the sparkle and shine on this mile-long course. Afterward, head to the village to listen to live music, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and shop at local artisan shops.
Cost: $29.99
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Magic of Lights New Jersey
January 2-3
Experience the dazzling light display entirely from the comfort of your car. Set your radio to their light show station and enjoy festive music as you drive through a merry display of Christmas lights, trees, and decorations.
Cost: $27 per car
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Newark Winter Village
January 2-4
Enjoy the winter with the family at this annual village that includes ice skating with bumper cars, go-karts, festive shopping, cozy igloos, and seasonal cocktails for the adults.
Cost: Admission is free
Mulberry Commons, Newark, NJ 07102
Glow! to Bed: A Journey Through Time
January 2-4
Take a ride through Gloucester County’s ultimate animated light show in the heart of South Jersey and a winner on The Great Christmas Light Fight show. See over 8 million animated lights and the joy through a child’s eyes, from the anticipation on Christmas Eve to the joys of Christmas morning. This mile-long display synchronized to music on your car radio will not disappoint.
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, Williamstown, NJ 08081
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms
January 2-4
With a combination of tulips and the holidays, this brand-new event is budding with potential. See an illuminated field of over 50,000 stunning life-like tulips, watch the drone show on select nights, and take selfies during the light-up photo opportunities. You can also help plant new bulbs that will bloom in 2026. Don’t miss the chance to try some hot chocolate and their fresh stroopwafels while you are there, too.
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Let It Glow
January 2-4
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. You can walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
WinterFest Ice Skating
January 2-4
Is there anything better than lacing up some skates and hitting the ice with the family? Bundle up for the cold winter weather and spend the day enjoying gliding across the ice.
Cost: Skate rentals and rink admission prices vary
Copper River Park, Cuthbert Boulevard and Park Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
January 2-4
Visit Historic Smithville to hear your favorite holiday tunes synchronized to a unique light display. Over 120 Christmas trees, constructed from 50,000+ Christmas lights, will magically float atop Lake Meone in the center of the village. When the sky is dark, an orchestrated show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music. The show can be seen from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
January 2-4
Drive-thru America’s only construction theme and water park, and enjoy the lights, tunnels, holiday displays, and more. Don’t forget to tune into Diggerland USA’s radio station to get into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $37.99 per vehicle
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
NJ Audubon: New Year’s Resolution Hike at Hawk Rise
January 3 at 9 AM
Start the new year with a nature walk where you will encounter birds and many other animals that stay active all winter. On this walk, you will have the chance to discuss and observe wildlife in winter’s beauty. Hot beverages will be served afterward.
Cost: Free
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Range Road, Linden, NJ 07036
Muslim Heritage Month Festival
January 3-4
Celebrate Muslim Heritage Month at this family-friendly event filled with scholars, artists, comedians, athletes, food vendors, and more.
Cost: $20 per person, children under eight are free
Edison Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
Patacong Valley Model Railroad Open House
January 3-4
Take in the sights and sounds while exploring the layout of the Patacong Valley Model Railroad. It takes about 30-45 minutes to view the entire setup. Don’t miss the seek-and-find puzzles ranging from easy to hard.
Cost: Free
1308 US-40, Richland, NJ 08350
Experience The Battle of Princeton
January 4 at 9:30 AM
This event is fun for all the history buffs in your family and celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary. During the day, you can witness British and American reenactments of the Battle of Princeton, talk with living historians, participate in a memorial wreath-laying ceremony, tour the historic Thomas Clarke House, and more.
Cost: $10 per adult ages 15+ and free for kids under 14 or active military members
Princeton Battlefield, 500 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Cutting, Splitting & Hewing
January 4 at 12:30 PM
Head to the farm, where you will get warmed up using a two-man saw and a splitting wedge, then learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Winter Market by Grow It Green Morristown
January 4 at 9:30 AM
This Sunday morning market is a partnership with Grow It Green Morristown. Each week, you’ll find a revolving list of local vendors who offer a great assortment of cheeses, prepared foods, produce, and baked goods.
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960
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