It’s the first official weekend of 2025, and we’re making a fresh start with a bunch of fun things to do with the fam. Interact with the gorgeous light displays and admire the beauty at the LuminoCity Festival in Freehold, lace up your skates, bundle up, and hit the outdoor rink with the family at the WinterFest Ice Skating in Cherry Hill, or celebrate 2025 with music, dancing, food, games, and more at the New Year’s Glow Party in Waretown. And for more winter things to do, check out our winter activities guide to fill your bucket list. (featured photo taken at LuminoCity Lights Festival)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
WinterFest Ice Skating
Weekends in January
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
Magic of Lights New Jersey
January 3-4
Experience the dazzling lights display entirely from the comfort of your car. Set your radio to their light show station, and then enjoy festive music as you drive through a merry arrangement of Christmas lights, trees, and decorations.
Cost: Prices to be announced
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Festival of Trees
January 3-5
The 36th annual Festival of Trees is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy together. There will be tons of trees for you to all take in and spend time walking around together. Before you go home, make sure you check out the newly renovated museum space in honor of the 70th anniversary.
Cost: Free
American Hungarian Foundation, 300 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Morven Museum & Garden Festival of Trees
January 3-5
This annual event is a great way to keep that festive feeling just a little bit longer. Check out the beautifully decorated trees on display.
Cost: $12 per adult, $10 for seniors and kids aged 7-18, and free for children under 6
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Let It Glow
January 3-5
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
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
January 3-5
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. You can catch the show from either side of the village or right on the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Winter WonderLights
January 3-5
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show will dazzle your family with over 1.5 million lights dancing to your favorite holiday music. The trees, the tunnels, and a tribute to first responders and US armed forces are just a sample of what you will see on the half-mile drive.
Cost: $30-$40 per car depending on the date or $75 unlimited season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Lumino City Festival
January 3-5
Head to this festive light show, where you will find 50+ stunning attractions that will light up the night. There is so much to see, from the Cheshire Cat and Santa’s sleigh to a beautiful unicorn. There are also food and drinks, a gift shop, and Lumi’s Utopia.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland USA
January 3-5
At America’s only construction theme and water park, you can see trucks, equipment, and scenery lit up for the season. As you drive on the course, you’ll discover tunnels, festive treats, and lots of lights along the way. Don’t forget to tune into Diggerland USA’s radio station to get into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $36.99
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Glow! to Bed: A Journey Through Time
January 3-5
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
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto
January 4 at 3 PM
Step into the world of Disney’s Frozen and Encanto at this fun show for the whole family. These beloved stories will be brought to life on the ice and filled with fun adventures.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102
New Year’s Glow Party
January 4 at 5 PM
Celebrate the new year with the family at this fun event, which includes music, dancing, games, and delicious food. There will also be a photo booth where you can take fun pictures to remember the evening.
Cost: $20 per person
Waretown Firehouse, 117 Wells Mill Road, Waretown, NJ 08758
Patacong Valley Model Railroad Open House
January 4-5
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
A Twelfth Night Celebration: 1775 On The Eve Of War
January 4 at 1 PM
This colonial celebration includes live music, games, refreshments, and a Twelfth Night cake. This event focuses on the last peaceful holiday season before the Revolutionary War.
Cost: Free
Hancock House Historic Site, 15 Front Street, Hancocks Bridge, NJ 08038
66th Annual Model Railroad Show
January 4-5
Bring the little ones and take in the joy of railroads and trains. This year, Thomas the Tank Engine will be on the track. There will also be refreshments and a layout perfect for the kids.
Cost: $10 per adult; children 10 and under are free
575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
NJ Audubon: New Year’s Resolution Hike at Hawk Rise
January 5 at 9 AM
Start the new year with a nature walk. On this walk, you will encounter birds and many other animals that stay active all winter long. You will also have the chance to discuss and observe wildlife in winter beauty. Hot beverages will be served afterward.
Cost: Free
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Range Road, Linden, NJ 07036
Experience The Battle of Princeton
January 5 at 9:30 AM
Take a trip back in time to witness the 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: Free
Princeton Battlefield, 500 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM, starting October 3rd, for a morning of swimming, fun, and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter, delivered right to your inbox. Don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
