No winter doldrums here—kick off the month of love with festive and bright celebrations for the whole family this weekend. Celebrate the Year of The Dragon during colorful Lunar New Year Celebrations in East Brunswick, Verona, and Maplewood, get a headstart on Valentine’s Day gift shopping at the Valentine’s Day Craft Market in Woodstown, or bundle up with the fam and enjoy ice carving on the patio, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and arts and crafts at Winterfest in Livingston. And for more family fun this season, don’t miss our guide to filling your winter bucket list. (Featured photo: istock/JanaShea)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Groundhog Day Jaunt
February 2 at 1 PM
Celebrate Groundhog’s Day with an easy 3-mile walk where you can get some fresh air and take in nature. The hike will take you through the forest on sand roads, so make sure you dress appropriately.
Cost: Free
Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527
New Jersey Sports Card Convention
February 2-3
Have someone in your family who loves sports cards? Bring them to this event that features experiences, card collectors and dealers, collectibles, sports card memorabilia, and more.
Cost: $12 per person; kids under 10 are free
iPlay America, 110 Schnack Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
USA Curling Championships at The Rink
February 2-4
Have you ever seen curling in person before? Head to The Rink at American Dream, where you can watch the USA Curling Championships as players slide their stones into the target during this thrilling and unique sport.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
The Rink at American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Annie The Musical
February 2-4
The beloved story of Little Orphan Annie and her journey to finding a home and a family is coming to the stage for the entire fam to enjoy. Named the “Best Family Musical Ever Penned,” your little ones will love the music in the show.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
14th Annual Greek Winter Feast
February 2-4
Don’t worry about being cold at this winter event. The 14th annual feast is filled with fun for the whole family, all indoors, including authentic Greek food, homemade pastries, traditional dance performances, and a DJ on Saturday night.
Cost: Free admission
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 Ridge Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
East Brunswick Lunar New Year Celebration
February 3 at 11 AM
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with traditional cultural performances, magic, pop-up photography, local artists and vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling, Civic Center Drive, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
My Little Man & Me: Valentine’s Day Party
February 3 at 1 PM
Bring the special little man in your life for a fun early Valentine’s Day event. There will be games, crafts, snacks, punch, and a photo booth where you can make lots of new memories together.
Cost: $30 per child and one adult
Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Valentine’s Craft Market
February 3 at 10 AM
Come for a fun day of shopping, crafting, music, baked goods, and so much more. Bring your little ones and enter the Squishmallow giveaways happening all day.
Cost: Free
The Blue Moon Theatre, 13 West Avenue, Woodstown, NJ 08098
New Jersey Symphony: 2024 Lunar New Year Celebration
February 3 at 7:30 PM
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the New Jersey Symphony when they pair lyrical music with community and cultural exchange.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Tap the Sugar Maples
February 3 at 10 AM
Ever wonder how the sticky stuff gets to your breakfast table? Join the farmers as they tap the hundreds of maple trees on the property and collect the syrup.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Lunar New Year Celebration
February 3 at 6:30 PM
Looking for something unique to do with the fam? This fun and cultural event is for an evening of Chinese acrobatics, dance performances, cultural experiences, and the rich culture of the Lunar New Year.
Cost: Free
Verona High School, 151 Fairview Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044
Black Culture Celebration
February 3 at 2 PM
This event is excellent for all ages to learn more about African American history and culture. There will be a performance from the Fair Lawn High School Step Team, an exhibit, a book display, and more.
Cost: Free
Fair Lawn Public Library, 10-01 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Winter Fire & Ice Festival
February 3-4
Celebrate the beauty of winter at this fun event for the whole family. There will be ice sculptures and demonstrations, animal exhibits, music, fire pits, food trucks, and so much more.
Cost: $5 per person; kids 10 and under are free
933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Lunar Fest NJ 2024
February 4 at 12 PM
This is a unique event that will celebrate the Year of the Dragon. There will be a lion dance, performances representing Chinese and Korean culture, children’s activities, and delicious food trucks.
Cost: Free
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Winterfest
February 4 at 2 PM
Bundle up with the whole family and celebrate the season at Winterfest. This event includes ice carving on the patio, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and arts and crafts for everyone to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Livingston Public Library, 10 Robert Harp Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039
Valentine’s Vendor and Craft Fair
February 4 at 11 AM
Get a head start on your Valentine’s Day shopping for the loved ones in your life at this fun event. There will be door prizes, vendors, crafts and activities, food and refreshments, and a photo booth.
Cost: Free
Old Bridge High School, 4209 County Road 516, Matawan, NJ 07747
Barbie’s Dream Tea Party
February 4 at 11 AM
Have a little one who is a Barbie fan? Head to this fun event where you can dress up as your favorite Barbie or Ken and enjoy kid-friendly tea sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, and sweet or savory treats. There will also be a craft for the kids.
Cost: $18 per person
RiverWinds Community Center, 1000 RiverWinds Drive, West Deptford, NJ 08093
ONGOING EVENTS
Skating on the Square
Now-February 25, open Thursday-Sunday
Bundle up and bring your ice skates for a fun day of skating outside. This eco-friendly, outdoor synthetic skating rink is so much fun for the whole family.
Cost: $10 per person
19 Hulfish Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Maple Sugaring
Now-March 17, Sundays
All ages are welcome to this fun and educational event. Learn how to identify a maple tree, discover the history of syrup making, and see how technology has changed how it’s done. You will tap trees and boil the sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup.
Cost: Prices vary
Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
