It’s the end of 2025, so why not get a last blast of seasonal fun this weekend to close out the year with the fam? Try ice bumper cars, go-karts, festive shopping, and cozy igloos at the Newark Winter Village; bring your dino-loving littles for meet-and-greets with baby dinos, a bounce house, games, and inflatables at Jurassic Quest in Edison; or step out on the boardwalk at Jenkinsens for ice skating by the sea, face painting and hot cocoa at Seas & Greetings in Point Pleasant. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the holiday shows near you. (featured photo: @newarkwintervillage)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
The Nutcracker at the Mayo Performing Arts Center
December 26-27
The Nutcracker has returned to Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, with performances through December 27. The full 2-hour ballet will feature NJ Ballet’s professional company, with more than 100 students from the NJ School of Ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony for splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects, and a touch of holiday magic. This year, they are offering a sensory-friendly performance on December 26 at 1 PM. This beautiful performance is designed to create a supportive, welcoming environment for those with sensory sensitivities. There will be modulated sound and light levels, a relaxed atmosphere where the audience can feel comfortable vocalizing and leaving and re-entering the seating area as needed, fidget toys, and noise-reduction headphones available upon request.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
December 26-28
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 spot Santa, 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
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
December 26-28
Start your engine and explore 32 acres of holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. You can also warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market, and take pictures with Santa while listening to Santa’s reindeer singing.
Cost: $35 per car
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Magic of Lights New Jersey
December 26-28
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
Winter WonderLights
December 26-28
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show will dazzle your whole 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: $35-$45 per car, depending on the date, or $100 unlimited season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
December 26-28
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
December 26-28
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
Let It Glow
December 26-28
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
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
December 26-28
Explore the farm and see all the lights for the holiday season with all your favorite barnyard friends–this is one of those holiday light shows in NJ that you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Information coming
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton, NJ 07005
Christmas House Freehold
December 26-28
Soak up New Jersey’s #1 Christmas attraction with the whole family, where you will find a fully immersive experience. This 45+ minute walk-through has everything Christmas, from lights and a Snow Room with falling snow to the North Pole Movie Theater and a Tropical Christmas with a beach setup. There are also special character rooms, like Harry Potter and The Nightmare Before Christmas, with meet-and-greets and special surprises.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms
December 26-28
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, be a part of special light-up photo opportunities, and even visit Santa’s Workshop. You can also help plant new bulbs that will bloom in 2025. 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
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
December 26-28
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
Newark Winter Village
December 26-28
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
9th Annual Deck the Hall: Festival of Trees
December 26-28
Want to see a winter wonderland? This festive event features dozens of decorated trees.
Cost: Free
Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
December 26-28
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. And before you leave, grab a hot cocoa and festive treats.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Asbury Park Polar Bear Races
December 27
It’s the 62nd anniversary of the Polar Bear races, benefitting Interfaith Neighbors, which provides food pantries to the community. You can participate in a 1-mile run, a 5K run, or a 5K Racewalk. There will be commemorative t-shirts for all participants, awards for the top three male and female finishers, and age group awards.
Asbury Park Convention Center, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Seas & Greetings
December 27-28
Step into a winter wonderland and keep the spirit of the season alive at this fun event. There will be twinkling lights, festive decor, and holiday princesses. Make sure you wander through the aquarium and see all the festive fun. PS There will be ice skating by the shore, where you can glide across the ice with the ocean as your backdrop.
Cost: Prices vary
Jenkinson’s, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
North Pole Express at the Black River and Western Railroad
December 27-28
Don’t miss North Pole Express—the Black River and Western Railroad’s most popular annual event. Board the train in Flemington and stop at the festive Ringos Station for some holiday cheer. Guests can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a chocolate chip cookie, hot cocoa, a special silver sleigh bell, and a gold souvenir ticket. Premium Coach, Parlor Class, Private Caboose Rentals, and Club Car Rentals are also available.
Cost: 3 and under ride free, $39.99 and up
80 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Jurassic Quest
December 27-28
Go back in time at the largest and most realistic Dinosaur Exhibit on tour, featuring true-to-detail (and size) dinosaurs, including a 60-foot-long, sky-scraping Spinosaurus, an 80-foot-long Apatosaurus, and a gigantic life-size T.rex. Kids will have a blast at the one-of-a-kind raptor training experience, riding dinosaurs, meet-and-greets with baby dinos, a bounce house, games, and inflatables. Plus, they can participate in Fossil Digs, Jurassic Jeeps, Crafts & Coloring Station, Fossil Experience, and The Quest – an interactive challenge that leads adventurers through 10 clues with the chance to earn a reward.
Cost: Ticket prices vary, starting at $22
New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
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