It’s beginning to look a lot like the festive season (hello, chill in the air), and we’re gearing up for the start of the holiday family fun this weekend. Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes at the Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm in Manalapan, see Santa by the sea when you kick off the season with a holiday shopping extravaganza at Winterfest By The Sea in Ocean City, or get a head start on Thanksgiving celebrations and learn all about turkeys at Terrific Turkeys in Cranbury. And for more fall fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo taken by NJMOM)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
SPONSORED
Celebrate New Jersey Wine Month At The NJ Wine Expo!
For the entire month of November, the celebration of local wine will take place throughout the Garden State at New Jersey wineries and at the NJ Wine Expo on November 15 at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. You’re invited to join in the celebration! Enjoy countless events all November long, like special tastings, live music and more, which can all be found on NewJerseyWines.com. Interested in attending the biggest celebration of them all? Join the New Jersey wine community at their signature event, the NJ Wine Expo on November 15, at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. This historic tasting event will bring together the largest collection go New Jersey wineries and vineyards in history, showcasing our state’s vibrant local wine scene.
FEATURED
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 15-16
All aboard a train ride through millions of Christmas lights with a meet and greet with Santa and his elves in his workshop. Perfect for Kids ages 1-92, experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, and so much more. Afterward, head to the Holiday Movie tent, take a photo with your favorite snowman, and shop for everyone on your list at the Toy Market and Walkthrough Holiday Village. Tickets go on sale in the fall.
Cost: starting at $22.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
Begins November 14
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
Santa’s Arrival at Cumberland Mall
November 14 at 6 PM
Celebrate the arrival of Santa at the mall with an evening full of festive fun. There will be face painting, a singalong, holiday dance fun, an adult ugly sweater contest, and, of course, seeing Santa himself.
Cost: Free
Cumberland Mall, 3849 S. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360
Elf The Musical
November 14-16
“Santa! I know him!” Bring the kids to see the beloved story of Buddy the Elf as he travels to New York City to find his birth father and all the fun that ensues.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 14-16
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa before you leave.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
The Polar Express Train Ride, Whippany
November 14-16
Punch your golden ticket and get all aboard The Polar Express. Your family will experience the magic of the beloved book and movie and take a one-hour trip to the North Pole together. On board, you’ll be entertained by singing servers serving hot chocolate and shortbread, a reading of the book, meeting Santa, and receiving a silver sleigh bell surprise.
Cost: Ages 2 and under are free, $48 and up
1 Railroad Plz., Whippany, NJ 07981
Let It Glow
November 14-16
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo. There will be fire pits to warm up with and s’mores kits for a sweet treat.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Winterfest By the Sea
November 15 at 9 AM
See Santa by the sea when you kick off the season with a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The big guy will visit with the kids while Mom and Dad shop for gifts.
Ocean City Civic Center, 500 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Santa at Menlo Park Mall
November 15
Dress up the kids for that festive photo and yearly magical moment with Santa. Celebrate Santa’s Arrival on Saturday, November 15th, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM with music, giveaways, and festive activities.
Menlo Park Mall, 55 Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ 08837
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Starting November 15
The magic of Christmas has taken over Storybook Land for one of the most unforgettable light shows in NJ. Santa Claus is ready to wave his magic wand and light the park with over one million lights for the holiday season. Your littles will love seeing the park glow after dark and will be thrilled to ride and enjoy attractions (all open at night) during this magical time.
Cost: $37.99 per person if bought in advance, $41.99 per person at the door
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Holiday Shoppe
November 15 at 10 AM
This is an annual event that will jump-start your holiday shopping. There will be handcrafted items, baked goods, jewelry, and a fabulous lunch.
Cost: Free
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 714 Herbertsville Road, Brick, NJ 08724
Free STEM Day
November 15 at 12:30 PM
Have a little one who’s interested in STEM? Join in on a STEM Day, where they can rotate through STEM topics, including veterinary science and medicine, animal behavior, pet nutrition, engineering and design, and the life cycle of a butterfly.
Cost: Free
Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Boulevard, Voorhees, NJ 08043
Holiday Craft Show
November 15 at 10 AM
Get a start on your holiday shopping at this charming event. Over 150 local artisans will showcase crafts, paintings, pottery, and more. After you’re done shopping, enjoy live demonstrations, visit the Allaire Bakery and General Store, and take in the fall foliage.
Cost: $5 per person ages 10 and up
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Thanks4Giving Plunge and 5K
November 15 at 9:30 AM
Take the plunge and be freezing for a reason during this fun-filled event that supports Special Olympics. Raise money, start a team, or simply go to spectate at the Thanks4Giving 5K, which runs through Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and Bradley Beach. Afterward, take a dip in the chilly Atlantic! You can sign up for one event or both, receive a t-shirt and bib for the dash, and a sweatshirt for participating in the plunge.
Cost: Turkey Dash $35, Turkey Splash $25
Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Santa’s Birthday Celebration at Bridgewater Commons
November 15, 11 AM to 1 PM
Bring the whole family to celebrate the eternal Santa’s big day with Mrs. Claus, music, dancing, balloon art, magic, and, of course, a birthday singalong for Santa. Guests will enjoy sweet treats provided by the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, while supplies last.
Bridgewater Commons, Lower Level, and Center Court, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Diggerfest
November 15-16
Pumpkins are popping up all over Diggerland USA for this season’s annual Diggerfest. Enjoy hayrides, live music, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, fall parades, and more.
Cost: $45.99
100 Pineadge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Santa’s Arrival at American Dream
November 15 at 10:30 AM
Meet Santa at the Coca-Cola Bubble and then join Santa’s parade and greet favorite friends along the way. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festivities and welcome the most wonderful time of the year. Santa will make his way to his Holiday Dreamland, where later in the day, there will be holiday tunes from a children’s choir, excerpts from The Nutcracker, Christmas Street Dances, and a Holiday fashion show.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Terrific Turkeys
November 16 at 2 PM
Let’s get a head start on Thanksgiving celebrations at this fun event. Little ones will have the chance to learn about turkeys through stories, crafts, and nature activities. The celebration will be outdoors, so make sure you dress accordingly.
Cost: $5 per person
Plainsboro Preserve, 80 Scotts Corner Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512
Wayne PAL Third Holiday Craft Show Fundraiser
November 16 at 10 AM
Get into the holiday mood with over 100 crafters in three large gyms, selling everything from handmade jewelry and paintings to wreaths and lit trees.
Cost: Free
Wayne PAL Complex, 1 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470
Toy Pals Character Brunch
November 16 at 11 AM
Join all your friends from Toy Story for a fun brunch where kids can get free photos with their favorite characters, color, and enjoy a menu just for them.
Cost: Brunch cost
iPlay America, 110 Schanck Rd, Freehold, NJ, 07728
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