Fall festivities may be getting sidelined for pre-holiday ones, but there’s no reason why you can’t do both this weekend with the whole family. Find tons of new products and take in the awesome brands, educational demos, raffles, experts, and healthy food at the NJMOM Baby Expo in Hoboken; watch an evening of magical winged dancers and look over ice sculptures during the outdoor Theatre of Light in Morristown or see Big Santa get a glow-up on top of the mall along with a drone show and live music at the Big Santa Lighting at Garden State Plaza in Paramus. For more family fall fun, hit up one of the many fall festivals before the season ends. (Featured Photo Credit: Tom Salus @thomassalus & @mayopac)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
NJ MOM Baby Expo
November 12 at 9:30 AM
If you are a new or expecting mom, mark your calendars for the NJ MOM Baby Expo with over 50 baby and toddler brands, educational demos, raffles, experts, and healthy food. There will also be a family lounge with cookie decorating and face painting for the little ones to enjoy.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
The W Hotel Hoboken, 225 River St Hoboken, NJ 07030
2023 Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival
November 9-12
If you or your family loves jazz music, this event is for you. Take in fantastic music from international touring artists at the Festival Main Stage in Cape May Convention Hall and Cape May bars and restaurants.
Cost: Tickets start at $60
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Disney On Ice Presents Magic In The Stars
November 10-12
Spend some time with your favorite Disney characters as they skate across the ice. Take a magical journey with Mickey and Minnie through the most beloved stories, including Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Big Santa Lighting at Garden State Plaza
November 11 at 5 PM
Are you ready for the Big Guy to make his grand entrance? This annual event, where the Big Santa on top of the Mall gets lit for the season, includes music performances, food trucks, a fantastic drone show, and more. After the show, head to one of the restaurants for dinner with the fam.
Cost: Free
Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Touch a Truck
November 11 at 10 AM
Check out big trucks from local industries and learn about the big machines at the historic steel mill. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food drive.
Cost: Free
Circus Vazquez
November 11 at 4 PM
Gather the whole family and spend the evening at the circus. From acrobatics and nifty tricks to music and dancing, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Tickets start at $30
Woodbridge Center, 12 Woodbridge Terrace, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
Fall Festival
November 11 at 9 AM
Get a head start on your holiday shopping and spend quality time with the fam. Enjoy vendors, delicious food, Christmas ornaments, a raffle, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St, Cape May, NJ 08204
JCPenney November Kids Zone Event
November 11 at 11 AM
With the weather getting colder, this is the perfect time to find a fun event indoors to do with the kids. Kids can choose from either a LEGO Holiday Train or Collector Car kit to enjoy.
Cost: Free
1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
The Lost Little Fish
November 11
Bring the little ones and take part in this fun story about a small fish who gets lost in the ocean and needs the love and determination of the group to help him find his way.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071
Family Fun Community Event
November 11 at 12 PM
This family-friendly event is perfect for everyone to enjoy together. Get ready for a day filled with games, delicious food, a bouncy house, and more. You can even bring your pets so they can join in on the fun.
Cost: Free
424 Carmita Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Fall Craft Show
November 11 at 9 AM
With over 40 craft vendors, you can get so many unique gifts for all your loved ones this holiday season. Bring the family and spend the day walking around and taking it all in.
Cost: Free
2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Princess and Pirate Day at the Zoo
November 11 at 11 AM
Got kids who love to dress up as pirates or princesses? Head to the Cape May County Park & Zoo, where they can dress in their best costumes and enjoy a craft station, games, entertainment, animals, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 U.S. 9 Middle Township, NJ 08210
13th Annual Holiday Craft Show
November 11 at 9 AM
Join over 90 vendors for this beloved annual event. You can get a head start on your holiday shopping with jewelry, crafts, and homemade goods.
Cost: Free
EHT Community Center, 5045 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08201
Fall Colors Walk
November 11 at 4 PM
Gather the fam and enjoy the last of the gorgeous fall leaves and the colors that make this season so beautiful. While you walk through the fall foliage, learn about this area and what makes it unique.
Cost: Free
Oldman’s Creek Preserve, 21 Main Street, Auburn, NJ 08085
November Holiday Market
November 11-12 at 10 AM
This holiday market will be the perfect time to shop and enjoy some family time with your loved ones. There will be over 30 local vendors as well as food trucks.
Cost: Free
351 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Bluey’s Big Play
November 11-12
If your kids are fans of Bluey, make sure you grab your tickets to this brand-new adaptation of the TV series. Join the Heelers in their first live show featuring puppets and a story the kids will enjoy.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
2023 New Jersey Vegan Food Festival
November 11-12 at 11 AM
This two-day celebration features delicious vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music, and more.
Cost: $15-$25 per ticket; kids 13 and under are free
Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094
It’s A Jeep Thing Food Truck Festival
November 11-12 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family and relax on the grounds of Laurita Winery. There will be wind, food trucks, live music, and gorgeous November weather.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Kids Craft Event
November 12 at 11:30 AM
This is a fun-filled day where your little ones can spend time being creative and using their imagination. They will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities, including painting, drawing, and making unique crafts.
Cost: $10
370 Campus Drive #suite 126 Franklin Township, NJ 08873
Armenian & Mediterranean Food Festival
November 12 at 12 PM
Grab the whole fam and enjoy delicious food like kebabs, gyro, and more. There will also be a magic show, face painting, cotton candy, and more fun.
Cost: Free
St. Thomas Armenian Apolostic Church, 174 Essex Dr, Tenafly, NJ 07670
The Big Holiday Show feat. Nutcracker Excerpts & More
November 12 at 3 PM
A show for the entire family to enjoy, this is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. There will be holiday favorites, including the Nutcracker excerpts, Polar Express scenes, songs of the season, and more.
Cost: Free, register in advance
Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
Theatre of Light
November 12 at 5 PM
This is a unique event that will leave you speechless at the beauty in front of you. A curtain of stars and lights will welcome you into the Vail Plaza, where you can enjoy specially lit magical winged dancers, music, dance, ice carving, and crafts.
Cost: Free
The Vail Mansion Lawn, 110 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960
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