It’s beginning to look a lot like the official start to the holidays, especially with plenty of holiday kick-offs this weekend to get it going. Drive down the parkway to the illuminated tunnels and scenes during opening weekend at Magic Of Lights in Holmdel, take in the last of fall with baked goods, chili, vendors, and more at the Harvest Fest in Forked River, or celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a visit from Santa plus games, crafts, and more at Brunswick Square’s Santa Holiday Celebration in East Brunswick. Want to find out more about the winter festivals happening? Check out our guide to all the winter festivals here. (featured photo taken at Magic of Lights)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
SPONSORED
Santa @ The Commons
November 16-December 24
Sponsored by RWJUH Somerset, families will experience magical photo meet and greets with Santa in a reimagined holiday set. The set will feature special events for guests with special needs, pet photos, and appearances by Disney princesses! Set amongst 25 garland-topped light curtains and candy-cane-inspired twists cascading from high above, Santa @ The Commons will feature the magical Kris Kringle perched in his grand velvet chair in front of a redesigned set that includes a majestic new 30-foot tree with a glistening topper.
Mention NJMOM and receive $5 off photos!
Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Elf The Musical at Count Basie Center of the Arts
November 22-24
Get ready to kick off the season when you see the beloved movie come to life on the stage with the whole family.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, NJ 07701
Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
November 22-December 30 at 5 PM, select dates
Grab your coats and scarves and stroll through the woods with the fam this holiday season. There will be illuminated boxes with miniature scenes, snowmen and trees, a Fairy Garden, a secret gnome village, and lots of places to stop for a photo op.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Indian Acres Tree Farm, 111 Tuckerton Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Christmas Light Show & Village
November 22-December 30, dates and times vary (check ticket schedule for full details)
Drive through a beautiful exhibit that twinkles with over two million dazzling 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, go ice skating, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and play festive-filled games.
Cost: $29 standard admission or $79 VIP admission
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 383-7644
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
November 22-24
If you have someone in your family who loves Harry Potter and you can’t get to see the show on Broadway, bring them to the Grunin Center for the Arts and take in the performance.
Cost: $29 per ticket
Grunin Center for the Arts, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753
Old Fashioned Christmas
November 22-January 5
See the seaside town of Cape May transform into a Dickens village just in time for the holidays. Don’t miss free events like the Winter WonderWalk, tours of the Physick Estate, Tree Lighting on November 23, and the Christmas Candlelight House Tours. They also have a Lamplighter Christmas Tour and Santa’s Trolley Tours throughout the season.
Cape May, NJ 08204
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
November 22-December 29
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 Rd., Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Light Show on the Lake
November 22-December 23
Bundle up your crew and head to Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to sip cocoa and watch the lake light up in this breathtaking display. Be sure to hop on the Christmas “Light Show” Hayride to see more of the farm lit up for the holidays.
Cost: $7.95 and up
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
Magic of Lights New Jersey
November 22-January 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 that will surely put your whole crew in the holiday spirit.
Cost: $25 and up
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 23 at 4 PM
There is so much holiday fun to at this festive event. Get a jump start on the most wonderful time of the year with delicious treats, a visit with Santa, local vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
Saint John Vianney High School, 540A Line Road, Holmdel, NJ 07730
28th Annual Indoor Holiday Craft Fair
November 23 at 9 AM
Kick off the holiday shopping season at this annual event that the whole family will love. You will find indoor holiday arts, crafts, food, and more.
Cost: Free
St. Paul’s Ocean Grove Church, 80 Embury Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 23 at 5 PM
You better watch out since Santa and his elves will be on hand to light the gorgeous tree in Cape May. There will also be hot chocolate and baked goods to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Harvest Fest
November 23 at 9 AM
It may be November, but there’s still time to celebrate all things fall. Enjoy baked goods, vendors, homemade soups, chili, and tons of fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 W. Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Give Thanks Food & Wine Festival
November 23 at 11 AM
Celebrate all things fall and get ready for Thanksgiving at this fun festival for the whole family. There will be food trucks, wine, live music, and face painting.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Christmas Open House
November 23 at 12 PM
Looking for a Hallmark-type day? Head to the farm where the whole family can take part in horse and carriage rides, a visit with Santa, festive treats, and live music. Make sure the little ones write a letter to Santa before you go home.
Cost: Free to enter, additional prices for attractions
Sandy Creek Farms, 2881 Route 206, Columbus, NJ 08022
KidsFit in Motion
November 23 at 9 AM
Fun Fitness for ages 5-7 with a parent/guardian. This lively weekend class will help young children improve their mobility, flexibility, and coordination through a variety of fitness games and dance moves. Wear sneakers! For more information or to register, contact Kerri Likakis, MS, RDN, at 973-926-7371 or Kerri.Likakis@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Brunswick Square’s Santa Holiday Celebration
November 23 at 5 PM
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with an appearance from the guy in the red suit. There will be games, crafts, and lots of festive cheer. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, so take the little ones by to see him while you are there.
Cost: Free
Brunswick Square, 755 State Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Collingswood Holiday
November 23
Spend the season celebrating, starting with the Collingswood Cash Tailgate Party & Sale, where $45,000 of bonus cash will be given away to shoppers to use at Collingswood businesses. The party officially starts at 6:30 AM, and festivities include music, games, and multiple giveaways per hour, including concert tickets, sports-themed prizes, tailgating gear, and Collingswood swag. There will be breakfast snacks and drinks, too. Make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend).
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
How The Grinch Stole Christmas at The State Theater of New Jersey
November 23-24
Experience the magic of Whoville as this beloved tale comes to life on stage to delight the entire family.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Holiday in the Park
November 23-January 1, select dates
Hit your favorite theme park at night to see it completely decked out in colorful lights and mingle with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ride the roller coasters—plenty of smaller ones perfect for your kiddos—and enjoy the street entertainment all over the park. Finish the night with a festive treat, like a cup of hot chocolate, yummy cider, and fried s’mores.
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Winter FRESH
November 24
This indoor food and farm market is perfect for shopping with your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
November 24-December 23, select dates
Drive through a dairy farm transformed into a Christmas Wonderland filled with huge light displays, a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and dazzling displays newly expanded with double the lights and scenes this holiday season. There will also be concessions, a country store, and fire pits.
Cost: $35 per vehicle
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
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 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., and 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
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