It’s beginning to look a lot like Thanksgiving, and there’s one more weekend left of fall fun before the festive season steps in. See an illuminated field of over 50,000 stunning life-like tulips and get a sneak peek at Santa’s Workshop at the opening weekend of U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms, celebrate an early 19th century Thanksgiving at The Historic Village at Allaire with special games, craft demonstrations, cooking and other activities in Wall, or enjoy the last blast of fall with baked goods, vendors, homemade soups, chili, and tons of fun for the whole family at the Harvest Fest in Forked River. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo at Holland Ridge Farms taken by NJMOM)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED EVENT
Visit Santa at Bridgewater Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater, NJ, is where you will find holiday magic! ‘Tis the season for Santa, shopping, and holiday events. Check out the complete list of the season’s most festive places to shop, dine, and more at over 150 stores and eateries. Bridgewater Commons is central New Jersey’s premier shopping center with over 150 stores and restaurants, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, The Apple Store, Lululemon, Pottery Barn, and Williams-Sonoma.
Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
FEATURED
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 15 through December 23
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 tons 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.
Cost: starting at $22.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
November 21-23
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
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 21-23
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
Holiday Lights at Carm’s Farm
November 21-23
Head to the farm and celebrate the start of the holiday season with a Holiday Winter Walk-Through, adorable animals at the petting zoo, and holiday light displays. There will be snow flurries every hour by the big Christmas tree and tons of festive vibes.
Cost: $10 per person and free for little ones under 12 months
Carm’s Farm, 296 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 21-23
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
Let It Glow
November 21-23
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
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
November 21-23
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
Winter WonderLights
November 21-23
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: $30-$40 per car, depending on the date, or $75 unlimited season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Christmas At The Farm
November 21-23
Gather ’round the fire pits at Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to roast marshmallows 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: $8.95 and up
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
November 21-23
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with over 50 winter and animal characters. There will also be weekend Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Harvest Fest
November 22 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
29th Annual Indoor Holiday Craft Fair
November 22 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
Christmas Open House
November 22 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
Brunswick Square’s Santa Holiday Celebration
November 22 at 11 AM
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with games, crafts, and lots of festive cheer. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, so take the little ones by to see them while you are there.
Cost: Free
Brunswick Square, 755 State Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Old Fashioned Christmas
Starting November 22
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 22, 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
Horse & Carriage Rides
Starting November 22
The town of Ocean City lights up during the holiday season, and you can take part in the fun with free horse and carriage rides with the whole family.
Cost: Free
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
November 22-23
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
November 22-23
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
2025 Holiday Market
November 22-23
Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting the local community. There will be vendors selling hand-crafted items, art, delicious food, and more. Proceeds from the event will go to support local families experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Cost: Free admission
HomeFront, 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Winter FRESH
November 23
This indoor food and farm market is the perfect way to enjoy shopping with your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Day of Thanks: A 19th Century Thanksgiving Celebration
November 23 at 11 AM
Celebrate an early 19th century Thanksgiving at The Historic Village at Allaire with special games, craft demonstrations, cooking at the Allaire Mansion, and other activities. Early 19th century period cooking and other activities to give thanks will be spread throughout the village.
Cost: $5.95
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall, NJ 07727
North Pole Express at the Black River and Western Railroad
November 23
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
Wayne PAL Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
November 23 at 9 AM
With over 75 exhibitors selling gift items, crafts, stocking stuffers, and more, you can get some of your holiday shopping done.
Cost: Free
Wayne PAL Building, 1 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470
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