It’s November, and as fall starts to taper off, the holiday season kicks off with plenty of FREE things to do for the whole family. Learn how cider goes from apple to cup while Cider Making at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, spend some time on the beach and enjoy music, photo ops with Santa, food, and more at the Family Holiday Beach Bonfire in North Wildwood, watch the tree get lit with sing-a-long songs, an 11-man vocal harmony group, and maybe even a visit from the Big Guy himself at the Palmer Square Christmas Tree Lighting in Princeton. And before fall turns to winter, check out our #NJMOM guide to filling your fall bucket list. (Featured Photo Credit: iStock/salanyali)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Healthy HeARTS Festival & 5K
November 4 at 10 AM
This event is a wonderful way to spend time with the family and celebrate arts and wellness in the South Jersey community. There will be live music, crafters, food trucks, wellness demonstrations, and art activities to do together.
Cost: Free
Appel Farm, 457 Shirley Road, Elmer, NJ 08318
Winterfest by the Sea
November 4 at 9 AM
This shopping extravaganza kicks off the holiday season with a holiday bazaar. Enjoy craft vendors and food, and you may even spot Santa strolling through the event.
Cost: Free
Sports & Civic Center, 6th & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Touch A Truck Day
November 4 at 11 AM
Bring the entire family and see all the trucks that will be parked at the park. From dump trucks and fire trucks to police cars and military trucks, there will be over 25 vehicles to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Cider Making at Howell Living History Farm
November 4 at 10 AM
This is the perfect time of year to enjoy a cup of fresh apple cider, and your little ones can turn the crack of the cider press before having a taste. They can also peel an apple with a hand-crank apple peeler and stop by the farmhouse for lunch.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
8th Annual Pitman Food Truck Fest
November 4 at 4 PM
Head outside and enjoy fall fun with the fam at this annual event. Walk around and try delicious eats from as many food trucks as you can.
Cost: Free
Broadway Ave & Ballard Park, Pitman, NJ 08071
Fall Craft Fest
November 4 at 6 PM
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this event with unique crafters and goodies.
Cost: Free
NJ Transit Netcong Station, Maint St & Rt 46, Netcong, NJ 07857
Fall Festival
November 4 at 2 PM
Did someone say s’mores? Celebrate the beauty of the fall season with the family with carnival food and games, a hay ride, entertainment, and lots of fun.
Cost: Free
Cornerstone Church, 6550 Rt. 9 South, Howell, NJ 07731
Hoboken Harvest Festival & Craft Market
November 4 at 11 AM
Round up your crew to celebrate the last blast of fall with a hay maze, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and so much more. There is also an artisan craft market and live music happening.
Cost: Free
Pier A Park, 1st Street and Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Art In The Park
November 4 at 11 AM
Nature and art come together at this lively outdoor event. From art, goat sketches, and a spin on the Homespun Merry-Go-Round, there is fun for everyone.
Cost: FreeHanson Park Conservancy, 38 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Fall Festival
November 4 at 2 PM
Did someone say s’mores? Celebrate the beauty of the fall season with the family with carnival food and games, a hay ride, entertainment, and lots of fun.
Cost: Free
Cornerstone Church, 6550 Rt. 9 South, Howell, NJ 07731
Weehawken Diwali 2023
November 4 at 4 PM
If you’re looking for fun, food, and Bollywood dancing, you are in for a real treat. This event celebrates the Festival of Lights in Weehawken with a night with the fam.
Cost: Free
53 Liberty Place, Weehawken, NJ 07086
Fleming’s Pumpkin Run
November 4 at 8 AM
Bring the entire family and enjoy a day of vehicle races. The vehicles will range from antiques and classics to motorcycles and tractors.
Cost: Free
353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Twp NJ 08234
Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show
November 4-5 at 10 AM
If you or anyone in your family has a love for rocks or gems, then this is the place to be. Spend time looking at the minerals, rocks, gemstones, jewelry, and fossils with the whole family.
Cost: Free
Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival
November 5 at 1 PM
This family-friendly outdoor event is the perfect way to celebrate this culturally rich holiday. There will be a mariachi band, sugar skull decorating, Mexican food and drinks, and face painting.
Cost: Free
102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
3rd Annual Fall Family Festival
November 5 at 12 PM
From live music and face painting to a bounce house and more, you’ll have a ball at this fall festival.
Cost: Free
Core3Brewery, 609 North Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312
14th Annual Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Craft & Vendor Fair
November 5 at 10 AM
Come browse some beautiful crafts and items from all different vendors at this annual fair.
Cost: Free
113 N. New Prospect Road, Jackson, NJ 08527
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
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
Theatre of Light
November 12 at 5 PM
This is a special 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
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 18 at 5 PM
Kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves as they 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 18 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
Holiday Light Show Kick-Off
November 23 at 5:30 PM
From now until January 6, head to Smithville and watch the trees light up on the water. Bring your hot cocoa and enjoy over 100 Christmas trees set to music.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Fanwood’s Famous “Christmas House”
November 24-January 8 at dusk
In the mood to see some holiday lights? This famous house is lit up with over 30,000 lights and is a sight to see.
Cost: Free
83 Patterson Road, Fanwood, NJ 07023
Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting
November 24 at 5 PM
There’s nothing like getting the family together and watching the gorgeous tree in Palmer Square be lit for the holiday season. There will also be sing-a-long songs, an 11-man vocal harmony group, and maybe even a visit from the Big Guy himself.
Cost: Free
Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
November 24 at 5 PM
Hanging out at the beach isn’t just for the summertime. Enjoy an evening of family fun with music, photo ops with Santa, food, and appearances from winter wonderland characters. The rain date is November 25.
Cost: Free
2nd & Surf Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Newton Holiday Parade
November 25 at 10 AM
Get into the holiday spirit at this parade that everyone in your family will love. There will be floats, vehicles, and marchers to watch and admire as they go by. This year’s theme is “Christmas Dreams.”
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Christmas at the Hangar
November 25 at 10 AM
The perfect way to celebrate the start of the holiday season is at the hangar. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, live music, face painting, and more.
Cost: Free
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
Holiday Dickens Fest
November 25-26 at 1 PM
The spirit of Christmas will be found in Smithville at this fun and festive holiday event. You will find an original, musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” with holiday-themed art, artistry, and collectibles.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Wayne PAL Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
November 26 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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