A few of our favorite things: twinkling lights, snow in the forecast, and lots of holiday things to do this weekend for family fun. See charming scenes and festive displays with Santa at the Vintage Christmas Walkthrough in Manalapan, enjoy carriage rides, craft vendors and photos with Mr. and Mrs Claus at the Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market in Manahawkin, or celebrate the start of Hanukkah with a car parade, menorah music truck, latkes, donuts, and more at the Car Menorah Parade and Light Up The Night Celebration in Cherry Hill. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the holiday shows near you. (featured photo: NJMOM taken at Vintage Christmas Walkthrough)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
Five Star Swim School Play & Swim
Thursdays from 10 AM to 12 PM
Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly morning filled with swimming, play, and bonding. The heated indoor pool and padded play area make it the perfect spot for parents, caregivers, and children to spend quality time together while having fun and socializing with other families! Join them every Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with swimming from 10 to 11 and playtime until noon. Homeschool groups are always welcome!
Cost: $15 per child, and one parent or caregiver swims free. Additional parents are $5, and extra children are $10
1 Corbett Way, Eatontown NJ 07724
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
December 12-13
Drive through a dairy farm transformed into a Christmas Wonderland, featuring 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
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 12-13
If the weather outside looks frightful, head to this indoor market, which features 75 local farmers, food purveyors, local artisans, and more.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Christmas Vintage Walkthrough
December 12-14
Take a walk back in time at this charming display of vintage scenes, classic Christmas charm and heartwarming spots that the whole family will love. Make sure you stop by and see Santa before you leave and keep your eyes out for Minnie.
Maple Leaf Farm, 525 US-9 South, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Old Fashioned Christmas
December 12-14
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, 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
2025 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
December 12-14
Check out this brilliant display, featuring over 30,000 light-up tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of lights throughout the farm. Don’t leave without enjoying the delicious treats from food trucks, festive music, fire pits, character meet-and-greets, and an illuminated playground.
Cost: $17 per person ages 3 and up Monday-Thursday and $20 per person ages 3 and up Friday-Sunday
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Let It Glow
December 12-14
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
Winter WonderLights
December 12-14
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show drive-thru enchants 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 per car or $125 for a VIP season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy tickets online.
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
December 12-14
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes, and take a ride on Santa’s sleigh (in 4D). Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see the big guy before you leave.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
December 12-14
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 go on rides and attractions (all open at night) during this magical time.
Cost: $37.99 per person if bought in advance (tickets go on sale after October 31), $41.99 per person at the door.
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
December 12-14
Dubbed the North Pole of NJ, this is one of the Christmas villages that feels like a holiday movie come to life. Kids will love visiting Santa’s workshop, where they can make reindeer food with elves, write wish lists, and meet with the big guy in red. Afterward, there’s plenty to do to get into the spirit—take a ride on the carousel, ice skate, play games, visit the sweet shop, cozy up to the fire pit, and shop for gifts in the vendor village. All proceeds benefit GeorgesHouse.org, a non-profit committed to providing toys and transitional housing for children and families in need.
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Harambee Breakfast & Kwanzaa Celebration
December 13 at 10 AM
Feast on breakfast and learn more about Kwanzaa and the unique traditions that reinforce seven fundamental values of African culture, which contribute to building and supporting family, community, and culture among African American people and Africans worldwide.
Cost: $15 and up
The Renaissance, 1110 Valley Road, Ocean, NJ 07712
Dickens Village
December 13
The first three Sundays in December are filled with tons of holiday cheer. With events like winter stories for kids, a tree lighting, a menorah lighting, and a free holiday concert, the whole family will enjoy this village.
Cost: Free
Ricalton Square, Maplewood, NJ 07040
2025 Kwanzaa Celebration
December 13 at 12 PM
Head to the Vauxhall Branch Library for an afternoon of Kwanzaa celebrations, featuring live entertainment, African dance, African drums, storytelling, and more.
Cost: Free
Vauxhall Branch of the Union Public Library, 123 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
An ’80s Christmas
December 13 at 7 PM
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks all lit up for the Christmas season. The theme for the parade this year is “An 80s Christmas,” complete with neon nights and holiday lights.
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market
December 13 at 11 AM
This winter festival in NJ features everything from vendors to fire pits to an ice sculpture artist. There will also be live entertainment and shopping, and don’t forget to take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cost: Free
Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Hoboken Jingle Bell 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
December 13
Put on your Santa suit and lace up your elf shoes. It’s time to sprinkle some holiday cheer. All runners will receive a Santa Suit to wear on race day. And if you do not want to run the 5K, you can join the 1-Mile Fun Run. Bring a donation of paper goods and toiletries to be distributed to local charities.
100 Sinatra Drive South, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Santa Annual Charity Event
December 13 at 11 AM
This annual event is a great way to give back during the holiday season. Freehold Ford is collecting donations of new, unused toys for the Ronald McDonald House. There will be a free photo with Santa for kids of all ages, family members, or individuals. Refreshments and light food will be served.
Freehold Ford, 3572 Route 9 South, Freehold, NJ 07728
Christmas Village at Veterans Park, Gloucester
December 13 at 3 PM
This open-air holiday market will sell Christmas décor, gifts, Christmas trees, jewelry, and more at Veterans Park, with live music and food trucks. Santa will also be on the premises for a quick holiday photo, and free rides on the Carousel and Dizzy Dragons will be available for the little ones. The Mainstage choir will perform at 6 PM, followed by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 PM, and you can warm up with a hot cup of cocoa during the event. Rain date is December 14.
Cost: Free
Veterans Park, Clementon, NJ 08021
Hammonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
December 13 at 7 PM
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks all lit up for the Christmas season. This year’s theme is “An ’80s Christmas: Neon Nights, Holiday Lights.”
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Flounder’s 5th Annual Kringle Market
December 13-14
The holidays are alive in Hillsborough, with events including carolers, photos with Santa, a kids’ craft zone, dance performances, and this market filled with all the goodies you’re looking for.
Cost: $10 per car
2 Clerico Lane, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Holiday Makers Market
December 13-14
Still need to do your holiday shopping? Head to this event in the greenhouse, where you’ll find over 30 vendors plus food trucks so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop ’til you drop.
Cost: Free
McNaughton’s Garden Center, 351 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Owl Markets: Highland Park’s Artisan and Crafter Holiday Markets
December 13-14
Shop small in downtown Highland Park at the outdoor holiday market featuring local artists, artisans, crafters, and food vendors. There will be live music, free arts and crafts, and Santa, too.
212 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Countdown to Christmas in Hopatcong
December 13-14
With 50-plus vendors, free admission, and 50/50s, get in the holiday spirit and shop until you drop.
40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 13-14
Last-minute gifting is inevitable, so why not stop by for live music, food, and gifts made by local artisans? You’ll find that and more at this festive market in historic Jersey City.
Cost: Free
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Hoboken Holiday Market
December 14
Ready to go shopping? Head to this event featuring 75+ vendors with goodies like handmade jewelry and pet products, plus holiday music, an inflatable village, and a bouncy house.
Cost: Free
770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Winter FRESH
December 14
This indoor food and farm market is perfect for shopping with all your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Car Menorah Parade and Light Up The Night Celebration
December 14 at 4 PM
The parade will be led by a car-top Menorah and a giant Dreidel truck, with a police escort through the streets of Cherry Hill. There will also be a menorah music truck, classic and antique cars, and first responder vehicles. The parade route finishes at the Barclay Farms Shopping Center, with glow fun, a giant Dreidel truck, a fire juggler, latkes, donuts, and gelt for all ages.
Cost: Free
1925 Kresson Road to the Barclay Center, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Spectacular Drone Light Show
December 14 at 4:30 PM
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with this fantastic drone light show, bigger and better than ever this year. There will also be a menorah lighting, a fire juggling show, and latkes and donuts.
Cost: Free
Lifetown, 10 Microlab Road, Livingston, NJ 07039
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