It’s the last weekend blast before the holiday trifecta—Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa—and with it, so many holiday things to do with the fam. Take a stroll through 30,000 light-up tulips, a sparkling windmill, and millions of lights at the 2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland, gather the family and hop on a festive ride to see cows, sing songs, and have hot cocoa at the Winter Hay Ride in Lawrenceville or celebrate Hanukkah with latkes, music and dreidels at the Menorah Lighting in Collingswood. For even more holiday fun, check out our guide to all the winter festivals, too. (featured photo taken at Holland Ridge Farms)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
December 20-21
Drive through a dairy farm transformed into a Christmas Wonderland filled with twinkling lights, 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
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
December 20-22
Stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display, featuring over 50 winter and animal characters. On weekends, there are Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
December 20-22
Visit Historic Smithville to hear your favorite holiday tunes synchronized to a unique light display. Over 120 Christmas trees, constructed from 50,000+ Christmas lights, will magically float atop Lake Meone in the center of the village. When the sky is dark, an orchestrated show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music. The show can be seen from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
December 20-22
This new walk-through experience at Holland Ridge Farms brings spring to the holiday season with 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, and a Santa photo experience.
Cost: $7 per person ages 3 and up
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Light Show on the Lake
December 20-22
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: $7.95 and up
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
December 20-22
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
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
December 20-22
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. And before you leave, grab a hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Old Fashioned Christmas at Allaire Community Farm
December 20-22
This is a fun holiday event that the whole family will enjoy. There will be a Christmas village display, a Yuletide wagon ride, hot chocolate, visits with the animals at the petting zoo, and so much more.
Cost: $10 per adult, $6 per child
Allaire Community Farm, 1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall Township, NJ 07719
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
December 20-22; Santa visits until December 23
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 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, $41.99 per person at the door.
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
December 20-22
Drive-thru America’s only construction theme and water park and enjoy the lights, tunnels, holiday displays, and more. Don’t forget to tune into Diggerland USA’s radio station to get into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $36.99 per vehicle
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Old Fashioned Christmas
December 20-22
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, and Christmas Candlelight House Tours. There is also a Lamplighter Christmas Tour and Santa’s Trolley Tours throughout the season.
Cape May, NJ 08204
Magic of Lights New Jersey
December 20-22
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
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
December 20-22
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 Holiday Village.
Cost: starting at $19.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
The Santa Express and the Santa Starlight Express
December 20-22
The Seashore Lines will take you on a historic, comfortable, fun train ride with the big man himself. The 75-minute round-trip ride will feature Santa and his helpers and onboard entertainment. You can hop on board at Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village, and The Starlight Express includes the same, but the magic happens at night.
Cost: Ages 2 and under are free; prices start at $32.95
Richland Village- 1272 Harding Highway, Richland, NJ 08350
Tuckahoe Village- Reading Avenue and Railroad Avenue, Tuckahoe, NJ 08250
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 20-22
Step into a traditional Christmas market at the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park to shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment. Crafts and a holiday photo booth will also be available.
Cost: Free
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
The Nutcracker
December 20-22
This beautiful story is an annual tradition that enchants all the little ones and grown-ups alike with outstanding dancing, special effects, and some holiday magic. Bring the entire family and enjoy this show.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Snowman Splash at Five Star Swim School
December 20-22
Celebrate the holidays at the pool! Bring the family to Five Star Swim School for a festive day of swimming with fun holiday floats, tasty snacks, and a creative craft to decorate. Make sure you also wear your favorite holiday pajamas.
Cost: $25 per child, parents accompany for free or swim for $10 per adult
December 204 PM4 PM – 1500 Almonesson Rd, Deptford, NJ 08096
December 214 PM4 PM – 1655 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820
December 223 PM3 PM – 1 Corbett Way #2, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Kwanzaa at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
December 219 AM9 AM
Bring the whole family to the Kwanzaa Festival, which includes dance classes, storytelling, face painting, a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony, live performances, and traditional foods. Then, pick up some gifts at the Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace open at noon.
Cost: Free
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Holiday in the Park
December 21
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 hot chocolate, yummy cider, and fried s’mores.
Cost: $39
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
KidsFit in Motion
December 219 AM9 AM
This lively weekend class will help young children improve their mobility, flexibility, and coordination through various fitness games and dance moves. Fun Fitness is for children ages 5-7 with a parent or guardian. 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
Polar Express in IMAX
December 21
Couldn’t make it on a Polar Express train this season? Don your holiday PJs and head to Tropicana on the boardwalk, where this beloved movie comes alive in IMAX.
Cost: $14 per ticket
IMAX Theatre at Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Christmas Craft Workshop
December 21-22
Choose between Santa’s Cookie Jar or a Reindeer Food Jar to make before Christmas day arrives. After you are done with your craft, enjoy holiday cookies and hot chocolate or cider.
Cost: $22.50 per person
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Jenkinson’s Aquarium Sea of Lights Holiday Festival
December 21-22
Are you ready for a spectacular holiday lights display that will dazzle your little ones? This winter wonderland is full of treats, crafts, photos with Santa, holiday entertainment, and so much more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Santa Brunch Cruise in NYC Harbor
December 21-22
Travel through New York Harbor with your family and take in the gorgeous city skyline. After brunch, Santa and Mr. Claus will be on board, and there will also be games, activities, and balloon art.
Cost: $89 per adult and $59 per child
Seastreak Ferry, 326 Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 21-22
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
Collingswood Menorah Lighting
December 22
Join the community for a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration at the Lumberyard Garden (Collings and North Atlantic Avenues). The evening of fun for the whole family includes music, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and choco-gelt.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Winter Hay Ride
December 22
Bring the whole family and enjoy a memorable hay ride for the holidays. You will have the chance to see cows, sing songs, have hot cocoa, and shop for gifts afterward.
Cost: Free
Cherry Grove Farm, 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Pancakes with Santa at Mohican Outdoor Center
December 2210 AM0 AM
This day is filled with fun and memories made with the entire family. Enjoy delicious pancakes with Santa, then make your ornament to hang on the tree.
Cost: $12 per child and $8 per parent; registration is requested
AMC Mohican Outdoor Center, 50 Camp Mohican Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday10 AM0 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 1011:30 AM0 AM., starting October 3rd, 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 1011 AM a.m. 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
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter, delivered right to your inbox. Don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
