It’s beginning to look a lot like the season for festive FREE fun, and we’re ready to get into the holiday spirit without spending a dime. Watch decorative floats go by and see Santa at the Holiday Lights Parade in Somerville, take in a gorgeous nightly illuminated display at the Holiday Light Show on the Lake in Smithville, or see an ice menorah, strolling performers, and listen to live music at the Fire and Ice Chanukah Celebration in Morristown. And before the season ends, check out everything on our holiday season bucket list. (Featured photo credit: iStock/GarysFRP)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
December 1-31, select dates
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with over 50 winter and animal characters. Weekend Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more will also be available.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 1 and 15
Experience a warm and toasty holiday market season in good ol’ Asbury Park. Shop locally curated vendors and enjoy pizza and festive drinks.
Cost: Free
Porta, 911 Kinsley Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 1-14, select dates
If the weather outside looks frightful, you can still shop at this indoor market with 75 local farmers, food purveyors, local artisans, and more.
Cost: Free
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
December 1-19
Spend the season celebrating, and make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) at his headquarters, Extraordinary ED, at 808 Haddon Avenue. On December 13, come together for the community menorah lighting and spend the night of December 19 watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk admiring the festive lights.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 1-22, days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market to shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment in Asbury Park at the Grand Arcade. There will also be crafts and a holiday photo booth.
Cost: Free
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
December 1-31
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
Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting
December 3 – Wildwood Crest, Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown, Wildwood Business Improvement District, December 7 – North Wildwood Tree Lighting
Welcome in the holidays in a variety of locations around Wildwood. There are four tree lighting ceremonies to attend all around town, and we hear the big guy will appear at each one. Enjoy light refreshments, caroling, and more at these festive events.
Cost: Free
A variety of locations in Wildwood, NJ
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
December 6 at 5 PM
Come down to the Downtown District of Toms River for some holiday fun. Starting with live entertainment at 5 PM, Santa will arrive on a fire truck to light the tree at 7 PM, followed by photos with the big guy.
Cost: Free
Courtyard of Toms River Town Hall, Toms River, NJ 08753
Fireman’s Park Tree Lighting in Asbury Park
December 6 at 5:30 PM
Kick off the holiday season with a visit from Santa, festive music, holiday treats, and hot chocolate. This is one of the shore Christmas tree lightings in NJ that you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Free
Fireman’s Park, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Holiday Jubilee in Somerville
December 6 at 5 PM
Enjoy music by Base Entertainment and ice skating on a 40×50 artificial ice rink. Then, at 7:30 PM, there will be live entertainment featuring music, carolers, dancing, and a visit from Santa. Following Santa’s arrival and the holiday tree lighting, enjoy more holiday fun, including free carriage rides, photos with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, holiday crafts, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown Somerville, NJ 08876
Boro in Lights
December 6 at 6 PM
Over 19,000 lights will light up the night on the Glassboro tree. There will also be photos with Santa, The Grinch, and Buddy the Elf, horse and carriage rides, cookie decorating, live performances, and an Ice Bar for mom and dad.
Cost: Free
Glassboro Town Square, High Street West, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Christmas Walk and Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6 at 5 PM
Gather the whole family for a night of festive fun, including pictures with Santa, open houses, musical performances, a candy cane express train, and more. At 6 PM, the Christmas tree will be lit.
Cost: Free
Downtown Bay Head, Bay Head, NJ 08742
Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 7
The tree lighting and a visit from St. Nick are at dusk but come earlier to explore the holiday market. There will be free hot chocolate, prepackaged cookies, and ornaments for the kids. The rain date is December 8.
Cost: Free
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
8th Annual Winterfest Market
December 7
Bring in the holiday season with decorated holiday music, fun activities for the kids, shopping, and, of course, Santa. Pictures with Santa will be from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, and the rain date for the event is December 8.
Cost: Free
Haddon Square, 51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp., NJ 08108
Winter Wonderland in Toms River
December 7
The courtyard at Town Hall in Downtown Toms River will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village, where vendors will sell great holiday gifts. There will also be kid’s activities, a s’mores station, food trucks, and holiday music.
Cost: Free
33 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753
Somerville Holiday Lights Parade
December 7
Get into the holiday spirit at this annual event, which features all the lights you want to see, followed by an appearance by Santa.
Cost: Free
170 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Christmas Parade and Lighting Event in Somers Point
December 7 at 6 PM
Get in the holiday spirit with this Christmas parade and lighting event. Santa will attend the lighting to visit with all the little ones.
Cost: Free
City Hall, Somers Point, NJ 08244
Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 7, the Parade begins at 6 PM
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration, featuring tree lighting, jingle bell craft, and carolers. The parade will begin at 6 PM and include a visit from the big guy in red. This year’s theme is Twinkle, Shine, and Glow.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westwood, NJ 07675
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 7-8
You’ll find something for everyone on your list at Cape May’s Annual Crafts at Christmas Show, where makers and artists display their handmade and original works. Comb the aisles of the legendary Convention Hall for maker goods like jewelry, soaps, candles, and artwork.
Cost: Free
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Winterfest 2024
December 8
Head to the 26th annual Winterfest, where you will find holiday shopping, sweet treats, music, and delicious food. You can also wander through selfie stations and Santa’s Workshop, where the little ones will make Santa.
Cost: Free
Cinnaminson Township High School, 1197 Riverton Road, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Warren Township Holiday Festival
December 8
A bonfire, tree lighting, and fireworks are just the beginning of this winter festival in NJ. There will also be horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, an iceless skating rink, food vendors, and free hot chocolate.
Cost: Free
46 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059
Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market
December 14
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 Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
A Storybook Christmas
December 14
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks lit up for the Christmas season. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas.” The rain date is December 15.
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Christmas Village at Veterans Park Gloucester
December 14 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, too. Santa will also be on the premises for you to take 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.
Cost: Free
Veterans Park, Clementon, NJ 08021
Atlantic City Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 14-15
Holiday shopping, food and libations, handcrafted and vintage goods, and more. The holiday bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” in Germany. Throughout the two event days, there will be nonstop live music, an indoor Biergarten, arts and crafts activities for children and adults, pictures with Santa, and shopping from local artists and makers.
Cost: Free
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
2024 Holiday Pop-Up Weekend at The Basie Center
December 14-15
Get ready for holiday shopping, drinks, and more at The Count Basie Center For The Arts. Get into a festive mood with a highly curated collection of 50 local makers, handmade gifts, and unique presents.
Cost: Free
The Count Basie Center For The Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 0771
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 14-15, 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
Kwanzaa Community Celebration Montclair
December 14 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa with a festive community gathering featuring presentations, live entertainment, and programs. Be sure to check out the Ujamaa Winter Market, featuring local vendors from Montclair and its surrounding communities. Kids will have a ball with balloon twisting, dance, and music.
Cost: Free
50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 0704
2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
December 14 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
Palmer Square Annual Menorah Lighting
December 18 at 4:30 PM
Bring the whole family to Palmer Square for the annual lighting of the menorah. There will be music and fun for all.
Cost: Free
Nassau Inn Patio, 10 Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ 08542
Community Kwanzaa Celebration
December 19 at 4 PM
Come out to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Performing Arts Center, where everyone can learn all about the seven principles of Kwanzaa hosted by the NAACP New Brunswick Area Branch.
Cost: Free
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Kwanzaa at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
December 21 at 9 AM
Bring the whole family to the Kwanzaa Festival, including 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
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
Ventnor City Menorah Lighting
December 26 at 5 PM
This South Jersey menorah lighting on the second night of Hanukkah will take place on the Sacramento side of Ventnor City Hall.
Cost: Free
6201 Atlantic Avenue, Ventnor City, NJ 08406
Fire and Ice Chanukah in Morristown
December 26 at
Come light up the night with this festive event featuring a giant ice menorah, stilt walker, magician, doughnuts, hot drinks, gelt, prizes, music, and more.
Cost: Free
Pioneer Park at HQ Plaza, Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
24th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
December 27 at 5 PM
This is an event that is meant to be a celebration of family, community, and culture. There will be African storytelling, a traditional candle ceremony, spoken word, dance, and delicious cultural food.
Cost: Free
Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Fireworks on the Beach in Sea Isle City
December 31 at 8 PM
Bring your chairs, blankets, and warm clothes to experience a beautiful fireworks display on the sand. The show starts at 8 PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate without staying up til midnight.
Cost: Free
JFK Blvd Beach, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
New Year’s Eve Bash and Giant Blueberry Drop
December 31 at 11 AM
Wrap up 2024 in a festive environment, complete with live music and fireworks, and welcome in 2025 with a midnight countdown and a blueberry drop in front of Town Hall at the Blueberry Capitol of the World.
Cost: Free
100 Central Ave., Hammonton, NJ 08037
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