Fall is winding down, and the holidays are gearing up, making plenty of FREE fun for the whole family in November. Drive down the parkway to see the Holiday Light Show On The Lake or Holiday Dickens Fest in Smithville, celebrate the festival of lights with Bollywood dancing, fun, and food at Diwali at Weehawken, or get into the holiday spirit at the Newton Holiday Parade. And before the season ends, check out everything fall on our bucket list. (Featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Healthy HeARTS Festival & 5K
November 2 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
Fleming’s Pumpkin Run
November 2 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
Touch A Truck Day
November 2 at 11 AM
For kids who love trucks, check out this display of dump trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and military trucks. There will be over 25 vehicles to see up close.
Cost: Free
Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Cider Making at Howell Living History Farm
November 2 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
9th Annual Pitman Food Truck Fest
November 2 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
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival
November 2 at 1 PM
This family-friendly outdoor event is a fun 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
4th Annual Fall Family Festival
November 2 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
Family Friendly Dia de los Muertos Celebration
November 2 at 1 PM
This lively and colorful celebration comes to Westfield Garden State Plaza and is a great way to spend the day with the family. You will have the chance to participate in rich culture with gorgeous costumes, painted faces, and energetic dances, all set to a traditional mariachi band.
Cost: Free
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show
November 2-3 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
Fall Festival
November 9 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 9 at 9 AM
With over 40 craft vendors, you can find 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
Art In The Park
November 9 at 10 AM
Nature and art come together at this lively outdoor event. From art to goat sketches and a spin on the Homespun Merry-Go-Round, there is fun for everyone.
Cost: Free
Hanson Park Conservancy, 38 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Winter FRESH
November 10 and 24
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
Winterfest By the Sea
November 16 at 9 AM
See Santa by the sea when you kick off the season with a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The big guy will visit with the kids while Mom and Dad shop for gifts.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Civic Center, 500 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Weehawken Diwali 2024
November 16 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
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
November 22-December 31, select dates
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, carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 23 at 4 PM
There is so much holiday fun to be had at this festive event. Get a jump start on the most wonderful time of the year with delicious treats, a visit with Santa, local vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
Saint John Vianney High School, 540A Line Road, Holmdel, NJ 07730
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 23 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 23 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
Collingswood Holiday
November 24 and 25
Spend the season celebrating, starting with a Holiday Tree Lighting on November 24 and a Holiday Parade on November 25. Make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend).
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Model Train Show
November 25-27, December 3-4, 10-11, and January 7-8
Got kids who love trains? There will be running steam and diesel trains on a 1200-square-foot model layout, including Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Kids can try running trains on the children’s layout or check out the new second railroad.
Cost: Kids under 10 are free
575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
Holiday Light Show Kick-Off
November 28 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
Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting
November 29 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 29 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 30.
Cost: Free
2nd & Surf Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Newton Holiday Parade
November 30 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 “All I Want For Christmas.”
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Christmas at the Hangar
November 30 at 10 AM
Want a unique way to usher in the holiday season? Head to the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum to enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, live music, face painting, and more.
Cost: Free
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
November 30 at 10:30 AM
Get a head start on holiday shopping at this local maker festival on the boardwalk, which features artists, creatives, and vendors.
Cost: Free
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Holiday Dickens Fest
November 30-December 1 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 ” and holiday-themed art, artistry, and collectibles.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
November 29
Step into a traditional Christmas market at the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park, where you can shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment. 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
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