It’s the most wonderful time of the year and weekend with a bunch of family-friendly things to do to jump-start the season. Hop aboard a train ride through millions of Christmas lights with a meet and greet with Santa and his elves in his workshop at DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express in Hammonton, stroll through the woods with the fam and discover a secret gnome village, and more at Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail in Medford, or kick off the holiday season in Avalon with a whole weekend of activities at the Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday. Want to find out more about the winter festivals happening? Check out our guide to all the winter festivals here. (featured photo taken at DiDonato’s)

(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)

Let It Glow
November 28-January 12
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

The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 28-December 30
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa before you leave.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726

Christmas Fantasy with Lights
November 28-December 30, dates and times vary
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, as well as 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
November 28-January 12
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
November 28-January 5
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

Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
November 28-December 29
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

Light Show on the Lake
November 28-December 23
Bundle up your crew and head to Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to 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

Magic of Lights New Jersey
November 28-January 4
Experience the dazzling lights display entirely from the comfort of your car. Set your radio to their light show station, and then sing along to 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

Christmas Light Show & Village
November 28-December 30, dates and times vary (check ticket schedule for full details)
Drive through a beautiful exhibit that twinkles with over two million dazzling lights—your littles will be amazed by all the sparkle and shine on this mile-long course. Afterward, head to the village to spot Santa, go ice skating, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and play lots of festive-filled games.
Cost: $29 standard admission or $79 VIP admission
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 383-7644

Holiday in the Park
November 28-January 1, select dates
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 a cup of hot chocolate, yummy cider, and fried s’mores.
Cost: more information to come
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527

Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
November 28-December 19
Spend the season celebrating in Collingswood, starting with a Holiday Tree Lighting on November 29 and a Holiday Parade on November 30. Make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) and spend the night of December 14 watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk admiring the festive lights.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108

Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
November 28-December 23, select dates
Drive through a dairy farm transformed into a Christmas Wonderland filled with huge light displays, 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 Light Show on the Lake
November 28-January 6
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 with views from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205

DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 29-30
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 Walkthrough Holiday Village.
Cost: starting at $19.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037

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

Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
November 29
Grab your coats and scarves and stroll through the woods with the fam this holiday season. There will be illuminated boxes with miniature scenes, snowmen and trees, a Fairy Garden, a secret gnome village, and fire pits where you can stop and get warm or make s’mores along the way.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Indian Acres Tree Farm, 111 Tuckerton Road, Medford, NJ 08055

Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Starts on November 29
Explore the farm and see all the lights for the holiday season with all your favorite barnyard friends–this is one of those holiday light shows in NJ that you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Information coming
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton, NJ 07005

Annual Town Lighting & Holiday Express Concert in Red Bank
November 29 at 6 PM
Bring your crew to this annual gathering, the most magical day in Red Bank. Start the day shopping on Broad Street, followed by pre-show activities and a Holiday Express concert, followed by the main event—the lighting of the Red Bank Christmas tree.
Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Holiday Walk with Fireworks
November 29 at 5 PM
Bundle up and gather your crew for this festive evening, where you will find strolling carolers, giveaways, entertainment, and a gorgeous fireworks display that will light up the night. If you’re lucky, you might even see Santa arrive.
Cost: Free
Downtown New Providence, 360 Elkwood Ave, New Providence, NJ 07974

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 light up 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

Festival of Trees and Winter Village
November 29-30
It’s an outdoor holiday market with over 45 unique craft artisans ready to help you wrap up your seasonal shopping. The opening weekend coincides with the first weekend of The Festival of Trees. After visiting the German-style holiday market, step back into the Victorian era in Downtown Clinton with Dickens Days.
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday
November 29-30
Kick off the holiday season in Avalon with a whole weekend of activities. On Friday, there will be live music, children’s performances, character appearances, face painting, an art bar, crafts, giveaways, hot chocolate, a drive-in holiday movie, and a parade featuring the Big Guy as a special guest. On Saturday, watch ice sculpting, take a photo with Santa, enjoy bounce houses, carnival rides, and obstacle courses, and cozy up with lots of cocoa.
Cost: Prices vary
Avalon, NJ 08202

Woodbridge Township Winterfest and Light Parade
November 30 at 4 PM
Kick off the holiday before the big event with s’mores, ice skating, kids’ crafts, a twinkling light parade at 6 PM, ice sculpting, and a live DJ. At dusk, the tree gets a glow-up and a visit from the big guy.
Cost: Free to enter
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

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

Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30 at 4:30 PM
Sing along to music and holiday songs before Santa arrives on a firetruck to light the tree when the sun sets. Bring toys that are no longer being played with and take a (new to you) toy home, or just bring a toy for donation.
Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, NJ 08505

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

Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration
November 30 at 2 PM
This special day at the zoo is one your family will cherish. The beautiful tree will be lit at 5 PM, and a celebration will follow, including live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, a bounce house, character appearances, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park/Zoo, 707 Route 9 N, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Tractor Parade
November 30 at 10 AM
Come and watch the Winter Tractor Parade, and be on the lookout for an appearance by Santa. Stay at the farm after the parade and enjoy snacks and crafts for everyone in the family.
Cost: $10 per carload
Coombs Barnyard, 20 Route 77, Elmer, NJ 08318

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

Dickens Festival in Smithville
November 30-December 1
See an original musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ heartwarming tale, by Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company performed on their portable outdoor stage. Visit the shops and restaurants after the show, along with the Smithville Train and Carousel.
Cost: Prices vary
Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205

Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
November 30-December 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

2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
November 30-December 22
This new experience at Holland Ridge Farms brings a little bit of spring to the holiday season. See over 30,000 light-up tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of lights throughout the farm, and bring home a bouquet of fresh tulips. 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

Holiday Dickens Fest
November 30-December 1 at 1 PM
The whole family will get into the spirit of Christmas 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 Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 1
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

Long Branch Tree Lighting at Pier Village
December 1 at 4 PM
Kick off this year’s holiday season at this festive tree lighting at Pier Village. There will be so many fun activities, including ice skating, a performance by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, and a special visit from Santa Claus. After the tree is lit, enjoy shopping while looking at the window displays and enjoying the festive cheer.
Cost: Free
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740

Lighting Up Morristown
December 1
Come down to The Morristown Green and take in the magic of the season. Bring the family to welcome Santa to Morristown with help from the Town of Morristown Fire Department, Morristown Police and Morristown Partnership, and Town of Morristown officials who will officially light up the Morristown Green.
Cost: Free
The Morristown Green, 10 N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960

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

ONGOING EVENT

Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM 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 10 to 11 AM. 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

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