Thanksgiving marks the official start of the holiday season, and we’re kicking it off with plenty of family-friendly and festive things to do this weekend. Lace up your running shoes and work off all those Thanksgiving goodies for a good cause at the 11th Annual Turkey Trot in Wenonah, head to one of the many Christmas tree lightings happening up and down the state, or visit the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum to enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, live music, face painting, and more for Christmas At The Hangar. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the holiday shows near you. (featured photo: The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
Elf in Concert
December 6 and 7
This holiday season, relive the heartwarming holiday classic that is Elf in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony! Experience every note of John Debney’s jolly score played live, in sync with Buddy’s hilarious adventure in New York, projected on a giant screen. There will be plenty of cheers, laughter, and even an exceptional pre-concert performance by the Yuletide Carolers in the venue lobby, singing your favorite festive tunes. Embrace the holiday spirit with Elf in Concert!
Cost: Ticket prices vary
December 6 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
December 7 at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
FEATURED
Forever Welded Jewelry’s Black Friday Weekend
November 28-30
You’re invited to Forever Welded Jewelry’s Black Friday Weekend! They are New Jersey’s luxury bespoke jewelry experience that specializes in personalized pieces from birthstones to engravings, as well as the highest quality permanent jewelry collection. Join them for exclusive offers on fine jewelry, complemented by treats and champagne. Located in the heart of downtown Montclair, this will be a great time to create something special for you and your loved ones.
314 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
FEATURED
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 15 through December 23
All aboard a train ride through millions of Christmas lights with a meet and greet with Santa. Perfect for Kids ages 1-92, experience a train ride through tons 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 $22.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
11th Annual Turkey Trot
November 28 at 8 AM
Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving and work off some of those calories at the annual 5K and 1-mile walk with the family. All proceeds from this fun event will support The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey.
Memorial Presbyterian Church, 202 East Mantua Avenue, Wenonah, NJ US 08090
Cost: $35 for 5K and 1-mile walk, free for kids 10 and under
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
November 28-30
Step into a traditional Christmas market where you can 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 Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Festival of Trees and Winter Village
November 28-30
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
Fanwood’s Famous “Christmas House”
Begins November 28 at dusk
In the mood to see some holiday lights? This famous house is lit up with over 30,000 lights and is a sight to see.
Cost: Free
83 Paterson Road, Fanwood, NJ 07023
Palmer Square Tree Lighting
November 28 at 5 PM
Gather your crew and head to Palmer Square for a live ice carving, Dueling Pianos, and plenty of festive fun leading up to the grand tree lighting celebration. Enjoy great music, cheerful performances by Epic Soul and the Princeton High School Choir, and maybe even a surprise visit from Santa. This event is a fantastic way to kick off the holidays, with over 32,000 lights illuminating a dazzling display.
Palmer Square Green, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Annual Town Lighting & Holiday Express Concert in Red Bank
November 28 at 6 PM
This annual gathering is the most magical day in Red Bank. Start the day shopping on Broad Street, then enjoy pre-show activities and a Holiday Express concert, and finally, the main event—the lighting of the Red Bank Christmas tree.
Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Collingswood Holiday Lighting Events
November 28, 7 PM
Spend the season celebrating, starting with a Holiday Tree Lighting on November 28, Santa descends from atop Borough Hall by way of the Collingswood Fire Department’s ladder truck – just in time for the Borough’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Choral groups will sing as the town tree is lit with twinkling lights and season’s greetings are made by the Mayor and Commissioners.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Westfield Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
November 28
It’s a festive evening with holiday cheer and community, kicking off the season. Santa will arrive by fire truck to light the Christmas Tree with special surprises and hot cocoa, and then the kiddos can take pictures with Santa on stage.
North Avenue Train Station, Westfield, NJ 07090
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
November 28-30
With over two million brilliant 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, listen to live music, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and shop at local artisan shops.
Cost: $29,99
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
November 28-30
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 ride and enjoy attractions (all open at night) during this magical time.
Cost: $38.99 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
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
November 28-30
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 Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Winter WonderLights
November 28-30
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show will dazzle your whole family 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-$40 per car, depending on the date, or $75 unlimited season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
November 28-30
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: $37.99 per vehicle
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
November 28-30
This dairy farm transforms every holiday into a Christmas Wonderland, filled with lights, a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and bright displays, all tuned to their private holiday radio station. There will also be concessions, a country store, fire pits, and Santa.
Cost: $35 per vehicle online, $40 at the gate
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
November 28-30
Take a ride through Gloucester County’s ultimate animated light show in the heart of South Jersey, and a winner on The Great Christmas Light Fight show. See over 8 million animated lights and the joy through a child’s eyes, from the anticipation on Christmas Eve to the joys of Christmas morning. This mile-long display synchronized to music on your car radio will not disappoint.
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, Williamstown, NJ 08081
November 28-30
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. You can walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
November 28-30
Grab your winter coat and get ready to stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo to see over 50 winter and animal characters. The event will feature weekend Santa visits, train and carousel rides, visits to the Reptile House and Aquarium, and pony rides.
Cost: A donation is recommended; some attractions have an additional fee.
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
November 28-30
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
Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland
November 28-30
Ready for beautiful lights and tons of Christmas cheer? Head to the Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland, where you will find festive lights, classic Christmas vibes, and activities, including reindeer rides, train rides, a Christmas walkthrough with Santa, and Christmas trees. Stop at one of the bonfire pits and grab a s’mores kit where you can roast marshmallows and get cozy.
Cost: Ticket prices to come
Maple Leaf Farm, 525 US-9 South, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Magic of Lights New Jersey
November 28-30
Experience the dazzling light 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: $27 and up
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, NJ 07733
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms
November 28-30
Bring out your crew to see an illuminated field of over 50,000 stunning life-like tulips, watch the drone show on select nights, boogie down in a tulip disco, jump in an igloo ball pit, and even visit Santa’s Workshop. You can also help plant new bulbs that will bloom in 2026. Don’t miss the chance to try some hot chocolate and festive treats, too.
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Christmas At The Farm
November 28-30
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: $8.95 and up
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
November 28-30
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. You can catch the show from either side of the village or right on the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Frozen at Paper Mill Playhouse
November 28-30
Do you have a little one who loves Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Sven? Then head to this gorgeous show of the beloved movie featuring everyone’s favorite characters.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ 07041
Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular at Count Basie Center of the Arts
November 28
Holiday magic? Sign us up. This fun show features dazzling illusions, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises for the entire family. This is the perfect mix of humor, amazing magic, and holiday cheer all wrapped into one show.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Basie Center Campus, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
A Charlie Brown Christmas at The State Theater of New Jersey
November 29
Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas come to life on stage at this fun and festive show. The whole family will enjoy seeing Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts crew as they uncover the true meaning of the holiday.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Santa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cape May County Zoo
November 29 at 5 PM
Can you keep a secret? Rumor has it that the zebras at the Cape May County Zoo brought Rudolph and his crew in through the back gates. See for yourself, and while you’re there, take your photo with the jolly man in the big red suit and ride aboard the holiday train. Catch a holiday performance, check out the ice sculpture demonstration, free treats, and so much more.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
November 29 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
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
Starting November 29
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
Christmas at the Hangar
November 29 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
Woodbridge Township Winterfest and Light Parade
November 29 at 4 PM
Kick off the holiday before the big event with s’mores, ice skating, kids’ crafts, a twinkling-light parade, ice sculpting, horse-and-carriage rides, and a live DJ. At dusk, the tree gets a glow-up and a visit from the man in the red suit.
Cost: Free to enter
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 29 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 donate a toy.
Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, NJ 08505
Lighting Up Morristown
November 29 at 5 PM
This month-long family event starts the weekend after Thanksgiving with Santa’s arrival and a welcome ceremony. Enjoy family fun, complimentary treats, and entertainment on Morristown Green, plus the beautiful “Lighting of the Green,” featuring lights and wreaths throughout town—a tradition for over 100 years.
The Morristown Green, 10 N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
Holiday Dickens Fest
November 29-30 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
Grounds For Sculpture Holiday Artisan Market
November 29 and 30 at 10 AM
Experience a unique shopping experience with over 50+ artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, skincare, gourmet treats, and more. Once you have shopped until you drop, explore 42 acres of art-filled gardens, stroll through the galleries, and soak in the creative spirit at Grounds For Sculpture.
Cost: Free
Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Long Branch Tree Lighting at Pier Village
November 30 at 4 PM
Kick off this year’s holiday season with this festive tree lighting at Pier Village. Bundle up your crew to take part in all the fun festivities, 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, shop while admiring the window displays and festive cheer.
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
November 30
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 Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
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