It’s go time, and whether you’re waiting for Santa or lighting up your nights, there’s lots to do to keep your family in a festive mood. Celebrate the festival of lights with tasty doughnuts, gelt, and prizes at Hanukkah on the Morristown Green in Morristown, cuddle up to listen to Stories with Santa at Renault Winery in Little Egg Harbor, and try some arts and crafts with Kwanzaa 365 Celebration in Trenton. And it’s the last few days to stop by Jenks Boardwalk to catch the Diving Santa at the Sea of Lights in Point Pleasant Beach. If you want more holiday fun, don’t miss Holiday Activities in NJ. (featured photo credit: @jenksboardwalk)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 21
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 to enter
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Hanukkah on the Morristown Green
December 21 at 5 PM
Bring everyone in the family to the annual Hanukkah Candle Lighting on Morristown Green. This festive event will have doughnuts, hot drinks, gelt, prizes, music, and more.
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ 07960
Little Falls Public Hanukkah Celebration
December 21 at 6:30 PM
Come to Wilmore Park to celebrate Hanukkah in Little Falls with a public menorah lighting and fun.
Wilmore Road, Little Falls, NJ 07424
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.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Stories with Santa at Renault
December 22 and 24
Join Santa Clause as he reads a Christmas classic while guests enjoy freshly baked cookies from Cafe La Fleur. After storytime, guests will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa. You can also take advantage of the Vintner Wonderland experience, with an ice rink, tractor rides, and cozy firepits.
Cost: $12
Renault Winery, 72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Santa Event
December 23 at 6 PM
Join Santa for cupcake decorating, story time with Santa, a small gift from Santa Open Play, and pizza and drinks.
Cost: $40 per child, $30 per sibling, $10 additional adult
Magic Sky Play, 165 Amboy Rd., Marlboro, NJ 07751
Voorhees Hanukkah on Ice
December 24 at 7 PM
Head to Flyers Skate Zone for a night of Hanukkah-themed fun. All ages can enjoy gelt, giant menorah lighting, festive music, and refreshments. Admission includes doughnuts, a skate rental, and drinks.
Cost: $12
601 Laurel Oak Avenue, Voorhees, NJ 08003
Festival of Trees
Now-January 8, Wednesdays through Sundays
The whole family will enjoy this annual festival, where elegant galleries, mantels, and porches are artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations.
Cost: $8 and up
Morven Museum and Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, NJ 08540
KWANZAA 365 Celebration
December 27 at 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Join performers, dancers, and speakers at this lively all-day celebration, which ends with a Kinara lighting ceremony (it will also be streaming live). There will also be events throughout the day, including arts and crafts, a gaming station, local storytelling, and giveaways.
Harambee Circle, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton, NJ, 08608
Ongoing Events
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Now-December 23
Have your crew go all aboard for a Christmas light display ending with a meet and greet with Santa and his elves. Don’t miss the Holiday Movie tent and take photos with your favorite snowman, Toy Market, and Walkthrough Holiday Village.
Cost: $12.95-$24.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Light Show on the Lake
Now-December 23
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
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Now-December 24
Dive into an underwater holiday show to see the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, snow-like flurries in the Snowtunda, or Scuba Santa in the Ocean Realm. And don’t miss the 15,000 animals throughout the aquarium to ring in the holiday spirit.
Cost:$18.99 and up
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Creamy Acres Farm Night of Lights
Now-December 24, on select dates
This dairy farm transforms every holiday into a Christmas Wonderland filled with huge light displays, a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and dazzling displays, which are newly expanded with double the lights and scenes this season. There will also be concessions, a country store, and fire pits.
Cost: $30 per vehicle
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Farmingdale Holiday Trail
Now-December 24, weekends only
IWalk-through twinkling lights on this trail of half-boardwalk and half-padded mulch. It is double-stroller friendly. Pets are not permitted.
Cost: Free; donations are appreciated
11 Asbury Ave Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Sea of Lights Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular
Now-December 28, select dates
Where else can you see an actual diving Santa Claus but at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach? The Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, and entertainment.
Cost: $10 and up
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 892-0600
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Now-December 30, dates and times vary; 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: $27.95 per person if bought in advance, $30.95 per person at the door.
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Christmas Light Show & Village
Now-December 30, dates and times vary (check ticket schedule for full details)
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
Magic of Lights New Jersey
Now-December 30
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: $20 and up
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
Now to December 30
Kids will love visiting Santa’s workshop, where they can make reindeer food with elves, write wish lists and meet with the big guy in red. After, take a ride on the carousel, ice skate, play games, visit the sweet shop, cozy up to the fire pit, and shop for gifts in the vendor village. All proceeds benefit GeorgesHouse.org, a non-profit committed to providing toys and transitional housing for children and families in need.
Tickets are $19.95 a person; kids two and under are free, and some activities are an additional cost.
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
Now-December 30
Take a stroll through the woods filled with fun snowmen and trees, illuminated boxes with miniature scenes, and a fairy garden box. After the trail, make sure to stop by the bonfires for some hot chocolate and s’mores.
Cost: $12 and up
Indian Acres Tree Farm, 111 Tuckerton Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
Dasher’s Lightshow
Now-December 31
Drive through this dazzling show with displays synced to music on your car radio. The 25-30 minute show will dazzle your family and put you into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $29.95 and up
Newark Moonlight Cinema, 220 Orange Street, Newark, NJ 07103
South Jersey Holiday Light Show
Now-December 31, dates and times vary
Get in the festive spirit at this drive-through holiday light show featuring dozens of dazzling displays and scenes celebrating everything your family loves about this season. Turn on the car radio to a station that syncs the light show with holiday tunes as you drive among the twinkling lights on the mile-long route.
Cost: $25 per car; tickets must be purchased in advance
Bridgeport Speedway, 83 Flood Gate Road, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Now-December 31, on select dates
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, as well as train rides, carousel rides, visits to the Reptile House and Aquarium, and pony rides.
Cost: Donation recommended, additional fee for some attractions.
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Allaire Community Farm
Thursdays-Sundays in December
See the largest dreidel in the world at Allaire Community Farm on a tractor-pulled wagon that takes you through beautiful holiday light displays. After, stop by the farmstand to sip hot cocoa and cider.
Cost: $17
1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall, NJ 07719
Holiday in the Park
Now-January 1, on 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: $49.99 and up
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland USA
Now-January 1
America’s only construction theme and water park will be decked out in a drive-through display of glowing lights, tunnels, holiday displays, and more. As you drive through the exhibits, tune into Diggerland USA’s radio station to get into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $34.95
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Old Fashioned Christmas
Now-January 1
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.
Cost: Prices vary
Cape May, NJ 08204
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Now-January 1
Start your engine to 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 Winter WonderLights
Now-January 1
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show will dazzle your 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 per car or $125 VIP season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online.
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
Now-January 2
Glide into a winter wonderland with a carousel and train rides in Van Saun Park. Then lace up your skates and get out on the ice for a skate among the lights and decorations.
Cost: $5-$10
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave Paramus, NJ 07653
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until January 6
Explore the farm and see all of the lights for the holiday season. This year, they’ll be doing a walk-through where you can see and feed animals from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. Train rides will be available during the walk-through; the drive-through will be 7 PM – 8:30 PM.
Cost: $9.50 for the walk-through (under two is free); $20 per car for the drive-through.
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton, NJ 07005
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
Now-January 6
Visit Historic Smithville to ride the carousel and roast s’mores by the firepits on the green. Then watch favorite holiday tunes synchronized to a unique light display. There will be over 120 Christmas trees, constructed from 50,000+ Christmas lights, magically floating atop Lake Meone in the center of the village. An orchestrated show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music when the sky is dark. 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
Monmouth Museum Holiday Train Display
Now-January 8
Kids will love seeing this nostalgic display featuring Lionel Trains winding through an over 30ft exhibit of towns, mountains, cities, and more. Alongside the trains, the Main Gallery hosts a 20ft Holiday Tree and Pat Brentano’s “Consider the Trees” show.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Museum, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Let It Glow
Now-January 15
It’s a holiday spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo with impressive, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that are awe-inspiring. 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
Winter Walk
Now-January 15
Visit Taylor Park and enjoy magical light displays as you stroll along a path at the lake’s edge. After you and your family enjoy the lights, visit Millburn’s unique retailers and restaurants. The park is lit from 4:30 PM until 10:00 PM nightly.
Cost: Free to enter
100 Main Street, Millburn, NJ, 07041
Night Forms: Infinite Wave at Grounds For Sculpture
Now-April 2
The whole family will love to see the Grounds of Sculpture reimagined after hours, with a multi-sensory light and sound experience designed to engage with the art and horticulture collection. Spend the evening outdoors exploring the lighting, sound, and video projection mapping, and join the interactive exhibits, which will delight kids and adults.
Cost: $22 and up
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
RWJBarnabas Health Events
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 20 at 4:30 PM
Come in person or join virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, how to read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, and learn knife skills.
Cost: Free
Online or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
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