Enjoy November in the Garden State by honoring those we’ve lost at a traditional Day of the Dead Celebration in Princeton, indulging in German treats at Christkindlmarkt in Clark or getting in the holiday spirit for a celebration of song, dance, and music at Jingle on Main in Historic Blairstown. There’s amazing free things to do this month, so get to it mamas!
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
featured photo via Stone Harbor NJ
Here are 8 free NJ events in November:
Princeton Day of the Dead Celebration
November 2, 3PM-5PM
If your littles are Coco fans or you just want them to experience Latin culture, head to this traditional Mexican celebration that’s coincides with Halloween to honor the dead. They’ll be plenty of ways to enjoy El Día de los Muertos: Listen to strolling mariachis, have the kids decorate sugar skulls and watch folk arts demonstrations, all while gaining an understanding for this ages-old, unique tradition.
Princeton, NJ
2nd Annual Special Needs Fall Festival
November 3, 1PM-5PM
For kids that get anxious in crowds and noisy celebrations, going to festivals can be a challenge. But this family-friendly event has something for everyone and celebrates the last days of fall. They’ll be plenty of sensory-friendly games, pumpkin decorating, and face painting as well as snacks for kids and their parents.
Piscataway, NJ
54th Annual Apple Festival
November 9, 12PM-4PM
Everyone’s favorite autumn fruit gets its very own special treatment at this half-century old event. While your kids watch the historical re-enactments, you can start your holiday shopping early with vendors offering gifts and crafts. Munch on hot dogs and delicious homemade apple treats. Don’t forget to pick up a pie!
Old Bridge Township Civic Center
Old Bridge, NJ
Cape May Holiday Preview Weekend
November 22 – 24
Are your kids itching to see Santa? Head to the Physick Estate where the big guy and his elves have decked out this historical house with thousands of lights and holiday trimmings (on Saturday night Santa arrives for the tree-lighting ceremony).Your littles will love the trolley rides with stories led by Mrs. Claus and An Old-Fashioned Christmas exhibit, with displays of model trains and a Dickens Village. To keep the holiday spirit going, bring non-perishable food items to donate to the local food bank.
1048 Washington St.
Cape May, NJ
Christkindlmarkt
November 24, 12PM-5PM
Kick off the holiday season and find special gifts at this annual traditional German Christmas market. They’ll be plenty of German vendors offering beautiful Christmas ornaments, paper stars, stollen and candles, while your kids feast on traditional foods like bratwurst and cookies. Mama, be sure to try a mug of the Gluhwein, a warm mulled wine.
787 Featherbed Lane
Clark, NJ
Stone Harbor Island Holiday
November 29 – 30
Head to the shore to celebrate the holidays early at this festive celebration. The littles will get a kick out of watching the dressed-up pets at the pet parade and have a blast at the scavenger hunt around Harbor Square. Stick around for the annual Christmas Parade Saturday at 6:30PM, with local entertainment–you may even see Santa!
Stone Harbor, NJ
Jingle on Main
November 30, 10AM-4PM
Celebrate a small-town tradition and support local businesses at this bustling holiday happening on Historic Main Street. Kids will be in awe of the tree-lighting, complete with holiday characters and caroling. You can get a jump start on holiday shopping with the local craft, gift and art vendors, while your fam enjoys yummy food, live performances and making crafts.
Historic Blairstown, NJ
Collingswood Holiday Parade
November 30, 10AM-2PM
Get into the holiday spirit at this annual parade, which has been named Best Main Street Event by South Jersey Magazine. This merry day includes plenty of marching, music, decorated floats, string bands, dance groups, appearances by Philly sports mascots, and of course, the big man himself—Santa. Gather the fam and grab some hot cocoa while you watch the festivities go by.
Haddon Avenue
Downtown Collingswood, NJ
