The first weekend of November is here, and whether you’re team fall or team holidays, there’s something for everyone to do. See the big guy at Santa Arrival PJ Party in Cherry Hill, listen to the mariachi band, and celebrate at the Day of the Dead Community Celebration in Princeton or get heart healthy on a walk during the Healthy HeARTS Festival at Appel Farms in Elmer. And before fall gives way to winter, check out our guide to fall activities in NJ. (featured photo credit: Arts Council of Princeton, Priyanka Madia)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Harry Potter Magic Show
November 4 at 7 PM
Come see Madeleine The Magician perform magic spells and learn the art of wizardry. And don’t forget to dress up and represent your Harry Potter House with colors and clothing.
Brunswick Square, 755 NJ 18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Villas Fire Company 12th Annual Christmas Bazaar
November 4-6
Holiday shopping starts now with vendors, food, a basket raffle, and a 50/50. Then on Saturday, Santa will be visiting between 12 PM-3 PM.
Villas Volunteer Fire Department, 1619 Bayshore Rd, Villas, NJ 08251
A Christmas Story
November 4-20
Everyone’s favorite holiday flick—A Christmas Story—comes to life in this musical set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana. Catch it on opening weekend to get in the holiday spirit and experience this beloved classic in a new way.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Music Mountain Theatre, 1483 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Fall Festival and Art Walk in Haddon Heights
November 5 at 10 AM
Enjoy music, arts, crafts, food, and drink in Haddon Heights. This is the rescheduled date of the event.
Cost: Free
Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
Healthy HeARTS Festival at Appel Farms
November 5 at 10 AM
Kick off this festive event with a 5k race/1mile walk on and around Appel Farm and continue with food trucks, vendors, local wine and beer, creative arts workshops, wellness activities, local musicians, and sustainable art-making. There is a kids’ activity area too.
Cost: Costs vary
457 Shirley Road, Elmer, NJ 08318
Kids Craft and Flea Holiday Market Rancocas Woods
November 5 at 10 AM
See young vendors with food trucks, live performances, and DJ Blake.
Cost: Free
118 Creek Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Artists in the Park
November 5 at 10 AM
Bring your family and hike the newly restored trail in Runnemede Lake Park while artists reimagine Runnemede within a day of free art in Runnemede Lake Park. The rain date will be Sunday, November 6.
525 Sheppard Ave, Runnemede, NJ 08078
Santa Arrival PJ Party
November 5 at 10 AM
It’s time to welcome Santa with a fun-filled PJ party in Grand Court. Wear your pajamas and enjoy music, crafts, magic, face painting, holiday characters, and a special appearance by the Rock N Roll Chorus. Santa arrives in style on a fire truck, and you can purchase photos with the big guy.
Cherry Hill Mall, 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Art in the Park
November 5 at 11 AM
It’s the first ever Art in the Park, where participants will learn about natural dyes and create beautiful art. 0There will also be sheep shearing and spinning demos, art stations, and displays by local artists.
Hanson Park Conservancy, 38 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016
The 2022 Rahway Craft and Art Fair
November 5 at 11 AM
Start holiday shopping with handmade crafts and art from vendors with items like quilts, stained glass, clothing, soy candles, organic body lotions and oils, greeting cards, handbags, jewelry, and original fine art.
The Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Ave Rahway, NJ 07065
Clinton Township Food Truck Fest
November 5 at 11 AM
Enjoy a food truck festival filled with pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, vendors, and of course, food trucks.
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free, and please bring an item for the food pantry.
Red School House Rd, Lebanon, NJ 08833
Sirens of the Sea
November 5 at 11:30 AM
See live mermaids swim right in front of your eyes. This fin-tastic event is included with general admission to Jenkinson’s Aquarium.
Cost: $10 and up
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Hammonton Green Day Festival
November 5 at 12 PM
Celebrate all things “green” with sustainable arts and crafts, green vendors, live animals, music, and entertainment for the whole family. There will also be workshops all day.
Cost: Free to enter
South Second Street, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Day of the Dead Community Celebration
November 5 at 3 PM
Bring the whole family to learn about this culturally rich holiday featuring Music by Mariachi de Oro, sugar skull decorating, folk dance by El Grupo De Danza Folklorica La Sagrada Familia, delicious food from El Sabor Oaxaqueño and La Lupita’s Groceries, “Skull” Public art installation by local artists, and a Day of the Dead Altar.
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542
Paramus Food Truck Festival
November 6 at 11 AM
Head to the Paramus Park Mall at the East Main entrance to enjoy a food truck festival with the whole family.
Cost: $5, and kids under 5 are free.
Paramus Park Mall, East Main Entrance – In front of Old Navy and LL Bean, 700 Paramus Park, NJ 07652
Meet the Chickens in the Children’s Garden
November 6 at 1 PM
During this presentation, chicken caretakers will talk about the flock and describe their care routine and things to watch out for when raising chickens. Children and their families are welcome to enter the coop and pet the chickens.
Cost: Donations are appreciated and go toward Calgo Gardens
Calgo Gardens 462 Adelphia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Ongoing Events
Great Pumpkin Festival
Now-November 6
Head to Heaven Hill Farm for the last weekend at this fall-themed festival featuring the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, hayrides, farm animals, pedal carts, a 40th anniversary-themed corn maze, gem mining, apple cannons, and more fall fun.
Cost: $14.99-$22.99
451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
Skylands Stadium Jack O’ Lantern Experience
Now-November 6
It’s Halloween fun for all when you see over 6000 impressive and intricately carved Jack O’Lanterns take over Skylands Stadium. Enjoy a 45-minute walk-through experience mixed with a family-friendly fall festival with rides, vendors, and food.
Cost: $19 and up
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Scarecrows of the Sea at Adventure Aquarium
Now-November 13
Turn autumn aquatic with the new Scarecrows of the Sea at Adventure Aquarium. A crew of colorful scarecrows will be cropping up across the aquarium for a limited time. Look out for pirates, penguins, mermaids, and more posing alongside our 15,000 amazing animals.
Cost: Included with admission; buy tickets or make a Member reservation in advance.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
The Mainland – Harvest Fest Weekends
Every weekend until November 20
It’s Harvest Fest at The Mainland. Try different fall food and drink specials, a corn maze, family fun events, an adventure-packed arcade, and live music.
Cost: Costs vary
151 Route 72, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
RWJBarnabas Health Events
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
November 8, 15, and 22 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
Healthy Kids Cooking Class (in-person)
November 5 at 11 AM
Grab your apron and join Ms. Jenn in a hands-on cooking class at the LiveWell Center. Young chefs aged 4 and up are welcome to attend with an adult!
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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