The countdown has begun, and with only two weekends left before the holiday magic, we’re making core holiday memories with lots of family things to do before the big day. Step into a traditional Christmas market to shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, enjoy a unique evening with lights, headphones, dancing, a smoke machine, donuts, and quality time with the fam at the Hanukkah Silent Disco Party in Scotch Plains, or shop in the winter market, dance and celebrate the community at Kwanzaa Community Celebration in Montclair. Want to find out more about the winter festivals happening? Check out our guide to all the winter festivals here. (featured photo taken at Asbury Park Bazaar)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
Big Kahuna’s Water Park
If you’re looking to get away without actually going away, Big Kahuna’s Water Park in West Berlin can transport your family to an island vacation where it’s always sunny. Spending a day at this tropical-themed indoor and outdoor water park feels like a beach vacation, especially riding the waves on “Flow Rider.” Enjoy a Family Fun Night featuring The Foam Zone every Friday night from 4 PM-9 PM with admission $33.99 or admission with a personal pizza for $38.99.
535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
December 1-31, select dates
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with over 50 winter and animal characters. Weekend Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more will also be available.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
December 1-31
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. 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
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
2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
December 1-22
This new walk-through experience at Holland Ridge Farms brings spring to the holiday season with over 30,000 light-up tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of lights throughout the farm. 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
Light Show on the Lake
December 1-23
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
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
December 1-23, 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
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
December 1-29
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
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
December 1-30
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. And before you leave, grab a hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
December 1-30, 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: $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
December 1-31
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
December 1-31
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, Tree Lighting on November 23, 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
Magic of Lights New Jersey
December 1-31
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: $25 and up
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
December 13-15
Spend the season celebrating, and make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) at his headquarters, Extraordinary ED, at 808 Haddon Avenue. On December 13, come together for the community menorah lighting.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Vinter Wonderland
December 13-15
Celebrate a successful harvest at Renault Winery with a charming and festive experience for all ages. Kids will love the ice skating, tractor rides, and live entertainment while you enjoy gourmet dining and wines. Santa Claus comes to town in December to light the Christmas tree, read a holiday story, and eat breakfast with the kids (reservations required).
Cost: Prices vary
72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 14
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
Sea of Lights Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular
December 14
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
Santa Annual Charity Event
December 14 at 11 AM
This annual event is a great way to give back during the holiday season. Freehold Ford is collecting donations of new, unused toys for the Ronald McDonald House. There will be a free photo with Santa for kids of all ages, family members, or a single person. Refreshments and light food will be served.
Freehold Ford, 3572 Route 9 South, Freehold, NJ 07728
Hanukkah Silent Disco Party
December 14 at 4 PM
Looking for something unique to do with the family to celebrate Hanukkah? Head to this silent disco, where there will be lights, headphones, dancing, a smoke machine, donuts, and quality time with the fam.
Cost: Free
JCC of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Kwanzaa Community Celebration Montclair
December 14 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa with a festive community gathering featuring presentations, live entertainment, and programs. Be sure to check out the Ujamaa Winter Market, featuring local vendors from Montclair and its surrounding communities. Kids will have a ball with balloon twisting, dance, and music.
Cost: Free
50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 0704
2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
December 14 at 12 PM
Head to the Vauxhall Branch Library for an afternoon of Kwanzaa celebrations featuring live entertainment, African dance, African drums, storytelling, and more.
Cost: Free
Vauxhall Branch of the Union Public Library, 123 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
Harambee Breakfast & Kwanzaa Celebration
December 14 at 9 AM
Feast on breakfast and learn more about Kwanzaa and the unique traditions that reinforce seven fundamental values of African culture. These values contribute to building and supporting family, community, and culture among African Americans and Africans worldwide.
Cost: $15 and up
The Renaissance, 1110 Valley Road, Ocean, NJ 07712
KidsFit in Motion
December 14 at 9 AM
This lively weekend class will help young children improve their mobility, flexibility, and coordination through various fitness games and dance moves. Fun Fitness is for ages 5-7 with a parent/guardian. Wear sneakers! For more information or to register, contact Kerri Likakis, MS, RDN, at 973-926-7371 or Kerri.Likakis@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Snowman Splash at Five Star Swim School
December 14-15
Celebrate the holidays at the pool! Bring the family to Five Star Swim School for a festive day of swimming with fun holiday floats, tasty snacks, and a creative craft to decorate. Make sure you also wear your favorite holiday pajamas.
Cost: $25 per child, parents accompany for free or swim for $10 per adult
December 14 at 2 PM – 5 Esterbrook Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
December 14 at 3:30 PM – 182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
December 14 at 4 PM – 323 S Pitney Road, Galloway, NJ 08205
December 15 at 4:30 PM – 127 Main Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Teddy Bear Rally
December 15 at 10:30 AM
For the 35th year, come to this fun event and watch an exciting road rally. All new, unopened toys will be donated to Toys for Tots, an amazing charity that provides kids with holiday toys.
Cost: Free to attend; please bring a new and unopened toy
Subaru World of Hackettstown, 364 US 46 West, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 15
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
Full Moon Hike
December 15 at 6:30 PM
Bundle the family up and get some fresh air at this evening hike where you can take in the sounds of nature and marvel at the gorgeous Cold Moon.
Cost: Free, but donations appreciated
762 Stage Road, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
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, starting October 3rd, 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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