Christmas tree lightings, holiday light shows, and winter markets? The holiday season is coming in hot, and we’re here for all the family fun this weekend. Buckle up and head to a million lights during a drive-through adventure at Glow! To Bed: A Journey Through Time in Sicklerville, find festive lights, classic Christmas vibes, and a music show at the Holiday Jubilee in Somerville, or celebrate your favorite holiday movies with a jingle bell craft, parade, and an appearance from Santa at the Westwood Home For the Holidays. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the holiday shows near you. (featured photo: NJMOM taken at Glow! To Bed)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
December 5 at 5 PM
Come down to the Downtown District of Toms River for some holiday fun. Starting with live entertainment at 5 PM, Santa will arrive on a fire truck to light the tree at 7 PM, followed by photos.
Courtyard of Toms River Town Hall, Toms River, NJ 08753
Holiday Jubilee in Somerville
December 5 at 5 PM
Somerville’s annual holiday tree lighting event kicks off the holiday season with entertainment, in-store events at participating businesses, caroling trolley rides, and a visit from the big guy in red. Also on hand will be the Sharpe Family Singers, known for their appearances on Broadway and America’s Got Talent.
Downtown Somerville, NJ 08876
Boro in Lights
December 5 at 6 PM
Over 19,000 lights will light up the night on the Glassboro tree. There will also be photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-and-carriage rides, food trucks, cookie decorating, live performances, and lots of good cheer.
Glassboro Town Square, High Street West, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Hawthorne Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5 at 6 PM
Start the night with a fun and festive parade that steps off at 6 PM, followed by the tree lighting at 6:45 PM. There will also be visits with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, light-up necklaces, and more holiday fun.
Borough Hall, Hawthorne, NJ 07506
Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5- Wildwood Business Improvement District, December 5-6, Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown, December 6 – North Wildwood Tree Lighting
Take a trip down the shore to experience the holidays in Wildwood. There are four tree-lighting ceremonies all around town, and we hear the big guy will appear at each one. Enjoy light refreshments, caroling, and more at these festive events.
A variety of locations in Wildwood, NJ
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Village in Union Township
December 5-6
Shop, let the littles ride the trackless train, or get some hot chocolate at the hot cocoa area (there is a beer garden there, too). There will also be food trucks, a cookie station, Santa’s workshop, and an ice skating rink.
1976 Morris Avenue, Union Township, NJ 07083
2025 Weihnachtsmärkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey
December 5-7
Who says you need to fly to Germany to experience an authentic Weihnachtsmärkt? Sussex County Fairgrounds is home to the largest annual Christmas market in the state, complete with a Biergarten, food trucks and vendors, a petting zoo, and tree lighting (proceeds are donated to local charities). Your littles will enjoy a special visit from St. Nicholas and Mrs. Claus.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Glow! To Bed: A Journey Through Time
December 5-7
Buckle up and head to this drive-through adventure that will take you on a mile-long holiday escape that will delight every member of the family. See over 8 million lights synchronized to holiday music that plays on your car speakers as you take in the scenes around you.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
The Tinsel Turnpike, 217 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, Sicklerville, NJ 08081
Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland
December 5-7
Ready for beautiful lights and tons of Christmas cheer? Head to the Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland for 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
Old Fashioned Christmas
December 5-7
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 22, 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
2025 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
December 5-7
Check out this brilliant display, featuring 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, character meet-and-greets, and an illuminated playground.
Cost: $17 per person ages 3 and up Monday-Thursday and $20 per person ages 3 and up Friday-Sunday
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Let It Glow
December 5-7
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo. There will be fire pits to warm up with and s’mores kits for a sweet treat.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 5-7
Shop this traditional Christmas market and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment in Asbury Park at the Grand Arcade, Asbury Hotel, and Whitechapel Projects. There will also be crafts and a holiday photo booth.
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Whitechapel Projects, 15 2nd Avenue, 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
9th Annual Winterfest
December 6
Bring your crew to enjoy holiday music, kid-friendly activities, and a special appearance by Santa. The outdoor market will offer unique gifts from area artisans and vendors, delicious treats, and a beer garden.
51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Winter Wonderland Weekend in Toms River
December 6
Washington Street in Downtown Toms River will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village, where vendors will sell great holiday gifts. Kids’ activities, a hot chocolate station, and holiday music will also be there.
33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Verona’s Fair In The Square
December 6
Verona’s Civic Center will transform into a festive wonderland with over 100 vendors, entertainment, face painting, balloon artistry, photos with Santa, and lots of food options. The annual tree lighting will take place at 4:30 PM that day.
600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ 07003
Ventnor City Twilight Holiday Parade
December 6 at 5 PM
Get into the holiday spirit at this fun event for the whole family. There will be marching bands, firetrucks, floats, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the parade, followed by a balloon artist, face painting, and visits with Santa. Make sure you stop by the food trucks.
Cost: Free
Ventnor Avenue, Ventnor, NJ 08406
Jingle Bell Run
December 6 at 9 AM
Get your jingle on at a holiday fun run supporting the Arthritis Foundation. Have the whole fam don their merriest apparel and strut your stuff as you walk or run the 5K.
Cost: Pricing depends on registration
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Asbury Park Santa Run
December 6 at 10 AM
Ho Ho Ho! Back in its ninth year, this popular event features thousands of Santas running through the streets of Asbury Park in support of Lunch Break, a charity that provides food, clothing, and life skills to those in need.
Cost: $49.95
Race starts at The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Downtown Tree Lighting in Asbury Park
December 6 at 5:30 PM
Kick off the holiday season with a visit from Santa, festive music, holiday treats, and hot chocolate. This is one of the shore Christmas tree lightings in NJ that you won’t want to miss.
Press Plaza, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
2025 Tree Lighting & Winter Festival
December 6 at 12 PM
Bundle up and head to this fun event that will get you in the holiday mood. There will be a skating rink, horse-and-carriage rides, a petting zoo, delicious food trucks, and, to end the night, the tree lighting and a visit from Santa.
Belvidere Town Hall, 691 Water Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823
Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 6, the parade begins at 6 PM
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration, featuring tree lighting, jingle bell craft, and carolers. The parade will begin at 6 PM and include a visit from the big guy in red. This year’s theme is Everyone’s Favorite Holiday Movies.
Downtown Westwood, NJ 07675
48th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market
December 6-7
Bring the whole family to shop, snack on festive treats, shop for holiday gifts, and visit the man in the red suit.
Various locations townwide, parking available at 407 Hope-Great Meadows Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Festival of Trees and Winter Village
December 6-7
This outdoor holiday market has over 45 unique craft artisans ready to help you wrap up your seasonal shopping. Enjoy a German-style holiday market, festive shows, and beautiful decorations at the Festival of Trees at the Red Mill Museum.
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 6-7
You’ll find something for everyone on your list at Cape May’s Annual Crafts at Christmas Show, where makers and artists display their handmade and original works. Comb the aisles of the legendary Convention Hall for maker goods like jewelry, soaps, candles, and artwork.
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Noyes Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 6-7
The holiday bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmärkte” in Germany. There will be live music, arts and crafts activities, pictures with Santa, a Gingerbread contest, and shopping from local artists and makers throughout the two event days.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 7
If the weather outside looks frightful, head to this indoor market, which features 75 local farmers, food purveyors, local artisans, and more.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Hanukkurious – Learn About The Festival of Lights
December 7 at 10 AM
Want to learn more about the history of Hanukkah? Head to this fun event featuring delicious food, games, and more, and leave with a new understanding of this beautiful holiday.
Cost: Free
JCC of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 7
Experience a warm and toasty holiday market season in good ol’ Asbury Park. Shop locally curated vendors and enjoy pizza and festive drinks.
Porta, 911 Kinsley Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Main Street Pops Holiday Artisan Market
December 7
Look for handmade goods and unique finds on Sundays in December. You’ll find lots of gift ideas, including jewelry, home goods, and artisanal foods.
770 Jackson Street Plaza @Monroe Center, Hoboken, NJ 07030
2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa
December 7 at 9 AM
Ready for Santa? Head to this event, where each family member will have a chance to have breakfast with Santa. All proceeds benefit the Port Monmouth First Aid Squad.
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per kid, Free for kids 3 and under
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
2025 Jingle All The Way 3K
December 7 at 11:30 AM
Lace up your running shoes, grab your costumes, and have fun being active for a good cause. This year’s theme brings the beautiful spirit of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, featuring beads, a dance party, food, and awards for race participants. This race will benefit the Special Olympics of New Jersey.
Cost: Registration cost
SONJ Sports Complex, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Nutley Christmas Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration
December 7 at 5:30 PM
Round up the little ones and head to this festive celebration. There will be photos with Santa, a mini train ride, horse-and-buggy rides, roasted chestnuts, donuts, and more holiday fun.
Town Hall, 1 Kennedy Drive, Nutley, NJ 07110
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