Santa is trading his sleigh for the beach, Christmas music is filling boardwalks, and holiday magic is popping up around New Jersey this July. Celebrate the halfway point to the holidays with Christmas in July in New Jersey events featuring beachside Santa visits, festive boat parades, holiday movies under the stars, Christmas markets, camping weekends, and family-friendly fun from North Jersey to the Shore. Get ready to snap a photo with Santa in flip-flops or start your holiday shopping early. These Christmas in July events will have everyone feeling merry even in the middle of summer. (featured photo credit: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk)
Christmas In July In New Jersey Events
Historic Smithville Christmas in July
July 11–12
Celebrate Christmas six months early as Historic Smithville transforms into a charming summer holiday village. Browse decorated shops, meet Santa, enjoy live entertainment, and soak in the festive atmosphere while strolling through one of New Jersey’s most picturesque destinations.
Cost: Free admission
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ
Great Divide Campground Christmas in July
July 17–19
Pack the camper for a weekend where Christmas comes early. Families can decorate campsites, participate in golf cart parades, play holiday-themed games, meet Santa, and enjoy an entire weekend of festive campground activities.
Cost: Camping reservation required
Great Divide Campground, 68 Phillips Road, Newton, NJ
Jellystone Park Christmas in July Weekend
July 18–19
Yogi Bear and friends help celebrate Christmas in July with campsite decorating contests, wagon rides, Christmas crafts, games, and visits from Santa. It’s one of South Jersey’s favorite themed camping weekends for families.
Cost: Reservation required
Jellystone Park, Williamstown, NJ
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Christmas in July
July 21–22
One of New Jersey’s biggest Christmas in July celebrations, this family favorite features photos with Santa, Diving Santa at the Aquarium, elf storytime, holiday games, festive treats, live entertainment, and a Christmas movie on the boardwalk.
Cost: Event is free; some attractions require admission
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Sea Isle City Christmas in July
July 22 | 6:30–8 PM
Santa heads to Excursion Park for an evening of holiday fun complete with free photos, gifts for children, and a family Christmas movie after the festivities. It’s one of the Shore’s favorite free summer traditions.
Cost: Free
Excursion Park, JFK Boulevard & Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City, NJ
Christmas in July Toy Drive
July 24 at 6 PM
We’re halfway to the holidays, so why not spread some good cheer RN? Bring a new, unopened toy to this festive summer event, where there will be Santa in his summer gear, a holiday cookie bake sale, and seasonal drinks and festive dishes.
Cost: Free with a toy
Finish Line Pub, 8000 Dividing Creek Road, Millville, NJ 08332
Christmas in July
July 25 at 10 AM
This festive event is the perfect way to infuse the holiday spirit into your summer. There will be photos with Santa, meet-and-greets, holiday sing-alongs, and lots of fun for the entire family. Guests are encouraged to give back while they celebrate—bring a new bathing suit to donate to the Garden State Bathing Suit and Goggle Drive, and you’ll receive a FREE full-day waterpark admission for a future visit as a thank-you! Donation Offer is only claimable from 9:30 AM to 12 PM.
Cost: Free
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Washington Street Mall Christmas in July
July 24
Cape May’s pedestrian shopping district gets a festive makeover with Santa and his elf, face painting, live music, holiday shopping, candy canes, and family activities throughout the afternoon.
Cost: Free
Location: Washington Street Mall, Cape May, NJ
Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival & Boat Parade
July 25
Spend the evening at Sunset Lake with Santa, face painting, live entertainment, magic shows, food vendors, and the annual illuminated Christmas Boat Parade that lights up the water after sunset.
Cost: Free
Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest, NJ
North Wildwood Christmas in July
July 25
Santa trades his sleigh for the beach during this fun-filled holiday celebration. Families can snap photos, enjoy Christmas music, and receive candy canes while soaking up the summer sun.
Cost: Free
North Wildwood Beach
Wildwoods Golf Cart Christmas Parade
July 25
Watch dozens of creatively decorated golf carts roll through the Wildwoods covered in lights, ornaments, inflatables, and tropical Christmas decorations in one of the Shore’s most unique summer traditions.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods
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