As the holidays approach and the weather continues to get cooler, there are some free ways to get out with the family and begin feeling the holiday cheer. All over the state, there are Craft Fairs and Bazaars for you to get a start on holiday shopping. Take a look at some of the free events happening in November and let us know about any events in your area.
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 30 Free Events in New Jersey this November:
1. Thanksgiving Tasting at Dean’s
“Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Let us help you with the cooking this year. Whether you just need a few extra sides or the entire meal, we’ve got you covered.”
Tuesday, November 1 from 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Dean’s Natural Market, All Locations
2. Arachnids Crawl Into Buck Garden
Many people are fearful of spiders do you really know much about the creatures? Learn how spider webs are made and come face to face with these creepy crawlers.
Wednesday, November 2, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Leonard J. Buck Garden, Layton Road Fair Hills, NJ
For more information, call 908-234-2677 ext 21
3. History of Thanksgiving
Bring your little ones and learn the history behind the Thanksgiving holiday. You will explore the original many and how this day became a national holiday.
Wednesday, November 2 from 7:00PM to 8:00PM
Bound Brook Memorial Library, 402 E. High Street Bound Brook, NJ
For more information, call 732-356-0043
4. Art for Families: Play Ball
Drop in to the Art Museum and enjoy some family art time on Saturday. There will be a gallery activity followed by a project all about the first sport ever. Also, you have the chance to make a head dress inspired by the Mayans.
Saturday November 5 from 10:30 am to 1 pm
Princeton University Art Museum
For more information, call 609-258-3788
5. Fall at the Farm
Enjoy the Fall season at Beach Plum Farm in Cape May. There are turkeys, ducks and other live animals that kids can say hello to. There is also food and drinks available, most of them seasonal.
Saturday, November 5, 12, & 19 from 11 am to 4 pm
Beach Plum Farm, 140 Stevens Street West Cape May, NJ
6. Day of the Dead Celebration
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at this annual event in Princeton. For two hours, you are invited to enjoy skull decorating, strolling mariachi bands, face painting, food and so much more. This day is filled with beautiful traditions to partake in.
Saturday November 5 from 3 pm to 5 pm
Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N. Harrison Street Princeton, NJ
For more information, call 609-924-8777
7. Family Fun Day featuring Mark Teixeira
Spend the day having fun with the entire family at Family Fun Day. There will be games for all ages like 40 year dash, fastest pitch, an obstacle course and more. Winners from each age bracket will be announced and Mark Teixeira from the NY Yankees will be speaking.
Saturday, November 5 from 10 am to 2 pm
Stonecrest Community Church, 11 Technology Drive N Warren, NJ
For more information, call 908-821-9700
Click here to register for free.
8. South Jersey Made Festival
“Come out to celebrate & support South Jersey makers!”
Saturday, November 5 from 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Long-A-Coming Depot
Between Taunton and Washington Avenues, Berlin, NJ
9. Short Hills Street Fair and Craft Show
Nearly 25,000 people travel from all over New Jersey to visit the Short Hills Street Fair and Craft Show. There will be vendors of all kinds, crafts, direct sales, non profits and more plus entertainment. Get a start on your holiday shopping with the family.
Sunday, November 6 from 11 am to 5 pm
Downtown Short Hills at Millburn Avenue & Short Hills Avenue, Short Hills, NJ
For more information, call 908-654-1400
10. Annual Fall Festival Street Fair
All along Springfield Avenue, the area will be transformed into a huge block party. There will be so many fun things to do for the kids like pony rides, a climbing wall, petting zoo, face painting and so much more. Live entertainment and food will also be on hand to help enjoy the day.
Sunday November 6 from 10 am to 4 pm
1260 Springfield Avenue, New Providence NJ
11. Hope Music & Arts Festival
“”Come join us on November 6 for an afternoon of music, art and family friendly fun! We’re building community and raising money for Hope for Atlantic City.”
Sunday, November 6 from 2:00PM – 6:00PM
Tony Canale Park
Sycamore Ave, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
12. Musical Story Time
Bring your little ones and partake in the fun and engaging Musical Story Time at the library. Kids of all ages will enjoy this unique twist on Story Time.
Wednesday November 9 from 10:30 am to 11 am
Hackettstown Free Public Library, 110 Church Street Hackettstown, NJ
13. Free Cooking Class: Vegan Thanksgiving
“Looking to have a vegan Thanksgiving? Join plant-based health and wellness expert Jessica Jarmer as she shows us how to prepare vegan versions of your favorite Thanksgiving foods.”
Wednesday, November 9, 6:00PM
Dean’s Natural Market of Ocean
1119 Highway 35, Ocean, NJ 07712
Click here to register for free.
14. Free Cooking Class: Cook the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
“Whether you’re making your first Thanksgiving turkey or just need a refresher on the basics, Dean’s award-winning executive chef, Scott Sleckman, will be sharing easy step-by-step instructions for how to cook a the perfect turkey.”
Friday, November 11 from 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Dean’s Natural Market of Chester
270 Route 206, Chester, NJ 07930
Click here to register for free.
15. Manahawkin Craft Fair
Arts and crafts, food, antiques and collectibles and so much more can be found at the Manahawkin Craft Fair. Held at Southern Regional High School, the proceeds from the fair benefit the students and the programs at the school.
Saturday, November 12 from 9 am to 4 pm
Southern Regional High School, 600 N. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ
Photo via montclairartmuseum.org
16. Adult Coloring Club
Have you heard about the new phenomenon of coloring for adults and the relaxation that comes from this seemingly small craft? Come join the Adult Coloring Club and see what it is all about. All materials will be provided for you so just go and relax.
Tuesday, November 15 from 10 am to 11 am
Johnson Public Library, 274 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ
For more information, call 201-343-4169 x19
17. An Evening with Harry Potter
To prepare for the new Harry Potter book coming out, come to the Hackettstown Library and enjoy a special Harry Potter story time. This story time will be in the evening and a drawing will take place to win two tickets to the new movie.
Tuesday, November 15 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Hackettstown Free Public Library, 110 Church Street, Hackettstown, NJ
18. Reading with Rodney
Come to the library and have story time with Rodney the Therapy Dog. Rodney loves to read stories with kids in grades kindergarten to sixth and give lots of cuddles.
Friday, November 18 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Johnson Public Library, 274 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ
19. Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit
Come and walk through Christmas traditions through the years. There will be exhibits of model trains, toys and so much more to bring the old-fashioned Christmas of past to now.
Starting Friday, November 18 through January 1 from 11 am to 5 pm
Carroll House Gallery, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ
For more information, call 609-884-5404
20. Free Cooking Class: The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
“Whether you’re making your first Thanksgiving turkey or just need a refresher on the basics, Dean’s own executive chef, Scott Sleckman, will be sharing easy step-by-step instructions for how to cook a the perfect turkey.”
Friday, November 18, 6:00PM
Dean’s Natural Market of Shrewsbury
490 Broad St, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Click here to register for free.
21. Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
“Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. Different themed activities featured each December weekend makes visiting extra exciting!”
Every Fri, Sat, Sun from November 18 – December 11th from 5:00PM – 9:00PM
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052
22. Brick High School Holiday Craft Fair
This annual event is hosted by the Brick Township PTA and promises to be so much fun with the family. There will be dozens of vendors selling different goodies and homemade items.
Saturday, November 19 from 9 am to 4 pm
Brick Township High School, 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ
For more information, call 732-241-6296
23. Thanksgiving Farmer’s Market
Come to Egg Harbor City and stock up on everything you will need for your Thanksgiving feast. From fresh vegetables to fresh baked goods, the Market has something for everyone. Take a hay ride with the family on the tractor and start on your holiday shopping, all in one place.
Saturday, November 19 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Lincoln Park, 700 White Horse Pike, Egg Harbor City, NJ
For more information, call 609-965-9291
24. Winter Festival and Craft Show
Crafts, games, food and so much more, oh my. Located indoors, this annual event is so much fun for the entire family. Not only will there be vendors available for shopping, the kids can enjoy carnival like games, face painting, art and even prizes.
Saturday, November 19 from 9 am to 3 pm
Vorhees High School, 256 County Road 513, Glen Gardner, NJ
For more information, e-mail vhsfestival@gmail.com
25. Fall Foliage Walk
While the leaves continue to change colors, get out into nature with your family and take in the beautiful sights. The park naturalists will guide you along the walk and learn about the trees and colors. Such a magnificent way to spend a day.
Saturday, November 19 from 10 am to 11:30 am
Liberty State Park, Freedom Way, Jersey City, NJ
For more information, email LSPIC@verizon.net
Photo via montclairartmuseum.org
26. Fall Family Day at Montclair Art Museum
Come to the Montclair Art Museum and enjoy a day of Fall Family fun. There will be lots for kids to do such as exploring the exhibits and art focused activities.
Sunday November 23 from 1:o0 pm to 5 pm
Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue Montclair, NJ
For more information, call 973-746-5555
27. Holiday Light Show Begins
Visit Historic Smithville Village and take in the beginning of the sights and sounds of the holiday season. 120 tree will float in the water and light up in a beautiful show set to music. This fun way to celebrate the holidays will run through January but you don’t want to miss the first night of fun.
Thursday November 24 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Historic Smithville, 615 E Moss Mill Road Smithville, NJ
28. Magnolia PTO 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Holiday shopping galore. Get some of your shopping done at the 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar. There will be food and drinks available if you get hungry while you’re shopping and there will be tons of vendors to browse. Happy shopping.
Saturday, November 26 from 10 am to 2 pm
Magnolia Community Center, 425 Brooke Avenue, Magnolia, NJ
29. Rutherford Holiday Parade and Festival
The town of Rutherford will help usher in the holiday season with their annual Holiday Parade and Festival. At the end of the parade, Santa himself will enter the town and spread cheer. After seeing Santa, head to the annual Tree Lighting ceremony.
Saturday, November 26 from 4 pm to 8 pm
Union Avenue to Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
30. Burn the Bird 5K Turkey Trot
The town of Wildwood invites you to come and work off all that turkey from Thanksgiving and participate in the 5K Turkey Trot. For those that don’t enjoy running, it is always fun to stand on the sidelines and cheer everyone on.
Saturday November 26 10 am
Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
