With Thanksgiving on the way, this means relatives visiting, kids on vacation for a few days from school, and a drop in temperature! You’ll want to be prepared with some fall festivities and fun in New Jersey to relax and enjoy fall in NJ.
1. South Jersey’s Children’s Halloween Fest {Featured Event}
Sunday, November 1, 11am-6pm
There’s so much more to Halloween than just trick-or-treating! Make Halloween special for your family this year by attending the South Jersey Children’s Halloween Fest. Come out and create some fun traditions that your kids will love. This Halloween fun exclusively for children under 12 years old and held indoors. Everyone is invited to wear their favorite Halloween costume! Free admission and free parking!
Voorhees, NJ 08043
2. New Providence Street Fair
Sunday, November 1, 10am-5pm
The family-oriented street festival offers attractions for everyone, young and old. This event provides arts and entertainment for the kids, such as kiddie rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, balloons and a clown performer. The attendees are also able to enjoy great fair food like sausage and pepper sandwiches, hot dogs, shish-k-bobs, zeppoles, butterfly fries, kettle corn, ice cream and more!
New Providence, NJ 07974
3. Halloween Party at Branchburg Sports Complex
Sunday, November 1, 3pm-5pm
Halloween isn’t over quite yet! Put on your craziest, funniest, scariest costume and celebrate Halloween at Branchburg Sports Complex! Families will enjoy our Trick or Treatville complete with games, refreshments and much more!
Branchburg, NJ 08876
4. Day of the Dead Celebration / Fiesta del Día de los Muertos
Sunday, November 1, 1pm – 4pm
New Brunswick Free Public Library in collaboration with Lazos America Unida and Rutgers Center for Latino Arts and Culture is hosting a variety of performances and children’s activities in celebration of the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
5. A Spooktacular Science Show!
Thursday, November 5, 11am- 11:45am
Mad Science of West New Jersey will deliver a show that will leave you gasping and laughing at the Mad Scientist’s peculiar and chilling science experiments. For ages 3 and up!
Flemington, NJ 08822
6. Santa’s Pajama Party Parade
Friday, November 6, 8:15am – 9:30am
Parade starts in the Nordstrom Court and ends with a Pajama Party at the new and exciting Santa Set located in Center Court. Some highlights include: A Parade through the mall led by a Marching Band, Build-A-Bear’s Bearemy & Rainforest’s Cha! Cha!, Santa, Mrs. Claus & Santa’s Elves, Milk & Cookies and Story time with Mrs. Claus, & a Sing-A-Long with Santa’s Elves!
Edison, NJ 08837
7. Cupsaw Lake Holiday Artisan Sale
Saturday, November 7, 9am-4pm – rain or shine
Get in the spirit of the holiday season with our one-stop holiday shopping. Featuring over 35 tables of vendors, crafters and artisans. Food and drinks will be available for purchase!
Ringwood, NJ 07456
8. Bank of America Free Admission Weekend
Saturday, November 7 & Sunday, November 8
Present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card and picture ID on the first full weekend of every month for one free general admission. Museum hours vary. Visit here for more info.
9. Artists’ Studio Tour
Sunday, November 8, 12pm-6pm
A Free City-Wide self-guided walking tour
of Artists’ Studios, Galleries and Group Exhibitions featuring the work of over 100 local artists.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
10. Christmas Bazaar and Gift Auction
Sunday, November 8, 11am-5pm
The Gift Auction is sponsored by the school’s FSA and will feature great prizes: iPad, large HDTV, Disney Hopper Passes, Giants tickets w/parking pass, boy’s and girl’s bikes, American Girl Dolls, Coach Bag, and much more. Homemade traditional ethnic foods, 50/50, wheels of chance, games, vendors and crafts! Come spend an enjoyable afternoon!
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
11. Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market
Sunday, November 8, 10am-5pm
The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market is a punk rock-inspired flea market that takes place three times per year in Trenton, NJ. 200+ vendors from more than eight states selling everything from vintage clothing, original artwork, antiques, silkscreened posters and handmade jewelry to handmade t-shirts, vintage toys, vinyl (of course), bone jewelry, taxidermy and numerous other interesting curiosities and unique collectibles! Rock on!
Trenton, NJ 08611
12. Holiday Shop Til U Drop Expo
Sunday, November 8, 11am-4pm
Santa will be there for pictures with the kids! Free craft table. Kids Shop with nothing over $5! There will also be demos from vendors, a different vendor every 15 minutes! Lunches also can be purchased from the Club for shoppers.
Turnersville, NJ 08012
13. Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Wednesday, November, 11, all day.
America’s Best Idea—the national parks. It’s even better when it’s free!
Click this link to find the park nearest you! http://www.nps.gov/state/nj/index.htm
14. Skylands Gallery Art Exhibits and Receptions
Friday, November 13, 12pm-4pm
The Skylands Gallery artists have close to 100 new works on exhibit, over 400 in total. Besides having originals for sale almost all pieces are available as hand-signed prints ranging from $25 – $55. Your purchases directly help support artists and art within the Skylands Region.
Wantage, NJ 07461
15. Bernardsville Farmers Market @ Bernardsville Train Station
Saturday, November 14, 9am-1pm
The Farmers Market is back at the Bernardsville NJ Transit Station on Route 202 and Claremont Avenue! Fresh fruit & veggies!
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
16. Our Lady of Victories Parish Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show
Saturday, November 14, 9:am-3pm
Great Gifts available (even for yourself!) from over 35 local artisans and crafters, Italian Kitchen featuring savory Italian sauces, meatballs, biscotti and pizzelles to take home & serve! Bake Sale with all of your seasonal favorites, White Elephant Sale (Donations of gently used items are needed) Cash Raffle, &Victory Cafe serving tasty soups and sandwiches all day!
Sayreville, NJ 08872
17. Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, November 14, 10am-2pm
Come and enjoy this holiday Craft Fair event with vendors offering arts, crafts, gifts, holiday items and more! Kick off the holiday season right!
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
18. GFNJ’S 19th Annual Pet & Craft Expo
Saturday, November 14, & Sunday, November 15, 10am-4pm
GFNJ’s biggest fundraiser is again at a great location – the Westfield Armory in Westfield NJ! Highlights of this event include: a raffle, which has gotten bigger and better each year, wonderful vendors, digital Santa photos, holiday bake table, GFNJ adoption table and much, much more. Leashed pets welcomed!
Westfield, NJ 07090
19. Jersey Shore Comic Book Show
Sunday, November 15, 10am-4pm
Featuring Horror Movie Stars! Cosplay and Costume Groups! Over 20+ guest artists, writers and creators of comics! More than 50 vendors offering up Comics, Non-Sport Cards, Graphic Novels, Pop Culture, Steam Punk, Anime, Comic Crafts, Toys, Collectibles and MORE
Admission is $5.00, however for kids under 12 years old admissions is FREE!
Toms River, NJ 08753
20. Mom to Mom
Monday, November 16, 1 pm–2 pm
Join other moms to socialize, network and support one another while making lasting friendships. This group is facilitated by a social worker and a registered nurse. Refreshments are served!
Somers Point, NJ 08244
21. Rice Krispy Characters
Wednesday, November 18, 3:15pm-4pm
Decorate Rice Krispy Treats to look like your favorite characters! Please register at Kennedy Library’s Information Desk or by calling 732-463-1633!
Piscataway, NJ 08854
22. Fall Bird Feeders
Wednesday, November 18, 4:15pm-4:45pm
Help the birds get ready for winter with pinecone bird feeders. Enjoy some great stories about our feathered friends, and then join in the fun of making bird feeders. Be sure to wear old clothing, as crafting can get messy!
Ocean, NJ 07712
23. Santa Parade with Friends
Thursday, November 19, 7pm
Woodbridge Center Presents its’ Santa Parade with all his holiday Friends! Come enjoy a night of fun and live entertainment with Santa and all his holiday friends. Including our countdown to snow fall experience. Also enjoy the sounds of JFK Memorial High School Marching Band along with a few surprise guests!
Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095
24. Egg Harbor City Farmers Market
Saturday, November 21, 1-4 pm
Weekly Farmers Market, including local farmers and producers of sustainable food and green products!
Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
25. Saturday Outdoor Adventures @ Trailside Nature Center
Saturday, November 21
Families with children of all ages are invited to take part in weekly theme hikes/nature related talks! Programs last about 45 minutes. Dress appropriately for the program and the weather. For scout programs, please see our group brochure. Donations appreciated!
Mountainside, NJ 07092
26. Winter Wonderland
Friday, November 27, 6pm
The theme for this year’s event is The Wizard in Wonderland and will feature characters from the ever-popular Wizard of Oz. Join us for a family-oriented fun night of entertainment which will include outdoor ice skating, music, bon fires, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, food, drink and many other activities at locations throughout the downtown. The Annual Parade and Tree Lighting will begin at 6:00 pm. Be sure to visit the beautifully decorated tree in front of city hall for the lighting ceremony performed by Santa himself!
Rahway, NJ 07065
27. PNC Arts Alive Presents free Wheaton Wide Open Weekends
Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, 10am-5pm
Wheaton Wide Open visitors will have free access to our 55-acre facility including one of only eight AAM accredited museums in NJ; the dynamic hot glass studio, and other studios/exhibit spaces. Enhanced programming will include artist demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and family art activities. Visitors will be invited to engage in a creative process, which is educational, culturally diverse and fun!
Millville, NJ 08332
28. Cranbury Christmas Lights
Saturday, November 28, 6pm-9pm
The Christmas Display will light up from 6:00pm and will turn off at 9:00pm. The lights will also dance with the music on the following nights throughout December.
Cranbury, NJ 08512
29. Red Mill Museum Village Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, November 28, 10am-4pm & Sunday, November 29, 12pm to 5pm
The event is a new addition to the Museum’s popular Festival of Trees and will be held on the same weekend as Clinton’s Dickens Days, an annual Victorian Christmas celebration.
Clinton, NJ 08809
30. 5th Ward Holiday Tree Lighting
Monday, November 30, 6pm
Join 5th Ward Councilman William Gallman Jr., Mayor Bollwage and Santa for the 5th Ward Holiday Tree Lighting. The entire family is invited for an evening of caroling and fun! For more information call: 908-820-4238
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Did we miss a FREE event in NJ that you know about? Share it in the comments below!
