November kicks off the most wonderful time of the year—and the best part? There are plenty of FREE things to do this month, so you can stash that extra cash and use it toward gifts. Celebrate the Day of the Dead with the family with crafts, decorating sugar skulls, enjoying live music, and more at the Day of the Dead Community Celebration in Princeton, see the seaside town of Cape May transform into a Dickens village just in time for the holidays at one of the many Old Fashioned Christmas events, or enjoy an evening of family fun with music, photo ops with Santa, food, and appearances from winter wonderland characters on the beach at Family Holiday Beach Bonfire in North Wildwood. For more festive fun, check out the winter festivals all season long. (Featured photo credit: NJ Mom taken in Cape May)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Free things to do in New Jersey this month
Day of the Dead Community Celebration
November 1 at 1 PM
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with your family at this fun festival, where you can make crafts, decorate sugar skulls, enjoy live music, and more.
Cost: Free
Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Day of the Dead Celebration
November 1 at 10 AM
This annual celebration is a great way to get out and about with the family. There will be a giant skeleton puppet parade followed by an altar set up in the gazebo honoring lost loved ones.
Cost: Free
498 Palisades Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Fall Craft Show
November 7 at 9 AM
With over 40 craft vendors, you can find unique gifts for everyone this holiday season. Bring the family and spend the day walking around and taking it all in.
Cost: Free
2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Jersey Makes Fall Arts & Crafts Fair
November 7 at 11 AM
Bundle up and head to this fair for hot beverages, delicious treats, and lots of shopping.
Cost: Free
Central Park of Morris County, 91 Central Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Cider Making at Howell Living History Farm
November 7 at 10 AM
Learn more about apple cider making at this fun event, where you will turn the crank on the cider press, help refill the hopper with apples, and taste the delicious cider.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Ln, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Fleming’s Pumpkin Run
November 7 at 8 AM
Bring the entire family and enjoy a day of vehicle races, including a tractor pull. The vehicles will range from antiques and classics to motorcycles and tractors.
Cost: Free
353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
Touch A Truck Day
November 7 at 11 AM
For kids who love trucks, check out this display of dump trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and military trucks. See over 25 vehicles up close.
Cost: Free
Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Gobble Wobble at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
November 7 at 10 AM
Get the family outside for a fun half-mile hike along the water while learning about wild turkeys and their role in the New Jersey Pinelands. This is a great way for kids to enjoy nature and learn something new along the way.
Cost: Free
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, 103 Shinns Road, Vincentown, NJ 08088
Explore Warren History Trail
November 7-8 at 10 AM
Take the family on a self-guided history adventure through Warren County. Eighteen historic sites are participating, with different family activities at each, including exploring historic buildings, seeing demonstrations, and enjoying children’s activities. Different locations will be open on Saturday and Sunday, so check the map to plan your route.
Cost: Free
Various historic sites throughout Warren County, NJ
“Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer The Call” Book Signing & Family Event
November 14 at 11 AM
Meet the author of this amazing book about a local New Jerseyan who was an essential part of the WWI Signal Corps, then enjoy activities including coloring pages, making cardstock armbands, and viewing live footage from 1918.
Cost: Free
NJ State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
Winterfest By the Sea
November 14 at 9 AM
See Santa by the sea when you kick off the season with a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The Big Guy will stroll the aisles and visit with kids while Mom and Dad shop for gifts.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Civic Center, 500 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Weehawken Diwali 2026
November 14 at 5 PM
If you’re looking for fun, food, and Bollywood dancing, you are in for a real treat. This event celebrates the Festival of Lights in Weehawken with a night with the fam.
Cost: Free
53 Liberty Place, Weehawken, NJ 07086
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
November 20-December 31, select dates
Stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display featuring over 50 winter and animal characters. There will also be weekend Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free; donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Old Fashioned Christmas
November 21-December 31
See the seaside town of Cape May transform into a Dickens village for the holidays. Don’t miss free events like the Winter WonderWalk, Physick Estate tours, Tree Lighting on November 21, and Christmas Candlelight House Tours.
Cost: Free
Cape May, NJ 08204
Harvest Fest
November 21 at 9 AM
It may be November, but there’s still time to celebrate all things fall. Enjoy baked goods, vendors, homemade soups, chili, and tons of fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 W. Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 21 at 5 PM
Kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves as they light the gorgeous tree in Cape May. There will also be hot chocolate and baked goods to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
6th Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 21 at 3 PM
Enjoy plenty of holiday fun at this festive event. Get a jump start on the most wonderful time of the year with delicious treats, a visit with Santa, local vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
Saint John Vianney High School, 540A Line Road, Holmdel, NJ 07730
Small Explorers Story Time
November 21 at 10 AM
Bring the kids to the New Jersey State Museum for a free story time and craft. Listen to a reading of Rock Your Mocs, a picture book celebrating Native American heritage, then enjoy a fun, creative activity together.
Cost: Free
New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
Horse & Carriage Rides
November 21-December 20, select dates
As Ocean City lights up for the holidays, join the fun with free horse-and-carriage rides for the whole family.
Cost: Free
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
November 26-January 6
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 light show dances across the water to Christmas music. You can see the show from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting
November 27 at 5 PM
Nothing beats bringing the family together and watching the gorgeous tree in Palmer Square light up for the holiday season. There will also be sing-along songs, an 11-man vocal harmony group, and maybe even a visit from the Big Guy from up North.
Cost: Free
Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
November 27 at 5 PM
Hanging out at the beach isn’t just for the summertime. Enjoy an evening of family fun with music, photo ops with Santa, food, and appearances from winter wonderland characters. The rain date is November 29.
Cost: Free
2nd & Surf Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
November 27-December 20; days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market at the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park, where you can shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday décor and entertainment. The event will also feature 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 Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Christmas at the Hangar
November 28 at 10 AM
Want a unique way to usher in the holiday season? Visit the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum for cookies, hot chocolate, photos with Santa, live music, face painting, and more.
Cost: Free
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
November 28 at 10:30 AM
Get a head start on holiday shopping at this local maker festival on the boardwalk, which features artists, creatives, and vendors.
Cost: Free
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Holiday Open House
November 28 at 10 AM
Bring the little ones to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be handing out holiday gifts. Then tour the Victorian-style house and museum, complete with holiday music and decorations; play colonial-era bowling Skittles; and see the new exhibit on the 250th anniversary of American independence, with holiday refreshments.
Cost: Free
Ocean County Historical Society, Toms River, NJ 08753
Newton Holiday Parade
November 28 at 10 AM
Get into the holiday spirit at this parade your whole family will love. There will be floats, vehicles, and marchers to watch and admire as they go by.
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Christmas Train Village
November 28-December 31 at 12 PM
All aboard for a miniature holiday experience in Spring Lake. This free Christmas train display recreates the town in miniature with model trains traveling through a festive holiday landscape.
Cost: Free
Duggan Hall, 313 Washington Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Holiday Dickens Fest
November 28-29 at 1 PM
The spirit of Christmas will be found in Smithville at this fun and festive holiday event. Enjoy an original musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol ” and holiday-themed art, artistry, and collectibles.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Christmas Festival at The Morristown Green
Starts November 29
This month-long family event kicks off Sunday after Thanksgiving with Santa’s rooftop arrival and welcome ceremony. Enjoy family activities and entertainment on the historic Morristown Green, plus the dazzling “Lighting of the Green” ceremony, with brilliant lights and wreaths adorning streetlights town-wide—a 100+-year tradition! Each weekend throughout December, enjoy Santa visits and photos, holiday crafts, miniature train rides around the Green, gingerbread house & ornament making, music by local choirs and entertainers, storytelling, ice sculpting demonstrations, and complimentary treats.
Cost: Free
The Morristown Green, 10 N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
Long Branch Tree Lighting at Pier Village
November 29 at 4 PM
Kick off this year’s holiday season at this festive tree lighting at Pier Village. Enjoy fun activities, including ice skating, a performance by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, and a special visit from Santa Claus. After the tree is lit, shop while admiring the window displays and festive cheer.
Cost: Free
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740
More Fun Left In October
Boo At The Zoo
October 24 at 10 AM
Get those costumes ready—this Halloween celebration will include games, a kids’ costume contest and parade, a pirate ship, craft stations, and a performance by the Cape May Dancers.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Courthouse, Middle Township, NJ 08210
Fall Market at Horseshoe Lake Park
October 24 at 11 AM
Did someone say vendors, food trucks, music, and fall weather? You will find all of this and more at this event, including trick-or-treating, so come dressed in your best costume.
Cost: Free admission
Horseshoe Lake Recreation Complex, 72 Eyland Avenue, Roxbury Township, NJ 07876
Princeton’s Annual Hometown Halloween Parade
October 30 at 5:15 PM
Dress your little ones in their Halloween costumes and participate in this lively hometown parade. The tradition starts at Palmer Square Green with a Halloween-themed performance, then moves to the YMCA for trunk-or-treat and free family fun.
Cost: Free
Palmer Square, 1 Palmer Square East, Princeton, NJ 08542
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