Ho, ho, ho—it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays, and with a bunch of festive things to do with the fam. And the best part? It’s all FREE. Step into a traditional Christmas market where you can shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday décor and entertainment at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, eat latkes and admire the festive lights at the Collingswood Menorah Lighting, or enjoy a bonfire, tree lighting, fireworks, horse and carriage rides, and a petting zoo at the Warren Township Holiday Festival. And for more family fun, there are plenty of festivals this month to fill every weekend. (featured photo credit: NJMOM taken at Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar)
Christmas Festival at The Morristown Green
December 1
This month-long family event kicks off Sunday after Thanksgiving with Santa’s rooftop arrival and welcome ceremony. There will be family activities and entertainment on the historic Morristown Green, and 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
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 1-20, select dates
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
Horse & Carriage Rides
December 1-21, select dates
The town of Ocean City lights up during the holiday season, and you can take part in the fun with free horse and carriage rides with the whole family.
Cost: Free
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 1-22, days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market where you can shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday décor and entertainment in Asbury Park at the Grand Arcade. There will also be 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
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
December 1-26
Spend the season celebrating the holidays in Collingswood. Get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) and spend the night of December 13 watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk, admiring the festive lights. And check out the Community Menorah Lighting on December 18, featuring crafts, music, and latkes.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
Now-January 3, select dates
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with 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
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
Now-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 show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music. The show can be seen from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Old Fashioned Christmas
December 1-31
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.
Cost: Free
Cape May, NJ 08204
Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1 – Wildwood Crest, December 5-6, Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown, Wildwood Business Improvement District, and December 6 – North Wildwood Tree Lighting
Welcome to the holidays in various locations around Wildwood. There are four tree-lighting ceremonies all around town, and we hear the big guy will be making an appearance at each one. Enjoy light refreshments, caroling, and more at these festive events.
Cost: Free
A variety of locations in Wildwood, NJ
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 with the big guy.
Cost: Free
Courtyard of Toms River Town Hall, Toms River, NJ 08753
Holiday Jubilee in Somerville
December 5 at 5 PM
A night of live entertainment featuring The Sharpe Family Singers, carolers, dancing, and a visit from Santa. Following Santa’s arrival and the holiday tree lighting, enjoy more holiday fun, including free carriage rides, photos with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, holiday crafts, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown Somerville, NJ 08876
Photos with Santa
December 5 at 5 PM
Want to get your photo with the Big Guy himself? This fun event includes not only photos with Santa but also the opportunity to sit with The Grinch for photos, too. There will also be complimentary refreshments and a place for you to donate to Toys for Tots.
Cost: Free
Downtown Somerville, NJ 08876 The Party Shop, 55 Route 22, Springfield, NJ 07081
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, photo ops, and a winter model train display.
Cost: Free
Glassboro Town Square, High Street West, Glassboro, NJ 08028
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
Home For The Holidays and Santa Land
December 6 at 11 AM
Kick off the holiday season with this fun event. There will be crafts, visits with Santa, performances, and more festive fun inside the library and two churches.
Cost: Free
103 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876
Dickens Festival
December 6
Once a year, the downtown of Medford turns into a winter wonderland with vendors, food trucks, carolers, visits from Santa, horse and carriage rides, and more. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit with the family.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Medford, NJ 08055
9th Annual Winterfest Market
December 6
Ring in the holiday season with decorated holiday music, fun activities for the kids, shopping, and, of course, Santa. Pictures with Santa will be from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, with a rain date on December 7.
Cost: Free
Haddon Square, 51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Winter Wonderland in Toms River
December 6 at 11 AM
The courtyard at Town Hall in Downtown Toms River will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village, where vendors will sell great holiday gifts. There will also be kids’ activities and crafts, face painting, holiday music, and holiday story time.
33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Christmas Parade and Lighting Event in Somers Point
December 6 at 6 PM
Get in the holiday spirit with this Christmas parade and lighting event. Santa will attend the lighting to visit with all the little ones.
Cost: Free
City Hall, Somers Point, NJ 08244
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
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 Our Favorite Holiday Movies.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westwood, NJ 07675
Somerville Holiday Lights Parade
December 6 at 5:30 PM
Get into the holiday spirit at this annual event, which features all the lights you want to see, followed by an appearance by the one and only Santa.
Cost: Free
170 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Warren Township Holiday Festival
December 6 at 4 PM
A bonfire, tree lighting, and fireworks are just the beginning of this winter festival in NJ. There will also be horse-and-carriage rides, a petting zoo, an iceless skating rink, food vendors, and free hot chocolate.
Cost: Free
46 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, NJ 07059
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
2025 Tree Lighting & Winter Festival
December 6 at 12 PM
Enjoy the holiday season with this fun and festive event featuring skating, horse-and-carriage rides, a petting zoo, delicious food, live entertainment, and the tree lighting ceremony.
Cost: Free
691 Water Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823
Photos With Santa
December 6-7
Bring your kids and your pets and get your photos taken with Santa. Once your image is snapped, stay for kids’ activities and holiday fun. This will be happening at two different locations.
Cost: Free
December 6 – Fortunoff, 141 NJ-17, Paramus, NJ 07652
December 7 – Fortunoff, 545 US-46, Totowa, NJ 07512
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.
Cost: Free
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Atlantic City Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 6-7
The holiday bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmärkte” in Germany. Throughout the two event days, there will be nonstop live music, an indoor Biergarten, arts and crafts activities for children and adults, pictures with Santa, and shopping from local artists and makers.
Cost: Free
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 7 and 21
Experience a warm and toasty holiday market season in good ol’ Asbury Park. Shop locally curated vendors and enjoy pizza and festive drinks.
Cost: Free
Porta, 911 Kinsley Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 10
The tree lighting and a visit from St. Nick are at dusk, but come earlier to explore the holiday market. There will be free hot chocolate, prepackaged cookies, and ornaments for the kids. The rain date is December 11.
Cost: Free
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
An ’80s Christmas
December 13 at 7 PM
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks all lit up for the Christmas season. The theme for the parade this year is “An 80s Christmas,” complete with neon nights and holiday lights.
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Santa Claus is Coming To Town
December 13
Catch Santa walking around Main Street in Chester, where you can stop him for a free “Santa selfie.”
Cost: Free
Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market
December 13 at 11 AM
This winter festival in NJ features everything from vendors to fire pits to an ice sculpture artist. There will also be live entertainment and shopping, and don’t forget to take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cost: Free
Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Christmas Village at Veterans Park, Gloucester
December 13 at 3 PM
This open-air holiday market will sell Christmas décor, gifts, Christmas trees, jewelry, and more at Veterans Park, with live music and food trucks. Santa will also be on the premises for a quick holiday photo, and free rides on the Carousel and Dizzy Dragons will be available for the little ones. The Mainstage choir will perform at 6 PM, followed by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 PM, and you can warm up with a hot cup of cocoa during the event. Rain date is December 14.
Cost: Free
Veterans Park, Clementon, NJ 08021
Hammonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
December 13 at 7 PM
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks all lit up for the Christmas season. This year’s theme is “An ’80s Christmas: Neon Nights, Holiday Lights.”
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Countdown to Christmas in Hopatcong
December 13-14
With 50-plus vendors, free admission, and 50/50s, get in the holiday spirit and shop until you drop.
40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 13-14 and 20-21
Last-minute gifting is inevitable, so why not stop by for live music, food, and gifts made by local artisans? You’ll also find kid activities, hot cocoa, and a photo booth at this festive market in historic Jersey City.
Cost: Free
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Holiday Makers Market
December 13-14
Still need to do your holiday shopping? Head to this event in the greenhouse, where you’ll find over 30 vendors plus food trucks so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop ’til you drop.
Cost: Free
McNaughton’s Garden Center, 351 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
December 31 at 8 PM
Bring your chairs, blankets, and warm clothes to experience a beautiful fireworks display on the sand. The show starts at 8 PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate without staying up til midnight.
Cost: Free
JFK Boulevard Beach, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
New Year’s Eve Bash and Giant Blueberry Drop
December 31
Wrap up 2025 in a festive environment, complete with live music and fireworks, and welcome in 2026 with a countdown and a blueberry drop in front of Town Hall at the Blueberry Capitol of the World.
Cost: Free
100 Central Avenue, Hammonton, NJ 08037
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