‘Tis the season when holiday activities in NJ are gearing up, and there’s plenty of festive fun coming your way. Whether seeing sparkling light displays, visiting the big guy in a new place, or shopping at a European-style Christmas market, these upcoming holiday things to do are guaranteed to put everyone in the spirit until the New Year. Scroll down to make a list of these holiday activities in NJ and check it twice for family fun—no bah humbug here. (featured photo credit: @themagicoflights)

Get Set For Fun With Holiday Activities In NJ

*A ride on The Polar Express really gets the family into a holiday mood. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Take a ride to remember

All Aboard! Get on your holiday pj’s and get ready to take the ride of your life. Book a Santa train ride, sip hot cocoa, and give a list to the big guy, all while riding over the river and through the woods. From The Polar Express Train Ride with Delaware River Railroad Excursions to DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express—the whole family can get on board with tons of holiday spirit.

Get lit at one of the tree lightings in NJ

One of the best holiday activities to kick off the season is to watch a gigantic tree get a festive glow-up. Make a date to attend one of the tree lightings that put on a big show, whether it’s a chance to glide across the ice in Palmer Square in Princeton or visit Santa’s Village at Cape May County Park & Zoo. And, of course, you can expect a visit from the man in red, who officially lights up the night.

Family fun at Renault Winery

Celebrate the holidays and a successful harvest with festive family activities all season at Renault Winery. Kids will love the Family Fun Nights every Friday in December with ice skating, arts and crafts stations, and hot chocolate. Or visit Santa Claus with Breakfast with Santa on December 1 or listen to Stories with Santa on Saturdays and Thursdays starting December 5. Parents can try signature cocktail flights at Cookies & Cocktails on December 5 and 26. On December 6, join in for the annual tree lighting, which will include photos with Santa, shopping with Renault makers, and ice skating. Sign up to make Holiday Hors D’oeuvres at the Chef’s Masterclass Series on December 12. On December 21, you can participate in the Reindeer Run 5K while the kids can try the 1 Mile Fun Run or sign up for the Winter Workshop: Yule Log Making on the same date. Finally, the kids won’t want to miss the Children’s Winter Ball on January 18, where they can dress up and bring their parents to the regal Champagne Ballroom for a night of dinner and dancing while meeting their favorite princesses and superheroes.
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215

Santa @ The Commons
November 16 – December 24, 2024

Mention “NJMom” and receive $5 off photos! Sponsored by RWJUH Somerset, families will experience magical photo meet & greets with Santa in a reimagined holiday set and feature special events for guests with special needs, pet photos and appearances by Disney Princesses! Set amongst 25 garland-topped light curtains and candy-cane inspired twists cascading from high above, Santa @ The Commons will feature the magical Kris Kringle perched in his grand velvet chair in front of a redesigned set that includes a majestic new 30-foot tree with a glistening topper.

He’s making his list and checking it twice—Santa Claus is coming to a town near you, and this year, why not visit him in your not-usual place? Dress the family in their best and take a seat next to Santa on his grand chair at the Bridgewater Commons, drive Santa’s virtual sleigh at Santa’s Flight Academy at The Mall At Short Hills, visit Santa by the lake at Johnson’s Corner Farm, or enter American Dream to have a snow day at Big Snow, get your wish list at Toys R’ Us and visit the big guy in the main courtyard. holiday activities in nj anne nj mom Make sure to send your letter at the North Pole Postal Company at Anne Ellen Tree Farm. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

Discover holiday movie magic IRL

Cue the Hallmark movie—if you want to experience glittery lights, traditional decorations, and lots of charm made even better after a fresh snowfall, there are a few places in NJ that will not disappoint. From the Victorian delights of Cape May to the glittering lights of Smithville, these towns go all out for the holiday season and turn into a Christmas wonderland. Get lost in the Victorian age in Cape May with Santa’s Trolley rides, visit a life-sized Gingerbread House and Santa’s Post Office at Anne Ellen Tree Farm, or take in the charms of traditional spots in Princeton for a Christmas village come-to-life experience. And what’s a Hallmark movie without gingerbread? Enter a sweet creation in a Gingerbread House Competition to show off your decorating skills.

The Holidays Come Alive with the New Jersey Symphony

The New Jersey Symphony presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film, with the score performed live to picture. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) and features many more of your favorite Muppet characters. This special holiday event is fun for the whole family. the show will take place on December 5 at 7:30 PM at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, December 6 at 7:30 PM at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, December 7 at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, and December 8 at 3:00 PM at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick.

Soak up the holiday spirit at a winter festival

Bundle up and head outside to one of the many winter festivals where you can cozy up to a fire pit, shop for unique gifts, skate next to a twinkling tree, and sip hot cocoa among sparkling lights. Stop by Vinter Wonderland at Renault for tractor rides, skating, and fire pits, or experience the stunning light displays and festive music at the Christmas Light Show & Village at Skylands Stadium in Augusta.

Escape to Santa’s Hideaway Adventure at Ocean Casino Resort

Santa returns on November 9 to Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. An exclusive magical experience awaits you at the Shops at the Row this holiday season! This is a virtual adventure you don’t want to miss. After the grand adventure, you’ll have the chance to meet with Santa. Upon exiting this magical experience, visit The Shop at Santa’s Hideaway Adventure for all your favorite holiday gifts.
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Be mesmerized by The Nutcracker or Sugarplum Fairy

The timeless story of the Nutcracker is a classic for all of the family to see, and watching the story of Clara, the Rat King, and Uncle Drosselmeyer come to life on stage is a real treat. Want something more contemporary? Check out the latest holiday performances at one of the many venues, including NJPAC, across the Garden State. Or watch The New Jersey Symphony present Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film, with the score performed live to this classic tale of goodwill with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit.

*Longwood Gardens is on the list of must-see holiday activities. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Explore a one-of-a-kind experience

Or take a trip over the pond to Longwood Gardens for A Longwood Christmas, where you can see gorgeous light tunnels and trees decorated to the nines, warm up by blazing outdoor fire pits, watch miniature model trains rev their engines, and experience dazzling fountain shows.

Celebrate the season of giving

Warm up the hearts of others and yourself during this giving season with charities in NJ. Whether you and your family decide to volunteer your time, donate to a cause, or donate used items, you can find a way to help those in need. Donate diapers and period supplies to a foundation like Moms Helping Moms or volunteer as a family to host a food drive—no deed is too small and much appreciated during the holiday season.

Drive-thru magic at Diggerland USA

Find magic during the holidays on select nights from November 15, 2024, through January 12, 2025, when you drive 1.5 miles through America’s only construction theme and water park, where you can see trucks, equipment, and scenery lit up with millions of lights for the season. As you drive on the course, you’ll discover tunnels, festive treats, and fun merchandise along the way. And tune into Diggerland USA radio station to make the holiday spirit come alive during the drive.
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091

Experience all the holidays this season

With the first night of Hanukkah on December 25 and Kwanzaa on December 26, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the traditions all season. Watch the menorah lights come to life in Collingswood at their menorah lighting or see traditional African dance merge with Hip Hop at Forces of Nature Dance Theatre: Kwanzaa Celebration in Newark.

*Step into a nursery rhyme and get into the holiday spirit all at the same time with holiday activities in NJ. Photo Credit: NJ MOM, taken at Storybook Land*

Visit your favorite attractions during the festive season

Didn’t get to an amusement park this summer? You can catch one now decorated in all the holiday finery. Head to Six Flags Great Adventure for Holiday in the Park, drive through twinkling displays of lit-up construction vehicles at the Drive Thru Holiday Light Show at Diggerland USA in West Berlin or watch Santa wave his magic wand at Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township.

Take a holiday road trip

If your family is itching for a getaway, book a few days in Cape May for a dreamy holiday vacation. Spend the night at Congress Hall during their Winter Wonderland, book a breakfast with Santa, or shop for gifts at the charming downtown. Want a break this holiday season? Consider taking a road trip to a family-friendly resort decked out in all the finery and filled with lots of activities for the kids.

Shop ’til you drop

Spend time looking for gifts at a winter market like those you’ll find abroad, where local makers, artists, and specialty vendors offer unique gifting ideas. Head to the Asbury Park Bazaar at the Convention Center in Asbury Park, which feels like a European shopping hall, or stop by the outdoor German Christmas Market in Augusta for an authentic experience. Or head to a mall in NJ where kids can get distracted with lots of built-in entertainment while you sneak in some gift shopping.

*The Turtle Back Zoo after dark for their Holiday Lights Display is one of those ideal holiday activities in NJ. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

See the zoos after dark

A zoo after dark with lights? Yes, please. Take a winter stroll through Turtle Back Zoo for their Holiday Lights Display with over 50 winter and animal characters. Head to the Bergen County Zoo for a Let It Glow Holiday Lantern Spectacular with a train ride and glowing lights. Or stop by the Cape May County Zoo for their tree lighting. And if fuzzy, soft creatures are more your speed, pose for cozy pics with gentle alpacas dressed for the holidays at one of the alpaca farms in NJ.

Illuminate the chilly nights

When the sun sets, bundle up to walk or ride in a winter wonderland of holiday light shows where the whole family will be in a merry mood. Take a walk through Allaire Community Farm‘s Old Fashioned Christmas display Holland Ridge’s newest event, U-Pick Tulips Winter Wonderland, a light show like no other. Don’t want to get out of the car? A drive-through Christmas display with decorated tunnels and trees, like the Magic of Lights in Holmdel or Winter WonderLights in East Brunswick, makes for a truly magical and memorable night.

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