‘Tis the season when holiday activities in NJ are revving up, and there’s plenty of festive fun coming your way as soon as November 1 hits. 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)

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DiDonato Family Fun Center
November 15-December 23
Celebrate the season at DiDonato Family Fun Center’s Magical Holiday Express, one of South Jersey’s most beloved Christmas attractions! Families can ride the festive train through millions of glittering lights, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for free photos, and enjoy a special present from Santa for every child. The experience continues with free cookies and hot chocolate, a holiday movie in the Snowman Tent, and a stroll through the glowing Walk-Through Holiday Village filled with whimsical displays and photo ops. Don’t forget your bonus game of bowling — included with every ticket. You’ll also want to stop at the Little Strikes Snack & Toy Cottage for holiday sweets, toys, and stocking stuffers that make perfect take-home treasures. New this year: Sensory Nights (Dec 3 & 4) with softer lighting, reduced crowds, and quieter surroundings so everyone can enjoy the magic comfortably.
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Get Set For Fun With Holiday Activities In NJ

Take a ride to remember

All Aboard! Get on your holiday PJs 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. 

Share your wish list with Santa

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. Look for special characters like Mrs. Claus and Black Santa appearances as well. 

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. Go back in time to 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.

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. 

Be mesmerized by The Nutcracker or Sugarplum Fairy

The timeless story of The Nutcracker is a classic for the whole family to enjoy, 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 Elf In Concert, featuring the complete film, with the score performed live to this holiday tale.

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 is greatly appreciated during the holiday season. 

Experience all the holidays this season

With the first night of Hanukkah on December 14 and Kwanzaa on December 26, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate these traditions throughout the season. Watch the menorah lights come to life in Collingswood at their menorah lighting, or listen to the Blind Boys of Alabama, the GRAMMY®-winning gospel legends, perform Christmas classics and songs from their albums for Kwanzaa in Newark. 

Visit your favorite attractions during the festive season

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 in 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. 

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, or stop by 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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