Cue the Hallmark movie—you can find quintessential Christmas villages in NJ with glittery lights, traditional decorations, and lots of charm made even better after a fresh snowfall. 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. Ready to fall into the charms of a Christmas village in NJ? Read on for 11 places to visit this season. And for more holiday fun, stop by one of the winter markets in NJ this season. (featured photo credit: @shawniemikes)
13 Christmas Villages In NJ To Visit This Holiday Season
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express – November 15–December 23
All aboard the Magical Holiday Express at DiDonato Family Fun Center, where kids can ride through millions of twinkling lights, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and explore the outdoor holiday village. After the train ride, warm up with hot cocoa and cookies or stop inside for bowling and arcade games. This family-favorite Christmas event in NJ brings the spirit of the season to life.
DiDonato Family Fun Center, 1151 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
The Village at Anne Ellen – November 8-December 30
Take a hayride through the fields to get to this adorable village illuminated with thousands of lights, and make sure to visit the charming post office where kids can write and mail letters to the North Pole. You will find plenty of enchanting details—take a peek into the awesome life-sized gingerbread house and an igloo, sip hot cocoa, watch candy canes get made, get a sticky and sweet treat from the syrup shack, take an immersive ride with Santa on his sleigh, and then snap photos with the Big Guy in his house. After, stop by the tree lot to pick up your freshly cut tree to bring home.
114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland – November 21–January 4
See Holland Ridge Farms transform from colorful tulip fields into a magical winter wonderland bursting with holiday lights and cheer. Walk through dazzling light displays, enjoy festive photo ops, meet Santa, and sip on hot cocoa under the stars. This new Christmas village in NJ combines farm charm with holiday magic and is a beautiful spot for families looking to start a new tradition.
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Christmas Light Show and Village at Skyland Stadium – November 22 -December
Drive through a beautiful exhibit twinkling with over 2 million dazzling lights, then stop by the Christmas village with vendors, food, and holiday music. Kids can visit Santa, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and play many festive games.
Skyland Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Historic Allaire Village – November and December events
Step back in time and enjoy the simple pleasures of the holiday season in this delightfully decorated historic village, where Victorian-era crafts and games, caroling, and decorations will be on full display. In December, there are special family events, such as Christmas at Allaire and the Holiday Evening Stroll. Want a holiday date night idea? Sign up for the Lantern Tour at night—an in-depth tour that explores the history of Allaire and the holidays during that time (recommended for adults).
Allaire Village, Inc., 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Holidays in Collingswood – November-December
Shop, dine, and enjoy the holiday season in adorable Collingswood, where singers and shoppers get into the holiday spirit amid twinkling lights. Family events include Menorah Lighting, Tree Lighting, FREE Santa visits, Holiday Parade, and Parade of Lights.
Downtown Collingswood, Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Christmas in Cape May – November 22-January 5
There’s no better place to feel like you’ve stumbled into a Hallmark Movie set than in Victorian-inspired Cape May. The downtown area transforms into a magical scene, with greenery, lights, tours, and more reminiscent of a classic Dickens village. You can stroll along the sidewalks at the Candlelight Christmas House Tours, take a trolley ride, and shop at one of the many festive boutiques. For the ultimate Christmas Village Experience, plan to spend a few days in town.
1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Winter Events at The Red Mill Museum – November 28-30 and December 6-7
The Winter Village is an annual tradition with over 50 local craft artisans, activities, and food trucks, where your entire family will get into the holiday spirit. There’s also a beautiful Festival of Trees with decorated trees and wreaths, and 12 gorgeously decorated historical buildings to tour and enjoy.
Red Mill Museum, 56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809
Palmer Square Holiday Happenings – Starts November 28
The streets of historic Princeton will be dressed in their finest, and window shopping is a must to see the gorgeous displays of each store while sipping warm cups of cocoa. With strolling musicians, Santa sightings, a Menorah lighting, and a dazzling decorated spruce at the center of the Square, you can make your holiday visit memorable. Take a guided tour of all the decked-out neighborhoods and beautifully festooned streets in a warm trolley where you can BYO your own cocoa (spiked or not) to sip on around town.
Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ 08542
Riverton Christmas Village – November 29
The town of Riverton transforms into a cozy Christmas village at this one-day event. From delicious food and a visit with Santa to live carolers that make you feel like you are in the middle of a Christmas movie, this is a great place to kick off the holiday season and even get some of your shopping done.
South Broad and Main Streets, Downtown Riverton, NJ 08076
Historic Smithville – November 29-December
From shopping and a beautiful light show on the lake to a holiday train ride and an enchanted talking tree, the historic town of Smithville turns into a Christmas wonderland in December. Slow down, enjoy the magic of the season, and shop around at this delightful Christmas village in NJ. Check out the Dickens Fest on November 29 with a showing of “A Christmas Carol”.
Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village – Starts December 5
Dubbed the North Pole of NJ, this is one of the Christmas villages in NJ that feels like a holiday movie come to life. Kids will love visiting Santa’s workshop, where they can make reindeer food with elves, write wish lists, and meet with the big guy in red. Afterward, there’s plenty to do to get into the spirit—take a ride on the carousel, ice skate, play games, visit the sweet shop, cozy up to the fire pit, and shop for gifts in the vendor village. All proceeds benefit GeorgesHouse.org, a non-profit committed to providing toys and transitional housing for children and families in need.
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
German Christmas Market of New Jersey – December 5-7
Brighten up the beginning of the holiday season at the German Christmas Market at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. This annual tradition, since 2001, is the largest yearly Christmas Market in the state of NJ and is an event you don’t want to miss. Filled with lights, holiday tunes, authentic foods, and vendors, add this Christmas village in NJ to your season’s must-do list.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
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