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 ten 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)
10 Christmas Villages in NJ to visit this holiday season
The Village at Anne Ellen
November 11-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, 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, and snap photos with Santa in his own house. After, stop by the tree lot to pick up your freshly cut tree to bring home.
114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Historic Smithville
November 24-December 23
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.
Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
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 events like Christmas at Allaire, The Holiday Evening Stroll, and the Lantern Tour at night, a great idea for a holiday date night. This in-depth tour 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. Events for the family include Menorah Lighting, Tree Lighting, FREE Santa visits, Holiday Parade, and the Parade of Lights.
Downtown Collingswood, Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Christmas in Cape May
November 17 to January 1
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
Christmas Light Show and Village
November 22-December 30
Drive through a beautiful exhibit that twinkles with over two million dazzling lights, and 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 lots of festive-filled games.
Skyland Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Winter Events at The Red Mill Museum
November 24-26 and December 1-3
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 that you can tour and enjoy.
Red Mill Museum, 56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809
Palmer Square Holiday Happenings
Starts November 24
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. End your day with Skating on the Square, where the whole family can glide on a synthetic ice rink under twinkling lights.
Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ 08542
German Christmas Market of New Jersey
December 1-3
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 must-do list this season.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
November 29 to December 31, select dates
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
Which Christmas Villages in NJ will you be visiting this year?
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