It’s the most wonderful time of year, with plenty of festive family fun to keep the holiday spirit up all weekend long. Experience an authentic European Christmas at the German Christmas Market in Augusta, see what a Victorian Christmas was like at Christmas at Allaire in Wall, or catch one of the twinkling Holiday Parades in Haddon Twp, Somers Point, Blackwood, Ship Bottom, West Cape May or Somerville. And if you want more holiday fun, don’t miss Holiday Activities in NJ. (featured photo credit: istock/jimfeng)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
SPONSORED
Santa at Bridgewater Commons
Now through December 24
Here Comes Santa Claus! Santa will welcome kids to the Center Court on the Lower Level, where he’ll sit among 23 garland-topped light curtains and candy-cane-inspired twists. Children can share their Christmas Wish List with Santa and pose for photos with him. Their faces will light up for the many fun Santa events, such as Santa’s Luau on November 30, Santa Cares Day on December 4 and 18 for a sensory-friendly experience, Santa’s PJ Night on December 7, and Santa’s Ugly Sweater Night on December 14. Make sure to reserve your photo with the man in the red suit. And experience the Christmas spirit this season with live performances each Saturday afternoon of holiday carols and festive songs by New Jersey-based a cappella quartet The Village Carolers.
Bridgewater Commons, Lower Level and Center Court, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 218-0001
Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1 – Wildwood Crest, December 2 – Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown, North Wildwood Tree Lighting, Wildwood Business Improvement District
Welcome in the holidays in a variety of locations around Wildwood. There are four tree lighting ceremonies to attend all around town.
Cost: Free
A variety of locations in Wildwood, NJ
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
December 2 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
Fireman’s Park Tree Lighting in Asbury Park
December 2 at 5:30 PM
Kick off the holiday season with a visit from Santa, festive music, holiday treats, and hot chocolate. This is one of the shore Christmas tree lightings in NJ that you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Free
Fireman’s Park, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Holiday Jubilee in Somerville
December 2 at 5:30 PM
Enjoy music by Base Entertainment and ice skating on a 40×50 artificial ice rink. Then at 7 PM, there will be live entertainment featuring music, 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
Boro in Lights
December 2 at 6 PM
See over 19,000 lights light up the night on the Glassboro tree. There will also be photos with Santa, The Grinch, and Buddy the Elf, horse, and carriage rides, free cookies, ornament decorating, live performances, and more for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Glassboro Town Square, High Street West, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Christmas Parade and Lighting Event in Somers Point
December 2 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
Vinter Wonderland
December 2 at 6 PM
Celebrate a successful harvest at Renault Winery with a charming and festive experience for all ages. Kids will love the ice skating, tractor rides, and live entertainment while you enjoy gourmet dining and wines. Come dressed in your holiday best when Santa Claus comes to town on December 2 to light the famous Wine Barrel Christmas tree and pose for holiday photos.
Cost: Tree lighting is free
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Holiday on Haddon
December 2
The “Parade of Lights” will make its way down Haddon Ave with decorated fire trucks, bands, floats, holiday characters, and, of course, Santa. The tree lighting ceremony will take place immediately following the parade. Families are invited for refreshments at the Westmont Fire Company No. 1, and children can give their list to Santa and take a photo.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp., NJ 08108
Surf City Christmas Market, Santa, and Ship Bottom Christmas Parade
December 2-3
On December 2, Santa will arrive via fire truck to light the Christmas tree, and there will be family-friendly activities for all. On December 3, you won’t want to miss the Ship Bottom Christmas Parade at 1 PM. And don’t miss all of the holiday shopping at the market.
Cost: Free
Farmers Market Christmas Market at the Surf City Firehouse, 713 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City, NJ 08008
Byron Barn Christmas Market
December 2-4
See the work of artisans and hand-crafters, enjoy live music, sample food from food trucks, and cuddle up next to the fire pit.
Cost: Free
Byron Barn, 626 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536
German Christmas Market
December 2-4
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.
Cost: $7 and up
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Jingle Bell Run New Jersey
December 3 at 8 AM
Jingle all the way to the finish line with your family and friends at the Arthritis Foundation’s 2022 Jingle Bell Run New Jersey. Wear your favorite holiday costume and spread good cheer for a great cause. There is a kids run too.
Cost: Register for $30 and up or donate
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Asbury Park Santa Run 2022
December 3 at 10 AM
Where can you see an army of Santas all in one place? Come see The Asbury Park Santa Run as it returns for its seventh year. Run (or walk) for the local non-profit Lunch Break. All runners will receive their very own Santa suit with registration, chip-timed results, a closed course in Asbury Park, and access to after-parties all over town featuring Brian Kirk & the Jirks and more.
Cost: $44.95+
913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Christmas in the Village
December 3 at 11 AM
Spend the day in Browns Mills shopping, sipping hot chocolate, snapping pictures with Santa, and warming up by the fire pits. There will also be free wagon rides and a candy cane hunt on the woodland trails.
Cost: Prices vary per event
Whitesborg Preservation Trust, 120 West Whites Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Saturdays with Santa in Flemington on Main Street
December 3 at 11 AM
Make sure to reserve a spot with Santa, and don’t miss the restaurants and stores where you can pick up holiday passports to win prizes.
Cost: Free
Main Street 71 Main Street Flemington, NJ 08822
2022 West Cape May Community Christmas Parade
December 3 at 5 PM
The annual West Cape May Community Christmas Parade steps off Broadway promptly at 5 PM. Enjoy one-of-a-kind floats, award-winning string bands, high school bands, dance groups, and first responder vehicles.
Cost: Free to watch
West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Holiday Lights Parade 2022
December 3 at 6 PM
This festive parade will have prizes given out for the best-decorated fire and emergency vehicles, personal floats vehicles, and best-decorated houses and businesses in Somerville. The parade starts at dusk.
Cost: Free
Engine 1 Somerville Fire Dept., 170 E Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876
33rd Annual Christmas Parade
December 3 at 6 PM
Get into the spirit of the season with a parade that will begin at the intersection of Davistown Rd and the Black Horse Pike, then proceed North to Church Street and then to the Central Ave Fire Station.
Cost: Free to watch
Davistown Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 3
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
Ocean Grove Holiday Festival and Christmas in Ocean Grove
December 3
During the day, shop with local crafters and artisans, and listen to live music. After, watch a choir performance, see a live nativity, a tree lighting with carols, and a special visitor from the North Pole.
Cost: Free
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Pitman Winter Village
December 3
Treat yourself to the charm of a Victorian Holiday in this village, where you can shop for unique, handmade gifts from vendors. Your little ones can visit with Santa at Ballard Park and stroll among the decorations and lights afterward.
Cost: Free
Ballard Ave and Park, Pitman, NJ 08071
Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 3, Parade begins at 6 PM
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration, which features a tree lighting. The parade will begin at 6 PM and will include a visit from the big guy in red.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westwood, NJ 07675
Winterfest 6
December 3
Bring the kids to enjoy holiday music, fun activities, and a special appearance by Santa. You can also shop the outdoor market offering unique gifts from area artisans and vendors, delicious treats and eats, and outdoor fire pits.
Cost: Free to enter
51 Haddon Ave., Haddon Twp., NJ 08108
Atlantic City Holiday Bazaar
December 3-4
Holiday shopping, food and libations, handcrafted and vintage goods, and more. The holiday bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” 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
44th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market
December 3-4
Bring the whole family to shop, snack on festive treats, shop for holiday gifts, cut down your own tree, and enjoy some hot apple cider.
Cost: $4
Various locations townwide, parking available at 407 Hope-Great Meadows Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Downtown Winter Wonderland
December 3-4
It’s the 2nd annual Winter Wonderland taking place in Downtown Toms River. There will be handcrafted gifts, family activities, caroling, face painting, a petting zoo with pony rides (Saturday only), Ornament Painting by Refresh Your Pallet, and a holiday storytime.
Cost: Free
33 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08753
Hoboken City Holiday Craft Fair
December 3-4
Get your lists ready and come shop from 3 floors of handcrafted gifts for the whole family at Hoboken City Hall.
Cost: Free
94 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Model Train Show
December 3-4, 10-11, and January 7-8
Got kids who love trains? There will be running steam and diesel trains on a 1200-square-foot model layout, including Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Kids can try running trains on the children’s layout or check out the new second railroad.
Cost: Kids under 10 are free
575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
Festival of Trees and Winter Village
December 3-18
It’s an outdoor holiday market with over 45 unique craft artisans ready to help you wrap up your seasonal shopping. The opening weekend coincides with the first weekend of The Festival of Trees. After visiting the German-style holiday market, step back into the Victorian era in Downtown Clinton with Dickens Days.
Cost: Prices vary for each event
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Fort Lee Artisan Market
December 3 and 17
See a collection of local makers and artists offering their unique, hand-crafted creations. This monthly outdoor market also hosts live music from The Bergen County Acoustic Musicians featuring acoustic rock and folk/rock guitar music.
Cost: Free to enter
Hudson Lights Park (The Be Fort Lee Sign – between Schlosser Street and Hudson Street), Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Winter Village at The Red Mill Museum
Saturdays & Sundays December 3-18
This event is an annual tradition that is fun for the whole family. Complete with over 45 local craft artisans, activities, and food trucks, this is the perfect way to 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.
Cost: $8 and up
Red Mill Museum, 56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809
Holiday Market PopUP at the Livingston Town Center
December 4 at 11 AM
This Winter Wonderland-themed shopping event will feature 13+ unique artists and local businesses offering a wide variety of items that will make great holiday gifts. There will also be food trucks, live music, and other attractions.
Cost: Free
Livingston Town Center 1100-8100 Town Center Way Livingston, NJ 07039
Cranford’s Annual Home for the Holidays House Tour
December 4 at 12 PM
Cranford’s Annual Home for the Holidays House Tour is back. The self-directed tour features five beautiful homes lovingly decorated for the holidays. Attendees will be guided through each home, where volunteers share information on the special details of each one.
Cost: $30
Multiple locations in Cranford, NJ 07016
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 4 and December 8
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 Shopping Village with Mudhen Brewing Company
December 4 and 11
Bring the whole family to a festive day featuring vendors, s’more stations, a hot cocoa bar, and photo ops. Grab a pint or complimentary hot cocoa and browse from a selection of local artisans and vendors. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are from 4 PM-8 PM on the patio, and live music from KY & Johnny in the Biergarten. There will also be face painting from 1 PM-5 PM and caricatures available from 2 PM-5 PM.
Cost: Free
127 W Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood, NJ 08260
Christmas At Allaire
December 4, 11 and 18
Bring your cameras and holiday cheer along as you forge a new family holiday tradition in the form of a Christmas visit to the Historic Village at Allaire. See historic buildings, celebrate Victorian holiday celebrations, see the vintage model train and village, enjoy music at the Chapel, and there will even be a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
Cost: Starting at $8
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Season of Light
December 4, 11, 18
Light up the cold dark season with a warm and bright holiday show. Season of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season. This show traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah.
Cost: $3 and up
Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University, Science Hall, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Ongoing Events
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
Now-December 10, select dates
If the weather outside looks frightful, you can still shop at this indoor market with 75 local farmers, food purveyors, local artisans, and more.
Cost: Free to enter
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Long Branch Holiday Bazaar
Now-December 11, Saturdays and Sundays
Bring the family to this holiday tradition featuring music, food, and kids’ craft workshops on Saturday. Families will also meet special holiday characters and take memorable photos at the Instagram-worthy selfie station with the Grinch, Elf on a Shelf, and Frosty the Snowman.
Cost: Free to enter
Whitechapel Projects (WCP), 15 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Now-December 18, days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market where you can shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment in Asbury Park at the Grand Arcade. There will also be crafts and a holiday photo booth.
Cost: Free to enter
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Santa’s Arrival in Morristown
Now-December 18
Come down to The Morristown Green and take in the magic of the season. Visit and take Santa pictures in NJ to make this holiday season one to remember. Santa will also be at the Christmas Festival on December 2 and will visit until December 18.
Cost: Free
The Morristown Green, 10 N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
Now-December 22
Spend the season celebrating, starting with a Holiday Tree Lighting on November 25, a Holiday Parade on November 26, and the Community Menorah Lighting On December 2. Make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) and spend the night of December 10 watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk admiring the festive lights.
Cost: Prices vary per event
Collingswood, NJ 08108
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Now-December 23
Have your crew go all aboard for a Christmas light display ending with a meet and greet with Santa and his elves. Don’t miss the Holiday Movie tent and take photos with your favorite snowman, Toy Market, and Walkthrough Holiday Village.
Cost: $12.95-$24.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Light Show on the Lake
Now-December 23
Gather ’round the fire pits at Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to roast marshmallows and watch the lake light up in this breathtaking display. Be sure to hop on the Christmas “Light Show” Hayride to see more of the farm lit up for the holidays.
Cost: $7.95 and up
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
Visit with Santa at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Now-December 23
Get ready to snap a ton of photos with Santa Claus at this event which features their famous Light Show on the Lake. Take a lighted hayride, decorate a Christmas cookie, and roast a s’more on an open fire.
Cost: Prices vary per activity
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Now-December 24
Dive into an underwater holiday show to see the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, snow-like flurries in the Snowtunda, or Scuba Santa in the Ocean Realm. And don’t miss the 15,000 animals throughout the aquarium to ring in the holiday spirit.
Cost:$18.99 and up
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
Now-December 24, on select dates
This dairy farm transforms every holiday into a Christmas Wonderland filled with huge light displays, a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and dazzling displays, which are newly expanded with double the lights and scenes this season. There will also be concessions, a country store, and fire pits.
Cost: $30 per vehicle
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Now-December 30, dates and times vary; Santa visits until December 23
Santa Claus is ready to wave his magic wand and light the park with over one million lights for the holiday season. Your littles will love seeing the park glow after dark and be thrilled to go on rides and attractions (all open at night) during this magical time.
Cost: $27.95 per person if bought in advance, $30.95 per person at the door.
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Christmas Light Show & Village
Now-December 30, dates and times vary (check ticket schedule for full details)
With over two million dazzling lights, your littles will be amazed by all the sparkle and shine on this mile-long course. Afterward, head to the village to spot Santa, go ice skating, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and play lots of festive-filled games.
Cost: $29 standard admission or $79 VIP admission
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta, NJ 07822
Magic of Lights New Jersey
Now-December 30
Experience the dazzling lights display entirely from the comfort of your car. Set your radio to their light show station, and then enjoy festive music as you drive through a merry arrangement of Christmas lights, trees, and decorations that will surely put your whole crew in the holiday spirit.
Cost: $20 and up
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
Now to December 30
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. After, 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.
Tickets are $19.95 a person; kids 2 and under are free, and some activities are an additional cost.
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
Now-December 30
Take a stroll through the woods filled with fun snowmen and trees, illuminated boxes with miniature scenes, and a fairy garden box. Further down the trail, you might even pass a secret gnome village. The path flows out of the woods and into a live Christmas tree field. You’ll pass by a penguin igloo town, “fly by” BirdHouse Row and watch out for a runaway sled. After the trail, make sure to stop by the bonfires for some hot chocolate and s’mores.
Cost: $12 and up
Indian Acres Tree Farm, 111 Tuckerton Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
Dasher’s Lightshow
Now-December 31
Drive through this dazzling show with displays synced to music on your car radio. The 25-30 minute show will dazzle your family and put you into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $29.95 and up
Newark Moonlight Cinema, 220 Orange Street, Newark, NJ 07103
South Jersey Holiday Light Show
Now-December 31, dates and times vary
Get in the festive spirit at this drive-through holiday light show featuring dozens of dazzling displays and scenes celebrating everything your family loves about this season. Turn on the car radio to a station that syncs the light show with holiday tunes as you drive among the twinkling lights on the mile-long route.
Cost: $25 per car; tickets must be purchased in advance
Bridgeport Speedway, 83 Flood Gate Road, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Now-December 31, on select dates
Grab your winter coat and get ready to stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo to see over 50 winter and animal characters. The event will feature weekend Santa visits, as well as train rides, carousel rides, visits to the Reptile House and Aquarium, and pony rides.
Cost: Donation recommended, additional fee for some attractions.
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Holiday in the Park
Now-January 1, on select dates
Hit your favorite theme park at night to see it completely decked out in colorful lights and mingle with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ride the roller coasters—plenty of smaller ones perfect for your kiddos—and enjoy the street entertainment all over the park. Finish the night with a festive treat, like a cup of hot chocolate, yummy cider, and fried s’mores.
Cost: $49.99 and up
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland USA
Now-January 1
America’s only construction theme and water park will be decked out in a drive-through display of glowing lights, tunnels, holiday displays, and more. As you drive through the exhibits, tune into Diggerland USA’s radio station to get into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $34.95
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Old Fashioned Christmas
Now-January 1
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, and the Christmas Candlelight House Tours. They also have a Lamplighter Christmas Tour and Santa’s Trolley Tours throughout the season.
Cost: Prices vary
Cape May, NJ 08204
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Now-January 1
Start your engine to explore 32 acres of holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. You can also warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market, and take pictures with Santa while listening to Santa’s reindeer singing.
Cost: $35 per car
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ 07642
The Winter WonderLights
Now-January 1
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show will dazzle your family with over 1.5 million lights dancing to your favorite holiday music. The trees, the tunnels, and a tribute to first responders and US armed forces are just a sample of what you will see on the half-mile drive.
Cost: $30 per car or $125 VIP season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online.
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
Now-January 2
Glide into a winter wonderland with a carousel and train rides in Van Saun Park. Then lace up your skates and get out on the ice for a skate among the lights and decorations.
Cost: $5-$10
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave Paramus, NJ 07653
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until January 6
Explore the farm and see all of the lights for the holiday season. This year, they’ll be doing a walk-through where you can see and feed animals from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. Train rides will be available during the walk-through; the drive-through will be 7 PM – 8:30 PM.
Cost: $9.50 for the walk-through (under two is free); $20 per car for the drive-through.
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton, NJ 07005
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
Now-January 6
Visit Historic Smithville to hear your favorite holiday tunes synchronized to a unique light display. There will be over 120 Christmas trees, constructed from 50,000+ Christmas lights, magically floating atop Lake Meone in the center of the village. An orchestrated show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music when the sky is dark. 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
Monmouth Museum Holiday Train Display
Now-January 8
Kids will love seeing this nostalgic display featuring Lionel Trains winding through an over 30ft exhibit of towns, mountains, cities, and more. Alongside the trains, the Main Gallery hosts a 20ft Holiday Tree and Pat Brentano’s “Consider the Trees” show.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Museum, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Let It Glow
Now-January 15
It’s a holiday spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo with impressive, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that are awe-inspiring. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Winter Walk
Now-January 15
Visit Taylor Park and enjoy magical light displays as you stroll along a path at the lake’s edge. After you and your family enjoy the lights, visit Millburn’s unique retailers and restaurants. The park is lit from 4:30 PM until 10:00 PM nightly.
Cost: Free to enter
100 Main Street, Millburn, NJ, 07041
Night Forms: Infinite Wave at Grounds For Sculpture
Now-April 2
The whole family will love to see the Grounds of Sculpture reimagined after hours, with a multi-sensory light and sound experience designed to engage with the art and horticulture collection. Spend the evening outdoors exploring the lighting, sound, and video projection mapping, and join the interactive exhibits, which will delight kids and adults.
Cost: $22 and up
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
RWJBarnabas Health Events
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 6 at 4:30 PM
Come in person or join virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, how to read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, and learn knife skills.
Cost: Free
Online or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
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