60+ Kid-Friendly Things To Do This Weekend

0
 
 
     

It’s that time of year when the world’s all aglow, and there are a ton of family-friendly things to do to fill your weekend. Spot Santa underwater at Sea of Lights in Point Pleasant Beach, play dreidel games and make snow globes at Community Day: Winter Wonderland in Newark, ride the carousel before the Holiday Light Show on Lake Meone in Historic Smithville, or grab some magical reindeer food at Holiday Hayrides to Rudolf’s House in Sewell. And if you want more holiday fun, don’t miss Holiday Activities in NJ. (featured photo credit: istock/MariaJMalone)

(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)

Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
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 Drive Thru
December 9 at 6 PM
Come see the sights and sounds of the holiday as you drive through the holiday route to visit Santa. There will be ornaments, crafts, and candy canes that will go out to the first 200 kids.
Cost: Free
Riverwinds Community Center, 1000 Riverwinds Dr., West Deptford, NJ 08086

Count Basie Center Holiday Market
December 9-11
Get ready for holiday shopping, drinks, and more at The Count Basie Center For The Arts. Get into a festive mood with a highly curated collection of 50 local makers, handmade gifts, and unique presents.
The Count Basie Center For The Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07711

Sea of Lights Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular
December 9-28, select dates
Where else can you see an actual diving Santa Claus but at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach? The Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, and entertainment.
Cost: $10 and up
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 892-0600

Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market 
December 10
This winter festival in NJ has everything from vendors to fire pits to an ice sculpture artist. There will be live entertainment and shopping and don’t forget to take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 
Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Warren Township Holiday Festival 
December 10
A bonfire, tree lighting, and fireworks are just the beginning of this winter festival in NJ. There will also be horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, an iceless skating rink, food vendors, and free hot chocolate. 
Cost: Free
46 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059

Toys For Tots Santa Breakfast
December 10 at 8:30 AM
Doherty-owned Applebee’s throughout New Jersey will be hosting a breakfast with Santa. Tickets will include photos with Santa, breakfast, raffles, goodies, and more. One hundred percent of sales will be donated to Toys for Tots. Tickets can be purchased at your local Doherty-owned Applebee’s, and breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, and a non-alcoholic beverage.
Cost: $10 
Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, Edison, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, North Bergen, Ocean, Paramus, Parsippany, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Totowa, Union (Morris Ave.), and Woodbridge 

Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 10 at 9 AM
Bring the family for an event at the Wildwoods Convention Center to enjoy holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, a children’s craft-making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, and Story Time with Mrs. Claus. At 4:30 PM, there will be a tree lighting ceremony.
Cost: Free
The Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260

Grand Christmas Bazaar
December 10 at 9 AM
Come one, come all to see a Live Bubble Show, get your kiddo’s face painted, shop custom handmade gifts from over 50 crafters and artists, taste delicious foods, visit with Christmas characters, listen to holiday music, join a Christmas tree decorating contest, and enter free giveaways. 
Cost: $7 and up
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Harambee Breakfast & Kwanzaa Celebration
December 10 at 9 AM
Feast on breakfast and learn more about Kwanzaa and the unique traditions that reinforce seven fundamental values of African culture, which contribute to building and supporting family, community, and culture among African American people and Africans worldwide. 
Cost: $5 and up
Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune City, NJ 07753

Ujamaa Economic Power Kwanzaa Celebration
December 10 at 9 AM
Celebrate Kwanzaa with a candle-lighting ceremony, vendors, food, music, live performances, and children’s activities.
Cost: Free
Rahway Recreation Center, 3 City Hall Plz., Rahway, NJ 07065 

Merchantville’s Breakfast with Santa
December 10 at 10 AM
Have breakfast with Santa, play games, make a craft, and enjoy treats. Kids can have a free picture with Santa.
Cost: Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry or a new, unwrapped toy
Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Ave., Merchantville, NJ 08109

Community Day: Winter Wonderland
December 10 at 12 PM
Winter Wonderland is back with more seasonal performances and activities, including a capella singers, step dancing, and snow globe and candle making. There will be a dreidel activity too. Local vendors will be on hand, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Cost: Free, but registration is required
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102

The Polar Express Holiday Event
December 10 at 12 PM
Bring the whole family to the historic Brook Theater to see The Polar Express on the big screen in your comfiest pajamas with friends and family. Get your Golden Ticket and enjoy the movie, cookies, and a sleigh bell given out by Santa for every child.
Cost: Tickets are $10 for Children (includes a Golden Ticket, a visit with Santa, cookies, bell, and a special surprise) and $7 for Adults
Brooks Arts Center, 10 Hamilton St Bound Brook, NJ 08805

The Holiday Express at the Madison Hotel
December 10 at 2 PM
Visit the “Polar Express” themed cars with fresh, warm-baked holiday cookies and hot chocolate. Enjoy the fun-spirited atmosphere with holiday carols with Santa’s favorite Elf and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 
Cost: $10-$59
The Madison Hotel, 1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 10 at 3 PM
The tree lighting and a visit from St. Nick will be happening in the evening, but come earlier to explore what the holiday market offers. Grab a bite to eat and do some shopping at the craft vendors. They’re selling various goods, from fashion accessories to soap to holiday gifts. And, of course, holiday music will be playing throughout the event.
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ 07843

Mount Holly Holiday House Tour
December 10 at 3 PM
Tour homes and other locations throughout historic Mount Holly, decorated in all styles of Christmas. Proceeds benefit Main Street Mount Holly. Wristbands and tour booklets can be picked up at Vincent’s Ice Cream.
Cost: $15 per person through December 9, then $20 at the door
Vincent’s Ice Cream Shop, 54 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060

Hammonton Fire Department Christmas Parade “An Old Fashioned Christmas”
December 10 at 7 PM
Hammonton Fire Department’s 2022 Christmas Parade is “An Old Fashioned Christmas.” Trophies will be available for participants.
Cost: Free 
Bellevue Ave/Rt.54 from N. Liberty St. through Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Bayshore Holiday Bazaar
December 10-11
Find all those unique gifts at this bazaar inspired by German Christmas markets featuring local and regional artists, vendors, and shops selling vintage, handmade art, jewelry, home goods, and more. While you shop, enjoy holiday hot drinks, food and libations, and a holiday photo station.
Shore Casino, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

Allaire Christmas Lantern Tours
December 10 and 17
Learn about the history of Christmas in the 1800s. Visit the Chapel, Bakery, Blacksmith’s Shop, Allaire Residence, and more as your guided tour brings alive the spirit of Christmas past with traditions and holiday decorations to delight everyone. Experience music, history & theater. This event is not recommended for young children.
Cost: $35 and up
Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue Wall Township, NJ 07727

Artist & Maker Happy Holiday Market
December 10-11, 17-18

Last-minute gifting is inevitable, so why not stop by for live music, food, and gifts made by local artisans? You’ll find that and more at this festive market in historic Jersey City, offering a unique opportunity to shop directly from emerging new makers and established artists to find one-of-a-kind items and meet the people who made them. 
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, 
Jersey City, NJ 07302

Holiday Hayrides to Rudolph’s House
December 10-18, select dates
Jump on a caroling hayride to Rudolph’s house. Kids will get a prize and magical reindeer food at Rudolph’s house. After, stop and visit Santa Claus in the greenhouse, and later, hop on a cow train ride. 
Cost: $5 and up
Zimmerman County Market, 425 Salina Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080

Washington’s Landing in New Jersey
December 11 at 10 AM
Join State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, the First Rhode Island Regiment, and other NJ-based reenactor groups who will allow the public to experience both the Crossing and the March to Trenton through the eyes of the men and women who lived it. The event will feature programming throughout the day and cider, donuts, and ongoing tours at the Johnson Ferry House.
Cost: Free
Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560

 

The Sounds of Christmas at Historic Longstreet Farm
December 11 at 1 PM
Enjoy Christmas music by Larry Moser and Mary Nagin as they play carols on the hammered dulcimer and fiddle.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Christmas Village at Veterans Park Gloucester
December 11 at 3 PM
This open-air holiday market will sell Christmas décor, gifts, Christmas trees, jewelry, and more at Veterans Park, with live music and food trucks. Santa will also be on the premises for you to take a quick holiday photo, and free rides on the Carousel and Dizzy Dragons will be available for the little ones. The Mainstage choir will perform at 6 PM, followed by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 PM.
Veterans Park, Clementon, NJ 08021

Holiday Shopping Village with Mudhen Brewing Company
December 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. There will be photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, caricatures, and live music. 
Cost: Free
127 W Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood, NJ 08260

Christmas At Allaire
December 11 and 18 
Start a new family holiday tradition with 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

Main Street Pops Holiday Market
December 11 and 18
Look for handmade goods and unique finds on Sundays in December. Find everything from jewelry to home goods to artisanal foods.
Under 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Season of Light
December 11 and 18
Bring the entire family to this show, which traces the history 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

Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor
Now-December 18
Wander through the first floor of Ringwood Manor, beautifully decorated by the Women’s Club of West Milford, for the holidays. Kids can engage in scavenger hunts and search for a variety of interesting objects throughout the house. Crafters will be selling handmade items.
Cost: $5 and up
Ringwood Manor, 1304 Sloatsburg Rd., Ringwood, NJ 07456

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

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, 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 

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

Festival of Trees and Winter Village
Now-
December 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

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

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

Farmingdale Holiday Trail
Now-December 24, weekends only
It’s a small town tradition, walk-through twinkling lights. The trail is a half-boardwalk and half-padded mulch. It is double-stroller friendly. Pets are not permitted.
Cost: Free; donations are appreciated
11 Asbury Ave Farmingdale, NJ 07727

Holiday Harmonies 
Now-December 25
Enjoy performances downtown on Saturdays and Sundays. See traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, handbells, and rock, folk, and jazz musicians bring their flavor of holiday tunes to the sidewalks of Red Bank.
Cost: Free
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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 two 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

Allaire Community Farm
Thursdays-Sundays in December
See the largest dreidel in the world at Allaire Community Farm on a tractor-pulled wagon that takes you through beautiful holiday light displays. After, stop by the farmstand to sip hot cocoa and cider. 
Cost: $17
1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall, NJ 07719

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 ride the carousel and roast s’mores by the firepits on the green. Then watch 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

My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 10 at 9:30 AM
Join in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking class for ages 4-7 with a parent/guardian/loved one present. Even the pickiest of eaters will learn to love their veggies in this fun and interactive class.
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

Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 10 at 11 AM
Join in-person or virtually for this mommy; me style healthy cooking class for ages 2-4 with a parent/grandparent/loved one.
For class links and more information, contact:
Cost: Free
Virtual or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical
Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112

Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 13 and 20 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

Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.


 
 
     

About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

CLOSE
CLOSE