The holidays are in full swing, so it’s time to make some merry memories. Take a selfie with a life-size snow globe at the Winter on Broad Street event in Red Bank, celebrate the season at the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas parade or watch a special screening of The Grinch at Hackettstown Public Library. So, get to it mamas—’tis the weekend for festive family fun.
featured image via redbankpulse.com
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 10 kid-friendly things to do this weekend around New Jersey:
Hometown Holiday Movie Night
December 6, 5PM-8PM
Treat your kids to the holiday classics you grew up on: Catch a special viewing of the animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Hackettstown Public Library. The movie will run every 30 minutes, followed by a Grinch-y make and take craft.
Hackettstown Free Public Library
Hackettstown, New Jersey
Cost: free
2019 Holiday Lights Event
December 6, 6PM-8PM
All will be merry and bright when Plainfield lights up its Christmas tree and menorah at this annual community event. Be sure to snap some photos with Ol’ Saint Nick and enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa!
Plainfield, NJ
Cost: Free
Member and Friends Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 6PM
Bring the whole fam out for this fun holiday celebration featuring live performances by the Camden Partnership and Overbrook High School choirs, the LCDT dance team and the children’s choir. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate as you watch the tree lighting. Then, head to Santa’s village for photos, games, face painting and other Christmas fun.
Kroc Center
Camden, NJ
Cost: free
The Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade & Festival
December 6, 6:30PM-9PM, December 7, 10AM-4PM
If your kids love watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, they’ll be in awe of this one up close (without the huge crowds). Stake out a spot to watch the festive floats cruise down the street and see if you can spot all your favorite characters including the Grinch and the big guy in the red suit. After, stick around for rides and games, or come back on Saturday to the holiday bazaar and more fun festivities.
Bryne Plaza
Wildwood, NJ
Cost: free
Hoboken City Hall Holiday Craft Fair
December 7-8, 11AM-5PM
You’ve got your list and you’re checking it twice: Before you cross anyone off and say done, check out the 3 floors of handcrafted gifts at Hoboken City Hall. The holiday craft fair will feature artisans and vendors selling candles, jewelry, handknits, fashion accessories, holiday ornaments, baby items and many unique goodies. While you shop, littles can stop by the festive face painting station with Mrs. Claus.
Hoboken City Hall
Hoboken, NJ
Cost: free
Sensitive Santa at Brunswick Square
December 8, 8AM-10AM
If you have a child that suffers from anxiety or gets easily overwhelmed by crowd or noise, check out this sensory-friendly experience that allows kids to see Santa in a calm and tear-free environment. Enjoy a magical morning with Santa before regular center activities begin.
Brunswick Square
East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: free
Candy Cane Hunt & Vendor Fair
December 8, 9AM – 1PM
Flip into the holidays with a candy cane scavenger hunt at Giant Gymnastics of Sparta. Littles can make arts and crafts, get their faces painted, watch a balloon artist at work and visit with Santa, all while you shop for holiday goodies from more than 40 vendors. The event is free to the public with a suggested donation of an unwrapped toy for their annual Season of Hope Toy Drive.
Giant Gymnastics of Sparta
Sparta, NJ
Cost: free
Christmas Bazaar and Breakfast with Santa
December 8, 9AM-4PM
Gather your littles to share a merry meal with the big guy in red. After you snap selfies with Santa, shop the bazaar for gifts, stocking stuffers and homemade holiday decor. If you’re still hungry, you can snag some more sweet treats at the bake sale.
Saint Mary School
Middletown, NJ
Cost: free
Winter on Broad Street
December 8, 11AM-5PM
Get ready for a winter playland in downtown Red Bank: Glide across Broad Street on the ice rink (it’s synthetic, so no worries if temps are warm), pile the whole fam into the 15-foot tall snow globe and snap photos for the ‘gram, while you listen to live holiday music. After, shop at the holiday bazaar on Wallace Street for locally made gifts and grab a bite at one of Red Bank’s 80+ eateries. Who needs snow?
Broad Street
Red Bank, NJ
Cost: Skate rentals are $10 adults, $5 children. Skating sessions are free.
Free Family Movie Night featuring HOME ALONE
December 8, 1:30PM
Need a break from shopping? The whole family is sure to love watching this holiday classic, along with hot cocoa and bags of popcorn (both are complimentary). While the screening is free, Wellspring Church will also be collecting stockings for the homeless in Toms River during this event. Help a neighbor in need by filling a stocking with gloves, hats, lip balm, candy and gift cards.
Wellspring Church
Toms River, NJ
Cost: free