‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, and there’s nothing better than seeing the joy through your kids’ eyes at Christmas tree lightings in NJ. A favorite moment every year? Watching those little eyes light up when the tree begins to sparkle and glow. Towns across New Jersey are decking their trees for the holidays, and we’ve rounded up some of the best and brightest. So bundle up the fam, grab your hot cocoa, and plan to attend one of these upcoming events. And don’t miss the Drive Through Christmas Lights and Must-See Light Shows in NJ this holiday season. (featured photo credit: Istock/salanyali)
20 Christmas Tree Lightings in NJ
Annual Town Lighting & Holiday Express Concert in Red Bank
November 29 at 6 PM
This annual gathering is the most magical day in Red Bank. Start the day shopping on Broad Street, followed by pre-show activities and a Holiday Express concert, followed by the main event—the lighting of the Red Bank Christmas tree.
Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Palmer Square Tree Lighting
November 29 at 5 PM
Gather your crew and head to Palmer Square for this tree lighting, featuring traditional Christmas music, live performances, and even a visit from Santa. This event is a wonderful way to kick off the holidays, with over 32,000 lights lit up for a dazzling display.
Palmer Square Green, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Festival of Trees and Winter Village
November 29-30 and December 1, 6-8
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.
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
Starting November 29 (times vary)
Spend the season celebrating, starting with a Holiday Tree Lighting on November 29, a Holiday Parade on November 30, and the Community Menorah Lighting with latkes, donuts, and dreidels. Make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) and spend the night of December 14 watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk admiring the festive lights.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Santa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cape May County Zoo
November 30 at 5 PM
Can you keep a secret? Rumor has it that the zebras at the Cape May County Zoo brought Rudolph and his crew in through the back gates. See for yourself, and while you’re there, take your photo with the jolly man in the big red suit and ride aboard the holiday train. Catch a holiday performance, check out the ice sculpture demonstration, free treats, and so much more.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Woodbridge Township Winterfest and Light Parade
November 30 at 4 PM
Kick off the holiday before the big event with s’mores, ice skating, kids’ crafts, a twinkling light parade, ice sculpting, and a live DJ. At dusk, the tree gets a glow-up and a visit from the big guy.
Cost: Free to enter
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30 at 4:30 PM
Sing along to music and holiday songs before Santa arrives on a firetruck to light the tree when the sun sets. Bring toys that are no longer being played with and take a new-to-you toy home, or just bring a toy for donation.
Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, NJ 08505
Long Branch Tree Lighting at Pier Village
December 1 at 4 PM
Kick off this year’s holiday season with this festive tree lighting at Pier Village. Bundle up your crew to take part in all the fun festivities, including ice skating, a performance by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, and a special visit from Santa Claus. After the tree is lit, enjoy shopping while looking at the window displays and enjoying the festive cheer.
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Westfield Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30 at 5:30 PM
It’s a festive evening with holiday cheer and community to kick off the season. Santa will arrive by fire truck to light the Christmas Tree with special surprises and hot cocoa, and then the kiddos can take pictures with Santa on stage.
North Avenue Train Station, Westfield, NJ 07090
Lighting Up Morristown
December 1
This month-long family event starts Sunday after Thanksgiving with Santa’s rooftop arrival and a welcome ceremony. Enjoy family fun and entertainment on Morristown Green, plus the beautiful “Lighting of the Green,” featuring lights and wreaths throughout town—a tradition for over 100 years.
The Morristown Green, 10 N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting
December 3 – Wildwood Crest, Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown, Wildwood Business Improvement District, December 7 – North Wildwood Tree Lighting
Welcome to the holidays in various locations around Wildwood. There are four tree-lighting ceremonies all around town, and we hear the big guy will appear at each one. Enjoy light refreshments, caroling, and more at these festive events.
A variety of locations in Wildwood, NJ
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
December 6 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.
Courtyard of Toms River Town Hall, Toms River, NJ 08753
Fireman’s Park Tree Lighting in Asbury Park
December 6 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.
Fireman’s Park, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Holiday Jubilee in Somerville
December 6 at 5 PM
Enjoy music by Base Entertainment and ice skating on a 40×50 artificial ice rink. Then, at 7:30 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.
Downtown Somerville, NJ 08876
Boro in Lights
December 6 at 6 PM
Over 19,000 lights will 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, cookie decorating, live performances, and an Ice Bar for mom and dad.
Glassboro Town Square, High Street West, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Vinter Wonderland
December 6 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 6 to light the famous Wine Barrel Christmas tree and pose for holiday photos.
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Christmas Walk and Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6 at 5 PM
Gather the whole fam for a night of festive fun including pictures with Santa, open houses, musical performances, a candy cane express train, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown Bay Head, Bay Head, NJ 08742
Christmas Parade and Lighting Event in Somers Point
December 7 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.
City Hall, Somers Point, NJ 08244
Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 7, the parade begins at 6 PM
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration, featuring tree lighting, jingle bell craft, and carolers. The parade will begin at 6 PM and include a visit from the big guy in red. This year’s theme is Twinkle, Shine, and Glow.
Downtown Westwood, NJ 07675
Christmas Village at Veterans Park Gloucester
December 14 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, and you can warm up with a hot cup of cocoa during the event.
Veterans Park, Clementon, NJ 08021
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