1. Skylands Stadium Light Show
Admission: $20 at the door, cash only (advance sale $17 at Box Office; discount tickets at Walgreens)
Friday, November 20 through January 3: • Thursdays (December only) – 4:30-10 pm • Fridays & Saturdays – 4:30-11 pm • Sundays – 4:30-10pm
Experience our spectacular Christmas Light Show at Skylands Stadium! Drive through a 1-mile course of breathtaking displays set to joyous holiday music. We will have more than 2 MILLION LIGHTS for your viewing pleasure. The new festive Christmas Village at the Skylands Stadium Event Center opens on Friday, November 27. Visitors can park for free and enjoy hot beverages and snacks, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, and more in the indoor winter wonderland.
Augusta, NJ 07822
2. Holiday in the Park
Admission: Prices May Vary
November 21 – January 3
See the park transformed into a winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights during Holiday in the Park. First, Six Flags is well-known for thrills and serious coasters but they also have plenty family rides of that moms, dads and kids can all experience together. Most of the rides are open during Holiday in the Park. Please view the Safety & Accessibility Guidelines for more information regarding ride access, height and other physical restrictions, and Equal Access Passes
Jackson, NJ 08527
3. Holiday Lights at the Zoo
Admission: Free
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 27, 28 & 29, 2015
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 4, 5 & 6, 2015
5pm to 9pm each night
The Zoo is collecting non-perishable food items; new, unwrapped toys; and new or gently used winter coats. Items will be donated to several organizations that provide assistance to the needy. Last year, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, about 16.6 tons of non-perishable food, 7,780 toys and 3,671 winter coats were collected for the less fortunate.
West Orange, NJ
4. Santa Breakfast
Admission: Price for adult: $14.99, Price for child: $16.99
Friday, November 27, 10am
Children can visit with Santa and his elves, enjoy a breakfast snack then stay and play all day! Each child receives a special gift from Santa! Don’t forget to bring your wish-list for him to see! Parents remember your camera for photo ops with Santa!
Our jolly and experienced Santa knows who has been nice! Join us, share your wishes with Santa and enjoy the magic of this holiday season.
Florham Park, N.J. 07932
5. Asbury Park Bazaar
Admission: Free
Saturdays & Sundays, November 28 – December 20, Noon – 5 pm
The Asbury Park Bazaar & Market at Fifth Avenue have partnered to bring you one of the most spectacular holiday markets in New Jersey! The Asbury Park Bazaar Pop-Up Holiday Market features a curated roster of vendors, artists and local shops selling gifts and handmade goods including jewelry, accessories, art, photography, home goods, furniture, vintage, food, & much more! Enjoy live music, holiday performances, and special events every weekend by the giant Christmas tree with fake snow falling all around you!
Asbury Park, NJ 07719
6. 10th Annual Hometown Holiday
Admission: Free
Friday, December 4th, 5pm – 9pm
Featuring Santa and area community groups, it’s a fun night for all. Starting at Centenary College with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the front parlors of the Seay Administration building for story time, music, snacks and crafts. The evening continues with the Grand Illumination and carriage rides. Take a carriage to the downtown area and enjoy lively entertainment, shopping and delicious food. The Santa Parade begins at 7:00PM. Santa will march up Main Street arriving at the Gazebo Park on the corner of Main and Moore St. to light the Christmas tree. From there, he and the elves will go to Moore Street Firehouse for the annual FREE photo with Santa.
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
7. Christmas on the Farm
Admission: Free
Saturday, December 5, Noon
St. Nick, his elves and a jingling sleigh loaded with cookies, coal and holiday cheer will arrive at Howell Living History Farm highlighting an all-day program, “Christmas on the Farm.” St. Nick’s sleigh will descend from the Farm’s northern slopes at 12:00pm. Its white-bearded navigator will check Christmas lists and give out treats (or coal, as the case may be). The celebration begins when children can climb aboard a horse drawn work wagon for a ride to the woods to cut down a Christmas tree. All children will be given a chance to take a turn helping farmers cut the tree with a 2-man saw. Afterwards, all visitors can help decorate the tree with ear corn, pinecones and other natural ornaments. Helpers will be treated to hot apple cider and cookies!
Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
8. Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market
Admission: Free
Saturday, December 5 – Sunday, December 6
It’s easy to see why the Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market in Sparta, NJ is ranked as “One of the Top Ten Things to Do in December in the State” – it’s simply at the top of the “to do” list for festive shoppers. This magical German Christmas Market beckons to all, with beautifully crafted and unique gifts from vendors near and afar. With the perfect backdrop of beautiful Lake Mohawk…why go anywhere else? The authentic wooden huts generously created by a local artisan, John Kweselait of Custom Wood Furniture, has simply enhanced the enchanting festive atmosphere.
Sparta, NJ 07871
9. Holly Walk 2015
Admission: $25 pre-sale, $30 the day of the event.
Sunday, December 6, Noon – 5pm
This Morris County tradition returns! One ticket allows you to visit five historic sites decorated for the holidays, each with some special seasonal surprises. Each site will offer something special for visitors. The Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall will be decorated in Victorian fashion with a dining room tablescape by a local designer featuring a recent donation by former Acorn Hall residents, the Hone family. In addition to the now-famous upside-down Christmas tree, there will be antique ornaments on display.
Morristown, NJ 07960
10. The Art Factory Christmas Festival
Admission: Free
December 12, 2pm – 9pm
The upcoming Christmas Festival opens up the opportunity for individuals and groups interested in being a part of and sustaining creative communities.
Paterson, NJ 07501
11. Kwanzaa Festival @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Admission: Free
Saturday, December 19, Noon
Celebrate the Nguzo Saba with NJPAC in its 17th year of the Kwanzaa Children’s Festival and Marketplace. Create and participate in the Arts and Crafts Village, dance, sing and explore the rhythms and culture from the African tradition and celebrate Cameroon as our featured Country of Honor.
Newark, NJ 07102