Ready to jump into the holiday spirit? You can this weekend with a first wave of holiday events and the last blast of fall fun. Enjoy the opening weekend of cozy vibes, lights, hot cocoa, and more at The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm in Manalapan, punch your golden ticket and get all aboard The Polar Express Train Whippany, or get a head start on your holiday shopping and spend quality time with the fam with vendors, delicious food, a raffle, and more at the Fall Festival in Cape May. And for more ideas on what’s to come, check out our guide to holiday festivals this season. (featured photo taken at Anne Ellen Tree Farm)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
The Music of Taylor Swift At Starland Ballroom
November 24 at 11 AM
New Jersey’s Rock and Roll Playhouse will play the music of Taylor Swift & More live for kids at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville on November 24. The band offers its core audience of families with children aged ten and under games, movement, stories, and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. It’s a fun day out for the kids! Tickets are on sale now.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Starland Ballroom, 570 Jernee Mill Road, Sayreville, NJ 08872
Let It Glow
Starting November 7th through January 12th, 2025 Thursdays – Sundays
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. You can 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
The Polar Express Train Ride Whippany
November 8-10
Punch your golden ticket and get all aboard The Polar Express. Your family will experience the magic of The Polar Express and take a one-hour trip to the North Pole with the whole family. Kids will enjoy hot chocolate, Walker’s Shortbread, storytime, meeting Santa, and a silver sleigh bell surprise.
Cost: Ages 2 and under are free, $48 and up
1 Railroad Plz., Whippany, NJ 07981
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 9-10
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa before you leave.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Princess and Pirate Day at the Zoo
November 9 at 11 AM
Got kids who love to dress up as pirates or princesses? Head to the Cape May County Park & Zoo, where they can dress in their best costumes and enjoy a craft station, games, entertainment, animals, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US 9 Middle Township, NJ 08210
14th Annual Holiday Craft Show
November 9 at 9 AM
Join over 90 vendors for this beloved annual event. Shop for jewelry, crafts, and homemade goods to help you get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Cost: Free
EHT Community Center, 5045 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08201
November Holiday Market
November 9 at 10 AM
This holiday market will be the perfect time to shop and enjoy some family time with your loved ones. There will be over 30 local vendors as well as food trucks.
Cost: Free
351 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Jersey Makes Fall Arts & Crafts Fair
November 9 at 11 AM
Get bundled up and head to this fair, where you will find hot beverages, delicious treats, and lots of shopping.
Cost: Free
Central Park of Morris County, 1 Governor Chris Christie Drive, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07950
Fall Craft Show
November 9 at 9 AM
With over 40 craft vendors, you’ll find unique gifts for all your loved ones this holiday season. Bring the family and spend the day walking around and taking it all in.
Cost: Free
2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Fall Festival
November 9 at 9 AM
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this festival, which features vendors, delicious food, crafts, a raffle, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Fall Craft Show
November 9 at 9 AM
With over 40 craft vendors, you can find unique gifts for all your loved ones this holiday season. Bring the family and spend the day walking around and taking it all in.
Cost: Free
2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Art In The Park
November 9 at 10 AM
Nature and art come together at this lively outdoor event. From art to goat sketches and a spin on the Homespun Merry-Go-Round, there is fun for everyone.
Cost: Free
Hanson Park Conservancy, 38 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Big Santa Lighting at Garden State Plaza
November 9 at 5:30 PM
Are you ready for the Big Guy to make his grand entrance? This annual event, where the Big Santa on top of the Mall gets lit for the season, includes music performances, food trucks, a fantastic drone show, and more. After the show, head to one of the restaurants for dinner with the fam.
Cost: Free
Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Jeep Food & Wine Festival
November 9-10 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family and relax on the grounds of Laurita Winery. There will be wine, food trucks, face painting, live music, and gorgeous November weather. Admission is free for any US veterans on both days.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Russo’s Annual Holiday Open House
November 9-10 at 11 AM
Start the holiday season at this fun and festive event for the whole family. This will be two days full of food samplings, pie tasting, wine tasting, and more.
Cost: Free
Russo’s Fruit & Vegetable Farm, 529 Medford Lakes Rd, Tabernacle Township, NJ 08088
The Big Holiday Show feat. Nutcracker Excerpts & More
November 10 at 2:30 PM
Get into the holiday spirit with a show for the entire family. The show will include holiday favorites, including excerpts from The Nutcracker and songs of the season.
Cost: Free, register in advance
Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed!
November 10 at 3 PM
See some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular that leaves audiences everywhere howling for more! This all-star lineup includes a two-time World Champion Frisbee dog, a hilarious six-pound Pomeranian Pikachu mix, and a host of previously discarded dogs that will dance, prance, flip, and skip their way right into your heart.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Farm Family Fun Day
November 10 at 11 AM
Bundle up and head to the farm for a family fun day. There will be a petting farm with cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and more, as well as hayrides, games, barrel rides, pony rides, and more. Take part in a chili tasting with the fam.
Cost: $10 per adult, $15 per child, and kids 2 and under are free
G&G Stables, 49 Driftway Road, Howell, NJ 07731
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for a morning of swimming, fun, and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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. Don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
