With the holiday season upon us, a winter market is the best way to get in a festive mood and sneak in a bit of shopping too. Take the family on a trip to one or more of these truly special and seasonal spots, starting at the end of this month—try some wassail at the Pitman Winter Village, shop and cozy up with warm drinks at the Bayshore Holiday Bazaar, and experience an authentic Weihnachtsmärkte (German Market) at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Keep the holiday spirit going with Drive Through Christmas Lights, Must-See Light Shows, and Christmas Tree Lightings in NJ. (featured photo credit: lakemohawkgermanchristmasmarket.com)
Here are 20 winter markets in NJ to visit this holiday season
Here comes Santa Claus, and he’s all set for the Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey. Photo Credit: German Christmas Market of New Jersey
Festival of Trees and Winter Village
November 25-27, December 3-18
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.
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
November 25-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.
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
November 26-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.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Long Branch Holiday Bazaar
November 26-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.
Whitechapel Projects (WCP), 15 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
November 27, December 4, and 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.
Porta, 911 Kinsley Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
2022 Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey
December 2-4
Who says you need to fly to Germany to experience an authentic Weihnachtsmärkt? Sussex County Fairgrounds is home to the largest annual Christmas market in the state and the only German Christmas Market in the US, complete with a Biergarten, food market, folk dancers, and live music. Your littles will enjoy a special visit from St. Nicholas and Mrs. Claus.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 3
You’ll find something for everyone on your list at Cape May’s Annual Crafts at Christmas Show, where makers and artists display their handmade and original works. Comb the aisles of the legendary Convention Hall for maker goods like jewelry, soaps, candles, and artwork.
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Ocean Grove Holiday Festival and Christmas in Ocean Grove
December 3
During the day, shop with local crafters and artisans, and listen to live music. After, watch a choir performance, see a live nativity, a tree lighting with carols, and a special visitor from the North Pole.
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Pitman Winter Village
December 3
Treat yourself to the charm of a Victorian Holiday in this village, where you can shop for unique, handmade gifts from vendors. Your little ones can visit the Santa Village, listen to live music and meet Elsa and Olaf.
Ballard Ave and Park, Pitman, NJ 08071
Winter Wonderland Weekend in Toms River
December 3
The courtyard at Town Hall in Downtown Toms River will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village where vendors will sell great gifts for the holiday season. There will also be kid’s activities, a s’mores station, food trucks, and holiday music.
33 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753
Winterfest 6
December 3
Bring your crew to enjoy holiday music, fun activities for kids, and a special appearance by Santa. The outdoor market will offer unique gifts from area artisans and vendors, delicious treats and eats, and outdoor fire pits.
51 Haddon Ave., Haddon Twp., NJ 08108
Atlantic City Holiday Bazaar
December 3-4
The holiday bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” in Germany. Throughout the two event days, there will be nonstop live music, an indoor Biergarten, arts and crafts activities for children and adults, pictures with Santa, and shopping from local artists and makers.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
44th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market
December 3-4
Bring the whole family to shop, snack on festive treats, shop for holiday gifts, cut down your own tree, and enjoy some hot apple cider.
Various locations townwide, parking available at 407 Hope-Great Meadows Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Hoboken City Hall Holiday Craft Fair
December 3-4
Visit Hoboken City Hall for a unique holiday shopping experience with three floors of original gift items created by local crafters, artists, and makers.
94 Washington Street (us the Newark St. entrance), Hoboken, NJ 07030
Main Street Pops Holiday Market
December 4, 11, 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
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
Get in the spirit and bundle up at an outdoor winter market in NJ this season. Photo credit: HDSID
Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 10
The tree lighting and a visit from St. Nick are at dusk but come earlier to explore what the holiday market has to offer. There will be free hot chocolate, prepackaged cookies, and ornaments for the kids.
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
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
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
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
Which is your favorite winter market in NJ?
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to 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.
