Whether you’re looking for gifts or just want to sneak in a visit with the big guy, a winter market is the best way to get in a festive mood and start a new tradition. Take the family on a trip to one or more of these truly special and seasonal spots, starting now and through the season—try some Glögg at the Swedish Christmas Fair, shop and cozy up with drinks at the Winterfest 7, and experience an authentic Weihnachtsmärkte (German Market) at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Feeling festive? Make sure you don’t miss the light shows and places where Santa will make his rounds this season. (featured photo credit: istock/anyaberkut)
19 winter markets in NJ where you can shop and feel festive 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
Ocean Grove Holiday Craft Fair
November 18 at 9 AM
It’s the 27th annual craft fair, where you can shop with local crafters and artisans, participate in gift drawings, and have lunch and fresh baked goods when you need a shopping break.
80 Embury Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Swedish Christmas Fair
November 19
Discover Swedish handicrafts like handmade Christmas decorations, linen, and wooden items, plus a variety of cheeses, herring, and other Swedish delicacies. Try Glögg, a typical Swedish spiced holiday drink, while you are there. The Lucia pageant and choir singing are also worth seeing.
Commonwealth Club, 26 Northview Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Winter Village
November 24- 26 and December 1-3
This outdoor holiday market has 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 24-December 17: days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market to shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment in Asbury Park at the Grand Arcade. There will also be music, workshops, and kids’ art classes.
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 25-December 23, 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
Holiday Bazaar at Whitechapel Projects
November 25-26
Bring the family to this holiday tradition, featuring music, food, and libations. Support local businesses and get in the holiday spirit with festive music, kids’ face painting, a selfie station, and lots of holiday cheer.
Whitechapel Projects (WCP), 15 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
November 26, December 21, select dates
Experience a warm and toasty holiday market season in good ol’ Asbury Park. Shop locally curated vendors and enjoy food and festive drinks.
Porta, 911 Kinsley Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
2023 Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey
December 1-3
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 trucks and vendors, a petting zoo, and tree lighting (proceeds are donated to local charities). Your littles will enjoy a special visit from St. Nicholas and Mrs. Claus.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Village in Union Township
December 1-3
Shop, let the littles loose on inflatables, take a trackless train, or make s’mores at the fire pit. Food trucks, children’s games, Santa’s workshop, and a Gingerbread House & Cookie Demo will also be there.
1300 Windslow Ave., Union Twp., NJ 07083
Pop-Up Holiday Market Tenafly
December 2
What’s better than an artisan market and community concert? This Tenafly market has a live concert, kids activities, festive food, and local vendors.
Peace Plaza, 100 Riveredge Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Get in the spirit and bundle up at an outdoor winter market in NJ this season. Photo credit: HDSID
Winterfest 7
December 2
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 a beer garden.
51 Haddon Ave., Haddon Twp., NJ 08108
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 2-3
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
Noyes Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 2-3
The holiday bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” in Germany. Throughout the two event days, there will be live music, arts and crafts activities, pictures with Santa, a Gingerbread contest, and shopping from local artists and makers.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
46th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market
December 2-3
Bring the whole family to shop, snack on festive treats, shop for holiday gifts, and visit the man in the red suit.
Various locations townwide, parking available at 407 Hope-Great Meadows Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Winter Wonderland Weekend in Toms River
December 2 and 9
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. Kid’s activities, a hot chocolate station, and holiday music will also be there.
33 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753
Main Street Pops Holiday Market
December 3, 10, 17
Look for handmade goods and unique finds on Sundays in December. You’ll find lots of gift ideas, including jewelry, home goods, and artisanal foods.
1401 Adams Street, Under 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market
December 9
This winter festival in NJ has everything from vendors to fire pits. 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
Happy Holiday Market
December 9-10 and 16-17
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
Countdown to Christmas in Hopatcong
December 16
With 50-plus vendors, free admission, and 50/50s, get in the holiday spirit and shop until you drop.
40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
Which is your favorite winter market in NJ?
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