It’s the most magical time of the year, but who says you have to spend a ton of money on family fun? Check out these FREE things to do with the family all season long. Watch the city of Cape May transform into a Dickens Village at the Old Fashioned Christmas, take in all the holiday lights and festivities at the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo, or attend one of the Christmas tree lightings across the state. Want to know where to see the big guy in the red suit? Check out our guide to visiting Santa in NJ. P.S. Most of the visits are free! (Featured photo taken at Turtle Back Zoo)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
November 22-December 31, select dates
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with over 50 winter and animal characters. There will also be weekend Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Old Fashioned Christmas
November 22-January 5
See the seaside town of Cape May transform into a Dickens village just in time for the holidays. Don’t miss free events like the Winter WonderWalk, tours of the Physick Estate, Tree Lighting on November 23, and the Christmas Candlelight House Tours.
Cape May, NJ 08204
4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 23 at 4 PM
This festive event offers plenty of holiday activities for family fun. Get a jump start on the most wonderful time of the year with delicious treats, a visit with Santa, local vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
Saint John Vianney High School, 540A Line Road, Holmdel, NJ 07730
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 23 at 5 PM
Kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves as they light the gorgeous tree in Cape May. There will also be hot chocolate and baked goods to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Horse & Carriage Rides
November 23-December 22, select dates
The town of Ocean City lights up during the holiday season, and you can take part in the fun with free horse and carriage rides with the whole family.
Cost: Free
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
November 24-December 19
Spend the season celebrating, starting with a Holiday Tree Lighting on November 24, a Holiday Parade on November 25, and the Community Menorah Lighting On December 13. Make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) and spend the night of December 19 watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk admiring the festive lights.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
November 28-January 6
Visit Historic Smithville to hear your favorite holiday tunes synchronized to a unique light display. Over 120 Christmas trees, constructed from 50,000+ Christmas lights, will magically float atop Lake Meone in the center of the village. When the sky is dark, an orchestrated show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music. The show can be seen from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting
November 29 at 5 PM
There’s nothing like getting the family together and watching the gorgeous tree in Palmer Square get lit for the holiday season. There will also be sing-a-long songs, an 11-man vocal harmony group, and maybe even a visit from the Big Guy from up North.
Cost: Free
Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
November 29 at 5 PM
Hanging out at the beach isn’t just for the summertime. Enjoy an evening of family fun with music, photo ops with Santa, food, and appearances from winter wonderland characters. The rain date is November 30.
Cost: Free
2nd & Surf Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
November 29-December 22, days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market at the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park, where you can shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment. There will also be crafts and a holiday photo booth.
Cost: Free
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Newton Holiday Parade
November 30 at 10 AM
Get into the holiday spirit at this parade that everyone in your family will love. There will be floats, vehicles, and marchers to watch and admire as they go by. This year’s theme is “All I Want For Christmas.”
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Christmas at the Hangar
November 30 at 10 AM
Want a unique way to usher in the holiday season? Head to the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum to enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, live music, face painting, and more.
Cost: Free
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
November 30 at 10:30 AM
Get a head start on holiday shopping at this local maker festival on the boardwalk, which features artists, creatives, and vendors.
Cost: Free
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration
November 30 at 2 PM
Join Santa and his friends for a memorable tree-lighting celebration. There will be vendors, live holiday music, a bounce house, a polar bear slide, a walk through the Wild Lights, an ice sculpture demonstration, and, of course, the tree lighting.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Zoo, 707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Holiday Dickens Fest
November 30-December 1 at 1 PM
The spirit of Christmas will be found in Smithville at this fun and festive holiday event. You will find an original musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol ” and holiday-themed art, artistry, and collectibles.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Long Branch Tree Lighting at Pier Village
December 1 at 4 PM
Kick off this year’s holiday season at this festive tree lighting at Pier Village. There will be many fun activities, 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.
Cost: Free
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Santa Claus is Coming To Town
December 1, 14 and 21
Catch Santa walking around Main Street in Chester, where you can stop him for a free “Santa selfie.”
Cost: Free
Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Christmas Festival at The Morristown Green
Starts December 1
This month-long family event kicks off Sunday after Thanksgiving with Santa’s rooftop arrival and welcome ceremony. There will be family activities and entertainment on the historic Morristown Green and the dazzling “Lighting of the Green” ceremony with brilliant lights and wreaths adorning streetlights town-wide – a 100+ year tradition! Each weekend throughout December, enjoy Santa visits and photos, holiday crafts, miniature train rides around the Green, gingerbread house & ornament making, music by local choirs and entertainers, storytelling, ice sculpting demonstrations, and free treats.
Cost: Free
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 in the holidays in a variety of locations around Wildwood. There are four tree-lighting ceremonies all around town, and we hear the big guy will be making an appearance at each one. Enjoy light refreshments, caroling, and more at these festive events.
Cost: Free
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.
Cost: Free
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.
Cost: Free
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.
Cost: Free
Glassboro Town Square, High Street West, Glassboro, NJ 08028
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
Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 7
The tree lighting and a visit from St. Nick are at dusk but come earlier to explore the holiday market. There will be free hot chocolate, prepackaged cookies, and ornaments for the kids. The rain date is December 8.
Cost: Free
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
8th Annual Winterfest Market
December 7
Ring in the holiday season with decorated holiday music, fun activities for the kids, shopping, and, of course, Santa. Pictures with Santa will be from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, and the rain date for the event is December 8.
Cost: Free
Haddon Square, 51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp., NJ 08108
Winter Wonderland in Toms River
December 7
The courtyard at Town Hall in Downtown Toms River will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village, where vendors will sell great holiday gifts. There will also be kid’s activities, a s’mores station, food trucks, and holiday music.
Cost: Free
33 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753
Somerville Holiday Lights Parade
December 7
Get into the holiday spirit at this annual event, which features all the lights you want to see, followed by an appearance by the one and only Santa.
Cost: Free
170 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
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.
Cost: Free
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.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westwood, NJ 07675
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 7-8
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.
Cost: Free
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Winterfest 2024
December 8
Head to the 26th annual Winterfest, where you will find holiday shopping, sweet treats, music, and delicious food. You can also wander through selfie stations and Santa’s Workshop, where the little ones will make Santa.
Cost: Free
Cinnaminson Township High School, 1197 Riverton Road, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Warren Township Holiday Festival
December 8
A bonfire, tree lighting, and fireworks are just the beginning of this winter festival in NJ. There will also be horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, an iceless skating rink, food vendors, and free hot chocolate.
Cost: Free
46 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059
Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market
December 14
This winter festival in NJ features everything from vendors to fire pits to an ice sculpture artist. There will also be live entertainment and shopping, and don’t forget to take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cost: Free
Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
A Storybook Christmas
December 14
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks all lit up for the Christmas season. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas.” The rain date is December 15.
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
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.
Cost: Free
Veterans Park, Clementon, NJ 08021
Atlantic City Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 14-15
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.
Cost: Free
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
2024 Holiday Pop-Up Weekend at The Basie Center
December 14-15
Get ready for holiday shopping, drinks, and more at The Count Basie Center For The Arts. Get into a festive mood with a curated collection of 50 local makers, handmade gifts, and unique presents.
Cost: Free
The Count Basie Center For The Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 0771
Holiday Makers Market
December 14-15
Still need to do your holiday shopping? Head to this event in the greenhouse, where you’ll find over 30 vendors plus food trucks so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop ’til you drop.
Cost: Free
McNaughton’s Garden Center, 351 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 14-15, 21-22
Last-minute gifting is inevitable, so why not stop by for live music, food, and gifts made by local artisans? You’ll also find kid activities, hot cocoa, and a photo booth at this festive market in historic Jersey City.
Cost: Free
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City, NJ 07302
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