We’re kicking off the holiday season and saying goodbye to fall with a bunch of family-friendly festivals this month in NJ. Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes at The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm in Manalapan, hop on a hayride to see twinkling trees and displays at Johnson’s Farm Light Show On The Lake in Medford or see an original musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ heartwarming tale at the Dickens Festival in Smithville. And for more ideas on family fun this season, check out our guide to winter festivals in NJ. (Featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Fall Harvest Festival 2024
November 1 at 10 AM
It’s the last day of this fall festival, which has everything you need to celebrate the season. There will be a pumpkin patch, petting zoos, wagon rides, train rides, and a market full of fall goodies.
Cost: $6 for adults and $3 for children under 18
Allaire Community Farm, 1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall Twp, NJ 07719
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 9-December 30
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. And before you leave, grab a hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Winterfest By the Sea
November 16 at 9 AM
See Santa by the shore when you kick off the season with a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The big guy will visit with the kids while Mom and Dad shop for gifts.
Ocean City Civic Center, 500 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
November 16-December 30, dates and times vary; Santa visits until December 23
Santa Claus is ready to wave his magic wand and light the park with over one million lights for the holiday season. Your littles will love seeing the park glow after dark, as well as be thrilled to go on rides and attractions (all open at night) during this magical time.
Cost: $37.99 per person if bought in advance, $41.99 per person at the door.
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
November 15-January 12
Drive-thru America’s only construction theme and water park and enjoy the lights, tunnels, holiday displays, and more. Don’t forget to tune into Diggerland USA’s radio station to get into the holiday spirit.
Cost: $36.99 per vehicle
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
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. They also have a Lamplighter Christmas Tour and Santa’s Trolley Tours throughout the season.
Cape May, NJ 08204
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
November 22-December 29
Start your engine and explore 32 acres of holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. You can also warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market, and take pictures with Santa while listening to Santa’s reindeer singing.
Cost: $35 per car
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Light Show on the Lake
November 22-December 23
Gather ’round the fire pits at Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to roast marshmallows and watch the lake light up in this breathtaking display. Be sure to hop on the Christmas “Light Show” Hayride to see more of the farm lit up for the holidays.
Cost: $7.95 and up
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
Magic of Lights New Jersey
November 22-January 4
Experience the dazzling lights display entirely from the comfort of your car. Set your radio to their light show station, and then enjoy festive music as you drive through a merry arrangement of Christmas lights, trees, and decorations that will surely put your whole crew in the holiday spirit.
Cost: $25 and up
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Holiday in the Park
November 23-January 1, select dates
Hit your favorite theme park at night to see it completely decked out in colorful lights and mingle with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ride the roller coasters—plenty of smaller ones perfect for your kiddos—and enjoy the street entertainment all over the park. Finish the night with a festive treat, like a cup of hot chocolate, yummy cider, and fried s’mores.
Cost: $39
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Give Thanks Food & Wine Festival
November 23 at 11 AM
Celebrate all things fall and get ready for Thanksgiving at this fun festival for the whole family. There will be food trucks, wine, live music, and face painting.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 23 at 4 PM
There is so much holiday fun to be had at this festive event. 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
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 19th watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk admiring the festive lights.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
November 24-December 23, select dates
Drive through a dairy farm transformed into a Christmas Wonderland filled with huge light displays, a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and dazzling displays newly expanded with double the lights and scenes this holiday season. There will also be concessions, a country store, and fire pits.
Cost: $35 per vehicle
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Model Train Show
November 25-27
Got kids who love trains? There will be running steam and diesel trains on a 1200-square-foot model layout, including Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Kids can try running trains on the children’s layout or check out the new second railroad.
Cost: Kids under 10 are free
575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
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
Vinter Wonderland
Opening day November 29
Celebrate a successful harvest at Renault Winery with a charming and festive experience for all ages. Kids will love the ice skating, tractor rides, and live entertainment while you enjoy gourmet dining and wines. Santa Claus comes to town in December to light the Christmas tree, read a holiday story, and eat breakfast with the kids (reservations required).
Cost: Prices vary
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday
November 29-30
Kick off the holiday season in Avalon with a whole weekend of activities. On Friday, there will be live music, children’s performances, character appearances, face painting, an art bar, crafts, giveaways, hot chocolate, a drive-in holiday movie, and a parade featuring the Big Guy as a special guest. On Saturday, watch ice sculpting, take a photo with Santa, enjoy bounce houses, carnival rides, and obstacle courses, and cozy up with lots of cocoa.
Cost: Prices vary
Avalon, NJ 08202
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
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
November 29
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
Winter WonderLights
November 29-January 5, 2025
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show drive-thru will dazzle your whole family with over 1.5 million lights dancing to your favorite holiday music. The trees, the tunnels, and a tribute to first responders and US armed forces are just a sample of what you will see on the half-mile drive.
Cost: $30 per car or $125 VIP season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online.
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Starts on November 29
Explore the farm and see all the lights for the holiday season with all your favorite barnyard friends–this is one of those holiday light shows in NJ that you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Information coming
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton, NJ 07005
Winter Village
November 29-30 and December 1 & 6-8
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
Dickens Festival in Smithville
November 30-December 1
See an original musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ heartwarming tale, by Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company performed on their portable outdoor stage. Visit the shops and restaurants after the show, along with the Smithville Train and Carousel.
Cost: Prices vary
Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
November 30-December 14, select dates
Kick off the holiday shopping and feasting season at this indoor market, which features 75 local farmers, food purveyors, local artisans, and more.
Cost: Free
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
November 30-December 22
This new experience at Holland Ridge Farms will have over 30,000 light-up tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of lights throughout the farm. Don’t leave without enjoying the delicious treats from food trucks, festive music, fire pits, and a Santa photo experience.
Cost: $7 per person ages 3 and up
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
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