It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with it, a bunch of family-friendly festivals this month to celebrate the season. Find spring during the holiday season with 30,000 light-up tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of lights throughout the farm at the 2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland in Cream Ridge, take in an authentic Weihnachtsmärkt at 2024 Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey in Augusta, celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa at the Kwanzaa Celebration in New Brunswick, or play dreidel games, eat latkes and light the menorah at Hanukkah Hoopla in Whippany. 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)
Dickens Festival in Smithville
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
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 1 and 15
Experience a warm and toasty holiday market season in good ol’ Asbury Park. Shop locally curated vendors and enjoy pizza and festive drinks.
Cost: Free
Porta, 911 Kinsley Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 1-14, 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.
Cost: Free
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
December 13-19
Head to Collingswood for the Community Menorah Lighting On December 13, and get ready to 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
2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
December 1-22
This new walk-through experience at Holland Ridge Farms brings spring to the holiday season with 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
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 1-22, 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 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
Light Show on the Lake
December 1-23
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
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
December 1-23, 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
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
December 1-29
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
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
December 1-30
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
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
December 1-30, 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 and 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
December 1-31
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
December 1-31
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
Magic of Lights New Jersey
December 1-31
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
December 1-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 hot chocolate, yummy cider, and fried s’mores.
Cost: $39
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Winter WonderLights
Month of December
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
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
Month of December
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
Model Train Show
December 3-4 and 10-11
Got kids who love trains? A 1200-square-foot model layout will feature steam and diesel trains, 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
Vinter Wonderland
Starting December 5
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
Bay Head Christmas Walk
December 6-7
Head to this festive event, where you can start the season off right with a Christmas tree lighting, pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, a candy cane express train, a scavenger hunt, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown Bay Head, Bay Head, NJ 08742
2024 Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey
December 6-8
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. 100% of all proceeds are donated to the local Sussex County charities.
Cost: $7 and up
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
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
Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 7
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration. This celebration features a parade, live music, and tree lighting. The parade will begin at 6:00 PM and includes a visit from Santa.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westwood
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 Santa.
Cost: Free
170 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
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
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
Jefferson Township Winter Stroll
December 7-8
Bring your coats and bundle up for a stroll through this small town with Hallmark Channel vibes. Use your passport to travel through the camp, see Santa in person, walk through Candy Cane Lane, shop and have a bite of marshmallows, enjoy some hot cocoa, stop by the food trucks, and more.
Cost: $5 per person over 2 years old
Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
44th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market
December 7-8
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.
Cost: $4
Various locations townwide, parking available at 407 Hope-Great Meadows Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Sea of Lights Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular
December 7-28, select dates
Where else can you see an actual diving Santa Claus but at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach? The Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, and entertainment.
Cost: $10 and up
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
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 0807
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 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
Kwanzaa Community Celebration Montclair
December 14 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa with a festive community gathering featuring presentations, live entertainment, and programs. Be sure to check out the Ujamaa Winter Market, featuring local vendors from Montclair and its surrounding communities. Kids will have a ball with balloon twisting, dance, and music.
Cost: Free
50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 0704
2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
December 14 at 12 PM
Head to the Vauxhall Branch Library for an afternoon of Kwanzaa celebrations featuring live entertainment, African dance, African drums, storytelling, and more.
Cost: Free
Vauxhall Branch of the Union Public Library, 123 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
Atlantic City Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 14-15
Bring the fam to this festive holiday bazaar 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 highly 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
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 find that and more at this festive market in historic Jersey City.
Cost: Free
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Community Kwanzaa Celebration
December 19 at 4 PM
Come out to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Performing Arts Center, where everyone can learn all about the seven principles of Kwanzaa hosted by the NAACP New Brunswick Area Branch.
Cost: Free
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Kwanzaa at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
December 21 at 9 AM
Bring the whole family to the Kwanzaa Festival, which includes dance classes, storytelling, face painting, a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony, live performances, and traditional foods. Then, pick up some gifts at the Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace open at noon.
Cost: Free
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Fire and Ice Chanukah in Morristown
December 26 at
Come light up the night with this festive event featuring a giant ice menorah, stilt walker, magician, doughnuts, hot drinks, gelt, prizes, music, and more.
Cost: Free
Pioneer Park at HQ Plaza, Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
24th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
December 27 at 5 PM
Bring the whole family to celebrate family, community, and culture. There will be African storytelling, a traditional candle ceremony, spoken word, dance, and delicious cultural food.
Cost: Free
Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Hanukkah Hoopla
December 29 at 3 PM
Bring your menorah for community lighting and enjoy dancing, latkes, gelt, crafts, and dreidel play.
Cost: $5 per family
Hanover Township Community Center, 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981
Car Menorah Parade and Light Up The Night Celebration
December 29 at 4 PM
This festive parade will be led by a car-top Menorah and giant Dreidel with a police escort through the streets of Cherry Hill. There will also be a menorah music truck, classic and antique cars, and first responder vehicles. The parade route finishes at the Barclay Center, with glow fun, a giant Dreidel truck, a fire juggler, latkes, donuts, and gelt for all ages.
Cost: Free
1925 Kresson Road to the Barclay Center, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
First Night Morris County 2025
December 31 at 4:30 PM
All of Morristown becomes a stage at this long-running event, the biggest First Night celebration in the state. Over 70 performances are at 20 different venues throughout town, and it all kicks off at 4:00 PM on New Year’s Eve with complimentary parking and free shuttles. There will be a flurry of performances until midnight, including two fireworks shows. And don’t miss the midnight countdown.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Downtown Morristown
NYE 2025 Party
December 31 at 8:30 PM
Get your dancing shoes on, and be ready to party with music, belly dancers, and a festive atmosphere. And don’t worry about your kiddos and littles—this party has a special space for them, complete with kids’ meals, music, games, party favors, and more.
Cost: $200 for couples, $120 for singles, $65 for kids under 12
99 Clarksville Rd West Windsor, Princeton, NJ 08540
First Night Ocean City
December 31 at 4 PM
This New Year’s Eve celebration is packed—they have 30 different activities happening at various venues from 4 PM to just before midnight. Check out the ventriloquist show, or swing by the skate park for a skate party, see amazing magicians, sing along to dueling pianos, and then stop by the high school for Brainwash Game Shows. Check out the full schedule here. And make sure to hang around for the fireworks show at midnight to welcome the new year.
Cost: $20 for an all-inclusive button (good for all events).
Venues all around Ocean City, NJ
New Year’s Eve Bash and Giant Blueberry Drop
December 31 at 11 AM
Wrap up 2024 in a festive environment, complete with live music and fireworks, and welcome in 2025 with a midnight countdown and a blueberry drop in front of Town Hall at the Blueberry Capitol of the World.
Cost: Free
100 Central Ave., Hammonton, NJ 08037
Noon Year’s Eve Kids Countdown
December 31 at 11:30 AM
If you want a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the new year early, why not check out Renault Winery’s Noon Year’s Eve? Lace up your skates to glide around the rink, cozy up in an igloo. The kids will receive Martinelli’s sparkling cider, can take tractor wagon rides, and can countdown on the big screen at noon. Make sure you hang by one of the firepits after (reservations suggested).
Cost: Prices vary per event
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
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