We’re in peak winter, but the good news is there are a bunch of festivals this month to enjoy with the fam. Bring the little ones and take in the joy of railroads and trains at the 66th Annual Model Railroad Show in North Haledon, bundle up for s’mores by the fire, skating, and live entertainment at Vinter Wonderland at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City, or admire ice carving and taste chili at the Fire & Ice Festival in Mount Holly. 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)
Vinter Wonderland
Now-January 20
Celebrate a successful harvest at Renault Winery with a charming and seasonal experience for all ages. Get cozy by the firepit to roast s’mores and indulge in fun activities like ice skating, tractor rides, and live entertainment throughout the season.
Cost: Prices vary
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
WinterFest Ice Skating and Festival
Weekends in January
Is there anything better than lacing up some skates and hitting the ice with the family? Bundle up for the cold winter weather and spend the day enjoying gliding across the ice.
Cost: Skate rentals and rink admission prices vary
Copper River Park, Cuthbert Boulevard and Park Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Morven Museum & Garden Festival of Trees
January 1-5
This annual event is a great way to hold onto that festive feeling just a little bit longer. Check out the beautifully decorated trees that are on display in this year’s theme, Traditions & Celebrations.
Cost: $12 per adult, $10 for seniors and kids aged 7-18, and free for children under 6
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Newark Winter Village
January 1-5
Step into an open-air festival that showcases the beauty of the winter with ice skating, go-karts, and a private igloo to rent with your family and friends. While you are there, enjoy food and hot beverages from local businesses.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
162 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Luminocity Holiday Lights Festival
January 1-5
Head to this festive light show, where you will find 50+ stunning attractions that will light up the night inspired by Alice In Wonderland. From the Chesire Cat and Queen of Hearts Tower to a beautiful unicorn, there is so much to see. There are also food and drinks, a gift shop, and Lumi’s Utopia.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Festival of Trees
January 1-7
The 36th annual Festival of Trees is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy together. Walk around to enjoy the festively decorated trees. Make sure you check out the newly renovated museum space in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Foundation before you go home.
Cost: Free
American Hungarian Foundation, 300 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
66th Annual Model Railroad Show
January 4-5
Bring the little ones and take in the joy of railroads and trains. This year, Thomas the Tank Engine will be on the track. There will also be refreshments and a layout perfect for the kids.
Cost: $10 per adult; children 10 and under are free
575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
Wildwood Comic Con
January 18 at 10 AM
Kicking off Comic Con season, this event is filled with comic books, featured guests, vendors, artists, and so much more.
Cost: $10; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Stronger Together
January 20 at 12 PM
Head to the Newark Museum for a day to come together and celebrate the life, vision, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme is Stronger Together which reminds us that no matter what is happening, we are always stronger together.
Cost: Free
Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Fire & Ice Festival
January 25 at 10 AM
Bundle up and spend a cold day with the family, enjoying all things winter. There will be a chili contest, an ice carving competition, and more.
Cost: Free
1 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Lunar Fest 2025 – Year of the Snake
January 26 at 12 PM
Come celebrate the Year of the Snake on a day filled with performances, engaging children’s activities, and delicious food.
Cost: Free
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Wassailing the Apple Trees
January 26 at 1 PM
Dance and sing, plus re-enact Old English traditional rituals with the fam, including chanting and music making, toasts of hot cider, and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches. End the evening with a bonfire and live music.
Cost: Free
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
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