November can only mean one thing—we’re kicking off the festive season with a ton of festivals this month to put you in the holiday spirit (and then some). Bring the entire family and enjoy a day of vehicle races, including a tractor pull, plus vendors, live music, and food at Flemings Pumpkin Run in Egg Harbor Township, get a head start on holiday shopping and enjoy family activities at the Main Street Pops Artisan Market in Hoboken, step into a winter wonderland with bounce houses, face painting, festive activities, and a visit with the Big Guy at the Winter Village in Sea Isle City. And for fun without breaking the bank, make sure you check out our guide to free things to do this month, too. (featured photo credit: Flemings Pumpkin Run)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Day of the Dead Community Celebration
November 1 at 1 PM
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with the fam at this fun festival where kids can make crafts, decorate sugar skulls, enjoy live music, and more.
Cost: Free
Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Day of the Dead Celebration
November 1 at 10 AM
This annual celebration is a great way to get out and about with the family. A giant skeleton puppet parade will be followed by an altar set up in the gazebo honoring lost loved ones.
Cost: Free
498 Palisades Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Fintastic Pumpkin Glow
November 1
Explore the glow deep underwater for fall fun at the aquarium. At this fall festival, see a mesmerizing collection of glowing gourds in every shape, size, and species, above the surface or illuminating beneath the water among sharks, stingrays, and other aquatic life.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Let It Glow!
Beginning of November
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life vibrant lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo. There will be fire pits to warm up with and s’mores kits for a sweet treat.
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 6-December 30
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes, and take a ride on Santa’s sleigh (in 4D). Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see the big guy before you leave. Be sure to check out The Village Greene, a new area with a lighted maze, an interactive chair that tells you whether you’re naughty or nice, Christmas mini golf, animated displays, and interactive drums that bring the Christmas trees to life with lights.
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Jersey Makes Fall Arts & Crafts Fair
November 7 at 11 AM
Bundle up the kids and head to this fair for hot beverages, delicious treats, and plenty of shopping to get a head start on your list.
Cost: Free
Central Park of Morris County, 91 Central Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Flemings Pumpkin Run
November 7 at 8 AM
Bring the entire family and enjoy a day of vehicle races, including a tractor pull, plus vendors, live music, and food. The vehicles will range from antiques and classics to motorcycles and tractors.
Cost: Free
353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
Chow Down Uptown Food Truck Fest
November 7 at 4 PM
Head outside and enjoy fall fun with the fam at this annual event. Walk around and try delicious eats from as many food trucks as you can.
Cost: Free
Broadway Ave & Ballard Park, Pitman, NJ 08071
Food Trucks & Fire Pits
November 7-8
Enjoy a late-fall festival atmosphere with food trucks, live music, local vendors, vineyard wagon rides, apple and pumpkin cannons, pick-your-own pumpkins, and cozy fire pits. On Saturday, there will also be fireworks.
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
November 8 at 11 AM
Spend a Sunday browsing handmade goods, artwork, and unique gifts from local makers. There will also be live music and family-friendly activities.
770 Jackson Street Plaza at Monroe Center and Pier A Walkway, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Winter FRESH
November 8 and 22
This indoor food and farm market is perfect for shopping with all your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms
Mid- November – January
With over 30,000 light-up tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of lights throughout, you’ll be in awe of this unique light show in NJ. Unique, interactive light displays appear at every turn, plus a Santa Claus experience, food trucks, festive music, fire pits, character meet-and-greets, a petting zoo, fresh tulips to take home, and an illuminated playground.
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Vinter Wonderland
November 13-January 18
Vintner Wonderland at Renault Winery & Resort’s winter village in South Jersey is back with real ice skating beneath the lights, artisan gift shopping, Santa visits, seasonal food tastings, wine, and live entertainment. Kids will love mailing letters at the North Pole Post Office, taking a tractor ride, strolling among the festival of decorated trees, or posing in the holiday photo booth.
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 14-December 23
Have your crew climb aboard a whimsical train ride through millions of Christmas lights, then meet Santa and his elves in his workshop. Don’t miss the Holiday Movie tent, photo ops with your favorite snowman, and the Toy Market and Walkthrough Holiday Village.
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Winterfest By the Sea
November 14 at 9 AM
See Santa by the sea 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.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Civic Center, 500 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Holiday Craft & Vendor Show at Historic Allaire Village
November 14 at 9 AM
Stop by this historic village for a holiday shopping event featuring craft vendors and handmade items. Spend some time shopping, then explore the village’s historic setting for a fun way to spend the day.
Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Festival of Trees at Morven Museum & Garden
November 18-January 10
Explore a collection of creatively decorated holiday trees and mantels created by local schools, garden clubs, nonprofits, and artists. Bring the family and stroll through the historic museum galleries, admire the displays, and vote for your favorite decorations.
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
November 20-December 31, select dates
Take a walk 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
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
Begins November 20
Drive-thru America’s only construction theme 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.
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Magic of Lights New Jersey
November 20-January 3
Experience the dazzling light display entirely from the comfort of your car. Tune your radio to their light show station, then enjoy festive music as you drive through a merry arrangement of Christmas lights, trees, and decorations featuring favorite characters, holiday themes, and dinos, sure to put your whole crew in the holiday spirit.
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Winter WonderLights
November 20-January 3
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. During the ride, you’ll see trees, tunnels, a tribute to the Armed Forces, and captivating themed displays like snowflakes, candy canes, and winter wonderlands—each section designed to bring holiday cheer.
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Harvest Fest
November 21 at 9 AM
The holiday season is happening soon, but not before one last blast of all things fall. Enjoy baked goods, vendors, homemade soups, chili, and tons of fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 W. Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
November 21-December 29, select dates
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.
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Christmas Light Show & Village
November 21-December 30
Drive through a beautiful exhibit twinkling with over two million dazzling lights, and be amazed by the sparkle and shine along this mile-long course. Afterward, head to the village to spot Santa, go ice skating, sip hot cocoa, enjoy s’mores, and play lots of festive games.
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure
November 21-January 3, select dates
Celebrate the season at this reimagined holiday festival featuring immersive themed areas, twinkling lights, live entertainment, seasonal treats, and, of course, rides.
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527
Christmas At The Farm
November 23-December 17
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.
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Winter Village Sea Isle City
November 27-28
Step into a festive winter wonderland with vendor booths, food, holiday games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, and even a visit with the Big Guy himself.
Excursion Park, 2 41st Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Winter Village at the Red Mill Museum
November 27-29 at 10 AM
This holiday festival features more than 50 local craft artisans, food trucks, and a heated outdoor shopping market. You can also see the museum’s Festival of Trees and enjoy the festive atmosphere of historic downtown Clinton during Dickens Days.
Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
November 27-December 20; days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market at the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park to shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday décor 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 Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Fairy Tale Forest Winter Wonderland Walk Through
November 27-December 27
Add some sparkle and fun to your holiday season at this fun event that features fairytale cottages glistening with lights, visits with Santa and his friends, a sing along, hot cocoa, and fresh baked cookies. Stop at the gift shop for last minute shopping and stocking stuffers.
140 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438
Holiday Dickens Fest
November 28-29 at 1 PM
The spirit of Christmas will fill Smithville at this fun, festive holiday event. Enjoy 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
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets
November 28-29 at 11 AM
Head to this fun event that will feature a curated selection of local makers, artists, food, and handmade gifts. This is a great way to spend the day with the family in a festive atmosphere and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Christmas Festival at The Morristown Green
Starts November 29
This month-long family event kicks off Sunday after Thanksgiving with Santa’s rooftop arrival and welcome ceremony. Enjoy family activities and entertainment on the historic Morristown Green, plus 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 complimentary treats.
Cost: Free
The Morristown Green, 10 N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
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