It’s beginning to look a lot like—we’re getting ready for all the winter festivals in NJ guaranteed to get the whole family into the holiday spirit. And with a bunch starting as early as November 1, you’ll be able to check out a different one every weekend through New Year’s Day (and then some). Take a tractor ride and skate at Vinter Wonderland at Renault in Egg Harbor City, kick off the holiday season with family fun and Santa at Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday in Avalon, or go back to 19th-century merry England at the Dickens Festival in Smithville. And keep an eye on upcoming holiday light shows this season. (featured photo credit: The Renault Winery)
(Note: It’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Winter Festivals in NJ: Get Into The Holiday Spirit All Season Long
November Winter Festivals in NJ
Let It Glow
November 7-January 12
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life 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.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
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. Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa before you leave.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Winter FRESH
November 10, 24 and December 22
This indoor food and farm market is the perfect way to enjoy shopping with your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Winterfest By the Sea
November 16 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.
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
The magic of Christmas has taken over Storybook Land for one of the most unforgettable light shows in NJ. 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 17-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
Christmas Light Show & Village
November 22-December 30, dates and times vary (check ticket schedule for full details)
Drive through a beautiful exhibit that twinkles with over two million dazzling lights—your littles will be amazed by all the sparkle and shine on this mile-long course. Afterward, head to the village to spot Santa, go ice skating, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and play lots of festive-filled games.
Cost: $29 standard admission or $79 VIP admission
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 383-7644
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: more information to come
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
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, December 3-4, 10-11, and January 7-8
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
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-December 22, days may vary per location; check ahead
Step into a traditional Christmas market where you can 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
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
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
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
2024 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
November 30-December 22
This new experience at Holland Ridge Farms is a unique way to pick-your-own winter tulips and plant bulbs for their spring festival. There will also be 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
December Winter Festivals in NJ
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
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
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
Bring 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
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
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 also includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, and entertainment.
Cost: $10 and up
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
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
Ocean Grove Victorian House Tour
December 7
Spend the day with this self-guided tour, where you will get a unique peek into private homes, charming inns, community spaces, and even a tent. This is such a fun event for the whole family to enjoy.
Cost: $35 per ticket presale and $40 the day of the event
39 Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
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 that features all the lights you want to see followed by an appearance by Santa himself.
Cost: Free
170 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
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
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. The theme for the parade this year is “A Storybook Christmas.” The rain date is December 15.
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Atlantic City Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 14-15
Holiday shopping, food and libations, handcrafted and vintage goods, and more. 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 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
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