It’s beginning to look a lot like—yup, you guessed it—we’re gearing up for a bunch of winter festivals to get you in the holiday spirit right now. And with kickoff 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). Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes at The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm in Manalapan, 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: NJ Mom taken at The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm)

(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! 
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

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

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. 
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514

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. He’ll be strolling around while you check out unique gifts. 
Ocean City Civic Center, 804 E. Sixth Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226

Christmas Fantasy with Lights
November 14-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 and will be thrilled to ride the attractions (all open at night) during this magical time.
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

Festival of Trees
November 18-January 10
There’s nothing better than grabbing the family and heading to this annual event where there will be beautifully decorated holiday trees and mantels throughout the museum galleries that create a magical experience. Make sure to grab a ballot to vote on your favorites. 
Morven Museum, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

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

Holiday in the Park
November 21-January 3, select nights
Step into Six Flags’ beloved Holiday in the Park, reimagined as a collection of living holiday storybooks. Discover fully immersive, themed lands layered with elaborate décor, nightly tree‑lighting spectaculars, and live entertainment throughout the park. 
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson Township, NJ 08527

Old Fashioned Christmas
November 21-January 1
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, Physick Estate tours, Tree Lighting on November 21, and 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 21-December 29
Start your engine and explore 32 acres of holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. Warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, spend time with animals in the Winter Lights Petting Zoo, enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market, take pictures with Santa, and listen to Santa’s Singing Reindeer. 
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

Light Show on the Lake
Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays in November and December
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

Christmas Light Show & Village 
November – December, dates and times vary (check ticket schedule for full details)
Drive through a beautiful exhibit twinkling with over two million dazzling lights—your littles will be amazed by the sparkle and shine on this mile-long course. Afterward, head to the village to spot Santa, go ice skating, enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores, and play lots of festive games.
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822

Holiday Light Show on the Lake
November 26-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 darkens, an orchestrated light show dances across the water to Christmas music. You can see the show 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 27-28
Kick off the holiday season in Avalon with a whole weekend of activities. On Friday, enjoy 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: FREE
Avalon, NJ 08202

Festival of Trees
Weekends starting November 27 – December 20
Head to this festive event where you will find beautifully decorated Christmas trees decorated throughout the historic museum grounds. Stroll among the trees created by local community members, businesses, and organizations, and enjoy the charming setting of the historic mill.
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

Winter Village
November 27-29, December 5-6
It’s an outdoor holiday market with over 45 unique craft artisans ready to help you wrap up your seasonal shopping. After visiting the German-style holiday market, step back into the Victorian era in Downtown Clinton with Dickens Days. Be sure to check out the Festival of Trees and Santa visits, too. 
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

Model Train Show  
November 27-29, December 5-6, and 12-13
Got kids who love trains? Steam and diesel trains will run 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

Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
Begins after Thanksgiving
Spend the season celebrating, starting with a Holiday Tree Lighting, a Holiday Parade, and the Community Menorah Lighting. Make sure to get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) and watch live performances, listen to live music, and stroll along the sidewalk to admire the festive lights with holographic glasses (available at participating retailers). 
Cost: FREE
Collingswood, NJ 08108

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, where you can shop, celebrate, and enjoy holiday decor and entertainment. The event will also feature 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

Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights 
Opens November 27, 2026
Drive through a dairy farm transformed into a Christmas Wonderland, featuring huge light displays, a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and dazzling displays. The event also includes an indoor walk-through with a life-size interactive snow globe, a narrated nativity, a singing Christmas Tree, games, and photo ops with Santa.  After the fun, warm up by one of the fire pits. 
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
November 28 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

Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Opens November 29, 2026
Explore the farm and see all the holiday lights with your favorite barnyard friends. This is one of those holiday light shows in NJ you won’t want to miss.
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton, NJ 07005

Dickens Festival in Smithville
November 28-29
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.
Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205

Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
November 28-December 23, select dates
If the weather outside looks frightful, you can still shop at this indoor market featuring a curated collection of 75 local handmade artists & makers coming together for the holidays.
Cost: FREE
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
November 29, December 13 and 20
Enjoy a warm, toasty holiday market season in good ol’ Asbury Park, with locally curated vendors, plus pizza and festive drinks.
Cost: FREE
Porta, 911 Kinsley Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

December Winter Festivals in NJ

The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
November and December
Dubbed the North Pole of NJ, this Christmas village feels like a holiday movie come to life. Kids will love visiting Santa’s workshop, where they can make reindeer food with elves, write wish lists, and meet with the big guy in red. Afterward, there’s plenty to do to get into the spirit—ride the carousel, ice skate, play games, visit the sweet shop, cozy up by the fire pit, and shop for gifts in the vendor village. All proceeds benefit GeorgesHouse.org, a non-profit committed to providing toys and transitional housing for children and families in need. 
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

2026 Weihnachtsmärkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey
December 4-6
Who says you need to fly to Germany to experience an authentic Weihnachtsmärkt? The Sussex County Fairgrounds is home to the state’s largest annual Christmas market and the only German Christmas Market in the US. The market features a Biergarten, a food market, folk dancers, and live music. Your little ones will enjoy a special visit from St. Nicholas and Mrs. Claus. 100% of all proceeds are donated to local Sussex County charities.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822

Holiday on Haddon
December 4 at 7 PM
Ready for holiday fun? Enjoy a parade of lights, followed by the tree-lighting ceremony and photos with Santa. Stay for refreshments after you snap your picture with the Big Guy.
Cost: FREE
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108 

Somerville Holiday Jubilee
December 4 at 5 PM
Somerville’s annual holiday tree lighting kicks off the season with entertainment, in-store events at participating businesses, caroling trolley rides, and a visit from the Big Guy in red.
170 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876

2026 Tree Lighting & Winter Festival
December 5 at 12 PM
Enjoy the holiday season at this fun, festive event, featuring skating, horse-and-carriage rides, a petting zoo, delicious food, live entertainment, and the tree-lighting ceremony.
Cost: FREE
691 Water Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823

Ocean Grove Victorian House Tour
December 5
Enjoy this self-guided tour for a unique peek into private homes, charming inns, community spaces, and even a tent residence. This is such a fun event for the whole family to enjoy.
39 Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756

Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 5
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration. The celebration features a parade, live music, and a tree- and menorah-lighting ceremony. The parade will begin at 6:00 PM and includes a visit from Santa.
Cost: FREE
Downtown Westwood

Sea of Lights Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular
Select dates in December
Where else can you see an actual diving Santa Claus but at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach? The Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular also features treats, crafts, photo opportunities with Santa, games, and entertainment.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 5-6
Find something for everyone on your list at Cape May’s Annual Crafts at Christmas Show, where makers and artists display handmade, original work. Browse the aisles of the legendary Convention Hall for unique maker goods, including jewelry, soaps, candles, and artwork. 
Cost: FREE
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204

Jefferson Winter Stroll
December 5-6
Bring your coats and bundle up for a stroll through this small town with Hallmark Channel vibes. Use your passport to travel through Camp Jefferson to see Santa in person, walk down Candy Cane Lane, shop, bite into marshmallows, enjoy hot cocoa, stop by the food trucks, and more.
Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849

45th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market
December 5-6
Bring the whole family to shop, snack on festive treats, buy holiday gifts, cut down your own tree, and enjoy hot apple cider. 
Various locations townwide, parking available at 407 Hope-Great Meadows Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825

Atlantic City Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 5-6
This festive event offers something for everyone, including a Holiday Craft Market, live holiday entertainment, and a gingerbread contest. Catch Santa at the free selfie station. 
Cost: FREE
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 5-6 and 12-13 at 11 AM
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

Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market 
December 12 at 11 AM
This winter festival in NJ features vendors, fire pits, and an ice sculpture artist. There will also be live entertainment and shopping. Don’t forget to take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 
Cost: FREE
Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

A Red, White & Blue Christmas
December 12 at 7 PM
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks all lit up for the Christmas season. This year’s parade theme is “A Red, White & Blue Christmas,” complete with patriotic and holiday lights.
Cost: FREE
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

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