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). 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 6-January 11
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 8-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.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Winterfest By the Sea
November 15 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, 500 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
November 15-December 31, 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 (tickets go on sale after October 31), $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
Begins in November
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 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, tours of the Physick Estate, Tree Lighting on November 22, 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 30
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 21-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 21-January 3
Experience the dazzling light 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 – December, 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 Light Show on the Lake
November 27-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
Model Train Show
November 28-30, December 6-7, and 13-14
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
Collingswood Holiday and Menorah Lighting Events
November 28-December 26
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.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
November 28-December 24, 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
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
November 29 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 28-December 21, 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 21-December 28
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 28
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 29-30
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 29-December 20, 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
2025 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
November 14-January 4, 2026
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, character meet-and-greets, and an illuminated playground.
Cost: $17 per person ages 3 and up Monday-Thursday and $20 per person ages 3 and up Friday-Sunday
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
November 30, December 7, and 21
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
December Winter Festivals in NJ
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
Starting December 5, Friday through Sunday
Dubbed the North Pole of NJ, this is one of the Christmas villages in NJ that 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—take a ride on the carousel, ice skate, play games, visit the sweet shop, cozy up to 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
2025 Weihnachtsmärkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey
December 5-7
Who says you need to fly to Germany to experience an authentic Weihnachtsmärkt? The Sussex County Fairgrounds is home to the largest annual Christmas market in the state, as well as 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.
Cost: $7 and up
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
9th Annual Winterfest Market
December 6
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 7.
Cost: Free
Haddon Square, 51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp., NJ 08108
2025 Tree Lighting & Winter Festival
December 6 at 12 PM
Enjoy the holiday season with this fun and 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
Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
Second weekend in December
The tree lighting and a visit from St. Nick are scheduled for dusk, but arrive earlier to explore the holiday market. There will be free hot chocolate, prepackaged cookies, and ornaments for the kids.
Cost: Free
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
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.
Cost: $10 and up
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
December 6-7
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. 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
Ocean Grove Victorian House Tour
December 6
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 6
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 a tree lighting ceremony. The parade will begin at 6:00 PM and includes a visit from Santa.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westwood
Winter Wonderland in Toms River
December 6 at 11 AM
The courtyard at Town Hall in Downtown Toms River will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village, where vendors will sell a variety of great holiday gifts. There will also be kids’ activities, a s’mores station, food trucks, and holiday music.
Cost: Free
33 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753
Somerville Holiday Jubilee
December 5 at 5 PM
Somerville’s annual holiday tree lighting event kicks off the holiday season with entertainment, in-store events at participating businesses, caroling trolley rides, and a visit from the big guy in red. Also on hand will be the Sharpe Family Singers, known for their appearances on Broadway and America’s Got Talent.
170 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Jefferson Winter Stroll
December 6-7
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 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 6-7
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
Warren Township Holiday Festival
December 6
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 13 at 11 AM
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. Don’t forget to take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cost: Free
Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
An ’80s Christmas
December 13 at 7 PM
This Christmas parade features floats, vehicles, and fire trucks all lit up for the Christmas season. The theme for the parade this year is “An 80s Christmas,” complete with neon nights and holiday lights.
Cost: Free
Downtown Hammonton, N. Liberty and Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Atlantic City Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 6-7
Holiday shopping, food and libations, handcrafted and vintage goods, and more. The holiday bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmärkte” in Germany. Throughout the two event days, there will be non-stop live music, an indoor Biergarten, arts and crafts activities for children and adults, photo opportunities 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
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 13-14, 20-21
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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