Best Things to Do in New Jersey This Weekend (December 12-14, 2025)

This weekend is all about the holidays, from pop-up markets and Christmas Con to trolley tours and concerts. Hanukkah begins next week, and there are many menorah lightings and celebrations happening all across the state.

WEEKEND

Festival of Trees
Senior Resource Center, Chester
Wednesday to Saturday
A winter wonderland is set up with decorated trees that you can buy at the end of the week, or they will be donated to senior housing, transitional housing, nursing homes and homeless shelters in the area. During your visit, vote on your favorite, see Santa, and watch the entertainment.

A Maker’s Circle Holiday Pop-Up Shop
A Maker’s Circle, Pottersville
Wednesday to Sunday
Local vendors will sell handmade items like pottery, artwork, ornaments, knitwear, toys, children’s clothes, leather goods and more.

St. Hubert’s Tree of Love
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Madison
Thursday
Hang a personalized ornament on the tree in honor of your beloved pets, browse a winter market filled with animal-themed gifts, and enjoy some festive treats. There will be a special storytime for kids with small animals, a tree lighting, a performance by MPAC Performing Arts Company, and visits with Santa.

Rock This Town Orchestra Christmas Spectacular
The Levoy Theatre, Millville
Thursday
This Brian Setzer Orchestra Tribute Band will perform classic ’50s rock & roll and big band swing music combined with holiday hits.

Tice’s Corner Winter Festival
Tice’s Corner Marketplace, Woodcliff Lake
Come for an evening of holiday shopping, hot cocoa, caroling and a meet-and-greet with Santa.

Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour 2025
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Thursday
The famous saxophone player will bring a Christmas show to New Jersey.

Winnie the Pooh: The Musical
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts, Burlington
Thursday to Sunday
Your favorite characters like Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore are in the Hundred Acre Wood for a birthday party for Owl.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Friday – Saturday
This modern-day circus with a holiday twist features aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, eye-popping acrobats, singers, dancers, toy soldiers, and reindeer who play off of a child’s imagination as they lie asleep on Christmas.

Hope For the Holidays Christmas Experience & Show
Life Christian Church, West Orange
Friday – Sunday
The variety show features local talent and Broadway’s Adam Monley. The walk-through Christmas lights area is free, in addition to the indoor Winter Wonderland, with a scavenger hunt and Christmas crafts. Food trucks will be on site.

Christmas Con
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Friday – Sunday
Take a selfie with your favorite Christmas movie star. Shop in the vendor area, listen to actors chat during panel discussions, and try your hand at festive arts and crafts.

Holiday Trolley Tour of Princeton
Trolley departs from 29 Hulfish St., Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
You’ll be chauffeured through decked-out neighborhoods on a warm trolley while an expert guide from the Princeton Tour Company shares holiday tales.

Owl Markets (Highland Park’s Artisan and Crafter Holiday Markets)
Highland Park
Saturday – Sunday
The outdoor holiday markets feature local artists, artisans, crafters and food vendors. Aside from shopping for handmade goods, there will be live music, free arts and crafts, visits by Santa, a festive photo booth, ornament making and dreidel decorating on the public market square by the Welkovits Pavilion. December 14 will be the menorah lighting.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The Barn Theatre, Montville
Saturday – Sunday
Take off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who visit the North Pole to save Christmas. After the show, Santa will greet children in the lobby with a special Christmas treat.

LBIF Holiday Market
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, Loveladies
Saturday – Sunday
Artists, makers and small businesses from across LBI will be selling fine art, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and handcrafted gifts. Many pieces come from LBIF’s ceramics residents and the Plein Air Plus exhibition. On Small Business Saturday (November 29) there will be special local vendors exclusive to this day only, making it an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts. There will be live music, food trucks, festive drinks, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Fall Planetarium Shows
Longo Planetarium, County College of Morris, Randolph
Saturday – Sunday
There are three shows to choose from: Cosmic Colors takes you on a journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum; in Messengers of Time and Space, you can get an in-depth look at how large telescopes are mapping the universe and patrolling the sky for supernovas; or take a live tour of the night sky in Starlit Nights. All shows include a tour of the night sky and planets.

Holiday Model Train Show
Garden State Model Railway Club, N. Haledon
Saturday – Sunday
The open house and model railroad shows feature two operating layouts, Thomas the Tank Engine, a special kids layout, and a play area.

Lambertville House Holiday Market
Lambertville House, Lambertville
Saturday – Sunday
There will be food, crafts, gifts and live music.

Countdown to Christmas: A Shopping Extravaganza
St. Jude Parish Center, Hopatcong
Saturday – Sunday
There will be more than 40 vendors on site each day, plus food vendors and a 50/50 raffle.

New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market: Wreck the Walls
The Dome at Adventure Crossing, Jackson Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
The ultimate underground shopping experience and arts festival includes DIY artists and sellers, food trucks, celebrity guests, on-site tattooing, pop-up arcades, pop-up art galleries, and live music.

Model Railroad Club Holiday Train Show
The Model Railroad Club, Union
Saturday – Sunday
Every hour, a 15-minute performance runs the trains to a professionally narrated script. See how the track is hand-laid, how mountains and scenery are created, and ask about the engineering that goes into the club’s bi-level corkscrew loop.

Train and Winter Show 2025
NY Society of Model Engineers, Carlstadt
Saturday – Sunday
The New York Society of Model Engineers opens its doors to show off O-scale and HO layouts, with steam and diesel engines, Thomas and friends, freight and passenger trains, and working trolleys.

FRIDAY

Trisha Yearwood
NJPAC, Newark
The award-winning country singer will bring her powerhouse voice, where she’ll sing holiday favorites alongside a symphony.

Swimming with Santa
Holly City Family Center, Millville
Bring a bathing suit and a towel for some fun in the pool with Santa.

Princeton Symphonic Brass Classics and Carols Concerts
Community Middle School, Plainsboro
The concert will feature carols, Christmas classics, Hanukkah music; plus the Holiday Sing-Along, with pieces written for the group.

Holiday Candlelight Tour
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Holiday drinks will be served in the historic hearth kitchen, followed by a special candlelight tour of the museum house. See the rooms decorated by members of the Garden Club of Montclair, and guides will share how holiday traditions evolved from the 1700s through the 20th century.

Teen Night
JDK Social Station, Secaucus
This drop-off pizza and game night is for kids ages 10 to 16. They’ll play card and board games, video games, and do puzzles.

Drum Point Road Elementary’s Winter Craft Fair
Lake Riviera Middle School, Brick
There will be a treasure trove of handmade crafts and treats.

SATURDAY

Hammonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton
After the holiday characters pass by along Bellevue Avenue, visit the charming shops in the downtown district. This year will have an ’80s theme.

Christmas Village
Duffield’s, Sewell
There will be a la carte activities including gingerbread decorating, a hot chocolate bar, a meet-and-greet with Santa, horse and carriage rides, food trucks, and craft vendors.

Kwanzaa Tales
Burlington County Library, Westampton
Tahira, a storyteller, musician, vocalist and songwriter, will combine storytelling with music to explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Soldiers Christmas
Fort Mott State Park, Pennsville
Uniformed military re-enactors will depict the holiday season for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be served at Post Headquarters, and the museum will include a special holiday display.

Pinch the GrYnch Boardwalk Run
Wildwoods Convention Center
This holiday boardwalk run and mile walk is for all ages, and everyone is encouraged to dress in festive holiday outfits.

Holiday Homes & Historic Sites Tour
Mount Holly
The tour will showcase 12 private homes and 11 historical sites throughout the town, each decorated for the season and rich with American history.

Holiday POPS!
Richardson Auditorium, Princeton
Vocalists John Brancy and Kara Dugan join the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and the Princeton High School Choir to sing melodies of the season.

Ornament Making
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
As part of the Holiday Children’s Workshop series, kids will listen to a festive story, make an ornament, and have a cup of hot chocolate inside the farm’s heated barn. Families are invited to stay after and take photos on Santa’s sleigh.

Kwanzaa Festival
Edison Job Corps Athletic Center, Edison
The NAACP Metuchen Edison Piscataway Branch presents an indoor marketplace focusing on culture and community.

Holiday Made in Monmouth
Collins Arena, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
All of the items showcased for sale are made by artists who either live or work in Monmouth County, giving a personal NJ touch to your holiday gifts.

The Santa Train
Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Wayne
This hour-long round-trip experience includes carols, costumed characters and a chance to meet Santa.

Sundaes With Santa and Friends
Brigantine Community Presbyterian Church, Brigantine
Meet Santa, make your own ice cream sundaes, and spend time with the Absecon Veterinary Hospital Animal Therapy Team. Proceeds benefit lifesaving treatment costs for animals through Laddie’s Legacy.

Jersey Jubilation Handbell Choir Concert
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Fourteen handbell musicians will ring on 5 octaves of Whitechapel handbells on almost 6 octaves of chimes as they play holiday music arrangements.

Top of The World – A Carpenter’s Christmas Show
The Levoy Theatre, Millville
This Carpenters Tribute Band will sing the band’s hits, plus holiday faves.

The Muppet Christmas Carol
Clemans Theater for the Arts, Cape May
East Lynne Theater Co. is holding a movie day, with three showings of the classic Muppets take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Winterfest
Historic Smithville Park, Eastampton
You will find wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire, music by the Pine Barons Chorus and Jersey Sound Chorus, songs by the Cinnaminson Middle School Choir and School of Rock students, a wine and mulled cider tent, a holiday marketplace, an elf hunt through the Mansion Maze, tours of the mansion, bubble magic with Meadow Perry, ice skating on a synthetic rink, ice carving, a bonfire with s’mores, a tree lighting, a holiday surprise from the Pirates of Fortune’s Folly, winter crafts for kids, food trucks, and, of course, Victorian Santa.

Immersive Nutcracker Party
The Peacock Inn, Princeton
Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum, and their children Clara and Fritz, invite you to their “home,” where you’ll get jolly holiday hors d’oeuvres and treats. There will be live music, photos with themed characters, a party scene dance lesson, children’s storytime, and photo ops with the dancers.

An Olde English Christmas
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, Carteret
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will play Christmas tunes and the band’s classic hits.

Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month. This will be a special Christmas market.

Breakfast with Santa
Battleship NJ, Camden
Come aboard the decommissioned ship for a hot breakfast served from the Chow Line in the Mess Hall of the ship. You can take a self-guided tour of the boat, plus get your picture taken with Santa. There will be holiday trees displayed throughout the historic spaces.

Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony 
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
There will be holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, a children’s craft making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, and then at 4 pm a tree lighting ceremony.

Rutgers Big Chill 5K
College Avenue Campus Gym, New Brunswick (virtual, too)
The Rutgers University-based race also provides gifts to local children in need.

Atlantic City Holiday Parade & Village
Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City
The avenue will be lit up with music, magic and holiday tree as the parade marches by. After, head to the market for some holiday shopping.

Bridgeton’s Annual Holiday Parade
Bridgeton
One of the area’s ongoing traditions is the holiday parade, which makes it way through the heart of the city.

Holiday Night Out
Washington Street, Hoboken
The evening will feature shopping specials, dining deals, live musical performances and winter craft workshops at various times and locations. Special events include cookie decorating, Santa hat making, candlelight yoga and a salsa class.

Hungarian Christmas Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
The Hungarian Scouts of New Brunswick will present Hungarian foods and artisan products.

Holiday Wonderland & Christmas Market
Heritage Park, Manahawkin
Makers, bakers, food vendors, Santa and Mrs. Claus, fire pits, a hot cocoa bar, a beer truck benefitting the Stafford Twp. PBA, and live entertainment are all part of the holiday action.

Shadows of the 60s: A Holiday Tribute to Motown
Bell Works, Holmdel
Listen to the music of The Supremes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations as the cover group sings Christmas favorites.

Operation Slumber: Overnights at the Intrepid
Intrepid Museum, New York City
Pack a sleeping bag and some snacks because you’ll be spending the night on board the historic aircraft carrier docked in the Hudson River. You’ll take a flashlight tour of the flight deck, go on a simulator ride, build your own boat for the rain gutter regatta, make slime, play with robots, and get a cool patch to take home.

Christmas Cookie Walk
Grace United Methodist Church, Wyckoff
Select your favorites from a huge assortment of homemade cookies and customize your box.

SUNDAY

Randolph Chanukah Menorah Parade
CCFJL, Randolph
Spread the light during the parade, led by the Randolph Fire Department. You can join the parade or watch as it passes by.

Flounder’s Kringle Market
Carriage Farm, Hillsborough
There will be food trucks, craft beer, mulled wine, a brass band performance, dance demos, holiday shopping from 45+ vendors, Christmas tree and wreath sales, live caroling, a Kid’s Craft Zone, a visit by Buddy the Elf, and free photos with Santa. The event is pet-friendly.

Meet the Reptiles
Schermann Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Check out NJ Audubon’s new Discovery Room, and take a close look at the center’s animal ambassadors. You’ll see snakes and turtles named Maddie, Corny, Captain Jack, Spotty, and Tortuga. You can help name the new corn snake.

Kwanzaa
Montclair Public Library, Montclair
Free family-friendly festivities include the traditional pouring of libations and a discussion of the seven principles with Sister Kellia Sweatt; a Kwanzaa-inspired fashion show by the students of Payne Tech High School Fashion Club; a dance and drum performance by Umoja Dance Company, a traditional African Market, and face painting.

Holiday Flea & Gift Fair
New Milford High School, New Milford
There will be roughly 75 vendors set up indoors and possibly outdoors so you can start your holiday shopping.

Atlantic City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Caesar’s Atlantic City, Atlantic City
This is the AC Ballet’s version of the Christmas classic.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Performances of world-class circus artistry are set to holiday music.

Luminare Christmas
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, Carteret
This holiday rock experience blends visuals with Christmas classics and original music.

Kwanzaa Storytime
Fire Me Up! Studio, Cranford
The group will read Lil’ Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington, and then create a kinara-themed pottery piece to honor the traditions of family. Open to kids age 2 and up.

Chanukah Celebration
State Park, Monroe Twp.
The grand menorah lighting will include live music, a gelt drop, donuts, hot cocoa and entertainment.

Hot Cocoa with Santa & Stitch
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
Santa and Holiday Stitch are stopping by Casino Pier for photos, hot cocoa and face painting. Kids can wear their favorite PJs.

Tenafly Holiday Fair
Downtown Tenafly, Tenafly
There will be a holiday fair, a food festival, s’mores cafe, coffee trailer, Hive & Honey Mobile Bar, Mel’s Butcher Box Holiday Wonderland, a creative holiday hub, and performances on the community stage. The Holiday After Party at Spring House will include a cozy, candlelit setting with festive cocktails, light bites, and holiday tunes.

Remember Me: National Children’s Memorial Day Candle Lighting
City Hall, Millville
This service of comfort and remembrance will be for all children who have passed away.

Highlights Tour
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Student educators will take you on a free guided tour of the galleries, highlighting key artworks in the Zimmerli’s collection.

The Polar Express Movie
The Levoy Theatre, Millville
Watch a screening of the movie, then meet Santa, and have cookies and hot chocolate.

Holiday Market
770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken
Main Street Pops will hold a pre-holiday shopping event with 70+ vendors, an inflatables village, roving holiday entertainers, Singing Mrs. Claus and a bouncy castle.

ONGOING

Friday Night Lights
American Dream, East Rutherford
December 12 and 19
Various American Dream brands will take to the Dream Stage with interactive experiences, entertainment, and exclusive product sampling.

Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland 
Holly Beach Park, Wildwood
December 12-13, 19-20
The light show will run every half hour from 5-9 pm. There is free hot chocolate, popcorn, letters to Santa station, and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Light show and decorations will be on display nightly from 6:30–7 pm through mid-January.

New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Select dates, December 12-27
Ballerinas glide across the stage as Tchaikovsky’s iconic score is performed live by New Jersey Symphony.

Dickens Village
Ricalton Square, Maplewood
December 13, 20
The downtown turns into the cutest representation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” complete with mini houses adorned with fireplaces, stockings and antique toys. Santa arrives at 1 pm on December 6 with the help of the Maplewood Fire Department, and stays for visits during the three weekends. There will be a tree lighting at 4 pm. Then, on each day, check out all decorated houses, make a resy for Breakfast with Santa, take a horse and wagon ride, visit the petting farm, listen to the Swing Town’s holiday concert and holiday readings.

Santa Brunch
Carpaccio, American Dream, East Rutherford
December 13-14, 20-21
Enjoy a magical morning with Santa during brunch, and stay for some festive activities.

Happy Holiday Market
Grove Street Path Plaza, Jersey City
The Ashford, Jersey City
December 13-14, 20-21
Jersey City’s Historic Downtown Special Improvement District will host two holiday markets over two weekends in December. There will be an indoor holiday market on the rooftop at The Ashford and an outdoor market at the Grove Street Path Plaza. Both markets will have handmade gifts and fine art, while the rooftop market at The Ashford will also host a brunch.

Holiday Spectacular Christmas & Train Display
InfoAge Science and History Museums, Wall Twp.
December 13-14, 20-21
Admission to the Garden State Central Model Railroad Club’s train show includes access to all of the museums on site.

Twinkles Holiday Story Time
The Village Shoppes, Williamstown
Select dates, December 13 – December 24
Families step into a Story Time Room where for 30 minutes, each kid becomes an official Sparkle Star Hero, and use props, shout clues, and help Twinkle the Tiny Reindeer solve puzzles in order to light the Christmas tree. Parents act as Sr. Elves who help their child. After the story, each child gets a Magic Password Card that sends them on a mini-quest through the Village Shoppes businesses for small gifts and treats.

Seas & Greetings
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
December 13, 20, 27-28
Holiday activities get a Jersey Shore twist, including appearances by Diving Santa, pictures with holiday princesses, the Bubble Snow Show, a holiday magic show, Fishmas Tales and ice skating.

Main Street Pops Artisan Market Holiday Market
Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
December 14, 21
More than 70 local artisans will be at each market, so you can find one-of-a-kind treasures, from handcrafted jewelry and home decor to artisanal foods and sweet treats. There will also be holiday music, a Jingle Jam Community Concert, the Sleigh Bell Lounge, a holiday inflatables village, a bouncy house, singing Mrs. Claus, and selfies with roving holiday characters.

Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village
MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood
Sundays, December 14, 21
Browse vendors in the parking lot while enjoying hot cocoa, s’mores stations, caricatures, face painting, and live music in the Biergarten. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site for photos during the December events.

World’s Largest Menorahs
Grand Army Plaza, New York, NY
Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
Select dates, Dec. 14-22
The 32-foot-high menorah in Manhattan shares the title of “world’s largest” with another menorah in Brooklyn. Stop by either one at sundown during Hanukkah to watch the menorah lighting.

Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets
Bell Works, Holmdel
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, through December 20
There will be a curated collection of 75 handmade artists and makers at this indoor holiday celebration.

Ocean’s Holiday Village
The Shops at The Row, Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Every Saturday and select Sundays, through December 20
The holiday market will offer gifts and sweet treats from a selection of local businesses.

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
Morristown Green, Morristown
Fridays – Sundays, through December 21
The event kicks off with the arrival of Santa and the 100+-year traditional Lighting of the Green. There will also be live entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies, ice sculpture demos, miniature train rides and various holiday-themed activities.

Artist Winter Village
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday, through December 21
Four chalets are set up as festive pop-up shops, run by regional artists who made their own textiles, jewelry, candles, children’s wear, pottery, wood, and more.

Christkindlmarkt
PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA
Select dates, through December 21
Known as Christmas City, this market offers handmade works by artists from around the country, live Christmas music sung by carolers, visits with Old St. Nick, and collectibles from Germany.

The Santa Express and the Santa Starlight Express
Richland Village, Richland
Tuckahoe Village, Tuckahoe
Select dates, through December 21
The Seashore Lines take you on a historic train ride with Santa Claus himself, featuring entertainment and snack service. You can opt to ride The Starlight Express (in your PJs!) at night.

Holiday Bazaar Series 2025
Fridays – Sundays, through December 21: Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Sundays, through December 14: Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
Each location will be packed with crafters selling handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts. There will be holiday music and entertainment, photos with Santa, food and drinks, craft workshops, kids’ activities, festive décor and photo ops. The inspiration is the Weihnachtsmarkt holiday markets in Germany.

The Polar Express Train Ride
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
Select dates, through December 21
As you listen to the music from the motion picture soundtrack, you’ll also hear a reading of the classic story. There will be magical juggling chefs and singing hobos to entertain you until Santa arrives.

Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Jersey Christmas Show!
George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick
Select dates, through December 21
Scrooge is spending Christmas in Jersey, in this reimagining of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The traditional ghosts—Past, Present, and Future—bring plenty of Garden State spirit, laughs, and holiday magic.

Holiday Lights Hayride
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
Select dates, through December 21
The festive holiday lights display is seen from the comforts of a tractor-drawn hayride. Check out the animals and pop by Santa’s cornfield office. When you get back to the farmhouse, warm up by the fire with cocoa and s’mores.

Pine Creek Railroad Christmas Train Rides
Pine Creek Railroad, Allaire State Park, Wall Twp.
Select dates, through December 21
Hop on board for a Christmas train ride.

Christmas at Carriage Farm
Flounder Brewing Co., Carriage Farm, Hillsborough
Through December 23
During the season, there will be special holiday releases by Flounder Brewing – like St. Nick Christmas Ale, Naughty St. Nick and Ichabod’s Revenge – and Bellemara Distillery’s Holiday Cocktail Menu featuring the Peppermintini, Cranberry Gin & Tonics, and Chai Espresso Martinis. You can rent a Bellemara winter igloo, get tickets to a radio-show style performance of Die Hard, watch a banjo show by Tony Trischka and his band, or see A Charlie Brown Christmas Live. And Flounder’s annual Kringle Market takes place over four days, with 45+ makers, a brass band, carolers, food trucks, snack vendors, photos with Santa inside the brewhouse, meet-and-greets with Buddy the Elf and The Grinch, Holiday Music in the Barn.

Holidays at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford
Through December 23
Hop on the Christmas Light Show Hayride, which takes you past The Light Show on the Lake, where thousands of lights are synced to music. Pop by the animal farm, decorate Christmas cookies and roast s’mores by the campfire.

DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
DiDonato Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Select dates, through December 23
Kids can take a train ride through millions of Christmas lights. You’ll stroll through a holiday village, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and visit the toy market. Bowling is included with your ticket.

Santa Claus Special
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Select dates, through December 23
Santa will make his way through the restored 1930s train cars. Once you get to South Woodstown Station, there will be fire pits, photos and letters to Santa Claus.

Christmas Wonderland
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Wednesdays – Sundays, through December 24
Aside from the huge market that has all your Christmas and Hanukkah needs, there are visits with Santa and outdoor train rides; plus, you can get your Christmas tree from a selection that’s grown on the farm.

Santa’s Hideaway Adventure
The Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Through December 24
Santa’s secret hideaway is located at the end of a virtual elevator adventure, which takes you from the AC Boardwalk to the North Pole. After spending 15 minutes snapping photos with Santa, you can snack on hot chocolate and cookies.

Santa’s Christmas Trains
Strasburg Railroad Museum, Ronks, PA
Select dates, through December 24
There’s no shortage of holiday train rides that travel through Amish Country: there’s brunch aboard Santa’s Paradise Express, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” inside the first-class cars, and the Santa Claus Limited that has a visit with the big man himself.

Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square, New York City
Through December 24
NYC’s largest Greenmarket transforms for the holiday season, with 150+ vendors selling gifts and goods for the season. The local restaurants, retailers and entertainers join in as well.

Christmas Underwater
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through December 24
See underwater lights, spot Scuba Santa and view the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree while walking across the Shark Bridge and checking out two giant hippos.

The Elf Bar: Christmas Pop-Up Experience
Continental Sports Bar and Lounge, NYC
Select dates, through December 24
All eyes are on you as hundreds of elf figurines are set up around the bar. There will be elf cocktails and elf-themed games, plus lots of photo ops against a magical Christmas backdrop.

Christmas Village
City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through December 24
You’ll feel like you’re in Germany rather than Philly. Traditional wooden booths are set up with vendors selling holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and art. Play around on the Ferris wheel, carousel or kiddie train ride.

Holidays on the Hill
Chestnut Hill, PA
Through December 25
This neighborhood in Philly gets festive with The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Stag & Doe shopping nights, the annual Circle of Trees celebration at the Woodmere Art Museum, Small Business Saturday promos, Chestnut Hill Community Association’s Annual Holiday Parade, and the association’s Holiday House Tour.

Santa Claus Train
Northlandz, Flemington
Select dates, through December
The inside of the mini train museum has a holiday vibe, with snow, presents, lights and Christmas trees filling the displays. Meet Santa when he takes an outdoor train ride with you on the weekends, spreading lots of Christmas cheer.

Pier Village Holiday Events
Pier Village, Long Branch
Select dates, through December
The Jersey Shore gets a touch of the North Pole with Barkfast with Santa and pup photos with Mr. Claus, a gingerbread house making contest for dogs, a Pink Friday Shopping and Food Crawl, and a Christmas tree lighting.

Tinseltown Holiday Experience
Atlantic City
Select dates, through December
Amp up your holiday spirit with a collection of lights displays, tree lightings, the Festival of Trees, the Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village, the Winter Wonderland Parade on the Boardwalk, and holiday theater shows (like The Nutcracker and Christmas in Concert).

Winterfest
Delaware River Waterfront, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through December
At Penn’s Landing there is an NHL-sized ice rink, a Ferris wheel, boardwalk games, fire pits, heated cabins, and a giant Christmas tree.

Night of Lights Light Show Extravaganza
Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill
Select dates, through December 27
The 100-acre dairy farm becomes a Christmas wonderland with sparkling light displays and musical dancing tree light shows that you view from inside your car. After the 1.5-mile drive, stroll through the indoor walk-thru where you’ll see a life-sized snowglobe, a narrated Nativity scene and a singing Christmas tree before posing with Santa.

Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Farm & Walk-Through Light Show
Allaire Community Farm, Wall Twp.
Fridays – Sundays, through December 28
Stroll through the beautifully lit 25-acre farm, visit a festive 100-year-old barn-turned-Christmas market, watch classic holiday movies, marvel at the model train exhibit, and bring the kids to the new interactive game area. There are yuletide wagon rides and the return of the Polar Express Train, featuring dazzling light tunnels and a breathtaking 45-foot Santa.

NY Waterway’s Winter Waterway Holiday Market
Midtown Terminal Ferry, NYC
Fridays – Sundays, through December 28
There will be more than a dozen food vendors, shopping at the indoor market, crafts, special activities for kids and visits with Santa (on select dates).

Winter Wonderland Before Time
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University, Mantua Twp.
Weekends, through December 28
Celebrate the season with a prehistoric twist; the museum will be decked out in dinosaur-themed holiday décor, and there will be activities like an indoor snowball frenzy, campfire storytime, dinosaur “snow” digs and ornament-making. Have breakfast with Dino Claws (and Friends!) on December 7, 14 and 21. You’ll also get to meet famed paleontologist and EFM founder Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, the paleontologist who discovered Dreadnoughtus, one of the largest dinosaurs ever found, as he shares stories from the prehistoric world.

A Christmas Carol
Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Through December 28
The holiday tradition returns to the stage with regular and accessible performances:
American Sign Language-interpreted performance, 1 pm Dec. 20
Audio Described and Open Caption Accessibility Performance, 1 pm Dec. 21
Christmas Eve shows, 12 pm and 4 pm, December 24
Relaxed Performance, 1 pm Dec. 28

Winter WonderLights
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Through December 28
Drive through 1.5 million animated lights that are synchronized to music from a local radio station. There are sparkling tunnels, 20-foot Christmas trees, towering 30-foot trees; winter wonderland scenes depicting Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali; and a tribute to first responders and military heroes.

Santa Express
Black River and Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, through December 28
When your kid boards the train, they’ll get a souvenir golden ticket before they meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. At the station stop in Ringoes, have a cookie and hot cocoa before checking out the model train displays.

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Untitled Hotel, New York City
Select dates, through December 28
Fans of the self-described Queen of Christmas can write a letter to Mariah, sing along to her holiday hits, sip on Black Irish cocktails and take a photo with an album backdrop.

Merry Mile of Lights
A. Casola Farms, Holmdel
Wednesdays – Sundays, through December 28
The mile-long drive-through holiday trail has millions of dazzling lights and festive displays that you can see from your car. Any night, you can get a free hot chocolate from the Winter Wonderland Super Store. Plus, Friday to Sunday, trail riders also get free pictures with Santa. There will be free kids’ crafts, too.

Barnyard Under the Stars
Brookhollow’s Barnyard, Boonton
Fridays – Saturdays, through December 28
Start with a 5-minute Holiday Thomas the Train Ride, then snap a holiday photo at the barnyard. You’ll also meet goofy goats, silly sheep and crazy cows who love to be fed snacks.

Santa’s Steam Ride Train Ride
New Hope Railroad, New Hope
Select dates, through December 28
The restored passenger trains (which date back to the first half of the 20th century) are warm and cozy and decorated for the season. Cookies will be served on board, live music will play, and everyone will sing along to holiday tunes.

Holiday Square Market
Magnolia Landing, Jersey City
Wednesdays – Sundays, through December 28
This New York City-style holiday market will have decorations, festive stalls and a curated lineup of food and merchant vendors.

Holiday Model Train Show
Barron Arts Center, Woodbridge
Through December 30 (closed December 24-25)
Mike Gelesky designed and set up the entire display with lots of holiday cheer to celebrate the display’s 35th year.

Santa’s North Pole Express Train Ride
New Hope Railroad, New Hope
Select dates, through December 30
The North Pole Express is pulled by one of the diesel locomotives. Kids will get cookies, listen to music and mail their letters to Santa.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Watermark, 78 South St. at Pier 15, New York
Through December 30
The whimsical waterfront holiday installation has dining, entertainment, Christmas trees, games, activities, heated glasshouses and lights displays, all with breathtaking views of NYC.

Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford
Select dates, through December 30
Stroll through the woods and pass by snowmen and trees made with upcycled materials from the farm. You’ll see a fairy garden and a secret gnome village. Waddle past Penguin Igloo Town or fly by Birdhouse Row. There will be a tunnel of lights that snows down on you.

Orchard of Lights
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, through December 30
Take a ride through 32 acres of holiday lights and then warm up by the fire pit with hot cocoa. There’s a farm market, pictures with Santa, make your own s’mores, and Santa’s singing reindeer.

The Village at Anne Ellen
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, through December 30
A hayride brings you to a village of 400,000 lights. Among the new attractions are an ice castle filled with penguins, and a Bear Workshop to make your own teddy bear. Old faves include the life-sized gingerbread house and a post office where you can send letters to Santa.

The Polar Express Train Ride
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Select dates, through December 30
After you give your golden ticket to the conductor, you’ll be treated to storytime. After Santa meets your family, there will be caroling and holiday activities on board.

Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University; professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.

Christmas Express
Allaire State Park, Wall Twp.
Select dates, through December 31
The New Jersey Museum of Transportation’s Pine Creek Railroad lets you board a train with Santa Claus during the day or at night.

Christmas House
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Through December 31
Walk through a series of 10 rooms set up like movie scenes, with themes like the North Pole Movie Theater, the Christmas Eve Room, the Elf Command Center, the Harry Potter Rom, Santa’s Workshop and The Nightmare Before Christmas Room. There will be trivia and lots of photo ops.

Santa’s Secret Immersive Holiday Experience
Columbus Circle, New York City
Select dates, through December 31
To get to this speakeasy, you have to follow a winding path through eight immersive holiday installations – from gingerbread girls to rugged lumberjacks to living snowglobes. When you arrive, there will be Christmas-themed cocktails, fine dining, a live band, and a variety show performance.

Harbaugh Village North Pole Experience
Harbaugh Village, Mullica Hill
Select dates, through December 31
You’ll literally feel like you’re in the North Pole with photos with Santa in the Evergreen, a reindeer stable, letter writing to Santa, holiday light displays, live entertainment, carousel rides, a boardwalk, sports games, ice skating, a vendor village and visits with elves.

Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars
Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA
Select dates, through December 31
The hour-long, outdoor experience uses nature and technology to tell the story of visiting stars descending to Earth before rising again to the night sky; it’s a one-mile pathway of cosmic light and sound.

Christmas Fantasy With Lights
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Select dates, through December 31
Every night at dusk, Santa will wave his magic wand and light up the theme park. You can meet him after, or take Santa’s Fantasy Flight.

Christmas Train Village
Duggan Hall, Spring Lake
Wednesdays – Sundays, through December 31
The Duggan Building exhibits a re-creation of the beautiful town of Spring Lake via a train village.

Holiday Lights Harbor Lights Cruises
Pier 83, New York City
Through December 31
Holiday Harbor Lights Cruises offer a narrated view of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty. A special cruise on NYE includes a three-course dinner buffet, live DJ, open bar, views of New York’s fireworks, and a Champagne toast at midnight.

Holidays at Fonthill Castle
Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, PA
Select dates, through December 31
This Bucks County tradition transforms Henry Mercer’s historic home, which you can view during a holiday tour, on special Meander Days, or through a magical evening tour.

Miracle Bar
Miracle on Centre at Cowan’s Public, 229 Centre St., Nutley
Miracle on Mercer at Franklin Social, 292 Barrow St., Jersey City
Miracle on George Street at Catherine Lombardi’s, 3 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
Miracle on Bloomfield at The Parkside Social, 706 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
Miracle at The Bistro, Inside iPlay America, 108 Schanck Rd., Freehold
Miracle at Avenue, Avenue, Pier Village, 23 Ocean Ave. N., Long Branch
Miracle at Parkside Tavern, Parkside Tavern, 9 Speedwell Ave., Morristown
Through December 31
While the decor is Instaworthy on its own, the true star of the show is the cocktail menu at each location. Noteworthy drinks at Miracle locations include the Christmapolitan, a twist on the classic made with vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, rosemary, lime and absinthe mist; and for those who have been naughty, there’s the Hot Buttered Rum, served hot. Other deliciously merry cocktails such as Carol Barrell, Snowball Old Fashioned, Koala Kooler and Christmas Cricket are sold in mugs and glasses you can purchase for your at-home Christmas parties.

The Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display
1600 Block of S. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA
Through January 1
Every holiday season, a group of neighbors go all-out with their Christmas decorations, offering a massive lights display that you can view while walking through the neighborhood.

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Through January 1 (closed Dec. 25)
More than 50 local artisans, designers, crafters and jewelers will be set up inside picturesque white wooden booths, adorned with the glow of Moravian stars.

Marlin Christmas Wonderland 
1326 Laurel Avenue in Sea Girt
Through January
This year’s over-the-top Christmas display uses projection mapping and a light show to feature scenes from various Christmas movies. Tune your radio to 88.9 FM to hear synchronized music to the lights.

Christmas Tram Tours
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Select dates, through January 3
Board their version of the Polar Express, which takes you along a lighted trail to Christmas Island, where holiday fun includes caroling, cute scenes, photo ops and a visit to Santa’s Workshop.

Holiday Bricktacular
LEGOLAND New York Resort, Goshen, NY
Select dates, through January 3
There will be a tree lighting with LEGO Santa, brick-building activities and lots of holiday lights. New this year is Holiday Headquarters in LEGO City, plus decorated Brick Street, Bricktopia, LEGO Ninjago World and MiniLand.

Kringle Cove
Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
Through January 3
Shop all weekend from different vendors set up each day at The Long Branch Holiday Bazaar. There will be a live DJ, holiday craft workshops and face painting for kids. Kringle Cove will have each room decorated so that you feel like you’re in a holiday movie. Make your own s’mores or order pizza. There will be pet photos with Santa on Saturday. You can make a reservation for Very Merry Brunchmas or the Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
Select dates, through January 3
This impressive neighborhood is lit up with millions of lights, inflatables, displays and activations. Walk along or take a bus tour through the neighborhood.

Illumination
Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, PA
Select dates, through January 3
Lehigh Valley shines bright with 1.5 million lights synchronized to music. But that’s not all: there are curling lanes, Santa’s Polar Express, hayrides with Mrs. Claus, a carousel, Nutcracker Suites that include a holiday buffet, and igloos.

Winter Light Spectacular
Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, PA
Select dates, through January 3
This event has 1.2 million sparkling lights and displays placed throughout the zoo. Visitors will find classic holiday scenes, multiple fire pits, hot chocolate and s’mores, performances by different princesses, and photos with Santa.

Koziar’s Christmas Village
Koziar’s Farm, Bernville, PA
Select dates, through January 3
There are more than a million lights that illuminate the property, lining everything from the lake to the barns to the walkways. Walk around at your own pace to see the international Christmas displays, train sets and festive gift shops.

Holiday Lights
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Select dates, through January 3
Take a stroll through the zoo at night, which will be lit up by thousands of sparkling lights, plus 50 winter and animal characters. There will be a carousel, touch tank, viewings inside the reptile house, a farm, a pony track, a train and face painting – in addition to meet-and-greets with Santa, ice carving demonstrations, an appearance by the holiday princesses, and photo ops with superheroes and the Grinch. Make an evening of it and rent out an igloo in the picnic area, where you can sit inside a heated tent and have hot chocolate, s’mores and cookies.

Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through January 3 
See more than 2 million lights in this drive-thru. In the Christmas Village, take a family photo and stop by the Hot Chocolate Bar and Winter Beer Garden.

Magic of Lights
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Through January 3
This drive-thru has more than a mile of lights displays. About halfway through your drive, park at the Holiday Village, where you will see Santa, go ice skating, sit down for an outdoor holiday movie, and do arts and crafts.

LumiNature
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through January 3
There will be light tunnels, sculptures, Christmas trees and nature-themed displays throughout the zoo. You can meet Santa and watch performances.

U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Through January 4
The walk-through event has more than 50,000 illuminated tulips lighting up the flower fields, a light show from the windmill; illuminated pony rides on the weekends; interactive LED seesaws, swings, spinners and slides; photo ops with Santa inside his workshop; character meet-and-greets with Olaf, Elsa and The Grinch; magical snow flurry stations; “snowball fights” inside a giant igloo snowball pit; and then a special drone show December 18 to 20.

Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Through January 4
Come for ice skating, carnival games, ice carving and a chance to take pictures with Santa at the North Pole. Tickets give you access to the zoo, carousel and train.

Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Select dates, through January 4
The open-air festival in the downtown offers ice skating, go karts, a marketplace, private heated pods and igloos.

GLOW: Light Show
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd., Washington Twp.
Through January 4
The drive-thru experience has 2 million lights over the course of one mile. The displays are synched to music that you broadcast through your car radio. This year’s theme is Tinsel Turnpike, paying homage to all things Jersey.

Santa’s Pajama Party
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Santa’s Pajama Party – Fridays – Saturdays, through December 20
Holiday Activities: through January 4
Kids should wear their cozy, festive PJs to meet Santa. They’ll decorate cookies and ornaments, view the night sky through telescopes, and see special performances from Imagine Circus. Other themed activities include the sock skating rink under holiday lights; an hourly “snowball” fight; up-close moments with a live penguin, baby kangaroo and lemur; the Gingerbread Express mini train ride for kids; a demo making peppermint ice cream using liquid nitrogen; and laser shows inside the planetarium.

Grinch’s Grotto
Cucina Calandra, Fairfield
Through January 4
Your heart will grow three sizes during lunch, happy hour or dinner when you come to this Grinch-themed pop-up. Specialty cocktails will be made with flavors like cranberry, cinnamon and peppermint.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Select dates, through January 4
This New York City holiday classic starring the Radio City Rockettes – with their infamous kickline —features The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and a Living Nativity.

Big Apple Circus
Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Through January 4
The beloved circus acts return for 7 weeks, with acrobatics, high-flying stunts and comedic action.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
Through January 4
Chocolate lovers can enjoy their favorite rides, visit with Santa and his nine reindeer, meet Hershey characters dressed in their holiday best, and see more than 5 million sparkling lights.

A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Through January 4
Santa’s Grand Illumination kicks off the holiday season, which includes a Hanukkah celebration, Santa’s ‘Twas the Night Celebration on Christmas Eve, a Kwanzaa celebration, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Select dates, through January 4
Millions of lights twinkle and hundreds of illuminated animals sparkle as you walk through six lantern trails. The Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea return, while new this year are snow tube slides, an ice throne and virtual snowball throwing.

Lightscape
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
Through January 4
For this year’s fifth installation, the glittering winter trail will take you to an enchanted forest filled with art, music and special attractions.

Snowland Celebration
Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun, PA
Through January 4
Known mostly for its indoor and outdoor water parks, Snowland takes the resort’s activities to a new level with visits with Santa, the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, Snowland bingo and trivia, competition games, a themed scavenger hunt, and ‘Twas the Night Before Snowland Yoga Tails.

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo
Hudson Yards, New York City
Through January 5
More than 2 million twinkling lights (that’s 115 miles!) and 725 evergreen trees set the stage for ice skating, photos with Santa, holiday shopping – and even Santa’s Secret Speakeasy for adults, plus a special menorah lighting.

Holiday Light Show
Shady Brook Farm, Yardley, PA
Through January 5
The farm will be outfitted with 4 million dazzling lights, which you’ll see as you drive through the pathways or aboard the open-air wagon. Plan some time to see Santa’s Village, where there’s a Candy Cane Lane lights walk-thru, fire pits, and a gift shop.

Light Show on the Lake
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Through January 5
More than 120 Christmas trees decorated with over 50,000 Christmas lights magically float when darkness falls: a show of lights and music is played across Lake Meone.

Frostland Village
23 Euclid Ave., Pitman
Through the first week of January
The winner of an episode of 2024’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” was chosen for its yard full of restored and hand-painted animatronics, a 35-foot high tree made entirely of blow molds, a full bakery scene, and a hand-built treehouse scene.

Pillsbury Let It Dough Suite
Club Wyndham Midtown 45, New York City
Through January 6
Designed to be a holiday baking escape, you can rent this suite for two or three nights, and be treated to all the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and ready-to-bake cookies you’d like. The room itself features icing-draped walls, a cinnamon roll–inspired bedroom, frosted windows, and the scent of freshly baked cookies throughout. You can also call the Cookie Concierge to have additional baking supplies delivered on demand.

Fanwood’s Famous Christmas Houses
83 and 87 Paterson Rd., Fanwood
Through January 8
Every year, Gregory Roser creates a holiday display with 30,000 sparkling lights. Santa will make a special visit on Dec. 6.  Monetary donations are accepted on site to support the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.

Disney’s Frozen
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
Through January 11
The beloved movie starring Elsa, Anna and Olaf comes to the main stage. Certain dates will accommodate those needing ASL interpretation, open captioning and autism sensitivities.

Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through January 11
Seventeen trees and mantels will be decorated and displayed throughout the museum, created by local community groups. Themes include All Aboard to Movie Magic; Family Game Night; A Tribute to Pollinators; and Fruit of the Holiday Spirit.

Let It Glow
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Thursdays-Sundays, through January 11
As you walk through the zoo or ride on the train, you’ll see 30 larger-than-life scenes decorated with animal-themed lanterns.

Holidig Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Diggerland, West Berlin
Select dates, through January 11
Marvel at the lights, holiday displays and tunnels as you drive along 1.25 miles inside America’s only construction-based theme and water parks.

Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Through January 11
Either during the day or on select Holiday Train Nights, catch model trains as they zip through a display of almost 200 replicas of New York landmarks, each re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, pinecones, palm fronds and cinnamon sticks.

A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through January 11
Stroll through floating floral designs, marvel at festive trees and step into an extravagant floral shop. Outside, take in stunning light displays and treehouses. There are a half-million lights across hundreds of acres, plus fountain shows.

Vintner Wonderland
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Select dates, through January 19
The winery grounds are open to families for ice skating, a holiday market, fire pits and live music. Special events include the Festival of Trees, live music at the rink, Stories with Santa, Cookies & Cocktails and an hors d’oeuvres masterclass.

Antique Toy Train Show
The Museum of American History, Deptford
Thursday to Sunday, through February 1
See toy trains from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s, including Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines. Plasticville buildings from the 1950s will give the platforms a vintage holiday appearance.

Winter at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through February
The heart of Center City comes alive with outdoor ice skating, a topiary garden, the Wintergarden, a chalet-style cabin, charming fire pits, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, and Breakfast with Santa.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, NYC
Through March
The twinkling lights on the magnificent Christmas tree will be lit from December 3 to January 10. View its beauty while you ice skate or chill in a rinkside chalet. See the beautiful golden angel statues in the courtyard, and walk down the block to Saks Fifth Avenue for its holiday lights show on the building’s façade, which returns this season. The twinkling lights on the magnificent Christmas tree will be lit starting December 3. This year, with a ticket to Top of the Rock, you can meet Santa, have a private viewing area of the tree, and then rent a private chalet overlooking the skating rink. December 14 is Tuba Christmas, where musicians from around the country perform.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, New York City
Through March
This Manhattan park is home to the largest free-admission ice skating rink in NYC. Relax rinkside at The Lodge while taking in the splendor of the giant Christmas tree. Shop more than 180 vendors selling gifts from around the world. And check out the bumper cars on ice.

Outdoor Winter Wonderland
Middletown Sports Camp, Middletown
Through March 8
This will be the place to skate, sip and shop during the holiday season, with its new winter festival that includes festive music, lights and décor; vendors; fire pits; igloos; and the center of it all, the outdoor ice skating rink.

Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.

SUE The T. Rex Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 25, 2026
The world’s most complete, most well-preserved T. rex skeleton is making a stop at LSC so you can see her bones, hear her growl and smell her breath (seriously!). There will be fossils on display, projection mapping of other prehistoric creatures, and a life-sized fleshed-out replica to show what the creature’s life was like in the Cretaceous era.

Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend (December 12-14, 2025)?

A: This weekend (December 12-14, 2025) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include Christmas Con in Edison, Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village in Augusta, Holidays at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford and Seas & Greetings on the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Pt. Pleasant.

Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?