Best Things to Do in New Jersey This Weekend (November 14-16, 2025)

We’ve rounded up more than 70 events to check out this weekend, from stage plays to a peace festival to holiday light shows to a Taylor Swift cover band concert.

WEEKEND

The Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy: Chapter 2
Anchor Rock Club, Atlantic City
Thursday – Saturday
Sip your way through four eerie Poe tales acted out on stage, each paired with a cocktail to match the vibe.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Levoy Theatre, Millville
Thursday – Sunday
This is the Broadway version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The show on November 13 will have ASL interpretation. Meet-and-greets will be offered post-show in the mezzanine lobby.

Finding Nemo Jr.
West Milford Presbyterian Church, West Milford
Friday – Saturday
The West Milford Players present the Disney movie live on stage, with some of the proceeds supporting Sea Turtle Recovery at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Oceana Marine Wildlife Adoption.

Elf The Musical
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Friday – Sunday
Inspired by the hit film, the stage play follows Buddy, a young orphan child from the North Pole who discovers he is human, and journeys to NYC to find his birth father.

Holiday Kickoff Weekend
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Friday – Sunday
Three days of festive events, music, and outdoor food and drinks begin with the annual Grand Illumination Celebration on Friday; the unveiling of the Gingerbread Competition & Display; shopping at 60+ specialty shops and boutiques; strolling performers, carolers, and holiday surprises.

Pie Tasting Weekend
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Everyone gets to try 15 pies that Terhune makes at the orchard, with proceeds benefitting HomeFront and Project Freedom.

Laurita Winery Food Truck Festivals: Chili & Chowder Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
Bring everyone in the family for live music, fire pits, face painting, a vineyard wagon tour, playgrounds for the kids, cornhole, pony rides, u-pick flowers and pumpkins, and of course food trucks and wine.

Con Edison Cares for the Earth Weekend
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Saturday – Sunday
Earth Day comes a little early when Bash the Trash, a high-energy music group that turns recycled materials into amazing instruments, performs while kids create eco art and learn about sustainability.

FRIDAY

Grand Illumination Celebration
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Santa & Mrs. Claus will switch on the magical display, including the buildings, landscaping and Christmas tree; in addition to sing-alongs, carolers, and special musical performances by hosts Martin & Kelly.

Baby Walk
Columbia Trail, High Bridge
The purpose is for you to get outside with your baby and explore your local trails. There will be some nature education geared toward the adults, and then you can enjoy the company of other parents. Older siblings are welcome, but the group will walk at the pace of the adults.

Hats Off to Downtown Shopping Crawl
South Orange
Pick up an event passport from The Co-Lab, and as you stroll through the downtown, drop a token into each business’s bucket for a chance to win prizes. There will be shopping deals, giveaways, tastings, restaurant specials, and music from DJ Phillip Lee. Wear an awesome hat for a chance to win the Best Hat Contest.

SATURDAY

Children’s Peace Festival
Chatham-Summit Friends Meeting House, Chatham
Anna Whitely, a rising senior at Summit High School, founded the Children’s Peace Festival in 2023 because of the unrest in Ukraine and the Middle East. This year’s theme is the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Japan, inspired by her summer vacation, and the Quakers’ connection to the war.

Furry Friends Fall Fete
Nassau Club, Princeton
The festival dedicated to your four-legged friends is a fundraiser for SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals.

STEM Day
Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees
Kids will be broken down into groups from Kindergarten to fifth grade, and then sixth to 12th grades. Through hands-on activities, they’ll hear from a canine nutritionist, a veterinarian and staff members about behavior and training, animal engineering, and entomology.

Quilting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Learn about the process of making quilts, and see the beautiful craftsmanship on display.

Hallelujah: The Songs of Leonard Cohen
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
Pat Guadagno & Friends celebrate the 50-year career of Leonard Cohen, the singer-songwriter of nearly 300 songs, including “Hallelujah.”

Santa’s Debut at Holiday Dreamland
American Dream, East Rutherford
Mr. Claus will kick off the holiday season with his festive Santa Spectacular, including a celebratory parade led by St. Nick to his new home at Holiday Dreamland, located in the Coca Cola Bubble of Court A.

Apollo Theatre Amateur Night Holiday Special – Auditions
American Dream, East Rutherford
You can audition to be part of this festive version of the classic talent competition. There will also be pop-up performances from Amateur Night alumni, an Apollo/Coca-Cola giveaway with soda sampling, and behind-the-scenes interviews with artists and performers.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls
The holly jolly evening includes Santa’s grand entrance on a horse-drawn sleigh, a performance by Animated Movement, meet-and-greets with Elsa and Anna and The Grinch, free hot chocolate, arts & crafts, music by AJH Entertainment, a photo with The Vineyard Vines whale mascot, and the Christmas tree lighting.

Shop for a Cause
Edgar Middle School, Metuchen
Breaking the Chain Through Education will host a vendor fair with 30+ businesses selling everything from home goods to food to fashion accessories to crafts. The organization ends to aim child slavery in Ghana.

Barkuterie Board Making Class
Doggie Sweets, Long Branch
You can bring your dogs to this hands-on pottery workshop, where you will make a Barkuterie Board (charcuterie dog for your pup) out of clay.

Santa’s Birthday Celebration and Holiday Kickoff
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Santa will celebrate his birthday with holiday music, dancing, balloon art, magic, jugglers, stilt walkers, and a birthday sing-along. You’ll get some sweet treats from the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, while supplies last.

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

Nottingham High School PTSA Holiday Market & Food Trucks
Nottingham High School, Hamilton Twp.
More than 45 local crafters and vendors will be selling handmade gifts, unique crafts, seasonal décor, and other special finds. Visit the special photo area with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Tricky Tray will auction off baskets and prizes donated by the community. Outside, a variety of food trucks will offer options, ranging from warm comfort foods to sweet treats.

SUNDAY

Taylorville
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, Carteret
The unofficial live tribute band presents the music of Taylor Swift.

Kids Hike for Fun
Point Mountain Central, Washington
Kids 5 and up (through teens) are encouraged to discover the great outdoors for some fresh air and exercise.

Jersey Shore Comic Book Holiday Extravaganza
Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River
The last comic book show of the season will feature guest artists, writers and creators; as well as vendors with comic books, toys, trading cards, craft and collectibles. Special guests include Sharon Smyth Lentz from “Dark Shadows,” Glenn Taranto from “The New Addams Family,” the 501st Star Wars Legion, the Mandalorians, the Gizmo Bros – as well as Santa. Check out the Hot Wheels Die Cast Car Races.

Legends Brunch
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream, East Rutherford
Giants and Jets fans can pregame at a two-hour breakfast buffet, which includes meet-and-greets with football legends.

November Family Walk
Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Teaneck
Take a guided walk as you take in the sights and sounds of the Teaneck Creek.

ONGOING

Outdoor Winter Wonderland
Middletown Sports Camp, Middletown
Select dates, November – December
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.

Santa Claus Train
Northlandz, Flemington
Select dates, November – 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.

Night of Lights Light Show Extravaganza
Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill
Select dates, November – December
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, narrated Nativity scene and a singing Christmas tree before posing with Santa.

Artist Winter Village
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday, November 13 – 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.

Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square, New York City
November 13 – 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.

Santa’s Secret Immersive  Holiday Experience
Columbus Circle, New York City
Select dates, Nov. 13-Dec. 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.

Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars
Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA
Select dates, Nov. 13-Dec. 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.

Christkindlmarkt
PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA
Select dates, Nov. 14-Dec. 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.

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Untitled Hotel, New York City
Select dates, Nov. 14-Dec. 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.

Highlights Tour
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
November 15, November 19, December 6, December 14
Student educators will take you on a free guided tour of the galleries, highlighting key artworks in the Zimmerli’s collection.

Santa’s North Pole Express Train Ride
New Hope Railroad, New Hope
Select dates, Nov. 15-Dec. 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.

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 14-Jan. 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.

Illumination
Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, PA
Select dates, Nov. 14-Jan. 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, Nov. 14-Jan. 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.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
Nov. 14-Jan. 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.

Holidig Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Diggerland, West Berlin
Select dates, Nov. 14-Jan. 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.

Winter at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, Nov. 14-Feb.
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.

DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
DiDonato Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Select dates, Nov. 15–Dec. 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’s Christmas Trains
Strasburg Railroad Museum, Ronks, PA
Select dates, November 15 – 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.

Christmas Fantasy With Lights
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Select dates, Nov. 15-Dec. 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.

Holidays at Fonthill Castle
Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, PA
Nov. 15-Dec. 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.

A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Nov. 15–Jan. 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.

Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Nov. 15–Jan. 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.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Select dates, Nov. 18-Jan. 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.

Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, November 19 – January 11, 2026
Seventeen trees and mantels will be decorated and displayed throughout the museum, created by local community groups. Theme’s include All Aboard to Movie Magic; Family Game Night; A Tribute to Pollinators; and Fruit of the Holiday Spirit.

Cinderella
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
Through November 23
The classic fairytale comes to life on stage.

Fall Theatre Season
All Children’s Art Center of New Jersey, Denville
Select dates, through November 26
ACACNJ’s fall productions include Aladdin, Camp Rock, The Sound of Music Jr., Shrek Jr., and The SpongeBob Musical.

Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Select dates, through November 30
The immersive outdoor experience inspired by the 1993 film takes you to Halloween Town and Christmas Town using music and video projections.

Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Through December 7
This year’s exhibit honors the Mount family with the theme “50 Years of Terhune Orchards.” Displayed inside the 250-year-old red barn, the art showcases original works inspired by the farm’s landscape, history and community over the past five decades.

Fall Planetarium Shows
Longo Planetarium, County College of Morris, Randolph
Select dates, through December 13
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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Twinkling Tides
SEA LIFE, American Dream, East Rutherford
Select dates, through December
Celebrate the holidays under the sea, as more than 10 interactive zones will be decked out in holiday décor. Spot Scuba Claus in the ocean tunnel on select dates.

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 January
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.