We’re all on a budget for the holidays, so heading to one of these free admission events in November sounds pretty great to us. Please note local events are subject to change so check the organizers’ websites before heading out.
November 1
First Fridays Series
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
On the first Friday of the month, immerse yourself in the arts and culture of Middlesex County with free food, live music and performances, games and activities, and arts and crafts.
November 1-3
Middlesex County Fall Harvest Festival
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Autumn activities for the whole family include hot cider, wagon rides, seasonal crafts, pumpkin picking, and live performances by the Young American Serenaders and Robert Mouland. There will be an expanded General Store with extended hours, offering pies, cider, donuts, homemade jelly, and more.
November 1 – December 8
Creative Women’s Showcase
The Center for Contemporary Art, Bedminster
Exhibiting artists from the Somerset County area will showcase their work in mixed media, pastels, acrylic, photography, and more.
November 2
Healthy HeARTS Festival & 5K Run
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, Elmer
The event kicks off with a 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk, and is followed by live music, local food vendors, a health and wellness resource fair, and family-friendly art-making activities.
Day of the Dead Community Celebration
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
This outdoor festival will teach you about this culturally rich holiday with Mariachi, dance, food and hands-on projects inspired by traditional folk art.
Sparta Special Olympics Fall Vendor & Craft Show
Sparta High School, Sparta
Start your holiday shopping from 60+ vendors of all types, including food trucks. Support the Sparta Special Olympics and Special Olympics NJ Area 3 as you spread the word of inclusion. Meet the Athletes of Determination and wish them luck for the 2024-25 season.
Spirits of the Past: A Family Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Heartwarming stories will share the special ways we remember our deceased loved ones. Performers will take the stage, and kids will sing along to songs from films like “Coco” and “The Book of Life.” There will be a costume character meet-and-greet and photo ops.
Holiday Craft Fair
The Villages Association Clubhouse, Freehold
More than 35 vendors will offer baked goods, jarred goods, mini Christmas trees, jewelry, wreaths, chocolates, personalized ornaments, candles, pocketbooks and wallets, children’s toys, quilts, baby bib sets, ceramics, tumblers, pens, and more.
Lenape Native American Kids’ Games
Hightstown Memorial Branch Library, Hightstown
Kids will about the Lenape Native Americans through the eyes of a Lenape child. They will play three games from the pre-colonial and colonial era and learn how these games have changed over time. Best for kids ages 6-12.
Children’s Peace Festival
Chatham Summit Quaker Meeting House, Chatham
Teen Anna Whitely wants children to know how important peace is for the world, so she planned her second annual festival, this year with the theme “Peace Begins With Me.” There will be art projects, cooperative games, peace-building activities, music, meditation and introspective forest walks.
Lenape Native American Kids’ Games
Hightstown Memorial Branch Library, Hightstown
Learn about the Lenape Native Americans through the eyes of a Lenape child. Kids ages 6-12 will learn three games they would have played in the pre-colonial and colonial eras and how these games have changed over time.
Dia De Los Muertos
Boardwalk, Asbury Park
Start at Convention Hall and make your way to the Casino area for Mariachi music, ofrendas (celebration altars) and prizes for the most creative costumes. The event is family- and dog-friendly.
Cider Making
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Kids will help crank the cider press to peel the apples and make fresh juice, and then get to sample it. Stop by the farmhouse for lunch. The craft of the day is to make apple heads.
Haddon Square Harvest Market
Haddon Square, Haddon Twp.
The open-air market of local vendors also features live music. There will also be a beer garden.
Day of The Dead Night Market
Haddon Square, Haddon Twp.
Festive vendors, live music, and food and drinks, will complement the spiritual connection you’ll get from various readers and healers.
November 2-3
Peddler’s Village Apple Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The 49th annual festival will include live entertainment and bands, axe throwing, lawn games, sand art, face painting, bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, mural painting, fresh apples and apple baked goods, and lots of village shopping.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
Morris Museum, Morristown
The Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville
Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders receive free general admission to six cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
November 3
Hamilton Township Public Library’s Vendors & Crafters Fair
Hamilton Twp. Public Library, Hamilton Twp.
The vendors will be set up inside while The Wurst Wagon food truck will be parked outside.
November 9
Big Santa Lighting and Spectacular Drone Show
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) star Melissa Gorga will light the 45-foot-tall Big Santa with her family. Singer-songwriter David Archuleta will perform four holiday songs. There will be a nighttime drone show; visits from Belle, Beast, Jasmine, Elsa, Tiana and Ariel; the arrival of the real Santa Claus on a fire truck; food trucks; and other activities inside the mall.
Rutgers Boardwalk
SHI Stadium (Scarlet Knight Way), Piscataway
Four hours before the Rutgers University football game kicks off, the area turns into a boardwalk-style carnival, complete with a balloon artist, photo booth, airbrush tattoos, various games, the cannon crew, visits by the Scarlet Knight and his horse Excalibur, meeting with Sir Henry, and lots of festival food and football fun. Today’s game against Minnesota includes Military Appreciation Day.
Bacon, Sausage & Scrapple Making
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Check out the techniques used to make sausage, scrapple and bacon when the weather turns cold. You’ll get to taste some of the results after you lend a hand filling the sausage stuffer and grinding the corn. Kids can make a piggy magnet craft to take home.
November Sip & Shop Local Craft Vendor Fair
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
You can look for holiday gifts while having a craft beer.
Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market
Paul Robeson Place, Princeton
This year’s market will feature 100+ local and regional artisans selling their wares in ceramics, textiles, apparel, jewelry, printmaking, wood, glass, painting, and more. Watch live glass-blowing demonstrations by Pezz Glassworks.
November 9-10
New Jersey Women’s Expo & Great Food Expo
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
The two events are held simultaneously in the event center space. There will be 400+ pop-up shops, luxe beauty treatments, a cooking stage, food tastings, a hair stage, craft workshops, fashion shows and samples. Celebrity appearances include Chef Anne Burrell, Tamron Hall, J-Woww, Caroline Manzo and Dolores Catania. Free tickets are available for a limited time.
November 15
Kids Glow Crazy Holiday Party
Boxcar Bar, Short Hills
DJ LuBROCK will be spinning holiday tunes. Kids will get a free winter glow wand, free goodie bags, and free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last). There will be winter-themed games.
November 16
Nottingham High School Holiday Market
Nottingham High School, Hamilton Twp.
The festive day of shopping and food supports local businesses while getting you into the holiday spirit.
Theatre of Light Craft Workshop
Morris Museum, Morristown
Create magic wands, crowns and more to wear at MPAC’s Theatre of Light, a huge light-based holiday festival on November 24.
Corn Harvest & Husking Bee
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
It’s time to take the ears of corn off their stalks. See how the process was done in the 1800s. Kids can make a corn wreath to take home.
November 17
Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
Wayne PAL, Wayne
Christmas shoppers who are looking for gift ideas can choose from crafts, new items and collectibles.
Saturdays – Sundays, November 17 – December 21
Off the Walk Holiday Market
West Windsor Arts, Princeton Junction
Find unique and affordable gifts, including original artwork in mixed media, photography, jewelry, functional pottery, handsewn gifts, amigurumi crochet, scented candles, home decor and women’s accessories. The event got its name from products that are ready to be purchased on the spot and literally taken “off the wall.”
November 21
Salvation Army Band Performance
Red Horse by David Burke, Rumson
Chef David Burke is holding a fundraiser at several of his restaurants from November 21-27, during which sales of select desserts benefit The Salvation Army New Jersey Division. On November 21, The Salvation Army Band will perform live holiday music for two hours outside of Red Horse in Rumson.
November 23
Rutgers Boardwalk
SHI Stadium (Scarlet Knight Way), Piscataway
Four hours before the Rutgers University football game kicks off, the area turns into a boardwalk-style carnival, complete with a balloon artist, photo booth, airbrush tattoos, various games, the cannon crew, visits by the Scarlet Knight and his horse Excalibur, meeting with Sir Henry, and lots of festival food and football fun. Today’s game against Illinois is also Thank You Fans & Senior Day.
Santa & Friends Arrival Event
MarketFair, Princeton
Start the holiday season with a Santa Parade, a live brass band, Bernard the Elf Variety Show, balloon art with Mrs. Claus, a snowglobe bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, and treats. Giveaways will be available for the first 400 children to check in.
Bordentown Elks Auxiliary Craft & Vendor Show
Bordentown Elks Club, Bordentown
There will be lots of vendor shopping, raffles, breakfast and lunch options, and the sale of Thanksgiving-themed macarons from Macarons on a Mission.
Logging & Firewood Cutting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
While farmers use horses to skid saw logs out of the woods and haul firewood to the sap house in preparation for maple sugaring season, kids and adults can cut and chop firewood, and split locust logs into fence rails. Blacksmith Daniel Lapidow will also be working in the forge, shaping wrought iron into harness hooks, gate hinges, and other hardware needed on the farm. Kids can make their own twig pine tree craft.
November 23-24
Holiday Market + Cookies With Santa Claus
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Hall, Gibbsboro
During the holiday market and Christmas bazaar on Saturday, you can visit with Santa and share a cookie together. Both days are times to start your holiday shopping early with gifts available from artisan crafters and vendors.
November 23 – December 24
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia, PA
Over 110 vendors offer unique Christmas-giftware and European food specialties. Always a must-see is the famous German vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt, which features authentic German ornaments and Christmas gifts. Ride the historic, double tier carousel and 65-foot Ferris Wheel. European food options include bratwurst, Raclette cheese, strudel, schnitzel, spätzle, Belgian fries and more.
November 24
Theatre of Light
Morris Museum, Morristown
The Vail Mansion Plaza is transformed with lights. Specially lit magical winged dancers will perform while creatures and puppets roam about. There will be music, dance, ice carving and craft-making from a variety of community artists.
Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
Clifton High School, Clifton
Christmas shoppers who are looking for gift ideas can choose from crafts, new items and collectibles.
November 29
Palmer Square Tree Lighting
Palmer Square, Princeton
The festivities begin on the Green as Ice Sculpture Philly carves a baby grand piano out of ice. The Flying Ivories, The B-Street Band and the Princeton High School Choir will perform. Santa will help light the 32,000 twinkling lights on the giant spruce tree. You can also check the shops for Black Friday deals.
Gratitude Walk
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area, Highlands
Join Waterspirit at the beach to explore the maritime forest. You will learn some mindfulness practices and about the habitats of the area. There will be a short water ceremony on the beach.
Tree Lighting
City Hall Plaza, Rahway
There will be a bounce house, live performances, an ice sculptor, fire pits, hot chocolate, strolling characters, giveaways, carolers, and pictures with Santa.
Madison Borough Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Madison
Coming in at nearly 35 feet and 1,500 pounds, the tree coming from the Madison High School grounds will be lit after the parade.
Candy Cane Christmas Parade
High Street, Millville
The city is filled with holiday cheer from Harrison to Main streets.
Nature Game Night
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Inside the nature center, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of nature-inspired puzzles and games, or bring a puzzle or game from home to play and share with others.
Christmas in North Wildwood
North Wildwood
Santa himself will take part in photos, face painting, a scavenger hunt and more.
Holiday Parade
Hasbrouck Heights
The annual parade, sponsored by the Hasbrouck Heights Chamber of Commerce, starts at Williams Avenue and ends at the Traffic Circle. There will be music, food trucks and vendors along the route before and after the marching. The traditional Christmas tree lighting will take place at the traffic circle afterward.
Fridays – Sundays, November 29 – December 22
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall and Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
The holiday market will showcase handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts by local and regional makers and small businesses, holiday music and entertainment, food and drinks, craft workshops, pet photos, kids’ activities, festive décor, music, pictures with Santa and a toy drive.
November 30
Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Horses Jeb and Amos and Jesse and Paul will give hayrides around the field. Kids can make pine door swags to take home.
Arrival of Santa
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Kids Club Members can meet Santa from 11 am to 1 pm. This free event includes activities such as Christmas carols sung by The Rock ‘n’ Roll Chorus, free holiday photos and selfie snapshots, and holiday crafts to take home.
Tractor Parade With Santa & Friends
Coombs Barnyard, Elmer
The winter tractor parade along will include a special visit from Santa Claus. Stay at the farm and enjoy snacks and crafts for kids and adults.
Totowa, West Paterson and Little Falls Fire Department Holiday Light Parade
Totowa
Bring a toy to donate to the fire department as the marchers pass by.
Small Business Saturday Mini-Market
Carriage Farm, Hillsborough
Get a preview of December’s Kringle Market, as a handful of vendors will set up tables of handmade crafts. Get a coffee or hot cocoa from Horsin’ Around Coffee, an empanada from Endless Empanadas, or a drink at Bellemara or Flounder Brewing. Pick out your tree from the Central Jersey Nurseries Christmas tree lot.
Christmas Parade
Vineland
The Dolores Romero Foundation will host this holiday parade.
Ridgewood Guild’s Winterfest
Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
The 15th annual holiday celebration includes music, ice sculptures, storytelling with an elf, free hot chocolate and cookies, a visit with Santa, a hayride, and a trackless train. Note: the hayride and train have additional fees.
Thanksgiving Storytime and Peanuts Party
Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the library, Lawrenceville
Thanksgiving books, songs and a craft for children (ages 2-5) mark the holiday. After, celebrate “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and feast on the same foods that Snoopy and the Peanuts gang had at their party.
Santa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House
The celebration will include live holiday music by the John Walter Cape Community Band, Candyland bounce house and Polar Bear slide, a walk through the Wild Lights, character appearances, ice sculpture demos, treats, a visit by the jolly man himself, a performance of “Elves Gone Wild.”
Boonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
Main Street, Boonton
March in the parade, sponsor a float or watch from the sidelines during the 29th annual parade.
Collingswood Holiday Parade
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
The parade features lively seasonal entertainment, including marching bands, dancers, holiday characters, giants on stilts, floats, mummers, sports mascots and live music.
Small Business Saturday Weekend
Downtown South Orange
There will be a street fair and promotions inside the businesses and stores.
Winterfest Holiday Stroll
Main Street, Woodbridge
Welcome the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Claus with horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday carolers, crafters and vendors, a tree lighting and a light parade. Shop the local businesses during Small Business Saturday and Buy Local Main Street.
Colonia Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Evergreen Center, Colonia section of Woodbridge
There will be a live holiday zoo with camels, sheep and deer. Watch Santa arrive with the Colonia Fire Department. There will be holiday crafts and displays, plus a Toys for Tots collection.
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