From cider making and cultural festivals to art shows and outdoor adventures, we’ve rounded up the best free admission events in November!
November 1
Cider Making
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
To earn a taste of some fresh apple cider, you have to turn the crank of the cider press and help refill the hopper with the Macintosh, Cortland and Red Delicious apples that make for a perfect blend. Then, stop by the farmhouse for lunch.
Artisan Market
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Dia De Los Muertos
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton
The outdoor festival will include Mariachi, dance, Mexican food and hands-on projects inspired by traditional folk art (like painting sugar skulls).
Fall Foliage Walk
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Linden
Bring the kids for a walk through Hawk Rise forest, where you’ll see the beautiful colors of fall. You’ll also learn about the wildlife that lives at Hawk Rise.
Festival de Dia de Muertos
War Memorial Park, New Brunswick
French Street will be packed with a community altar, traditional folklore dances, traditional music, a contest for Catrinas (traditional dress for Day of the Dead), storytelling, and Mexican food and drinks.
Kingsway Education Foundation Holiday Craft Show
Kingsway Regional High School, Woolwich Twp.
Start your holiday shopping by visiting 230+ crafters showcasing unique handmade creations. There will be live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
As part of the year-long programming by Prudential North to Shore, celebrate Mexican heritage through a community altar contest, live performances and music, a Catrin competition (attire), an artisan market, hands-on activities, face painting, food and a pop-up art exhibit.
November 1-2
Apple Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The weekend festival will feature apple-inspired food and drinks, baked goods, live entertainment, and family activities – like axe throwing, lawn games, sand art, face painting, a petting zoo, a mobile escape room, and a pie-eating contest.
Fall Harvest Festival
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
There will be pumpkins, wagon rides to the farm fields, seasonal treats, interactive living history interpreters, tours of the historic buildings, live music by the Sawmill Run Old Time String Band, children’s crafts, goodies inside the gift shop, and BBQ fusion-inspired cuisine from Beastro. You can also explore the nearby Cornelius Low House Museum.
Gleneayre Horse Show & Hunter Derby
Gleneayre Farm, Lumberton
Watch elegant horses and riders in action, stroll the vendor market, bid in the basket auction, and order food from Red’s Rolling Restaurant.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
November 1-3
Hoboken Art Month
Throughout Hoboken
Highlights include a storefront art walk with a docent-led tour, Jazz on the Hudson, a public print event where families can squeegee their own hand-cut print on paper, storytelling, a lace exhibit, a screening of “Hocus Pocus,” a walking tour of Hoboken art studios, pop-up markets, musical performances, an improv workshop, hat making and pottery building.
November 1 – December 7
Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
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.
November 2
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan vendors, live music and food vendors.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Kids can choose to make a variety of crafts inspired by history, art and the season.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Riverview Fisk Park, Jersey City
The festival will include a giant puppet parade, a community ofrenda (altar), live Mariachi and music, traditional dance, and a community party.
Sunday Afternoon Bird Walk
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Jeremy Cohen, Associate Naturalist for NJ Audubon, will help you look for late migrant birds and the birds that will be staying at the sanctuary for the winter.
Holiday Flea & Gift Fair
Fanwood Train Station, Fanwood
There will be roughly 75 vendors set up indoors and possibly outdoors so you can start your holiday shopping.
Multiple Dates, Starting November 2
Highlights Tour
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
November 2, 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.
November 7-11
Homecoming 250
Camden and Philadelphia
The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration is hosted by Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps with a ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant, a Marine Corps 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall and the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, plus various museum exhibits. Some events are free, some require tickets.
Select dates, November 7 – January 17
Peddler’s Village Holiday Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Events throughout the season include the Grand Illumination Celebration with a tree lighting led by Santa & Mrs. Claus, sing-alongs, carolers, and special musical performances by hosts Martin & Kelly; a gingerbread competition and display; photos and brunch with Santa; extra shopping on Small Business Saturday; Holly Jolly Weekend with a Santa parade; and then the Fire & Frost Fun festival in January.
November 8
Big Santa Lighting
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
A giant 42-foot-tall Santa will be on top of the mall near Entrance 3, and the holiday season kicks off with its official lighting. Z100’s Danielle Monaro, co-host of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, will host the party, which features country music star Dylan Schneider as the headliner. There will be performances by the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, Broadway Youth Ensemble, and Dance Company Debut — leading up to the Drone Light Show Spectacular.
Autumn Vibes Sip & Shop Vendor Market
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
Jenn Zazzara of Shore Crafted brings together local makers, artisans and small businesses for a day of shopping and sipping on craft cocktails.
Touch-a-Truck Day
Deer Path Park, Flemington
Dump trucks, fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, military Jeeps and other vehicles will be parked in one place so kids can get a close-up look. Start the morning with “Hold the Horn” from 11 am to 12 pm, which is a special hour of quiet—no horns, flashing lights, or sirens for kids with sensory sensitivities.
Bacon, Sausage & Scrapple Making
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
You can lend a hand filling the sausage stuffer and grinding the corn used in scrapple and cornbread recipes, then taste cracklins and other food made in the process.
Holiday Craft Market
Southern Regional High School, Manahawkin
The Stafford Twp. EMS Auxiliary puts on this early shopping market.
November 8-9
New Jersey Women’s Expo & Great Food Expo
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
This combo event brings together artisan vendors, a bartending workshop, a cooking stage, food samples, and meet-and-greets with MTV’s JWOWW and singer Debbie Gibson. If you sign up ahead of time, entrance is free.
Holiday Crafts and Drafts
Jersey Girl Brewing, Hackettstown
Shop from handmade goods inside the cozy warehouse tasting room. You can bring your kids, your dogs – and your own food to make a day of it.
Jeepfest Food Truck & Music Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Celebrate all things Jeep with wine, food trucks, fire pits in the grove, live music, face painting, Macaroni Anne Cheez the clown, a vineyard wagon tour, playgrounds, cornhole game, pumpkin and apple cannons, and lots of Jeeps to check out.
November 8-11
Veterans Day Weekend at Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
The museum will honor America’s very first veterans from the Revolutionary War, up to the veterans of today, by offering free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families.
November 9
Art Together
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
The museum’s free drop-in family art workshop series picks a new project inspired by an exhibit on display.
Thursday – Sunday, November 13 – December 21
Artist Winter Village
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
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.
November 14
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.
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.
November 15
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 aims to end child slavery in Ghana.
November 15 – December 14
LBIF Holiday Market
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, Loveladies
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.
November 16
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.
November Family Walk
Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Teaneck
Take a guided walk as you take in the sights and sounds of the Teaneck Creek.
November 21-22
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood Holiday Market
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, Ridgewood
During opening night on Friday, enjoy a wine and cheese reception. On Saturday, shopping includes a bake sale and other activities.
Select Dates, November 21 – January 3
Holiday Lights
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Take a stroll through the zoo at night, which will be lit up by thousands of sparking 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.
November 22
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, you can cut and chop firewood, and split locust logs into fence rails.
Santa & Friends Arrival Celebration
MarketFair, Princeton
Santa makes his grand entrance with a parade, live brass band tunes from the Ocean City Stompers, Grinchy and his Silly Bag of Tricks, balloon art by Mrs. Claus, an inflatable gingerbread obstacle course, gingerbread-themed arts & crafts, face painting, and holiday treats. The first 300 kids to check in will get a gift.
Wicked Holiday Homecoming
Downtown Metuchen
Kick off the holiday season with a Wicked-themed party in the Plaza. To coincide with the release of the second movie, there will be music from students at Metuchen High School, festive cheer from Rutgers Acapella group (RU Deep Treble), photos with friends from OutFront Metuchen, Wicked characters and business specials.
November 22 – December 24
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
LOVE Park and City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
You’ll feel like you’re in Germany as vendors set up traditional wooden booths, offering holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and arts and crafts in the style of an authentic German market. There will be a carousel, Ferris Wheel a kid’s train, and plenty of European foods and desserts.
November 23
Holiday Flea & Gift Fair
Wayne PAL, Wayne
There will be roughly 75 vendors set up indoors and possibly outdoors so you can start your holiday shopping.
Último Domingo
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Último Domingo (Last Sunday) is a series that celebrates Latinx culture, and invites bilingual families to experience art together. Walk around the museum’s exhibitions, create your own art, and watch performances. Plus, there will be free snacks.
November 25
Friendly’s Holiday Celebration
Friendly’s, Foxmoor Shopping Center, Robbinsville
Santa Claus arrives to light both the Christmas tree and the menorah. There will be a visit by the Trenton Thunder mascot Boomer, holiday music, make-your-own ornament crafts, a Toys for Tots collection, and a discount on kid’s meals with the purchase of an adult dinner.
November 28
Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting
Palmer Square, Princeton
The holiday spirit comes to life during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Share the Warmth: A Wicked Black Friday
MarketFair, Princeton
Donate a coat and then meet The Great Oz and Elphaba, create sand art, sip hot cocoa and enter to win gift baskets.
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Parade
Haddonfield
Kicking off on Tanner Street with free hot cocoa, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the parade to Kings Court after the Library Point tree is lit for the season.
#OptOutside Free Guided Hike
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
On the day after Thanksgiving, take a free guided nature walk with your family, or choose to explore the trails on your own, and tag #OptOutside in your social media posts.
A Wicked Black Friday
MarketFair, Princeton
Dress in your Oz-inspired best for a meet-and-greet with The Great Oz & Elphaba, photo moments in Emerald City, hot chocolate, magical sand art, and prizes.
Holiday Parade
Boulevard, between LaSalle and The Circle, Hasbrouck Heights
There will be festive floats, marching bands, classic cars, community organizations and a very special guest from the North Pole. The parade is followed by the boro’s tree lighting ceremony at The Circle. After the ceremony, kids can go to TD Bank to meet Santa in person.
Red Bank TownLighting Pre-Show
Edmund Wilson Plaza, Red Bank
There will be holiday music, dance performances, and selfie-ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will board a Red Bank fire engine and lead a parade with the Pipe and Drums of the Atlantic Watch up Monmouth Street to the Holiday Express performance site on Broad Street.
Select Dates, November 28 – December 21
Holiday Bazaar Series 2025
November 28-30: Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
Fridays – Sundays, November 28 – December 21: Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Sundays, November 30 – 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.
November 28 – January 3
Kringle Cove
Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
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.
November 29
Holiday Art Market
Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove
More than 30 local artists and crafters will display their items, in addition to Open Artists’ studios, holiday music, and food and drinks.
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood
The completely outdoor holiday shopping experience takes place on Small Business Saturday. Local artisans, jewelry, specialty shops, handcrafted items, holiday decorations, baked goods, boutique shops and other gifts will be for sale.
Pennsauken Holiday Parade
Westfield Avenue, Pennsauken
Fire engines, floats, costumed characters and live performers will walk and roll from Bethel Avenue to 44th Street.
Santa’s Classic Car Parade
Universal Technical Institute, Bloomfield
Santa, along with his pals at the Bloomfield Cruisers, will lead an 18-mile parade of 30 cars throughout the streets of Bloomfield.
Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Donate a non-perishable food item and you’ll earn a ride on one of the hay wagons. You can also donate a gift to Toys for Toys. There will be corn picking as well.
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.
Holiday Parade
West Paterson, Totowa, Little Falls, Woodland Park
The parade route goes from Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls, through Woodland Park, ending at Crews Street and Union Boulevard in Totowa. There will be firetrucks, emergency service vehicles, ambulances, floats and business vehicles traveling the route.
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.
Snowfest Saturday
Avalon
There will be bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, trampolines, a rock wall, ice sculpting and carnival rides. Santa will be in his sleigh at 21st & Dune Drive for family photos, and there will be holiday performances throughout the day.
Boonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
Main Street, Boonton
March in the parade, sponsor a float or watch from the sidelines during the 30th annual parade.
Woodbridge Twp. Winterfest & Light Parade
Main Street, Woodbridge
In the afternoon, Winterfest includes rides for kids, holiday vendors, horse-and-carriage rides, s’mores and roasted peanuts, kids’ crafts, a visit from Santa Claus, Christmas carols, ice sculpting and a live DJ. In the evening, the Light Parade kicks off along Main Street.
Christmas Parade on THE AVE
Landis Avenue, Vineland
Hundreds of bands, floats, Mummers and walkers entertain the crowd until Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause arrive in their sleigh float. Santa will use his magic wand to illuminates all of the string lights that line The Ave.
November 29-30
Owl Markets (Highland Park’s Artisan and Crafter Holiday Markets)
Highland Park
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. November 29 is Small Business Saturday and the tree lighting, and December 14 will be the menorah lighting.
Island Holiday Weekend
Stone Harbor
There will be a holiday market, carousel, scavenger hunt, Festival of Trees, magician tricks, a holiday parade, a pet parade, tree lighting, Downtown Holiday Dash, winter crafts, and a holiday cookie stroll.
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 – December 20
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets
Bell Works, Holmdel
There will be a curated collection of 75 handmade artists and makers at this indoor holiday celebration.
Fridays – Sundays, November 29 – December 21
Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
Morristown Green, Morristown
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.
Select dates, November 29 – January 4
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
The open-air festival in the downtown offers ice skating, go karts, a marketplace, private heated pods and igloos.
November 30
Vlad & Niki
American Dream, East Rutherford
The global YouTube sensations – who have more than 147 million subscribers – come to AD for the first time for an exclusive show viewing, Q&A, and special fan giveaway.
Metuchen Winter Festival and Parade
Main Street, Downtown Metuchen
The parade steps off from Wernik Place, and continues to The Plaza where the tree will be lit. There will be snacks, music and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Porta Holiday Market
Porta, Asbury Park
The holiday pop-up sip & shop will feature 25 local handmade artists and makers.
Holiday Flea & Gift Fair
Clifton High School, Clifton
There will be roughly 75 vendors set up indoors and possibly outdoors so you can start your holiday shopping.
Sundays, November 30, December 7, 14 and 21
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village
MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood
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.
Ongoing Through 2026
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
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 artifacts – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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