
The holiday season is upon us and we’re here for all the festivals, meet-and-greets with Santa, light shows (including Christmas tree, menorah and kinara lightings) and caroling. The best part? The events we’ve rounded up all have free admission. Be sure to check dates, times and weather before you head out.
Fridays in December
Free Coffee
Quick Chek, Multiple locations
Every Friday in December, all you have to do is spend $1 as a QC Rewards member and you can get any sized coffee, hot or cold, for free.
Saturdays – Sundays, December 1-21
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.”
Fridays – Sundays, December 1-22
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.
December 1, 14, 21-22
Small Business Weekend
Main Street, Highland Park
The festivities will include Night Owl Holiday Craft Markets with local crafters, artisans, and food vendors, a gingerbread house contest, caroling with the Highland Park Community Chorus, the downtown tree lighting with Santa’s arrival on a fire truck (Saturday), and live music from the Jeremy Sweet Trio. Night Owl Craft Markets will continue on December 1, 14, 21 and 22.
Wednesdays – Sundays, December 1 – January 5, 2025
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Stop by for a day of ice skating, go-karts, games and activities, heated private igloos or pods, an open-air holiday marketplace, and special events throughout the season.
Weekends, November 30 – January 19, 2025
Montclair Flea Holiday Market
Lackawanna Station, Montclair
The previously vacant Lackawanna Station will house a rotating lineup of 175+ vendors and food trucks for the season. During opening weekend, expect a wide selection of offerings from local makers and retailers, including Afterglow Vintage, Bookhaven Books, The Giraffe’s Heart, Jersey Collective and Marlie Bakes Cake. Opening weekend will feature sets from DJ April and DJ Prince Hakim. More details will be announced about special weekend activities throughout the season. View the art and sculptures by local artists including Shaun Killman, Charlie Spademan, Gardenship and more on display throughout the space.
December 1
Metuchen Winter Festival
Downtown Metuchen
The parade steps off from Wernik Place, followed by a tree lighting on the Plaza. There will be music, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and snacks.
Holiday Gift Fair & Flea Market
Bergenfield High School, Bergenfield
Christmas shoppers who are looking for gift ideas can choose from crafts, new items and collectibles.
The Long Branch Christmas Tree Lighting
Pier Village, Long Branch
Holiday activities include performances by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, Tim McLoone and the Shirleys and a special appearance from Santa Claus. There will be a Holiday Makers & Artisan Market, Christmas caroling, stilt walkers, glitter tattoos, circus elves and jugglers, snow fairies, train rides, mini golf, bowling, virtual reality games, air hockey, carousel rides, a Little Words Project bead cart, hot chocolate and donuts, and holiday window displays.
Holly Jolly Craft Boutique Family Fun Day
Knights of Columbus, Twp. of Washington (Bergen County)
Santa will be visiting for fun and “elfies.” The first 50 people get a swag bag.
Museum Store Sunday
Montclair History Center, Montclair
Museum Store Sunday is an annual holiday shopping day supporting cultural institutions and their stores across the country. Any purchases you make, from books to posters to historic toys to other gift shop items, will support the Montclair History Center and the artisans and craftspeople who create them. Admission to the event is free. After you shop, visit the Crane House & Historic YWCA to learn about the many women, men, and children who work, played and lived in the house from 1796 to 1965.
December 1-24
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.
December 2-31
Festival of Trees
Downtown Cranford
Holiday trees will be set up in storefront windows, decorated by families and organizations from Cranford. People walking around the downtown area will see all of the trees, and vote for their favorite.
December 3
Christmas at the Hall
Seton Hall University, West Orange
After the Christmas at the Hall Mass inside the chapel, head to the University Green for a traditional Christmas tree lighting, which includes Santa hats, hot cocoa and candy canes, and a special blessing of the tree. There will be live performances from the Seton Hall University Theatre Council, Seton Hall Sapphires and Seton Hall Pep Band. Snow machines that will make it feel like a winter wonderland. Seton Hall Pirates around the world can livestream the event.
Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting
Robbinsville Township Municipal Building, Robbinsville
The evening begins with crafts from C.A.R.E., and photos with Santa. After the lightings, there will be hot chocolate, choir singing and giveaways.
Wednesdays, December 4-18
Cocoa & Crafts
Marketfair, Princeton
Each session has a different character who will join your kid for crafts and cocoa. December 4 has Cindy Lou Who entertaining kids with Dr. Seuss stories; the Frost Fairy freezing for photo ops on December 11; and Holiday Princess Belle making a ceramic ornament on December 18.
Wednesdays – Sundays, November 30 – December 31
Christmas Train Village
Duggan Hall, Spring Lake
The village is a re-creation of the beautiful town of Spring Lake.
December 6
Free First Friday: Gift Wrapping Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Monclair
Learn the art of gift wrapping during this free activity. Bring your own small gift to practice your wrapping skills. The studio will provide some decorating materials, but you can bring your own dried flowers, buttons, ribbons, or other items for a more personalized touch.
Christmas Parade
Downtown Cape May Court House
Line the streets in Middle Twp. to see your favorite Christmas characters walk and roll by.
Christmas in Court House
Middle Twp.
There will be a parade along Route 9 leading to the tree lighting and performances by the library. The festival at Town Hall includes craft vendors, food vendors and snacks. You can also visit the firehouse for more snacks and a visit with Santa Claus.
Christmas Parade
Clinton
The Guild of Clinton hosts this annual parade beginning at 7 pm.
Mini Holiday Market & Hayrides
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
There will be glass blowing demos, artists and crafters, ornaments and cards, gifts for home and body, Christmas trees and wreaths, and more fun on the farm. Come back for free winter hayrides on December 14 and 22.
First Fridays Series
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
On the first Friday of the month, indulge in the arts and culture of Middlesex County with free food, live music and performances, games and activities, and arts and crafts.
Downtown for the Holidays
Ridgewood
Downtown for the Holidays includes music, performances, a visit by Santa, and the tree lighting ceremony.
Boro in Lights
Glassboro
As Santa arrives to light the tree, there will be performances, a live Nativity scene with Missio Dei Church, a petting zoo, carriage rides along Rowan Boulevard, selfie stations, meet-and-greets with costumed characters, a working model train display inside RCSJ’s Welcome Center, cookie decorating with Cookie Munchers, food trucks and a vendors market.
Christmas Parade
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
There will be walking units, floats, musical acts, cars and cheer/dance teams taking part in the festivities.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade
Central Avenue, North Wildwood Recreation Center to Byrne Plaza
Awards will be announced for floats. Stay afterward as the decorated business lighting contest takes place.
December 4-28
Holidays in Haddon Township
Haddon Twp.
Free events during the holiday season include a holiday parade, the Winterfest Market, Santa’s Silver Sleigh stops, the SoHa Arts Holiday Makers Market, and Last Saturday on the Square.
December 6-7
Winter Wonderland
Kuser Park, Hamilton Twp.
This year’s Candyland-themed celebration with has a tree lighting (on Friday), photos with Santa, DIY magic reindeer food, a stroll through Candy Lane Cottage, free candy, a gingerbread bounce house, firepits, holiday rides, tours of Kuser Mansion, a model railroad, holiday music and themed displays.
December 6-8
Krampus Asbury Park Festival
Paranormal Museum, Asbury Park
The festivities begin on Friday with pictures with Krampus and Yeti, followed by the Krampus Asbury Park Film Festival, a cinematic showcase celebrating the mythical creature and his lore. Saturday brings a lively street fair featuring local vendors, the Monsters of Yule tour, a dramatic reading of the Naughty List and contests. The weekend concludes on Sunday with a festive brunch with Krampus. Note: Most activities are free, but tickets are needed for the Krampus Film Festival, The Monsters of Yule Tour, and Brunch with Krampus.
Hasbro’s Toyland
High Line at Chelsea Market Passage, New York, NY
A Hasbro Product Showcase is the highlight of Toyland, where kids can play with toys from Baby Alive, Beyblade, Furby, Hasbro Gaming, Monopoly, My Little Pony, Nerf, Transformers, Peppa Pig, Mr. Potato Head and Play-Doh. There will be photo ops with Hasbro characters, like Peppa Pig, Izzy Moonbow, Sunny Starscout, and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head along with Santa.
December 6-8, 13-15
Mistletoe Market
Turkey Brook Park, Mount Olive
The cozy outdoor holiday market (which is dog-friendly) is where you can shop for unique gifts while sipping hot cocoa around the bonfire and listening to live music. The tree lighting and caroling are on December 6. A Charles Dickens-style caroling group performs on December 7. Randolph School of Rock performs December 8. The Mini Movers put on an energetic show on December 14. The Toll Collectors Band sings on December 15. Other activities include Santa pictures for kids, food trucks and a Festival of Trees.
December 7
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. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Toyland.”
Christmas in the Pines
Harry Wright Lake, Manchester
The annual holiday event includes a craft market, food vendors, performances, hot cocoa, firepits, s’mores, and a special visit by Santa.
North Wilwood Holiday Tree Lighting
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, North Wildwood
The Christmas tree lighting event includes holiday music by Margaret Mace School Choir, snacks, a self-guided tour of the lighthouse, and visits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Pasko in America
American Dream, East Rutherford
This Filipino fiesta celebrates a traditional Christmas from the Philippines.
Career Carnival for Kids: All Careers Tour
Paramus Public Library, Paramus
Kids ages 8-14 will talk to various professionals so they can consider their own future careers. They will engage directly with Career Guides while they enjoy hands-on activities, demos, games and giveaways. Older and younger siblings are welcome, too.
Winter Wonderland
High Street, Millville
Spend the day getting pictures with Santa, having your hair tinseled, shopping from vendors, meeting characters, taking pony rides, listening to music, doing crafts, and playing games.
Winter Wonderland
East Brunswick Municipal Complex, East Brunswick
Winter Wonderland has a little bit of everything: a holiday market, lighting ceremony, live music, performances, Cookies with Claus, food trucks, crafts, face painting, the North Pole Candy Stroll, a live ice sculptor, a gingerbread contest, airbrush tattoos, ice skating, train rides, a holiday movie, a winter tavern, a s’mores station and character appearances.
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 Cars throughout the streets of Bloomfield.
Shoreline Vintage Holiday Market
Shoreline Vintage & Antiques, Richland
There will be multiple vendors selling vintage holiday decor, antiques, arts & crafts, candles, baked goods and more. The Crazy Ladies Coffee Cart will be back. Woodland Whiskers will set up with some kitties to pet or possibly adopt. Also, come say “hi” to Santa.
French American Holiday Market
French American Academy of Englewood, Englewood
This festive event will feature a variety of vendors offering foods, arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live performances, and engaging activities for all ages inside the “snow”-covered multi-purpose room. There will be a bounce castle, magic shows, interactive clay, knitting projects, baking, slime making stations. French holiday food staples include boeuf bourguignon, foie gras, salmon, baguettes and crepes by O’Cabanon, Patisserie Florentine, La Petite Bretagne and Cuisinery.
Belvidere Tree Lighting and Winter Festival
Riverside Park, Belvidere
There will be live music, ice skating, shopping, warm treats, a tree lighting, and more.
Tree Lighting
The Carousel Pavilion, Seaside Heights
The ceremony includes carousel rides, meetings with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and fireworks.
Seasonal Traditions Holiday Program
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Learn about the holiday traditions of centuries past, featuring 18th- and 19th-century holiday music, traditional caroling, wagon rides, children’s crafts and snacks.
Home for the Holidays Parade
Downtown Westwood
The beloved parade will be hitting the streets again with all the lights, music and magic of the holiday season. This year’s theme is Twinkle, Shine & Glow. Home for the Holidays takes place all day long with shopping, events and dining. The parade begins at 6 pm with a visit from Santa Claus. The tree lighting takes place immediately following the parade.
Winter Wonderland Festival
Papaianni Park, Edison
The festival celebrates the winter season with many family-friendly activities.
Winter Wonderland
High Street, Millville
There will be vendors, pictures with Santa, hair tinseling, character appearances, pony rides, games, live music, crafts, cookies and hot cocoa.
Holiday Lights Parade
Somerville
Firefighters from throughout NJ will escort Santa in the annual Somerville parade. Prizes given out for the best decorated fire and emergency vehicles, personal floats vehicle, and best decorated houses and/or businesses in Somerville.
Dickens Festival
Main Street, Medford
The Main Street Merchants of Historic Medford turn the historic downtown into a Victorian-era wonderland. There are The Village Carollers, visitors dressed in period garb, lots of holiday treats, a parade, a visit by Santa Claus and The Grinch, horse-drawn carriage rides, and candy cane distribution by elves. The shops and boutiques will be decorated for the holidays. There will be more than 90 juried artisans selling handcrafted items. Visit the restaurants or food truck stations. There will be live performances, including a live nativity, and comedic performances of “A Christmas Carol” by Pirates of Fortune’s Follies.
Hot Chocolate Crawl with Santa Claus
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton
Stroll with Santa Claus through the courtyard while sipping on hot cocoa. Retailers will offer special holiday deals as well as storefront activities.
Christmas on the Farm
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Santa is coming to Howell Farm – not in a sleigh, but on a steam tractor. There will be Christmas crafts (including a paper Victorian angel ornament project), live music from Jugtown Mountain String Band, farm animal visits, selfies in an 1800s sleigh, demos by a blacksmith, and an opportunity to stroll through a decorated historic farmhouse.
Winter Wonderland Parade
Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Get ready to start winter with marching bands, floats, costumed characters, decorated cars and dance/drill teams.
North Brunswick Woman’s Club Vendor & Craft Show
North Brunswick Senior Center, North Brunswick
Get your holiday shopping started as you browse through dozens of crafters and vendors.
Hunterdon Holiday Parade
Main Street, Flemington
Enjoy this festive parade along Main Street.
Ventnor City Twilight Holiday Parade
Ventnor Avenue, Ventnor
There will marching bands, fire trucks, floats, classic cars, Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade. After the parade, stick around for food trucks and a holiday market along Weymouth and Ventnor avenues. Santa will be at the Ventnor Square Theater along with a balloon artist, face painting and a prize wheel.
December Sip & Shop
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
Be part of the Holiday Sip & Shop Local Craft Vendor Fair, where you can look for holiday gifts while having a craft beer.
Hometown Holiday
Village Hall, South Orange
The Hometown Holiday event happens in two parts: From 3-5 pm there are photos with Santa at Village Hall, including holiday games and activities. There’s even a holiday education station! Then there is a tree lighting ceremony across the street at 76 S. Orange Ave. The CHS Choir and Concepts Dance Academy will perform around 5 pm. The tree lighting will be around 5:30 pm. Stay for free hot chocolate and treats at Village Hall afterward.
Heights Holiday Market
Riverview Fisk Park, Jersey City
The third annual pop-up in thep ark features more than 120+ local vendors, a food court with holiday food and drink, visits with Santa, a photo booth, and more.
Freehold Borough Arts Council Arts & Crafts Show
Park Avenue Elementary School, Freehold Borough
Local artists and crafters will set up booths so you can start your holiday shopping.
Salem Magic of Christmas Parade
Route 49 and Broadway, from 4th to Johnson streets, Salem
For more than 40 years, high school bands, pageant contestants, floats, walkers, marchers, entertainers, local groups, dance groups, veterans, antique vehicles and first responders march down the streets with holiday magic.
December 7-8
Wallabout Winter Wonderland Pop-Up Holiday Market
Building 293, Brooklyn, NY
Aside from the market with over 200 local vendors offering a mix of clothing and accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, food and beverages – with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses – there are family-friendly activities including the Next Generation youth vendor section, The Family Corner, free cookie decorating, holiday card making, LEGO adventures, and book giveaways.
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, MillvilleBank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to six cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
Select dates, December 7-22
Essex County Holiday House Tour
The Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
December 7-8: Holiday House Tour
December 13: Holiday Candlelight Tour
December 15: Winter Wonderland Open House
December 22: Winter Wonderland final weekend
Free, self-guided tours let you explore this 227-year-old home at your leisure. See the beautiful period decorations set up by the Garden Club of Montclair. Warm yourself in the hearth and learn about holiday food traditions. Stop in to the Nathaniel Crane House for unique holiday gifts.
December 7 – January 7, 2025
Festival of Trees
New Brunswick
Members of local organizations have decorated Christmas trees, which will be on the display at the American Hungarian Foundation gallery, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, the Heldrich Hotel, and Amboy Bank.
December 7-8, 14-15
Downtown Read Bank Holiday Trolley
Red Bank
The brand-new trolley will make three separate stops: Bridge Avenue at Edmund Wilson Plaza between Triumph Brewing and the Two River Theater, Mechanic Street between Dor L’Dor and Char, and then on Broad Street in front of Yestercades. The trolley will make a continuous loop between those three stops over the course of the four-hour period each day. All rides are free.
December 8
A Journey to Bethlehem Living Nativity
United Presbyterian Church of Lyndhurst, Lyndhurst
Watch a free live narrated performance of the story of Jesus’ birth. There will even be a camel!
A Dream Is A Wish Holiday Concert
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
Kids can sing holiday classics with four of their favorite princesses, and then meet them after for a quick photo.
Sinterklaas Day
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
Be on the lookout for Sinterklaas and stop to take your photo with him. There will also be a Hanukkah presentation with a demo of how the menorah is lit and more about the history, traditions and customs of the holiday. Stop by The Blackhorse Inn and Campbell-Christie House for a tour. Visit the society’s authentic Jersey Dutch out-kitchen where interpreters will be making Dutch puff pancakes. Activities for families include decorating holiday cards for veterans, and pinecone bird feeder and ornament making.
December 11-12
Tot Walks: Rocks
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
Leave the strollers behind as the group – toddlers and adults – reads a story and takes a walk to learn about nature, and then does a craft on each theme.
December 12
Tice’s Corner Winter Festival
Tice’s Corner, Woodcliff Lake
The festive evening kicks off the holiday season with a tree lighting, a visit by Santa, caroling, holiday shopping, arts and crafts, and hot chocolate.
Sensory Santa Event
Bierman Autism Centers, Berkeley Heights
Skip the busy and noisy malls and instead bring your kid with neurodiverse needs to meet Santa, take photos, decorate cookies and play winter-themed games.
Sensory Santa Event
Bierman Autism Centers, Princeton
Skip the busy and noisy malls and enjoy a calm, welcoming atmosphere where your child can meet Santa, take photos, decorate cookies and play winter-themed games.
December 13
Westfield Community Concert Band Holiday Concert
Edison Intermediate School, Westfield
The Edison Intermediate School Broadway Singers put on a special program of classical, traditional and contemporary holiday selections, including themes from the Nutcracker Suite and A Rhapsody on Christmas Carols.
Baby Walk
Point Mountain Central, Washington
Get outside with your baby and explore a local trail. There will be nature education geared toward the adults.
Christmas Carol Festival
Church of St. David the King, Princeton Junction
Sing traditional Christmas carols and enjoy homemade Christmas cookies, treats and wassail.
December 14
Holiday Made in Monmouth
Collins Arena, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
Made in Monmouth is free for both shoppers and vendors as a way to encourage the Shop Local movement. This special holiday event will feature hundreds of vendors selling gifts before the holidays.
Hungarian Christmas Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be beautiful handmade gifts, Hungarian food and outdoor activities.
Hanukkah Silent Disco Party
JCC of Central NJ, Scotch Plains
Put on a pair of headphones and listen to your choice of music, while others do the same. There will be a giant robot and a smoke machine – plus donuts.
Rutherford Elks 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Rutherford Elks Lodge 547, Rutherford
The holiday shopping event will have lots of unique gifts to give.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Vauxhall Branch Library, Vauxhall
Mr. Bill Davis & Friends perform during a full day of festivities that includes music, dance, spoken word and snacks to celebrate the theme of “umoja” as a community.
Toy Truck Parade
Cooper River Park, Pennsauken
Decorate your family’s car, truck or SUV and fill the trunk with toys! You’ll drive from Collingswood to the Scottish Rite Auditorium. On-air personalities from XTU FM will judge the vehicles.
Fire Department Holiday Parade
Downtown Hammonton
After the holiday characters pass by along Bellevue Avenue, visit the charming shops in the downtown district.
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
There will be holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, children’s craft making, a magician, face painting, dance performances, Storytime with Mrs. Claus and a tree lighting ceremony.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Event
Bierman Autism Centers, Ramsey
The welcoming and calm atmosphere is geared toward kids ages 2-9 with neurodivergent needs. They can meet Santa, take free photos, decorate cookies, and take part in winter games and activities.
Kwanzaa Community Celebration
Montclair Public Library, Montclair
There is a marketplace, Kora for Kwanzaa music and dance performance from West Africa, spoken word poetry, libations and the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, a visit by author Ibi Zoboi, Children of the Sun poetry, and Maati Cultural Arts Community drummers and dancers.
December 14-15
Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
There will be craft vendors, pictures with Santa, a gingerbread contest and village display, live music, craft projects, holiday market and toy drive.
Byron Barn Christmas Market
Byron Barn, Plainsboro
Search for a unique handcrafted gift made by dozens of artisans, enjoy some food, listen to live music, and let the kids do some crafts.
December 14-15, 21-22
Holiday Makers Market
MarketFair, Princeton
Over 20 small businesses and vendors will come together to showcase their handcrafted products and artistry: home decor, jewelry, health, beauty, artwork, handmade crafts, homebaked goods and more. Say hello to Santa. Have your gifts wrapped at the free gift-wrapping station.
Happy Holiday Market
Grove St. PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City
Shop handmade gifts, sample holiday treats and take festive photos at the market; or have brunch or cocktails on the rooftop of the restaurant (additional cost applies).
December 14 and 22
Winter Hayrides
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
There will be free hayrides around the perimeter of the farm. Keep an eye out for cows, chickens and other farm animals. Stop inside the market for award-winning cheeses and meats that come from the farm.
December 15
Family Winter Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
An easy, child-friendly hike in the New Jersey Botanical Garden’s woodlands will teach you about the plants and animals around.
Handmade Holiday
The Woodland, Maplewood
This annual tradition brings together 60 unique artisan vendors across two floors, offering one-of-a-kind, handmade goods.
December 19
Chanukah LEGO Night
Temple Sholom, Scotch Plains
Play with one of the largest collections of LEGOs in Scotch Plains. You are welcome to build as many LEGO creations as you’d like. There will be dreidel games, Chanukah music, a menorah lighting, and meetings with the Sholom family.
Community Kwanzaa Celebration
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
In the third floor exhibition space you can learn all about the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Hosted by the NAACP New Brunswick Area Branch.
The Southside Wanderers Rock ‘n’ Roll Band
Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System, Lawrenceville
The Southside Wanderers Rock ‘n’ Roll band plays oldies, Motown, British Invasion, Doo-Wop and classic rock.
December 20
Valentina
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
The French pop star will sing songs of the season in French and English.
December 21
Festivus
Peterson Park, Metuchen
‘Twas the Weekend Before Christmas festivities include the airing of grievances, the Festivus Pole and the Feats of Strength.
Winter Woodpecker Wander
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Linden
Angus Macaulay, a NJ Audubon Teacher Naturalist, will lead you on a walk along the trails so you can look for several woodpecker species that live in the area.
McDonald’s Winter Wonderland With Santa
McDonald’s, South Amboy
Visit the fully Christmas adorned restaurant, take photos with Santa Claus, and enjoy holiday goodies.
Kwanzaa Family Festival
NJPAC, Newark
Each event and activity embodies one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Activities include dance and drumming classes, face painting, storytelling, child-friendly arts and crafts workshops, a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony, a Vibunzi — a tradition of honoring young people with an ear of corn (or in this case, a slice of cornbread) to represent the hope for the future they bring — and a Kwanzaa Artisan Marketplace.
Winter Solstice Walk
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton Twp.
On the first day of winter, which is also the shortest day of the year, take an afternoon walk with the kids, then warm up with hot chocolate inside the Nature Center.
Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
Celebrate the holidays with free photos, holiday arts and crafts, gingerbread houses, holiday music, face painting, and hot chocolate and marshmallows.December 22
Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
Wayne PAL, Wayne
Christmas shoppers who are looking for gift ideas can choose from crafts, new items and collectibles.
December 21-22
Night Owl Holiday Markets
Highland Park
The last weekend of festivities include a holiday gift market with local crafters, artisans and food vendors, live music from local performers, free festive arts and crafts, a Santa letter writing station, and visits from Santa.
December 22
Downtown Ice Carving Experience & Treat Trail
Edmund Wilson Plaza, Broad Street, Monmouth Street
A professional ice carver will take giant chunks of ice, use a chainsaw and chisels, and create masterpieces out of the giant pieces of ice. He plans to create a snowman, a snowflake and an ice sculpture of the giant clock on Broad Street.
December 26
Chanukah Fire & Ice
Pioneer Park at HQ Plaza, Morristown
Watch as a menorah is carved out of ice. There will be Chanukah music, strolling entertainment, donuts, hot drinks, and giveaways for kids.
December 26-28
Patriots Week
Trenton
Join the Old Barracks Museum for its yearly celebration of Trenton’s revolutionary role in America’s history. The Colonial Ball will take place on Friday at the Masonic Temple: mingle with historically outfitted reenactors and dance to the sounds of colonial America (note: paid tickets are required). The Battles of Trenton Reenactments will be held on Saturday at 11 am at the Battle Monument and at 3 pm in Mill Hill Park: follow the soldiers as they march out to fight on the original battlefields. “The Trouble with Trenton” interactive puppet shows, presented by Tuckers Tales, will also be held on Saturday at Warren Street Plaza as a family-friendly “mini” look at American history. The Old Barracks will hold musket demonstrations on December 26 and 27 (included with the entry fee to the museum).
December 27
Kwanzaa Celebration
Plainfield Performing Arts Center, Plainfield
African storytelling, a traditional candle ceremony, spoken word, dance and cultural food are in addition to a make-and-take activity.
December 28
Community Awareness Series: Kwanzaa Celebration
Jersey City Free Public Library, Jersey City
There will be an annual ceremonial candle lighting, music, poetry, and traditional African dance and drumming.
December 29
The Chabad of Southeast Morris County Menorah Lighting
Madison Train Station, Madison Borough
Come in person or watch the lighting virtually.
December 30
Family Saturday: Cozy Edition
Alice Paul Center, Mount Laurel
The afternoon of crafting includes lessons on how to finger knit, crochet and needle-knit while learning the history of the women’s arts and crafts movement. Paulsdale will be open for free self-guided tours, crafts, winter-themed stories and hot chocolate.
December 31
First Night
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
The events for the early Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration include a magic show, meet-and-greets with costumed characters, the Rizzo’s Wildlife World of Animals show, a dance party with the Ice Sisters, a countdown to New Year’s balloon drop (at 4:30 pm) and fireworks (at 5 pm).
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor Twp.
As part of Vintner Wonderland, bring the kids for a magical New Year’s Eve Countdown at noon. You all can ice skate, warm up inside a heated igloo, order from the food trucks and shop the market. Admission is free, but skating, fire pits and igloo rentals are additional.
Patriots Week Civil War Flag Unveiling
The New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Although this is not an event specific to NYE, it’s an annual tradition where five flags from the Civil War will be unveiled to the public.
New Year’s Eve Blast With M&M’S
Main Street and High Street, Hackettstown
There will be live music, food and activities for everyone in the family – including the M&M’S ball drop at midnight. You can shop, dine and stroll along the Hackettstown Business Improvement District.
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Read More:
The Ultimate Guide to This Year’s Must-See Holiday Attractions
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The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Lights in NJ