The holiday season is here, and we’re all about the markets, meet-and-greets with Santa, light shows, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, parades, and caroling. Every event on this list has free admission. Be sure to double-check dates, times, and weather before you head out.
December 1-7
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.
December 1-14
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. There will also be live music, food trucks, festive drinks, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
December 1-24
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
LOVE Park and City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
You’ll feel like you’re in Germany as vendors set up in 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 and kids’ train for entertainment. Plus plenty of European foods and desserts.
December 1 – 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.
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.
Select dates, December 1 – 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.
Select dates, December 1 – January 17
Peddler’s Village Holiday Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Events throughout the season include a gingerbread competition and display; photos and brunch with Santa; Holly Jolly Weekend with a Santa parade; and then the Fire & Frost Fun festival in January.
December 2
Seton Hall’s Christmas Tree Lighting
University Green, Seton Hall University, South Orange
After a Christmas at the Hall Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, head to the green for the tree lighting ceremony, which includes hot cocoa and candy canes, Santa hats, a special prayer by Father Colin Kay, photo opportunities with the halo structure in the center of the green, and snow machines.
December 3
Christmas Tree Lighting and Car Parade
Veteran’s Park, Monroe Twp.
The parade ends at the Community Center, where the tree lighting ceremony and other festivities take place – like cookie decorating, photos with Icy the Snowman, rides, snacks and hot chocolate, face painting, and a s’mores station. Prizes will be awarded by Monroe Twp. Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 for the best decorated vehicles.
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 3-20
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.
Wednesdays – Sundays, November 28 – December 28
Holiday Square Market
Magnolia Landing, Jersey City
This New York City-style holiday market will have decorations, festive stalls and a curated lineup of food and merchant vendors.
December 4
Hub City Holiday Tree Lighting
New Brunswick
Enjoy live musical entertainment before and after the tree lighting ceremony. During this year’s event, shop from local crafters and small businesses, offering handcrafted goods, art, and unique holiday gifts. Other activities include a theater performance by George Street Playhouse, live music by Danielle Illario and Grace Luv, a gingerbread house contest, and free skating on the synthetic ice rink.
Thursdays – Sundays, December 4-21
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.
December 5
Christmas Parade
Downtown Cape May Court House
Line the streets in Middle Twp. to see your favorite Christmas characters walk and roll by during the parade; then stay for the festival and tree lighting ceremony.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade
Central Avenue, Wildwood
After the parade, winners will be announced for best decorated floats, and the most festive business lighting contest.
Clinton Christmas Parade
Clinton
The Guild of Clinton hosts its 39th annual parade.
Holiday on Haddon + Parade of Lights
Haddon Twp.
Santa Claus is coming to town, along with decorated fire trucks, bands, floats and holiday characters, before the tree lighting ceremony.
Christmas Parade
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Lights, garland, wreaths and bows adorn “The Avenue” as the parade’s bands, floats and other entries come down the street. Look out for characters like The Grinch, and Martin and Mollie Mollusk. Santa Claus provides the finale to the parade, greeting boys and girls from a horse-drawn carriage.
December 5-6
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Village
Town Hall, Union Twp.
The front and back parking lots will be filled with holiday cheer. There will be a tree lighting, live music, synthetic ice skating rink, strolling characters, Mrs. Claus Sweet Treats Bakery, Santa’s Workshop, a trackless fire truck, curling, a photo booth, more than 40 craft vendors, fire pit areas, and a hot cocoa and beer garden.
Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood
The Greater Wildwood Jaycees will host free carnival rides and vendors, plus live music and storytime with Mrs. Claus.
December 5-7
Hammonton Rotary Club Winterfest
Mount Carmel Carnival Grounds, Hammonton
There will be vendors, family-friendly activities and live performances.
December 5, 12 and 19
Friday Night Lights
American Dream, East Rutherford
Various American Dream brands will take to the Dream Stage with interactive experiences, entertainment, and exclusive product sampling.
December 5-14
A Maker’s Circle Holiday Pop-Up Shop
A Maker’s Circle, Pottersville
Local vendors will sell handmade items like pottery, artwork, ornaments, knitwear, toys, children’s clothes, leather goods and more.
Fridays – Sundays, December 5-21
Holiday Bazaar Series 2025
Fridays – Sundays, through December 21: Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Sundays, through December 14: Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
Each location will be packed with crafters selling handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts. There will be holiday music and entertainment, photos with Santa, food and drinks, craft workshops, kids’ activities, festive décor and photo ops. The inspiration is the Weihnachtsmarkt holiday markets in Germany.
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.
Fridays – Sundays, December 5 – 28
NY Waterway’s Winter Waterway Holiday Market
Midtown Terminal Ferry, NYC
There will be more than a dozen food vendors, shopping at the indoor market, crafts, special activities for kids and visits with Santa (on select dates).
December 6
Christmas on the Farm
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
Santa is coming to town – not in a sleigh, but on a steam tractor. There will be Christmas crafts to make your own Victorian angel ornament, live music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, farm animal visits, tours of the decorated historic farmhouse, demonstrations by the blacksmith, and homemade cookies. Some activities have additional fees.
Downtown Hammonton Tree Lighting
Downtown Hammonton
This year’s celebration will feature The Hammonton Gazette Elf Village, with holiday music, live performances, sing-alongs, games, and activities throughout the night. Santa Claus will light the Town Tree, and then greet families after inside The Bellevue for photos. Free trolley rides start after the ceremony, too.
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. Santa will visit, too.
Crafts at Christmas Show
Cape May Convention Center, Cape May
The annual craft expo will have dozens of vendors set up for your holiday shopping needs.
Pasko in America
American Dream, East Rutherford
Celebrate Christmas in the Philippine style, with a cultural marketplace, holiday performances, a lantern ceremony, cultural exhibits, a Labubu x Popmart collab, and activities for kids.
Somers Point Christmas & Holiday Parade
Somers Point
The parade begins at Dawes Avenue School and continues down Shore Road to City Hall, with groups of bands, floats, decorated trucks and boats, and of course Santa along the way.
Highlights Tour
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Student educators will take you on a free guided tour of the galleries, highlighting key artworks in the Zimmerli’s collection.
Westwood Home for the Holidays
Westwood
This year’s theme is based on everyone’s favorite holiday movies. There will be activities, entertainment, a DJ, performances, the parade, a tree lighting, a jazz band concert, shopping and dining deals, and a sale of Santa hats.
Holiday Lights Parade
Somerville
More than 70 emergency vehicles, decorated by volunteer first responders from across New Jersey, will be led by Santa Claus as they travel through town.
Winter Wonderland
High Street, Millville
There will be pictures with Santa, hair tinseling, vendors, special characters, crafts, pony rides, face painting, and hot cocoa and cookies.
Ventnor City Twilight Holiday Parade
Ventnor Avenue, Ventnor
There will marching bands, fire trucks, floats, classic cars, Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade.
Ship Bottom Annual Christmas Parade
Borough of Ship Bottom
This beach town on LBI will celebrate 100 years of Christmas as the parade travels from 5th to 25th streets along the boulevard.
Salem City’s 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.
Holiday Community Craft Fair
Trinity United Methodist Church, Hackettstown
Artists will be offering handmade jewelry, sewing and knitted goods, etched glass, and even homemade salsa for sale. In addition to the craft fair, there will be a soup sale and hot chocolate bar. The fair coincides with the Hackettstown Hometown Holiday.
Holiday Light Parade & Festivities
Main Street, Evesham Twp.
Before the parade begins, bring your family for pictures with Santa Claus, free hot chocolate stations along Main Street, festive music, games, holiday videos and a ride on the holiday train. After the Holiday Light Parade, the event finishes with the Holiday Tree Lighting.
Hunterdon Holiday Parade
Main Street, Flemington
Sign up to add your float to this festive parade along Main Street.
December 6-7
Christkindlmarkt
Needle Creek Farm Brewery, Pennington
The indoor and outdoor markets feature artisan vendors, food trucks, farm animals, an outdoor playground, fire pits, s’mores, live music, craft beer, pre-cut Christmas trees and swag.
Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
Activities include craft vendors, photos with Santa, a gingerbread village contest, live music, food and drinks, craft making, and a toy drive.
Holiday Train Expo
Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City
The show will feature running displays, model trains of all gauges and vendors selling various scale model trains.
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.
December 6, 13, 20
Dickens Village
Ricalton Square, Maplewood
The downtown turns into the cutest representation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” complete with mini houses adorned with fireplaces, stockings and antique toys. Santa arrives at 1 pm on December 6 with the help of the Maplewood Fire Department, and stays for visits during the three weekends. There will be a tree lighting at 4 pm. Then, on each day, check out all decorated houses, make a resy for Breakfast with Santa, take a horse and wagon ride, visit the petting farm, listen to the Swing Town’s holiday concert and holiday readings.
December 7
Porta Holiday Market
Porta, Asbury Park
The holiday pop-up sip & shop will feature 25 local handmade artists and makers.
Holiday Jingle 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.
Winterfest Market
Haddon Twp.
The outdoor market has unique gifts from area artisans, plus food from local vendors, and a beer garden.
Holiday Craft Fair
Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, New Brunswick
Browse a market of local vendors offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and unique crafts. Bring the whole family for a special storytelling session with local author Karen Rostoker-Gruber, who will share Hanukkah stories alongside a surprise guest. Warm up at the hot cocoa bar or enjoy some holiday treats.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum Holiday Open House
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
The free event includes a Sip ‘n’ Shop Holiday Market, holiday greens sale, tree decorating, a woodland winter story walk, choir singing by students from Summit High and Oak Knoll, a holiday raffle, cookies and cocoa, and photos with Santa.
Holiday Flea & Gift Fair
Bergenfield High School, Bergenfield
There will be roughly 75 vendors set up indoors and possibly outdoors so you can start your holiday shopping.
Woodbridge Twp. Holiday Parade
Woodbridge
The parade route travels from Woodbridge High School and ends at Woodbridge Town Hall.
Sundays, December 7, 14 and 21
Main Street Pops Artisan Market Holiday Market
Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
More than 70 local artisans will be at each market, so you can find one-of-a-kind treasures, from handcrafted jewelry and home decor to artisanal foods and sweet treats. There will also be holiday music, a Jingle Jam Community Concert, the Sleigh Bell Lounge, a holiday inflatables village, a bouncy house, singing Mrs. Claus, and selfies with roving holiday characters.
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village
MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood
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.
December 11
St. Hubert’s Tree of Love
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Madison
Hang a personalized ornament on the tree in honor of your beloved pets, browse a winter market filled with animal-themed gifts, and enjoy some festive treats. There will be a special storytime for kids with small animals, a tree lighting, a performance by MPAC Performing Arts Company, and visits with Santa.
Tice’s Corner Winter Festival
Tice’s Corner Marketplace, Woodcliff Lake
Come for an evening of holiday shopping, hot cocoa, caroling and a meet-and-greet with Santa.
December 12
Drum Point Road Elementary’s Winter Craft Fair
Lake Riviera Middle School, Brick
There will be a treasure trove of handmade crafts and treats.
December 13
Kwanzaa
Montclair Public Library, Montclair
Free family-friendly festivities include the traditional pouring of libations and a discussion of the seven principles with Sister Kellia Sweatt; a Kwanzaa-inspired fashion show by the students of Payne Tech High School Fashion Club; a dance and drum performance by Umoja Dance Company, a traditional African Market, and face painting.
Hammonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton
After the holiday characters pass by along Bellevue Avenue, visit the charming shops in the downtown district. This year will have an ’80s theme.
Christmas Village 2025
Duffield’s Farm & Market, Sewell
Usher in the Christmas season with gingerbread decorating, a hot chocolate bar, photos with Santa, food trucks and craft vendors.
Soldiers Christmas
Fort Mott State Park, Pennsville
Uniformed military re-enactors will depict the holiday season for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be served at Post Headquarters, and the museum will include a special holiday display.
Holiday Night Out
Washington Street, Hoboken
The evening will feature shopping specials, dining deals, live musical performances and winter craft workshops at various times and locations. Special events include cookie decorating, Santa hat making, candlelight yoga and a salsa class.
Holiday Wonderland & Christmas Market
Heritage Park, Manahawkin
Makers, bakers, food vendors, Santa and Mrs. Claus, fire pits, a hot cocoa bar, a beer truck benefitting the Stafford Twp. PBA, and live entertainment are all part of the holiday action.
Hungarian Christmas Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
The Hungarian Scouts of New Brunswick will present Hungarian foods and artisan products.
Winterfest
Historic Smithville Park, Eastampton
You will find wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire, music by the Pine Barons Chorus and Jersey Sound Chorus, songs by the Cinnaminson Middle School Choir and School of Rock students, a wine and mulled cider tent, a holiday marketplace, an elf hunt through the Mansion Maze, tours of the mansion, bubble magic with Meadow Perry, ice skating on a synthetic rink, ice carving, a bonfire with s’mores, a tree lighting, a holiday surprise from the Pirates of Fortune’s Folly, winter crafts for kids, food trucks, and, of course, Victorian Santa.
Kwanzaa Tales
Burlington County Library, Westampton
Tahira, a storyteller, musician, vocalist and songwriter, will combine storytelling with music to explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Bridgeton’s Annual Holiday Parade
Bridgeton
One of the area’s ongoing traditions is the holiday parade, which makes it way through the heart of the city.
Holiday Made in Monmouth
Collins Arena, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
All of the items showcased for sale are made by artists who either live or work in Monmouth County, giving a personal NJ touch to your holiday gifts.
Kwanzaa Festival
Edison Job Corps Athletic Center, Edison
The NAACP Metuchen Edison Piscataway Branch presents an indoor marketplace focusing on culture and community.
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
There will be holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, a children’s craft making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, and then at 4 pm a tree lighting ceremony.
Atlantic City Holiday Parade & Village
Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City
The avenue will be lit up with music, magic and holiday tree as the parade marches by. After, head to the market for some holiday shopping.
December 13-14
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. December 14 will be the menorah lighting.
Lambertville House Holiday Market
Lambertville House, Lambertville
There will be food, crafts, gifts and live music.
Countdown to Christmas: A Shopping Extravaganza
St. Jude Parish Center, Hopatcong
There will be more than 40 vendors on site each day, plus food vendors and a 50/50 raffle.
December 13-14, 20-21
Happy Holiday Market
Grove Street Path Plaza, Jersey City
The Ashford, Jersey City
Jersey City’s Historic Downtown Special Improvement District will host two holiday markets over two weekends in December. There will be an indoor holiday market on the rooftop at The Ashford and an outdoor market at the Grove Street Path Plaza. Both markets will have handmade gifts and fine art, while the rooftop market at The Ashford will also host a brunch.
December 14
Holiday Flea & Gift Fair
New Milford High School, New Milford
There will be roughly 75 vendors set up indoors and possibly outdoors so you can start your holiday shopping.
Holiday Market
770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken
Main Street Pops will hold a pre-holiday shopping event with 70+ vendors, an inflatables village, roving holiday entertainers, Singing Mrs. Claus and a bouncy castle.
Chanukah Celebration
State Park, Monroe Twp.
The grand menorah lighting will include live music, a gelt drop, donuts, hot cocoa and entertainment.
Tenafly Holiday Fair
Downtown Tenafly, Tenafly
There will be a holiday fair, a food festival, s’mores cafe, coffee trailer, Hive & Honey Mobile Bar, Mel’s Butcher Box Holiday Wonderland, a creative holiday hub, and performances on the community stage. The Holiday After Party at Spring House will include a cozy, candlelit setting with festive cocktails, light bites, and holiday tunes.
Randolph Chanukah Menorah Parade
CCFJL, Randolph
Spread the light during the parade, led by the Randolph Fire Department. You can join the parade or watch as it passes by.
Highlights Tour
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Student educators will take you on a free guided tour of the galleries, highlighting key artworks in the Zimmerli’s collection.
December 15
Max McNown Concert
American Dream, East Rutherford
American Dream will host a free concert with rising country music star Max McNown on the Dream Stage.
December 17
Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah Celebration
Main Street and Maple Avenue, Evesham Twp.
Rabbi Pamela Gottfried of Congregation Beth Tikvah will lead the ceremony, after which you are invited inside The Evesham Municipal Complex for snacks and more celebrating.
December 18
New Brunswick Community Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
Held in conjunction with the New Brunswick Area NAACP’s Year End Meeting, the event will include food, drinks, poetry, live music and dance performances.
December 19
Temple Sholom’s LatkePalooza
Temple Sholom, Scotch Plains
The menorah lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat Service will be followed by a community welcoming dinner celebrating both Shabbat and Hanukkah.
December 20
Kwanzaa Family Festival & Artisan Marketplace
NJPAC, Newark
There will be performances from local dance troupes, Kwanzaa rituals, dancing and drumming classes, face painting, storytelling and a full marketplace.
December 20-21
Characters of the Dream Parade
American Dream, East Rutherford
Watch your favorite American Dream characters parade throughout the center, and take pictures alongside your favorite friends.
December 21
Porta Holiday Market
Porta, Asbury Park
The holiday pop-up sip & shop will feature 25 local handmade artists and makers.
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.
December 23
Kwanzaa 365 Kinara Lighting Ceremony
Trenton City Hall, Trenton
The lighting ceremony celebrates Kujichagulia, which is the principle of self-determination.
December 27
Patriots Week
Trenton
Celebrate Trenton’s role in the Revolutionary War. During the Battles of Trenton Reenactments, follow the soldiers as they march out to fight on the original battlefields. Then take a “mini” look at American history during “The Trouble with Trenton” interactive puppet show.
Community Awareness Series Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Daoud-David Williams Cultural Arts Center, Miller Branch Library, Jersey City
Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa through music, poetry, ancestral remembrance, a candle lighting, African dance and drumming, and a community harvest.
December 29
Kwanzaa Celebration
Plainfield Performing Arts Center, Plainfield
The evening will include African storytelling, a traditional candle ceremony, spoken word, dance, food, a make-and-take activity and a tailored Kwanzaa program.
December 30
Friends of JBAAR Kwanzaa 2025
Newark Public Library, Newark
The Friends of the James Brown African American Room (JBAAR) will offer Kwanzaa arts and crafts for kids and families with STEAM Urban, a special candle lighting ceremony led by the Friends of JBAAR, and a musical performance by Victor Daze.
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.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
The Ultimate Guide to This Year’s Must-See Holiday Attractions
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Lights in NJ
