Many towns in New Jersey have beautiful homes that transform in the most magical way during the holiday season. Plan a visit to these homes during the season–all are decked with spectacular trees, wreaths, glimmering lights and more decor straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Woodstown by Candlelight
Woodstown
December 1
During this holiday celebration you’ll be transported to a Revolutionary-era Christmas. The event is centered around home tours of historic homes in Woodstown, but includes a Christmas Market with over 30 vendors, photos with Santa, a live Nativity, specials at local restaurants and shops and a Christmas Village. You can take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, or try a train ride aboard Woodstown Central Railroad.
Drumthwacket
Princeton
December 1-3, December 17-19
The governor’s mansion has an area open to the public during December Holiday Open Houses. You can view six first-floor public rooms festively decorated by the Garden Clubs of New Jersey, listen to holiday tunes played on the piano in the Music Room and try a sweet treat prepared by the Drumthwacket chef.
Willows Wonderland
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
December 2
Step inside The Willows 1854 mansion and you’ll smell Christmas food cooking from the woodstove demo in the historic kitchen. Tour rooms decorated in the style of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Take a wagon ride around the farm. Get a picture with Santa inside the historic 1915 farmhouse. Finish the afternoon with a craft inside the Visitors Center auditorium.
Yuletide Tour of Homes
Salem
December 2
Explore 22 sites, including homes, churches and historic landmarks, along with a range of activities. Highlights include a Christmas parade, tree lighting ceremony, music by the Road Band, pictures with Santa, a live Nativity, strolling carolers, wine tasting, historical re-enactments, a special railroad excursion and vendor shops.
Merchantville Holiday Home Tour
Merchantville
December 2
From charming Colonial to classic Victorian, you will see six different houses before or after shopping and dining in the downtown district.
Holiday House Tour
Ocean Grove
December 2
Wander through Ocean Grove by walking or taking the Jitney so that you can see the beautiful Victorian homes and inns that will be decorated for Christmas. Expect caroling, holiday exhibits and gift boutiques.
Christmas Walk
Bay Head
December 2
Kids can make crafts at Santa’s Workshop (aka the Bay Head Fire House) and the family can take a ride on Santa’s Trolley, which will stop at the Loveland House for a Victorian Christmas.
Essex County Holiday House Tour
Throughout Essex County
December 2-3
Eleven historic sites include Kip’s Castle Park in Verona, Crane Homestead in West Caldwell, The Gypsy Farmhouse in Cedar Grove, and Kingsland Manor in Nutley. You can visit each location at your own pace, but some do have separate admission fees.
Christmas Candlelight House Tours
Cape May
December 2, 9, 16
Every year since 1974, a large selection of inns, homes, churches and hotels have opened their doors for self-guided walking tours. There will be Christmas carols by candlelight, strolling musicians along the streets of Cape May and beautiful holiday decorations all around. Walk from site to site, or take the free Cape May MAC trolley shuttle that makes limited stops along major routes. The newly reconstructed Cape May Fire House will be on tour on select nights, but will be inaccessible in the event fire or emergency services are needed. You also get admission to Cape May’s Victorian house museum, the Emlen Physick Estate; and the exhibit “An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Holiday Traditions through the Years” in the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House.
Cranford’s Home For The Holidays House Tour
Cranford
December 3
You will be guided through each of five homes, where volunteers will share information on the special historical and decorating details of each one. Music by Cranford High School’s Madrigal singers will be featured in three homes, along with a pop-up holiday band at another.
Christmas Candlelight House
Hightstown
December 3
The Ely House will hold a free Christmas tea with punch and cookies open to the public. Following the tea, four private homes will be open for viewing.
Mount Holly Holiday House Tour
Main Street, Mount Holly
December 9
Many homes and other locations in the historic downtown will be all decked out for Christmas.
2023 Holiday House Tour
Plainfield
December 16
This tour will feature 10 historic properties among five unique historic districts that are filled with holiday décor and original architectural details.
A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Select dates, through January 7, 2024
The beautiful landscape includes 1,100 acres of flowers, plants and trees. The 2023 theme is retro, with a nostalgic feel and throwback decorations to your favorite toys as a child. Everywhere you look, inside and outside, will be decorated for the season with bright lights and glittery tinsel.
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Read More:
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The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Lights in NJ
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