From twinkling light displays to homes decked out for the season, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go in New Jersey. Whether you’re looking for classic nostalgia or over-the-top decor, these Christmas attractions deserve a spot on your holiday bucket list.
Holiday Pop Culture
Christmas Con
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
The Experience: Christmas Con is the ultimate holiday event for Christmas movie fans, bringing together the biggest stars from Hallmark’s holiday rom coms. You’ll get to mingle with actors and actresses via selfie stations, where you can snap a photo, get an autograph and chat with stars like Tyler Hynes, Danica McKellar, Jonathan Bennett and Andrew Walker.
The convention floor is filled with Hallmark Christmas merch, crafts, and photo ops with celebs you may run into as you explore.
The weekend kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting on Friday, and continues with an ugly sweater contest, musical performances and Q&A sessions with the actors.
Good to Know: Selfie lines are more personable (and less expensive) than professional photo ops. You’ll get more time to chat with your favorite stars, but the lines can be very long. Plan ahead by deciding which celebrities you want to see first.
Professional photos make great keepsakes, but the time to chat with actors is limited to about a minute or less. Getting professional photos is a great way to meet several actors at once, since stars from the same movie are often grouped together.
Friday and Sunday tend to be a little less crowded, but expect long lines no matter which day you go.
When to Go: December 12–14
Festive Train Adventure
The Polar Express Train Ride
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, 38 Market St., Phillipsburg
The Experience: Step aboard The Polar Express, and watch the classic tale by Chris Van Allsburg come to life. The Polar Express experience pairs music from the movie with a reading of the story. Once onboard, you’ll get your golden ticket punched, and be served hot chocolate and cookies by dancing chefs. Then, as you await Santa’s arrival, you’ll be entertained by juggling chefs and singers. Every kid receives a silver sleigh bell from Mr. Claus to take home, too.
Good to Know: The excursion is run by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, which also maintains a living museum celebrating 160 years of rail history in the area. Leave time to visit the nearby Maywood Station Museum, which has hundreds of photos, documents, maps and artifacts on display.
When to Go: December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21
Drive-Thru Lights
GLOW!: The Tinsel Turnpike
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd., Sicklerville (Washington Twp.)
The Experience: When the Uszaki family first created Deptford Dazzling Lights years ago, turning their home into a winter wonderland of 50,000 lights synced to the Philadelphia Eagles fight song, they had no idea it would lead them to winning ABC’s “The Great Christmas Lights Fight.” Their creativity got so much buzz that they decided to expand the holiday display beyond their home and into a parking lot to create a drive-thru display. The family kicked things off with a Spooky Speedway for Halloween, which has transformed into The Tinsel Turnpike, a Christmas-themed ode to New Jersey’s highways. The one-mile route has more than 8.8 million animated lights synced to holiday music you’ll tune into from your car radio.
Good to Know: Billed as a moving holiday party, Tinsel Turnpike features snacks and merch (like glow sticks) for sale during the 30-minute drive-thru, which could take longer on busy nights.
The site can be tricky to find via GPS, so use the address 217 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd. in Washington Twp., 08081 as your destination. The entrance to the drive-thru is at the corner of Berlin-Cross Keys Road and Black Horse Pike, across from Sam’s Club in Williamstown.
When to Go: Through January 4
Old-Fashioned Christmas Charm
Dickens Village
Ricalton Square in Maplewood Village, Maplewood
The Experience: Maplewood transforms into a charming version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” during its annual Dickens Village holiday celebration. Stroll past miniature houses adorned with fireplaces, stockings and antique toys. Santa kicks off the three-weekend festivities on December 6 with the help of the Maplewood Fire Department. You can see the homes before a reading of the classic tale and the village’s tree lighting. On December 13, there’s Breakfast with Santa, horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, Swing Town’s holiday concert (inside the Burgdorff Center) and another holiday reading. The final weekend, December 20, features more visits with Santa, the Dickens Village open houses, and horse and wagon rides. Make sure to do some shopping in Maplewood’s downtown, too.
Good to Know: A menorah will be on display next to the Christmas tree, so come back on December 16 when Rabbi Sholom Bogomilsky from the Maplewood Jewish Center will light the menorah for Hanukkah at 6:15 pm.
The event is free, ADA and stroller accessible, but weather dependent, so check @MaplewoodVillageNJ on Instagram for updates.
When to Go: The first three Saturdays in December (December 6, 13 and 20)
The Ultimate Christmas Market
German Christmas Market of New Jersey
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd., Augusta
The Experience: If a trip to Germany’s famous Christmas markets is on your bucket list, you can get a taste of the tradition a little closer to home. The Sussex County Fairgrounds transforms into a festive European-style market the first weekend of December, complete with light arches, nutcrackers, wreaths, lanterns, and handcrafted ornaments.
Aside from holiday shopping, there will be performances inside the Entertainment Hall, on the outdoor stage, and in the Conservatory Courtyard. There are carousel rides, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, a wagon parade, visits with Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus and her Elf, a Christmas tree lighting, ice sculptures, the Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society train display, a mini-Festival of Trees, and a meet-and-greet with author Sue Steinhardt and her dog Imperfect Phil.
Good to Know: Run by dozens of volunteers since 2001, this is the largest annual Christmas market in New Jersey and one of the only German markets in the country that donates back to the community.
Keep in mind that some activities (like the carousel, family wagon rides and pony rides) have an additional fee, and payment is cash only.
When to Go: December 5-7
Christmas Tree Lightings Worth Traveling For
The Experience: The Wildwoods turn the Jersey Shore into a full-on holiday destination every December. A series of tree lightings take place across the 5-mile island on select weekdays and weekends, so you have plenty of options to count down to the bright lights.
The season begins on December 1 with the Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Sunset Lake, which has music, snacks, and a visit from Santa. On December 5, Byrne Plaza hosts The Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting. The North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony happens on December 6 in the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard in North Wildwood, and features music, snacks, free tours of the lighthouse and a visit from Santa.
The Wildwoods Tourism Authority will illuminate the Wildwoods Convention Center Christmas tree on December 13, as part of the Family Holiday Celebration, which includes holiday-themed vendors and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, a children’s craft-making table, a magician, dance performances, and storytime with Mrs. Claus.
Good to Know: With so many holiday events, The Wildwoods are worth a full weekend visit this time of year. Highlights include the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade on December 5 in North Wildwood; the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza December 5-6 in Downtown Wildwood; the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens and Courtyard tours on December 6; photos with Santa Paws on December 6 in North Wildwood; the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular on December 6 in Wildwood; the Holiday Tree Jubilee on December 7 in Wildwood; the Holidays at Henville Shopping Village December 7, 14 and 21 in Wildwood; Winter Wonderland on December 12-13 and 19-20 in Wildwood; the Pinch the GrYnch Boardwalk Run on December 13 in Wildwood; and the Holiday Light Walk on December 15 in Wildwood Crest.
When to Go: Throughout December
Holiday Model Train Show
Barron Arts Center Holiday Model Train Show
Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge
The Experience: Colonia resident Mike Gelesky has been a train enthusiast since age five, when his parents gave him his first Lionel set. Gelesky spent weeks designing and setting up the massive train display, now in its 35th year. His display showcases hundreds of feet of tracks, small-town settings, snowy mountains and nods to Jersey sites. Walk around the layout and watch multiple trains of different scales running simultaneously.
Good to Know: No reservations are needed, and entry is free. Call 732-634-0413 if you’d like to bring a school class or group.
The holiday train show is part of Holiday Happenings at the Barron Arts Center, which includes the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission Holiday Concert: Rock This Town Orchestra Christmas Spectacular, planned for December 12 at the Avenel Performing Arts Center.
When to Go: December 1-30
Festivals of Trees
Morven’s Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton
The Experience: Once home to Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and later five New Jersey governors, a visit to Morven Museum & Garden feels like stepping into Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The historic house-turned-museum is outfitted with Christmas trees and mantels beautifully decorated by members of the community.
Every floor showcases a sampling of décor, and visitors can vote for their favorites. While you’re there, take time to explore the history of the home through its exhibits, which highlight the stories of the people who lived and worked on the property, as well information on the northern family that had southern ties during the Civil War.
Good to Know: Morven’s annual Winter Soiree takes place on December 7. The formal evening of live music, food and festive décor is a fundraiser in support of the museum.
This year marks the 20th Festival of Trees, and also kicks off Morven’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, coming next year.
When to Go: November 19 – January 11
One-of-a-Kind Zoo Lights
Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
The Experience: A nighttime visit to the Turtle Back Zoo will feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland complete with thousands of sparkling lights, and 50 illuminated winter and animal character displays. There will be a carousel, touch tank, viewings inside the reptile house, a farm, a pony track, a train and face painting, plus meet-and-greets with Santa, ice carving demonstrations, an appearance by holiday princesses, and photo ops with superheroes and the Grinch.
For an extra cozy experience, rent an igloo in the picnic area, where you can sit inside a heated tent and have hot chocolate, s’mores and cookies.
Good to Know: Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item, unwrapped toys, or a new or gently-used winter.
When to Go: Through January 3
Decked Out Homes
Fanwood’s Famous Christmas Houses
83 and 87 Paterson Rd., Fanwood
The Experience: Gregory Roser is known for his over-the-top Halloween display, but his holiday house (filled with snowmen, reindeer and angels) is even more impressive. It takes him weeks to set up his 8-foot snowman Gilligan, carolers, trees, two trains, the Polar Bear Promenade, Pigs on Parade, Doggie Divas, the Shivering Snowman, and other festive inflatables.
Santa will make an appearance from 4:30 to 7:30 pm on December 3, and will hand out small gifts to kids on the Nice List. Members of Fanwood PBA Local 123 will be on hand providing snacks that night, too.
Good to Know: Roser provides updates on his Facebook page, so don’t check if you want to be surprised by the spectacle. It’s free to see but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities at the lock box next to the front door.
When to Go: November 25 to January 8
Marlin Christmas Wonderland
1326 Laurel Ave., Sea Girt
The Experience: Transforming from Marlin Manor during Halloween into Christmas Wonderland is no small feat for Daniel Marlin and his “elves,” who use projection mapping and a light show in this over-the-top Christmas display by the Shore.
New for 2025 is Santa’s Toy Factory, the Candy Cane Lane Projection Show, an 8-foot Santa with reindeer, an expanded Christmas tree farm, new Nightmare Before Christmas characters, and a Disney Christmas Village.
Tune your radio to 88.9 FM to hear music synchronized to the light show.
Good to Know: The event is a fundraiser for Jersey Pits Rescue.
Keep your eyes on the Marlins’ house, because they’re known to do more light and projection displays for Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and more.
When to Go: Through the first week of January; end date TBA.
A Victorian Christmas
The Experience: With its gaslit streets, historic homes, carriage rides, and festive shopping, Cape May’s Victorian charm is the perfect setting for an old-fashioned Christmas.
Holiday events range from “Let’s Catch Santa” at Cape May Stage and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Emlen Physick Estate to a Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall and a Christmas parade traveling through the streets of West Cape May.
To see multiple sites at once, choose from a candlelight house tour, evening yuletide tour, lamplighter Christmas walking tour, caroling tour or holiday inns tour on foot. You can also hop on the holiday lights trolley, Santa’s trolley, Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley or the All That Glitters trolley tour for a ride around town.
Washington Street Mall offers plenty of holiday shopping, too.
Take a hayride tour of the farm fields at Beach Plum Farm followed by a holiday farm-to-table dinner. Order a hot toddy at The Ebbitt Room Bar (which also offers a Christmas dinner by candlelight); or wrap up your evening at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, where the seaside restaurant will be decorated to the 9s with holiday décor.
Good to Know: For a fun holiday twist, check out the Breakfast & Dolphin Watch with Santa via Cape May Whale Watch on December 6. The 2-hour breakfast cruise aboard the American Star includes a continental brunch and almost-guaranteed sightings of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, plus a variety of birds and historical landmarks in the distance.
And if you’re planning to make it a staycation, spend a night or two at Congress Hall, America’s oldest seaside hotel; or The Virginia Hotel and Cottages, where the gingerbread architecture gives off nostalgic holiday vibes.
When to Go: November 21 – January 1
Holidays on the Farm
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland
Holland Ridge Farm, 108 Rues Rd., Cream Ridge
The Experience: Famous for tulips in the spring and sunflowers in the fall, Holland Ridge Farm transforms its property with 50,000 illuminated tulips during the holidays. The iconic Dutch windmill becomes the backdrop for a synchronized light-and-music show, seesaws and slides, and a massive igloo snowball pit filled with 75,000 faux snowballs and gentle flurries. Families can wander the Twinkle Tree Trail, ride a hay wagon through the Rainbow Tunnel, and catch films inside the cozy “Moovie” Theater.
There will be food trucks, hot chocolate stations, handcrafted holiday cocktails and sweet treats, too.
Drone Show Nights are set for December 18, 19 and 20, when 200 drones will light up the sky at 6 pm and 8 pm for a 10-minute show. 94.5 FM will hold a Tulip Disco on December 12 and 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with DJ Joe. Every Friday and Saturday in December, the Grinch, Olaf, Elsa and Anna will roam the farm from 5-7 pm.
Good to Know: You’re on a farm, and it’s dark, so pay attention to where you are walking; and sometimes pushing a stroller can be tough, but everyone is welcome!
Although u-pick season is over, you can stll bring home fresh-cut tulips from the market to accent your holiday table.
When to Go: November 21 – January 4
Johnson’s Corner Farm
133 Church Rd., Medford
The Experience: The higlight of the season at Johnson’s Corner Farm is the Christmas hayride, a 15-minute journey through the property where lights cover barns, farmhouses and even farm equipment, with pretty displays dancing across the lake to music. Each visitor gets a pair of 3D glasses for the ride to up the twinkling experience.
After the ride, walk through the Fire and Lights section of the Discovery Barnyard. Roast s’mores at the fire pit, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, see the Nativity scene, explore the playground, and visit goats and cows in their winter coats at the Animal Farm.
The Christmas Café serves hot chocolate, hot cider, hot dogs and chili on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the event. The farm market is open daily, year-round , and you may even spot Santa. You can also book Breakfast with Santa on select dates, which includes a family-style meal, storytime and a personal visit with Mr. Claus.
Good to Know: All activities are a la carte, but the Combo Ticket gives you access to the hayride, Discovery Barnyard and the Lightshow on the Lake. These tickets sell out quickly, so your best bet is to reserve online in advance, especially if you’re going during peak times.
Even though you book your ticket for a specific timeslot, there is no guarantee your wagon ride will board at the exact time, so be patient and bundle up for the line. You’ll get on the wagon no matter what time you come as long as you have a ticket.
Groups are encouraged to attend on weeknights, when a discounted Holiday Events Group Package is offered.
On select nights, a Low Stimulus Hayride is available for neurodiverse attendees. The lights on the wagon won’t flash, but The Light Show on the Lake will continue.
When to Go: Select nights through December 23
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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More Holiday Fun:
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Attractions in NJ, NY and PA
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Christmas Markets In and Around New Jersey to Visit This Season
