‘Tis the season to head to an indoor or outdoor festival of trees, a German market where you can go on rides, sample sweet treats and do your holiday shopping, a holiday parade and more. Make sure you check dates, times and weather before you head out.
Select Dates, December 1-22
Christmas Festival
Morristown Green, Morristown
The festival began in 1913 with a single star atop one tree; now, the tradition includes a visit to Santa’s House, holiday music and crafts, a vintage-style oversized rocking horse, ice sculpture demos and rides along the mini electric trail.
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.
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 ready to be purchased on the spot and taken “off the wall.”
December 1, 14, 21-22
Night Owl Craft Markets
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.
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 1-30
Tulips: Winter Wonderland
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
The walk-through event at this mega farm will combine the farm family’s love of tulips and the holidays, offering 30,000 illuminated tulips, fresh cut tulips and u-plant bulbs, a winter market hosted by Asbury Fresh, lots of holiday photo activations, Santa’s Workshop with activities for kids, food trucks, a bakery, plus more surprises to be announced.
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, December 1 – 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.
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.
Small Business Saturday Weekend
Downtown South Orange
There will be a street fair and promotions inside the businesses and stores.
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.
Holiday Gift Fair & Flea Market
Bergenfield High School, Bergenfield
Christmas shoppers looking for gift ideas can choose from crafts, new items and collectibles.
Artisan Holiday Market
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
This festive, family-friendly event will feature over 40 artisans offering one-of-a-kind pieces, including handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original artwork, skincare, gourmet treats, and more.
December 1, 6-8
Winter Village & Festival of Trees
Red Mill Museum, Clinton
This six-day outdoor, tented and heated, winter craft market includes over 50 local craft artisans, activities, food trucks, the Festival of Trees, and tours of the 12 historic buildings on the grounds.
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 6
&CO North Holiday Market
&CO North, Jersey City
You can shop local vendors, try food from local eateries, order festive drinks, and vibe to tunes from a live DJ.
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.
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.
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.
December 6-7
Winter Wonderland
Kuser Park, Hamilton Twp.
This year’s Candyland-themed celebration 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.
Jingle Jam Holiday Market
St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell
The 14th Annual Mount St. Dominic Academy 5K Reindeer Run/Walk is a USATF Grand Prix event for all ages and fitness levels. There will be visits with Santa for photos, along with his elves and the Reindeer Run and MSDA mascots. There will also be crafts, food and hot chocolate. This year’s event includes the Jingle Jam Holiday Market, which will be open on Friday night and after the race on Saturday.
December 6-8
Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market of NJ
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Expect a market with lots of entertainment on the schedule. There is a carousel, pony rides, wagon rides, a petting zoo, Santa in the courtyard, and Mrs. Claus with her elf.
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.
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 on 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
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.
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.
Pasko in America
American Dream, East Rutherford
This Filipino fiesta celebrates a traditional Christmas from the Philippines.
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.
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.
Happy Pet Expo
Ehinger Center of Drew University, Madison
The event features superior pet brands, quality products, services, rescues, national and local exhibitors, speakers, demos, food and prizes.
Winter Wonderland Festival
Papaianni Park, Edison
The festival celebrates the winter season with many family-friendly activities.
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.
Winterfest Market
Haddon Twp.
The outdoor market offers unique gifts from area artisans, plus food from local vendors and a beer garden.
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.
Belvidere Tree Lighting and Winter Festival
Riverside Park, Belvidere
There will be live music, ice skating, shopping, warm treats, a tree lighting, and more.
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.
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.
Kwanzaa Festival
Edison Jobs Corps Athletic Center, Edison
Learn about Kwanzaa through spoken word, visual and performing artists, musical performances, a Kwanzaa marketplace and food trucks.
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.
Heights Holiday Market
Riverview Fisk Park, Jersey City
The third annual pop-up in the park 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.
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.
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.
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.
Festival of Trees
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
On Sunday, vote for your favorite tree that is decorated throughout the grounds of the arboretum. Family-friendly activities include crafts, games and stories to celebrate the season of light, as well as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas and the Winter Solstice. Enjoy photos and visits with Santa Claus, a winter-themed scavenger hunt, and a woodland story trail. Local choral groups including the Summit High School Chorus and The Larks, as well as BOLD Arts dance students, will provide music and entertainment. Shop for unique holiday gifts at the onsite holiday market. On Saturday night, adults 21+ can get a sneak peek during the Festival of Trees Preview Cocktail Party, where you can take a winter walk and go inside the historic Wisner House for holiday cocktails and desserts.
December 7 – January 7, 2025
Festival of Trees
New Brunswick
Members of local organizations have decorated Christmas trees, which will be on display at the American Hungarian Foundation Gallery, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, the Heldrich Hotel, and Amboy Bank.
December 8
Mercado Esperanza Holiday Market & Christmas Tree Lighting
War Memorial Park, New Brunswick
Enjoy local food and craft vendor shopping along with live music and dance.
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 8 and 15
Christmas at Allaire
Historic Village at Allaire, Farmingdale
Wander through the Village from the Chapel to Allaire House, while you listen to the sounds of live caroling. Visit with Santa in the Visitor Center. You can watch talented craftspeople forge, smith, cook and carve. Take part in Victorian holiday celebrations, from ornament-making to traditional party games. Drop your holiday cards off at the Allaire Post Office to have a hand-canceled limited edition holiday postmark affixed.
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.
December 13-15
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market: Wreck the Halls
CURE Insurance Arena, Trenton
There will be hundreds of makers, artisans and vendors set up each day. There will be dozens of food trucks, celebrity guests, live DJs, on-site tattooing and sideshow performances. This year has a new Friday Night Market.
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.
Holiday Makers Market
SoHa Arts Building, Haddon Twp.
Explore the resident studio, markets and gallery inside the building. There will be fire pits and entertainment outside.
Hungarian Christmas Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be beautiful handmade gifts, Hungarian food and outdoor activities.
Rutherford Elks 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Rutherford Elks Lodge 547, Rutherford
The holiday shopping event will have lots of unique gifts to give.
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.
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.
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.
Flounder’s Kringle Market
Carriage Farm / Flounder’s Brewing Co., Hillsborough
Christmas at Carriage Farm includes craft vendors, pictures with Santa, live music, a Christmas tree lot, local dance school holiday performances, and special drinks at Flounder Brewing and Bellemara Distillery.
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 15
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 21
Festivus
Peterson Park, Metuchen
‘Twas the Weekend Before Christmas festivities include the airing of grievances, the Festivus Pole and the Feats of Strength.
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.
December 22
Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
Wayne PAL, Wayne
Christmas shoppers looking for gift ideas can choose from crafts, new items and collectibles.
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 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.
Check out these other great Christmas markets throughout the holiday season.
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