
The stockings are hung, the presents are wrapped and the milk and cookies are waiting for Santa. When you’re ready to leave the house, there are plenty of ways to keep your family happy and entertained this weekend. Here’s wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas!
WEEKEND
Artist Winter Chalets
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Thursday – Saturday
The Arts Council of Princeton’s Artist Chalet Winter Village is a central place where artists and makers sell their unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list. On Dec. 1, 8 and 22 from 5 – 6 pm there will be live entertainment.
Christmas Village
LOVE Park and City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Thursday – Saturday
The city will transform into an authentic German Christmas market. Expect more than 110 local and international vendors selling unique ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts. Come hungry and enjoy European foods, sweets and drinks. Take a ride on the historic carousel or Ferris Wheel or Christmas Kids Train and watch the Schuhplattler dancer perform. Don’t miss the festive Käthe Wohlfahrt tent which features popular Christmas gifts from Germany.
“A Christmas Carol”
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Thursday – Saturday
A McCarter tradition returns! Come to the theater to see the classic Christmas tale in person.
Santa Photo Experience
Menlo Park Mall, Edison
Thursday – Saturday
Sign up for photos with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole. Other events during the month include Caring Santa photos for kids with special needs (Dec. 4), pet photos on Dec. 11 and story time every Tuesday.
Christmas Underwater
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Thursday – Saturday
Visit Scuba Santa, who’s diving daily in Ocean Realm; check out the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree; walk through the new and improved Snowtunda, covering the heart of the aquarium in snow-like flurries; sit down for the “Merry Fishmas, Boris” puppet show, and write letters to Santa.
Santa at the Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Thursday – Saturday
Visits with Santa Claus filled with holiday magic await everyone in the family!
Hanukkah Celebration
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Thursday – Sunday
Join a local cantor, Baby Bear, who celebrates Hanukkah with his family, Grover and more of your Sesame Street friends as you all play a game of dreidel, light the menorah and learn all about Hanukkah.
FRIDAY
Holiday Drive-In Movies
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
Select dates, through Dec. 23
Check out the schedule of weekly Christmas movies you can watch from the comfort of your car, like “Elf,” “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Home Alone.”
North Pole Express
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Gather at Laurita Central and take a train ride down Candy Cane Lane. Your destination is a magical North Pole portal that will transport you to Santa’s Reindeer Barn. Have a special visit with Santa and receive a magical gift that will help guide Rudolph to your house. Upon return, you can visit the winery’s Christmas Cookie Bar, enjoy sights and sounds of the holiday season, and enjoy plenty of Christmas cheer.
World’s Largest Dreidel / Christmas Light Spectacular
Allaire Community Farm, Wall Twp.
Take in the twinkling lights surrounding the farm as seen from a tractor-pulled holiday wagon, making sure you keep your eyes peeled for a 30-foot-tall dreidel. Christmas plants, baked goods, hot chocolate, hot cider and more will be available for purchase inside the market.
The Queen’s Cartoonists Holiday Hurrah
State Theatre, New Brunswick
During “Yule Love It” the Queen’s Cartoonists will make their music match the energy of cartoons, presenting lots of fun mayhem and comedy.
Dinner With Santa
Ce La Vi, Red Bank
Choose one of three seatings where your family can have a late lunch or early dinner and see Santa before the big day!
Holidays at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford
Have your camera ready for pictures with Santa; hop on the Christmas “Light Show” Hayride; visit the Fire and Lights in the Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm for the “Light Show on the Lake” featuring thousands of twinkling lights and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows; indulge in hot chocolate, hot cider, hot cider, hot dogs and chili at the Christmas Café; decorate gingerbread men and cookies; and make your own s’mores or roast marshmallows.
Forever Forest
Forever Forest, Egg Harbor City
Get ready for the Magic of Christmas Barn with magician Nate Unsworth, a selfie station barn, visits and photos with Santa Claus, a Magical Tree Trail Trolley Ride, Head Elf Mancini’s Santa Workshop with arts and crafts and toy testing, Grinch & Whoville Walking Trail, outdoor Christmas-themed activities and the Christmas Tree Walking Trail of Wonder.
Snowman Painting Class
Around the Corner Art Center, Freehold Twp.
After school lets out, bring your kids to a paint party where they’ll get into the holiday spirit by creating a snowman portrait.
Magical Santa Event
Magic Sky Play, Morganville
After the kids jump around in the various play zones, they will decorate cupcakes, listen to a story read by Santa and even receive a small gift. Pizza is included!
SATURDAY, CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas Eve Caroling Around the Square
Palmer Square, Princeton
Gather on the Palmer Square Green to sing holiday songs. The Christmas Eve Brass Band will lead the festivities, and attendees can expect a special visit from Santa after caroling.
The Polar Express
Princeton Garden Theatre, Princeton
Bring the kids to this family matinee of the classic story that brings about the spirit of Christmas along The Polar Express train.
MATZOHBALL
Harbor New York City, NY
Jewish singles will connect for a night of friends, fun and romantic possibilities on Christmas Eve.
Victorian Tea
Mathis House, Toms River
Sit down for a tea service, including scones, sandwiches and desserts.
SUNDAY, CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Day Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Pier 36, New York
Take in the sights and sounds of New York aboard a vessel as you chow down on a three-course meal, listen to festive music, and possibly even meet Santa after he delivers all his gifts!
ONGOING
Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford
Select dates, through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25).
Your night begins with a stroll through the woods filled with fun snowmen and trees, illuminated boxes with miniature scenes, and a fairy garden box. Further down the trail, you might even pass a secret gnome village. The path flows out of the woods and into the live Christmas Tree fields. You’ll pass by a penguin igloo town, “fly by” BirdHouse Row, and watch out for a runaway toboggan! The trail is draped and decorated with tens of thousands of lights. After the trail, make sure to stop by the bonfires for some hot chocolate and s’mores!
The Village at Anne Ellen
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Manalapan
Wednesdays – Sundays, through Dec. 30
Your night begins with a hayride through the Christmas tree fields. You will be dropped off at the start of a series of immersive walking trails. Inside the village you will find many unique displays, from mesmerizing lights to incredible photo-ops. You will also find an array of interactive exhibits such as the post office where you can write and send your letters to Santa, plus a massive interactive wall of lights.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Select dates, through Dec. 30
Kids of any age can experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights. Walk through a holiday village, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, listen to stories, take lots of photos, receive a present from Santa, stop by to see everyone’s favorite snowman, snack on cookies and visit the toy market.
Magic of Lights Holiday Lights Drive Through
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Every night, through Dec. 30
There will be a “tremendous amount” of lights and displays sparkling throughout the arena grounds.
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Select dates, through Dec. 30
Storybook Land will be covered by 1 million lights! Plus, you’ll get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on select nights.
Holiday Model Train Show
Barron Arts Center, Woodbridge
Every day, through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25 and 26)
The show will be designed and set up by Mike Gelesky, now in its 32nd year.
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through Dec. 30
Sussex County’s favorite stadium will once again host this dazzling winter wonderland, showcasing a mile-long drive-thru course glittering with displays and an enchanting Christmas Village full of fun-filled activities, delicious treats, memory-making photo ops and much more.
Winter Wonderland
Downtown New Brunswick
Every day, through Dec. 31
There is a whole month filled with activities, such as a tree lighting, caroling, horse-drawn carriages, ice sculpture demos, donation drives and shopping specials. Check out the holiday shows at the State Theatre New Jersey, too.
Holiday Lights Spectacular
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Select dates, through Dec. 31
This special event throughout the zoo includes an evening stroll outdoors through light displays and photo ops with friends and family, featuring some fun seasonal activities such as a s’mores station, Grinch weekend and photos with Santa.
South Jersey Holiday Light Show
Bridgeton Speedway, Swedesboro
Select dates, through Dec. 31
Bundle up in your car, pack your favorite snack or beverage and tune your radio to enjoy a synced light performance as you travel more than 1 mile to see larger-than-life displays.
Gold in Motion
Hall des Lumières, New York
Every day, through Dec. 31
This digital art center showcases entirely new, custom-curated experiences based on the work of different world-renowned artists, starting with the debut exhibition, Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion.
Weekend Wine Tasting
Weekends, through Dec. 31
Tomasello Winery, multiple locations
Plan a relaxing evening sipping wine at any of their five locations in the South Jersey region. Choose from a wide variety of award-winning wines and bubblies, accompanied by assorted cheese boards and truffles. Wine Tastings are available every day, but reservations are strongly recommended for a weekend wine tasting.
Deck the Hall – Festival of Trees
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Every day, through Dec. 31
Walk through the lobby to see beautifully decorated trees that have been sponsored by residents, businesses and local organizations.
Christmas at Northlandz
Northlandz, Flemington
Dec. 23 – 31
The Christmas season is on track at this miniature train-themed wonderland. There will be pictures with Santa, plus an outdoor train ride for the family.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through Jan. 1, 2023
You and the family will love viewing millions of dazzling lights throughout this magical wonderland as the theme park is transformed for the holidays. There will be festive treats, a full lineup of holiday entertainment, visits with Santa and lots of photo ops.
Winter WonderLights Holiday Light Show Drive-Thru
Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Every day, through Jan. 1, 2023
Celebrate the wonderful winter holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa with a 1/2-mile holiday lights drive through. There will be more than 1.5 million lights animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes.
Shimmering Solstice
Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, NY
Select dates, through Jan. 1, 2023
The walk-thru lights show offers guests the chance to see a series of magical light displays as they walk an approximately one-mile path through the Walled Garden, the Rose Garden, South Lawn and Allée.
Holiday Adventure
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Select dates, through Jan. 1, 2023
Oh what fun awaits your family at LSC! Find your way through the outdoor Snowflake Maze, take a spin on the Sock Skating Rink, rock out at the Holiday Dance Party, get tickets to Laser Wonderland, hop aboard the Holiday Train or visit any of the other great exhibits on hand.
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through Jan. 1, 2023
Sesame Place will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Take your photo with Santa, stop by the huge Christmas tree, play in the Christmas Family Fun Zone and join in on the holiday party.
The Big Apple Circus: Dream Big
Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Every day, through Jan. 1, 2023
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Big Apple Circus’s first performance under the big top in 1977. This year’s show features five new acts as well as returning fan favorites Ringmaster Alan Silva, comedic daredevil Johnny Rockett and highwire legend Nik Wallenda and family. There are also several new acts joining this year, including 12-year-old dog trainer Veranica from Florida, The Kiriku Brothers from Ethiopia, TanBA the Japanese clown and many more. If you get a VIP package, you can meet the multi-talented performers and learn some circus tricks of their own.
Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
Pier 36, New York, NY
Through Jan. 1, 2023
Travel back 3,300 years to learn the story of King Tut and walk through nine different galleries that discuss his rule as a child pharaoh, his family, the discovery of his tomb, the mysteries surrounding his early death and his journey to the afterlife. This celebrates the 100th anniversary of King Tut’s tomb discovery, which was on Nov. 4, 1922.
Kids Ride Free on NY Waterway
Ports in NJ and NY
Through Jan. 1, 2023
Kids 12 and under will ride free on NY Waterway cruises this holiday season, so head to NY for shopping, entertainment and great holiday shows.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
Van Saun Park, Paramus
Select dates, through Jan. 2, 2023
Bergen County’s premier winter event features ice skating, a heated hospitality tent, pictures with Santa, carnival style games, ice carving and an array of Christmas trees. Your Winter Wonderland ticket also gains you access to Van Saun’s zoo, carousel and train.
Christmas House
Paramus Park Mall, Paramus; and Menlo Park Mall, Edison
Every day, through Jan. 7, 2023
This unique 10-room, walk-through holiday attraction was designed by Hollywood pros. Walk through the North Pole where it’s actually snowing. Stroll down the aisles of a Christmas-themed Blockbuster Video store. Take a selfie with a dancing Santa or lie down on a couch in the Christmas living room. There’s also an indoor Christmas light show and a Christmas gift shop.
Festival of Trees
Museum of the American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
Through Jan. 7, 2023
The trees on display will represent several countries and cultures and traditions from around the world.
Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through Jan. 8, 2023
Walk through three floors of the museum to see beautifully decorated Christmas trees and mantles – and then vote on your favorite one!
NYC Winter Lantern Festival
Staten Island, Queens, Long Island, NYC
Various select dates, through mid-January
Each location has a different variation of the festival but features more than 10,000 LED lanterns created by more than 100 artists, along with live performances and on-site food vendors. Some of the LED lights can reach up to 30 feet high across a total of 60 acres!
Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Select dates, through Jan. 15, 2023
More than 30 lanterns will be handcrafted in the shapes of your favorite zoo animals. While you’re there, take the train ride, too, which is also covered in beautifully lit lanterns.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through Jan. 16, 2023
Known as the “heroes in a half-shell,” Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello will share life lessons and team-building skills with their crime-fighting tactics in “Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer.” You’ll be transported to the underground home of the Turtles where you’ll get to see what happens in their secret hideaway. There will be lots of STEM-type activities to challenge your kids.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Yorktown, Westchester, NY
Through Jan. 22, 2023
Fans can walk along a lit trail as they take in sights and sounds inspired by the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. It’ll feel like you’re walking through a movie set. Make sure you try the steak and ale pie and sausage rolls, Aragog’s Lair Cupcake and Deathly Hallows Sugar Cookies for dessert and wash it all down with Butterbeer.
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Wednesdays – Sundays, through Jan. 31, 2023
This much-loved holiday tradition transforms downtown Newark into a winter wonderland. Come to the park for ice skating, Go-Karts, games and activities, an open-air holiday marketplace featuring local vendors, and cozy heated private igloos to enjoy hot cocoa and treats. There will be many “Instagram-worthy” photo-ops available throughout the village.
PAW Patrol CAMP
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Select dates, through Feb. 4, 2023
To celebrate PAW Patrol kids can join their favorite animated K9 rescue team in different themed sections that include interactive games, activities and crafts based on the show.
Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Through Feb. 12, 2023
Celebrate the debut picture book of “Stand Up!” by Brittney Cooper, professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University, with illustrations by Cathy Ann Johnson. The exhibition features illustrations of all the images in the book, as well as preparatory materials, by Johnson, on public view for the first time. “Stand Up!” is on view in the Zimmerli’s Duvoisin Gallery, dedicated to showcasing original artwork for children’s books.
Skating on the Square
Hulfish Street, Princeton
Thursdays – Sundays, through Feb. 26, 2023
Bring your own skates or rent them so you can spend time skating on the synthetic ice skating rink in the middle of Palmer Square.
Vintner Wonderland
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City
Through Feb. 26, 2023
Go ice skating or shopping, wine & dine, and enjoy live entertainment. During Christmastime, meet Santa Claus and see the Festival of Trees. The Reindeer Fun Run is Dec. 17. Book a fire pit experience or a private cabana.
Trail Riding Program
Mercer Meadows Equestrian Center, Pennington
Saturdays, through mid-May 2023
Kids (and adults) 12 and up can go on a leisurely 45-minute horseback trail ride around the Mercer Stables property. No riding experience is necessary.
Night Forms: Infinite Wave
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Select dates, through April 2, 2023
This after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience uses projection mapping that enhances the art and sculpture park, creating a dynamic show to stimulate the senses.