Welcome to 2025! Kick off the first weekend of the new year at one of these fun events.
WEEKEND
Magic of Lights Holiday Lights Drive-Through
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Thursday – Saturday
See 2.5 miles of holiday lights in this drive-through experience, with LED tech and digital animations, including a larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie display, the supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas. There is also snow, a holiday village, visits with Santa and ice skating.
Mirror Maze: Theme Maze
Mirror Maze, American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Saturday
Navigate your way through the holiday-themed maze as festive lights and music play throughout the attraction.
The Magic Flute – Holiday Performance
Metropolitan Opera House, New York, NY
Thursday – Saturday
The Met’s holiday tradition continues with Julie Taymor’s family-friendly production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. The annual Holiday Open House is December 14, where families can experience festive behind-the-scenes demos by members of the Met’s backstage and artistic staff.
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto
Prudential Center, Newark
Thursday – Sunday
Disney lovers will see Anna, Elsa, Mirabel and the Madrigal family, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy skating on the ice.
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Thursday – Sunday
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.
Potted Potter
Penn Arts Live at Zellerbach Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Thursday – Sunday
The unauthorized “Harry Potter” experience is a parody of all seven “Harry Potter” books – and their 360 characters! – brought to life in 70 minutes by just two performers. They even have a Quidditch match.
A Sinner’s Christmas Experience
Sinner’s Steakhouse, Point Pleasant Beach
Thursday – Sunday
The jolly ol’ sinful experience includes craft Christmas cocktails, food specials, Santa’s favorite desserts and fun for all ages. Try a signature cocktail like Reif Rum Coquito, Cousin Eddie’s Egg Nog or Scrooge’s Usual; or you can make your own hot chocolate.
LuminoCity Festival: Wonder Journey
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
The larger-than-life lights display is based on “Alice in Wonderland,” and includes the Wonderland Tea Party, the iconic butterfly seat, the life-sized Queen’s Castle and a slide down the Queen of Heart’s tower.
Tulips: Winter Wonderland
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Thursday – Sunday
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. The event will also include a winter market hosted by Asbury Fresh, lots of holiday photo activations, Santa’s Workshop with activities for kids, food trucks, a bakery, and more surprises to be announced.
Winter WonderLights
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
The drive-through is synchronized with a radio station. This year will offer six light tunnels and bigger displays. Returning favorites are giant Christmas trees (two 30-foot trees, and 11 20-foot trees), and tributes to first responders and U.S. Armed Forces.
Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday
The museum’s galleries, mantels and porches are artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations.
GLOW to Bed: The Journey Through Time
Visit GLOW, Washington Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
You’ll experience the excitement of Christmas Eve through the eyes of a child, until you “wake up” on Christmas morning. The route is 1.2 miles long – and has a very specific 8,847,360 animated lights synchronized to music – that you see as you drive through the property.
New Jersey Arts Annual: Exploring Our Connections
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
Thursday – Sunday
The exhibition showcases contemporary art from across the Garden State, based on the themes of family, community, and belonging, expressed through different mediums of art.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
Big Apple Circus: Hometown Playground
Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, New York, NY
Thursday – Sunday
The circus show has soaring acrobats, stunts, comedy, mischief, and cute performing dogs.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
The Duke Theater at New 42 Studios, New York, NY
Thursday – Sunday
The show returns to NYC to celebrate its 10th anniversary. This production will feature two tales from Eric Carle: The Artist That Painted a Blue Horse and Mr. Seahorse. You will also see The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar during the 50-minute show. During the holiday season, Dream Snow will be added to the story rotation for the first time in New York City.
Super Pet Expo
NJ Expo & Convention Center, Edison
Friday – Sunday
You can bring your kids – and your leashed pets – to this animal lover’s convention, where you’ll see dogs doing agility tricks, cats walking a real catwalk, reptiles and birds, animal actors, a pet psychic and tons of pet supply vendors.
Christmas at Bubbly Goat
The Bubbly Goat, Stockton
Saturday – Sunday
Spend time playing with the baby goats (yes, no kidding!) during the holiday season.
Kringle Cove Holiday Express
White Chapel Projects, Long Branch
Saturday – Sunday
The holiday restaurant and bar pop-up will have Merry Brunchmas with Elsa, Olaf, Elf and the Grinch; cookies with Sweet Dani B; pet photos with Santa; wreath making classes; a musical showcase; and a s’mores station throughout the season.
Holiday Harbor Lights Cruise
Pier 83, West 42nd and 12th streets, New York, NY
Saturday – Sunday
Sail along the Hudson River while listening to Christmas music, making your own Santa hat and drinking a Rockette-tini.
A Very Furry Christmas
Sesame Street Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Throughout the season, meet Mr. Claus at Santa’s Furry Workshop, an interactive walk-through experience, and at Santa’s Christmas Dine. There will be shows like Elmo’s Christmas Wish, A Very Merry Sesame Street Sing-Along, the Furry Friends Holiday Dance Party, and the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Light Show.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Various Locations in NJ and NY
Saturday – Sunday
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.
SATURDAY
Kids Workshops: Activities & Crafts
The Home Depot, Multiple Locations
On the first Saturday of every month, bring your kids at 9 am for free in-store workshops that give them hands-on projects. Upcoming crafts include a piggy bank on January 4, a Valentine’s candy box on February 1, and a basketball game on March 1.
A Twelfth Night Celebration
Hancock House State Historic Site, Hancocks Bridge
The open house goes back to 1775, on the eve of the Revolutionary War, with historical lessons through games, music and snacks.
Welcome Winter Walk
Watershed Institute, Pennington
Families can explore the natural world in the winter, learn about the unique survival strategies of local plants and animals as you go through the field and forest.
Masquerade Ball Charity Concert
Wonder Bar, Asbury Park
Asbury Park band NASKA will pair up with Tony and the Kiki from Brooklyn for a mix of mid-century country pop songs, raising awareness and funds for Garden State Equality and their efforts to champion the LGBTQ+ community.
SUNDAY
Kids Hike For Fun
South Branch Reservation at Pine Hill, Annandale
Winter Hikes for Fun are designed to combine fun, education and exercise in the great outdoors for kids age 5 and up.
New Year’s Resolution Hike
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Linden
Stay active along with the birds and many other animals that do so all winter long. On a winter walk along the trails of Hawk Rise, you will have the opportunity to discuss and observe wildlife in its winter beauty.
Cutting, Splitting & Hewing
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, and then learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
Anderson Brothers Celebrate the Great American Songbook
Madison Community Arts Center, Madison
Multireedists Will and Peter Anderson are known for their Songbook Summit series, which features jazz interpretations of Great American Songbook composers. The twin brothers will be joined by guitarist Adam Moezinia during the New Jersey Jazz Society’s Jersey Jazz LIVE! concert. The trio will be preceded by another trio led by alto saxophonist Anish Alur, a senior at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge; as well as bassist Chris Maratea and drummer Ishan Alur, Anish’s brother. Maratea is a Ridge High School graduate, and Alur attends Newark Academy in Livingston.
Winter Hootenanny in the Pines
Albert Music Hall, Waretown
The first show of 2025 features music by Fish & Whistle, The Wild Grit, Billy Penn & The Inside Drivers, Third Rail, and Elaine & The Cimarron Sky Band.
ONGOING
Nature Game Nights
Last Friday of every month
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Inside the nature center, choose from nature-inspired puzzles and games, or bring your own from home.
Lunar New Year
American Dream, East Rutherford
Select dates, January 4 – February 22
Parts of the celebration include traditional lion dances, live bands, dance showcases, a youth talent competition, a photography competition, a student and teacher piano concert, a lighting of the Dream Wheel, a spring festival gala, and then the ultimate Lunar New Year Spectacular.
Light Show on the Lake
Historic Smithville & Village Green, Galloway
Through January 6
This quaint South Jersey shopping town gets all decked out for the holidays with a talking Christmas tree, 50,000 lights and “dancing” trees on Lake Meone.
Festival of Trees
New Brunswick
Through January 7
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.
Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House
83 Paterson Rd., Fanwood
Through January 8
This holiday display features 30,000 sparkling lights. Monetary donations are accepted onsite to support the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Through January 12
Come for ice skating, carnival games, ice carving and a chance to take pictures with Santa at the North Pole. Tickets give you access to the zoo, carousel and train.
A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through January 12
The gardens come alive with bright lights and glittery tinsel. New for the season is A Taste of Christmas in the Fountain Room, and the new 1906 dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the iconic Main Fountain Garden. This is part of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, a revitalization project that expanded exhibitions, programs and events on the grounds.
Holidig Drive Thru Light Show
Diggerland, West Berlin
Select dates, through January 12
Marvel at the lights, holiday displays and tunnels as you drive through 1.25 miles inside America’s only construction theme park.
Let it Glow
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Thursdays – Sundays, through January 12
As you walk through the zoo or ride on the train, you’ll see 30 larger-than-life scenes decorated with animal-themed lanterns.
Vintner Wonderland
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Select dates, through January 19
The winery grounds are open to families for ice skating, a holiday market, fire pits, live music, and of course wine. You can sponsor a Christmas tree for the Festival of Trees display.
Montclair Flea Holiday Market
Lackawanna Station, Montclair
Weekends, through January 19
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.
Tianyu Lights Festival
Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, NY
Through January 19
Intricate light sculptures, vibrant displays, and a story about a young boy who returned from a trip to the Amazon pull you into a storybook adventure at this Chinese traditional lights festival.
Antique Toy Train Show
The Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through February 2
See O and O-27 gauge toy trains from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines, with adjoining cars, will race against each other on two diverse platforms. Vintage Plasticville buildings from the 1950s, vegetation and auxiliary structures will give the platforms a traditional holiday appearance.
New Jersey/New Sculpture
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through February 2
Eleven sculptors who worked with malleable aluminum, cold-worked glass, and industrial robotics join the more traditional media of ceramics, forged iron, and steel in this exhibit that showcases 40 works based on The Garden State.
Nature-Infused Yoga
In person at the Schermann Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Or virtual via Zoom
Saturdays, through February 22
Yoga teacher Kristin Mylecraine will show how yoga is a great way to relax, find inner connection, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Veterans Park, North Brunswick
Fridays, through February 28
Sweater Days are December 28 and 29; dress your family in their favorite sweaters.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, New York City
Through March 2
This Manhattan park is home to the largest free-admission ice skating rink in NYC. Relax rinkside at The Lodge, where you can get food and drinks while taking in the splendor of the giant Christmas tree. Shop more than 180 vendors selling gifts from around the world. And check out the bumper cars on ice.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through March 30
Weather permitting, you can sit in the historic apple orchard. During cooler weather, seating is inside the wine barn with firepits, outdoor heaters, and hot mulled wine. Tasting flights of Terhune wines are available. All ages can have fun with s’mores and hot cocoa kits. The Barn Door Café will serve lunch. Live music is performed from 1-4 pm.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 4
There are a series of immersive zones that let kids go on George’s adventures in the city, on the farm and in outer space. The exhibit includes the operation of wheels and pulleys, three holes of mini golf, a space rocket, a sidewalk produce stand, a vacation in the country, a farm visit, a city park playset, a busy wall, and a museum that has the original manuscript.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. The exhibit features items from Rutgers University, Middlesex College, several high schools, and individuals. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
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Read More:
Free Things to Do in New Jersey During January
The Best Festivals in New Jersey in January