We’ve rounded up the most festive events in and around New Jersey to get you and the kids into the holiday spirit!
34TH STREET HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAYS
34th Street, New York, NY
Nov. – Jan.
macys.com/stores/ny/newyork/ heraldsquare_3.html
Pass by the Empire State Building, which celebrates the 21st anniversary of “Elf”; Macy’s Herald Square for its iconic, magical window displays; and Penn Station’s festive decorations.
ANTIQUE TOY TRAIN SHOW
The Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 29-Feb. 2
southjerseymuseum.org
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.
BANK OF AMERICA WINTER VILLAGE AT BRYANT PARK
Bryant Park, New York City
Nov.-March 2
wintervillage.org
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.
BARNYARD UNDER THE STARS
Brookhollow’s Barnyard, Boonton
Fri.-Sat. through Dec. 28
Start with a 5-minute holiday train ride around the garden; Thomas the Train can fit up to 15 people, so bring the kids and their cousins along. There are lots of colorful lights along the path. If you want to feed the animals, you can buy some carrots on the farm.
BERGEN COUNTY WINTER WONDERLAND
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Nov. 29-Jan. 12
bergencountywinterwonderland.com
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.
BRONX ZOO HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Select dates, Nov. 19-Jan. 5
bronxzoo.com/holidaylights
See immersive light displays, animal lanterns and animated light shows at this walk-thru experience that also features entertainment and the Holiday Train. Sensory-friendly events are planned on select nights.
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA
Weekends, Nov. 15-Dec. 22
christmascity.org/christkindlmarkt
Also known as Christmas City, the market offers handmade works by artists from all around the country, Käthe Wohlfahrt original nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany, and other Christmas fun.
CHRISTMAS CON
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Dec. 13-15
thats4entertainment.com
Meet your favorite Christmas movie stars while taking selfies or professional photos. Shop in the vendor area, listen to actors chat during panel discussions and try your hand at festive arts and crafts.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Pine Creek Railroad, Allaire State Park, Wall Twp.
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 29-Dec. 21
njmt.org
Learn about the history of travel through the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, as you board a train with Santa Claus during the day or at night.
CHRISTMAS FANTASY WITH LIGHTS
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Nov. 16-Dec. 30
storybookland.com/christmas
Every night at dusk, Santa will wave his magic wand and light up the theme park. You can meet him after, or take Santa’s Fantasy Flight (known as Jumping Jumbos during the regular season).
CHRISTMAS IN CAPE MAY
Various locations, Cape May
Nov.-Jan.
capemay.com/play/christmas-cape-may
This beloved seaside town is transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with twinkling gaslights and fragrant green garlands. Go on Santa’s Trolley Ride and take a Christmas tour of the Emlen Physick Estate.
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM & WALK-THROUGH LIGHT SHOW
Allaire Community Farm, Wall Twp.
Thurs. – Sun., Nov. 29 – Dec. 29
Take a tractor-drawn hayride (known as the Yuletide Wagon) through the 25-acre farm that has tens of thousands of lights in a massive Christmas village. Stop inside the market for hot chocolate and cider donuts – and to get a feed bag to feed the animals. Ask about photos with Santa, too.
CHRISTMAS TRAIN VILLAGE
Duggan Hall, Spring Lake
Wed.-Sun., Nov.30-Dec. 31
visitspringlake.com/event/christmas-train-village
The village is a re-creation of the beautiful town of Spring Lake.
CHRISTMAS UNDERWATER
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Nov. 23-Dec. 24
adventureaquarium.com
See underwater lights, spot Scuba Santa and view the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree. Also planned are Snowtunda (indoor flurries), festive puppet shows and storytimes.
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 23–Dec. 24
philachristmas.com
You’ll feel like you’re in Germany rather than Philly. Traditional wooden booths will be set up with vendors selling holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and art. There will be authentic German food and drinks, plus a Ferris wheel, carousel and kiddie train ride.
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Nov. 29-Dec. 24
mapleleaffarmsnj.com
Aside from the huge market that has all your Christmas and Hanukkah needs, there are visits with Santa and outdoor train rides; plus, you can get your Christmas tree from a selection that’s grown on the farm.
DICKENS AT THE MORGAN LIBRARY
The Morgan Library & Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Dec.
themorgan.org
“A Christmas Carol” is a holiday tradition, both by book and on stage, and at the Morgan you can see a copy of the Charles Dickens classic written in his handwriting. During a special Winter Family Fair, there will be music, magicians and people dressed up as characters from the storyline.
DiDONATO’S MAGICAL HOLIDAY EXPRESS
DiDonato Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Select dates, Nov. 16–Dec. 23
didonatofuncenter.com/magical-express
Kids can take a train ride through millions of Christmas lights. You’ll stroll through a holiday village, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, see the elves and visit the toy market. Plus, a free game of bowling is included with your ticket.
DYKER HEIGHTS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
Select dates, Nov. 29-Dec. 30
dykerheightschristmaslights.com
This neighborhood is lit up with millions of lights, inflatables, displays and activations. Walk along or take a bus tour through the neighborhood.
FANWOOD’S FAMOUS CHRISTMAS HOUSE
83 Paterson Rd., Fanwood
Nov. 29–Jan. 8
Facebook: Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House
This holiday display features 30,000 sparkling lights. Monetary donations are accepted on site to support the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.
FROST FEST
Luna Park at Coney Island, 100 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Select dates, Nov. 23-Jan. 1
The ultimate winter experience along one of Brooklyn’s most famous boardwalks includes Santa’s Wonderland, rides and attractions, holiday lights and décor, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, festive food
FROSTLAND VILLAGE
23 Euclid Ave., Pitman
Through first week of January
The winner of an episode of 2024’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” was chosen for its yard full of restored and handpainted animatronics, a 35-foot high tree made entirely of blow molds, a full bakery scene, and a handbuilt treehouse scene.
GLOW! LIGHT SHOW
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd., Washington Twp.
Select dates, Nov. 28-Dec.
visitglow.com
This lights display is so epic that the family moved it offsite from their house, and won an episode of The Great Christmas Lights Fight television show last season! The 2024 theme is Glow! To Bed: The Journey Through Time. You’ll go on an adventure on Christmas Eve, seen through the eyes of a child.
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
Nov. 22-Dec. 29
greatamericanfamily.com/2024/10/02/great-american-family-christmas-festival-at-the-northwell-park-at-ubs-arena-set-to-bring-holiday-cheer-to-new-york-from-november-22-december-29
Great American Media, which broadcasts Great American Family Christmas movies this time of year, offers nightly tree lightings, ice skating, light displays, food and drinks by the fire, holiday crafting classes, pictures with Santa Claus, world premiere movie screenings, Q&As and meet-and-greets with some of the actors (like Mario Lopez and Candace Cameron Bure), and scheduled photo ops.
HARBAUGH VILLAGE NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Harbaugh Village, Mullica Hill
Select dates, Dec. 5-22
harbaughvillage.com/north-pole-experience
Admission includes holiday lights displays, reindeer, handwritten letters to Santa (and a free photo), live entertainment, carousel rides, boardwalk and sports games, and a vendor village. Other special events include Breakfast with Santa, Stories with Santa, ice skating, and fire pit and igloo rentals.
HERSHEYPARK CHRISTMAS CANDYLANE
Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
Select dates Nov. 15-Jan. 1
hersheypark.com
Chocolate lovers can enjoy their favorite rides and coasters, a visit with Santa and Hershey characters, and more than 5 million sparkling lights.
HOLIDAY ADVENTURE
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Nov. 29-Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 25)
lsc.org/explore/exhibitions/holiday-adventure
Every day, you can glide around the expanded and improved Sock Skating Rink, with fluffy “snowball” fights every hour. Enjoy new holiday-themed shows in America’s biggest planetarium. Seasonal labs and science shows are included, as are the Curious George, Blue Whale and other exhibits. On weekends, take a journey on the Snowflake Express, a new mini passenger train that tours a winter wonderland. There’s a holiday gift explosion in the Boom Time show, a holly jolly Dance Party, and Candy Cane or Vanilla Ice Cream made the scientific way with liquid nitrogen. Santa Claus will be present every weekend until Christmas. After Christmas, there will be a live penguin, a bouncy kangaroo, a playful lemur, and more animal friends.
HOLIDAY BRICKTACULAR
LEGOLAND New York Resort, Goshen, NY
Select dates, Nov. 16–Jan. 4
legoland.com/new-york
There will be seasonal shows, holiday characters, a tree lighting ceremony with LEGO Santa, LEGO activities and lots of holiday lights. Kids can explore MINILAND to find LEGO presents.
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates,
Nov. 23–Jan. 1
sixflags.com/greatadventure
‘Tis the season for glittering lights, live entertainment, yummy seasonal eats and a festive spin on your favorite rides at New Jersey’s popular amusement park.
HOLIDAY LIGHT SPECTACULAR
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Select dates, Nov. 22-Dec. 31
turtlebackzoo.com
Take a stroll through outdoor light displays, get a photo with Santa, watch ice sculpting demos and, of course, see the animals at this beloved zoo.
HOLIDAY MODEL TRAIN SHOW
Garden State Model Railway Club, North Haledon
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 30-Dec. 14
gsmrrclub.org
Members will be running steam and diesel trains on a 1,200-square-foot HO scale layout, including Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. The second railroad room will be open with a new railroad currently under construction, a children’s railroad where kids can try their hand at running trains, and for-sale items.
HOLIDAY MODEL TRAIN SHOW
Barron Arts Center, Woodbridge
Dec. 2-30 (closed Dec. 25)
twp.woodbridge.nj.us/150/Barron-Arts-Center
Mike Gelesky designed and set up the entire display with lots of holiday cheer.
HOLIDAY SEASON AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Rockefeller Center, NYC
Dec. 4–Jan.
rockefellercenter.com/holidays
The twinkling lights on this magnificent Christmas tree will be lit starting December 4. View its beauty while you ice skate or chill in a rinkside chalet. See the beautiful golden angel statues and walk down the block to Saks Fifth Avenue for its light show.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS & TRAIN DISPLAY
InfoAge Science and History Museums, Wall Twp.
Sat.-Sun., Dec. 7-22
infoage.org
Admission to the train show includes access to all of the museums on site. If you bring a donation for Toys for Toys, you’ll receive half-off adult admission.
HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Nov. 16–Jan. 20
nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show
See model trains zip through a display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks, each re-created from natural materials such as birch bark.
HOLIDAY UNDER THE STARS
Shops at Columbus Circle, New York, NY
Mid-Nov. to Jan.
theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
This year’s installation will have 300,000 twinkling lights and 44 illuminated stars that create a kaleidoscope of colors. The light show takes place every 30 minutes from 5 pm to midnight.
HOLIDAYS AT JOHNSON’S CORNER FARM
Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford
Nov. 22-Dec. 23
johnsonsfarm.com
Hop on the Christmas Light Show Hayride that takes the holiday drive-thru to a whole new level. The Light Show on the Lake has thousands of lights. Make a date for Breakfast with Santa.
HOLIDIG DRIVE THRU LIGHT SHOW
Diggerland, West Berlin
Select dates, Nov. 15–Jan. 12
diggerlandusa.com
Marvel at the lights, holiday displays and tunnels as you drive through 1.25 miles inside America’s only construction theme park.
KOZIAR’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Koziar’s Farm, Bernville, PA
Select dates, Nov. 2-Jan. 4
koziarschristmasvillage.com
There are more than a million lights that illuminate the Koziar farm property, lining everything from the lake to the barns to the walkways. Walk around at your own pace, seeing all of the decorated houses, international Christmas displays, storyboards, train sets and festive gift shops.
KWANZAA
The African American Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Dec. 26-Jan. 1
aampmuseum.org
Learn about the seven principles of the holiday through music, dance, storytelling, kinara lightings and craft sessions.
LET IT GLOW
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 7-Jan. 12
friendsofbergencountyzoo.org/events
As you walk through the zoo or ride on the train, you’ll see 30 larger-than-life scenes decorated with animal-themed lanterns.
LIGHT SHOW ON THE LAKE
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Nov. 28-Jan. 6
historicsmithville.com
More than 120 Christmas trees decorated with over 50,000 Christmas lights magically float when darkness falls: a show of lights and music is played across Lake Meone.
LIGHTSCAPE
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
Nov. 22-Jan. 5
bbg.org/lightscape
This enchanting after-dark experience takes you along an illuminated trail through the architecture of the gardens and water features. New this year is the Ribbon Tunnel.
A LONGWOOD CHRISTMAS
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Nov. 22–Jan. 12
longwoodgardens.org
Stroll through floating floral designs, marvel at festive trees and step into an extravagant floral shop. Outside, take in stunning light displays and treehouses. There are a half-million lights across hundreds of acres, plus fountain shows.
LUMINATURE
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Nov.21-Jan.4
philadelphiazoo.org
There will be light tunnels, sculptures, Christmas trees and nature-themed displays throughout the zoo. You can meet Santa and watch performances.
LUMINOCITY FESTIVAL: WONDER JOURNEY
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Select dates, Nov. 15-Jan. 5
luminocityfestival.com
The larger-than-life lights displays 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.
MACCABEE BAR
Saint Tuesday, New York City
Dec. 23-Jan. 4
maccabeebar.com
A Boston bar owner decided to share her Jewish heritage through a Hanukkah-themed bar in NYC. Think potato latkes, jelly donuts and special cocktails.
MACY’S HOLIDAY SQUARE
Macy’s Herald Square, New York City
Nov.-Jan. 3
macys.com/s/holiday-celebrations/holidaysquare
The store’s first-ever holiday market pop-up has 30 shops and food vendors, plus gifts, treats, photo ops and more.
MADE IN PHILADELPHIA HOLIDAY MARKET
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 15-Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 25)
madeinphila.com
More than 50 local vendors will be set up inside the picturesque white wooden booths, adorned with the glow of Moravian stars.
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Nov. 22–Jan. 4
magicoflights.com
This drive-thru has more than a mile of light displays. This year’s special attractions include a sparkling Holiday Barbie, supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck and dinos from Prehistoric Christmas. After, park the car near the Holiday Village, where you will see Santa and can go ice skating.
MARIAH CAREY’S BLACK IRISH HOLIDAY BAR
The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels, New York City
Nov. 15-Dec. 29
mariahsholidaybar.com
The Queen of Christmas inspires a winter wonderland, complete with a Letters to Mariah station, a lyric wall, and signature drinks based on her Black Irish liqueur.
MARLIN CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
1326 Laurel Avenue in Sea Girt
Nov. 22-Dec. 25
This year’s over-the-top Christmas display has a projection mapping and light show featuring scenes from Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, The Grinch and Frozen. Plus, see Santa’s cabin, gingerbread houses, singing reindeer, the North Pole Post Office, a mountain village, Mickey & Friends and more. Tune your radio to 88.9 FM to hear synchronized music to the lights. While you’re there, you can donate to Jersey Pits Rescue.
MODEL RAILROAD CLUB HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
The Model Railroad Club, Union
Weekends, Nov. 29-Dec. 15
themodelrailroadclub.org
Parents and kids can tour the trains and layout up close, and get an insider’s peek at the expansion that’s currently under construction. See how the track is hand-laid, how mountains and scenery are created, and find out about the planning and engineering that goes into the club’s bi-level corkscrew loop.
MODEL TRAIN SHOW
NY Society of Model Engineers, Carlstadt
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 30-Dec. 15
modelengineers.org
Doors open to the public in the winter and spring. There are two large operating layouts, O scale and HO, with steam and diesel engines, Thomas and friends, freight and passenger trains, and working trolleys.
NEWARK WINTER VILLAGE
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Wednesdays-Sundays, Dec. 1-Jan. 5
The open-air festival in the downtown offers ice skating, go karts, a marketplace, private heated pods or igloos
NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL DROP
Times Square, New York, NY
Dec. 31
timessquarenyc.org
Watch the Swarovski crystal ball drop at midnight from high above Times Square. Watch as celebrities, musicians and TV personalities pass by.
NIGHT OF LIGHTS LIGHT SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA
Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill
Select dates, Nov.-Dec.
nightoflightshayride.com
The 100-acre dairy farm becomes a Christmas wonderland with sparkling light displays and musical dancing tree light shows that you view from inside your car.
NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Harbaugh Village, Mullica Hill
Through Dec. 22
Harbaugh Village is spreading holiday cheer through holiday lights displays, reindeer, handwritten letters to Santa, live entertainment, carousel rides, boardwalk and sports games, and a vendor village. Special events include Breakfast with Santa, Storytime with Santa, ice skating, and rentals of fire pits and heated igloos.
THE NORTH POLE EXPRESS
Black River and Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, Nov. 24 – Dec. 28
blackriverrailroad.com
On this holiday train, kids will head to “the North Pole” to meet Santa Claus, where they’ll take the perfect holiday photo and get a gift to take home.
ORCHARD OF LIGHTS
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, Nov. 22–Dec. 29
orchardoflights.com
Take a ride through 32 acres of holiday lights and then warm up by the fire pit with hot cocoa. There’s also a farm market and pictures with Santa.
THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
Select dates, Nov. 25-Dec. 18
877trainride.com/index.htm
This Christmas train is inspired by the hit movie. Feel free to wear your pajamas, just like in the movie. Santa will give each child a bell.
THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Select dates, Nov. 1–Dec. 30
whippanythepolarexpressride.com
This train ride is a re-creation of the children’s story led by a cast of actors. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs and Santa.
RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Nov. 8–Jan. 5
rockettes.com
This New York City holiday classic starring the Radio City Rockettes – with their infamous kickline – features The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and a Living Nativity.
ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st streets, New York, NY
Nov.-Dec.
saintpatrickscathedral.org
You can attend Mass inside the 19th-century cathedral, or stop by as a visitor to see the life-sized creche, where angels and animal sculptures surround the manger for the Nativity.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
5th Avenue, New York City
Late Nov.-Dec.
saksfifthavenue.com
Behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a beautiful display of Christmas lights and windows on the façade of the iconic building. Note: the light show has been canceled for 2024.
SANTA CLAUS SPECIAL
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Select dates, Nov. 30-Dec. 23
woodstowncentral.com
Santa will make his way through the restored 1930s train cars. Once you get to South Woodstown Station, there will be fire pits, photos and letters to Santa Claus.
SANTA CLAUS TRAIN
Northlandz, Flemington
Nov.-Dec.
northlandz.com/santa
The inside of the mini train museum has a holiday vibe, with snow, presents, lights and Christmas trees filling up the displays. You can meet Santa, who will take an outdoor train ride with you on the weekends.
THE SANTA EXPRESS AND THE STARLIGHT SANTA EXPRESS
Richland Village, Richland
Tuckahoe Village, Tuckahoe
Select dates, Nov. 30-Dec. 23
the-santa-express.com
The Seashore Lines takes you on a historic train ride with Santa Claus himself, featuring entertainment and snack service in first-class cars. You can try riding The Starlight Express at night.
THE SANTA TRAIN
Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Wayne
Dec. 14
tristaterail.org/santatrain
This hour-long round-trip experience includes carols, costumed characters and a chance to meet Santa.
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS TRAINS
Strasburg Railroad Museum, Ronks, PA
Nov.-Dec.
strasburgrailroad.com/christmas-train
There’s no shortage of holiday trains to ride at the Strasburg Railroad Museum. Ride Santa’s Paradise Express or Santa Claus Limited where you can meet Santa himself. Board the Night Before Christmas Train to activate that holiday spirit on Christmas Eve. Or take the Christmas Tree Train and pick the perfect tree for your family. You can even charter a historic caboose built in 1925 for 8-10 people.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
New Hope Railroad, New Hope
Select dates, Nov. 16-Dec. 30
newhoperailroad.com
The North Pole Express is pulled by one of the diesel locomotives. Kids will get cookies, listen to music and mail their letters to Santa.
SANTA’S STEAM RIDE TRAIN RIDE
New Hope Railroad, New Hope
Select dates, Nov. 29-Dec. 29
newhoperailroad.com
The restored passenger trains (which date back to the first half of the twentieth century) are warm and cozy and decorated for the season. Cookies will be served on board, live music will play and everyone is encouraged to sing along to holiday tunes. Kids can mail their letters to Santa in a special red postbox.
SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND
Watermark, 78 South St. at Pier 15, New York
Nov. 8-Dec.31
santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com
The whimsical waterfront holiday installation has dining, entertainment, Christmas trees, games, activities, heated glasshouses and lights displays, all with breathtaking views of NYC.
SEA OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Pt. Pleasant
Dec. 7, 14, 21-22, 28
jenkinsons.com/aquarium
The winter wonderland includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, Diving Santa, and nighttime holiday entertainment. The aquarium, Sweet Shop, gift shop, pavilion and arcade will be open.
SHINE BRIGHT AT HUDSON YARDS PRESENTED BY WELLS FARGO
Hudson Yards, New York City
Nov. 24-Jan.
hudsonyardsnewyork.com
More than 2 million twinkling lights (that’s 115 miles!) and 725 evergreen trees set the stage for ice skating, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and then Santa’s Secret Speakeasy for adults.
SKYLANDS STADIUM LIGHT SHOW & CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, Nov. 22-Dec. 30
skylandsstadium.com/lightshow
See more than 2 million lights in this drive-thru. In the Christmas Village, take a family photo and stop by the Hot Chocolate Bar and Winter Beer Garden.
TIANYU LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, NY
Select dates, Nov. 29-Jan. 12
tianyuculture.us/nyc
The gorgeous light show will integrate traditional Chinese artistry with technology through light sculptures, vibrant displays, and a tale that pulls you into a storybook adventure.
TULIPS: WINTER WONDERLAND
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Nov. 30-Dec. 30
hollandridgefarms.com
This mega tulip farm that’s a must-see in the spring will open this winter for a walkthrough of 30,000 illuminated tulips. There will be a winter market, lots of holiday photo activations, Santa’s Workshop, and hot chocolate with stroopwafel.
TWINKLING TIDES
SEA LIFE, American Dream, East Rutherford
Nov. 29-Jan. 1
visitsealife.com
Celebrate the holidays under the sea with thousands of lights under the sea; more than 10 interactive zones will be decked out in holiday décor. Spot Scuba Claus in the ocean tunnel on select dates. Grab a map for the Coldwater Creature Scavenger Hunt. There is a special Noon Year’s Eve celebration in the Ocean View exhibit on December 31.
UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET
Union Square, New York City
Nov. 16-Dec. 24
usqholiday.nyc
The City’s largest Greenmarket transforms for the holiday season, with 150+ vendors selling gifts and goods for the season. The local restaurants, retailers and entertainers join in as well.
A VERY FURRY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Nov. 16–Jan. 1
sesameplace.com/philadelphia
Sesame Street lights up with millions of twinkling lights and a 30-foot illuminated pixel-based tree that projects animated images during the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve celebrations are planned as well.
THE VILLAGE AT ANNE ELLEN
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, Nov. 9-Dec. 30
anneellenfarms.com/the-village
A hayride brings you to a village of 400,000 lights. Among the attractions are a life-sized gingerbread house, a post office where you write letters to Santa and a giant igloo. New this season is the first and only 4D sleigh ride experience in NJ.
VINTNER WONDERLAND
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Select dates, Nov. 29-Jan. 19, 2025
renaultwinery.com
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.
WANAMAKER ORGAN
Macy’s Center City, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 29-Dec.
wanamakerorgan.com
Macy’s used to be the Wanamaker department store, and the original organ still stands. There will be holiday light shows and music – plus a Dickens Christmas Village with animated figures, originally from the Strawbridge & Clothier department store.
WINTER AT DILWORTH PARK
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 15-March 9
visitphilly.com
The park has an open-air skating rink and a holiday market.
WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR
Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, PA
Select dates, Nov. 15-Jan. 4
lvzoo.org/wls
This event has 1.2 million sparkling lights and displays. Visitors will find classic holiday scenes, fire pits, hot chocolate and s’mores and live performances from princesses Anna, Elsa, Belle and Cinderella.
WINTER WONDERLAND ILLUMINATED WALKING TRAIL
Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford
Select dates, Nov. 22-Dec. 30
indianacrestreefarm.com
Stroll through the woods and pass by snowmen and trees made with upcycled materials from the farm. You’ll see a fairy garden and a secret gnome village. Waddle past Penguin Igloo Town or fly by Birdhouse Row. There will be a tunnel of lights that snows down on you.
WINTER WONDERLIGHTS
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Nov. 29-Dec. 31
winterwonderlightshows.com
Drive through 1.5 million animated lights that are synchronized to music from a local radio station. There are sparkling tunnels and winter wonderland scenes. There’s a special tribute to first responders and the U.S. Armed Forces.
WINTERFEST
Delaware River Waterfront, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 29-March 2
delawareriverwaterfront.com
At Penn’s Landing there is an NHL-sized ice rink, a Ferris wheel, boardwalk games, fire pits, heated cabins, and a giant Christmas tree.
WORLD’S LARGEST MENORAHS
Grand Army Plaza, New York, NY
Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
Dec. 25-Jan. 2
chabadparkslope.com
The 32-foot-high menorah in Manhattan shares the title of “world’s largest” with another menorah in Brooklyn. Stop by either one at sundown during Hanukkah to watch the menorah lighting.
YULETIDE
Liberty Hill, Lafayette Hill, PA
Nov. 22-Jan. 5
yuletidelibertyhill.com
The holiday festival includes a High-End Market Village with over 30 boutique vendors. Ice skate under the stars, listen to live music and see the dazzling lights displays. Santa is around daily for free photos, while Mrs. Claus leads storytime. There is a Ferris wheel and carousel.
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Celebrate Hanukkah at These Menorah Lighting Events
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