NJ Festivals for Families 2025:
Your Local Guide to Family Fun
A Guide to NJ Festivals for Families: What to Know
New Jersey packs in family fun all year. You can hit the beach, stroll a boardwalk, and grab snacks in one afternoon. Kids bounce from skee-ball to soft serve, while parents enjoy the throwback boardwalk smells, hello funnel cake.Rain in the forecast, no problem. Head to hands-on exhibits at Liberty Science Center or plan a full day at American Dream with indoor skiing and big-ticket attractions. If you are searching for new jersey family festivals near home, short drives make it easy to plan nj family events and nj kids activities every weekend.
Street fairs, cultural days, art shows, food fests, and live music fill the calendar. Expect bounce houses, parades, fireworks, scavenger hunts, and sensory-friendly options. From trails and farms to pumpkin patches and holiday lights, you will find plenty of nj kids events near me to keep everyone happy.
Takeaways
- Short drives make it easy to find new jersey family festivals near you.
- Many nj family events offer free or low-cost entry, with paid add-ons.
- Look for sensory-friendly times, early hours, or quieter nights if needed.
- Pack layers, water, and snacks, and confirm parking before you go.
- Save links to your favorite nj kids activities so you can plan fast.
Northern NJ Festivals and Family Events
Ongoing North Jersey Festivals
Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
November 6th, 2025 - January 11th, 2026, Thursdays & Sundays: 4pm-8pm Fridays & Saturdays: 4pm - 9pm
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park,
Paramus, NJ
Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo.
Let it Glow is a symphony of vivid glowing colors to tease your eyes and dazzle the mind. Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll throughout the zoo These larger than life lanterns are amazing in picture but stunning in person! With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breath-taking than the last! Its one of those things you need to see in person to truly appreciate.
Orchard of Lights - Drive Thru
From Saturday, November 22nd until Tuesday, December 30th, 2025
Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Rd.
Hillsdale, NJ
This holiday celebration feature a dazzling holiday destination perfect for families, couples, and seasonal explorers. Visitors can experience the farm's beloved Halloween Light Show kicking off the festivities, followed by a full calendar of winter-themed attractions, cozy treats, and twinkling displays. Whether you're sipping hot cider by the fire pits, snapping photos with Santa, or strolling through illuminated trails, Demarest Farms offers a magical blend of rustic charm and holiday cheer.
Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village
November 22, 2025, through January 3, 2026
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Pl.
Augusta, NJ 07822
Discover the magic of the holidays at the Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village. This dazzling family-friendly event features a mile-long drive-through light show with over two million lights, festive tunnels, and whimsical displays. After the show, explore the Christmas Village with holiday shopping, photos with Santa, s'mores by the fire, and seasonal treats like BBQ, ice cream, and spiked hot cocoa. Perfect for families, couples, and holiday lovers seeking unforgettable New Jersey winter events.
November 2025 North Jersey Festivals
Warren Holiday Festival
Friday, November 28, 2025
Municipal Complex
46 Mountain Blvd,
Warren, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Warren Holiday Festival’s Friday evening celebration, Families can enjoy festive highlights including Santa’s grand arrival atop a decorated firetruck, live performances by the Hugh Cole School Chorus, and hands-on ornament crafting, with the grand finale the Main Street Lighting Ceremony. Strolling entertainers, colonial-era reenactors, and open house tours of historic sites add charm and nostalgia to this beloved community event. Warm up with hot chocolate, cider, and cookies while exploring the illuminated streets and holiday cheer. Perfect for all ages, this kickoff to the weekend promises unforgettable memories and seasonal joy.
Central NJ Festivals and Family Events
Ongoing Central Jersey Festivals
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November 21, 2025 to January 3, 2026, Holmdel
Experience the dazzling Magic of Lights at this festive drive-through holiday lights show perfect for families and seasonal seekers. Cruise through 2.5 miles of brilliant LED displays, animated scenes, and beloved holiday characters, all from the comfort of your car. This annual tradition features highlights like the Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and Prehistoric Christmas dinosaurs, plus a cozy Holiday Village with ice skating and Santa visits.
The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
Friday, November 21 until December 28th, 2025
Middlesex County Fairgrounds
655 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ
Experience the magic of the Winter WonderLights Spectacular Drive-Thru—New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show! This dazzling family-friendly event features over 1.5 million synchronized lights, festive music, and themed displays celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa. Guests can enjoy a cozy drive through sparkling tunnels, towering trees, and tributes to first responders—all from the comfort of their car. Perfect for holiday outings, date nights, and seasonal traditions
Polar Express
Trips run: November 28, 29,30, December 5,6,7,12,13,14,19,20,21, 2025
Lehigh Junction
99 Elizabeth St.
Phillipsburg, NJ
This magical holiday experience, hosted by the Delaware River Railroad Excursions, brings the beloved story to life with festive music, dancing chefs, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa himself. Families can relive the classic tale on a scenic hour-and-a-half journey, complete with golden tickets and keepsake sleigh bells. Book early to secure your seat on one of New Jersey’s most enchanting Christmas train rides.
November 2025 Central Jersey Festival
Thanks4Giving
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 4th Avenue boardwalk, Asbury Park
Celebrate community and compassion at Thanks4Giving, Asbury Park's heartwarming fall festival on along the scenic 4th Avenue boardwalk. This family-friendly event blends live music, local eats, artisan vendors, and seasonal activities—all in support of local charities. Whether you're strolling the shore or savoring autumn flavors, Thanks4Giving offers the perfect mix of coastal charm and holiday spirit. Don't miss this unforgettable day of giving back in one of New Jersey's most vibrant beach towns.
Collect A Con
November 22, 23, 2025
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
Get ready for the ultimate pop culture celebration at Collect-A-Con. This massive two-day event brings together over 900 vendor tables featuring anime merch, Funko POPs, vintage toys, trading cards, and celebrity guests from your favorite shows and games. Families, collectors, and cosplay fans alike will love the live performances, exclusive panels, and immersive experiences that make Collect-A-Con the largest trading card, anime, and pop culture convention in the U.S.
Annual Bradley Beach Bonfire
November 28th, 2025,
on the Beach near the 5th Ave Gazebo,
Bradley Beach, NJ
Celebrate the warmth of community at the Annual Bradley Beach Bonfire along the scenic Jersey Shore. This beloved fall tradition invites families, friends, and visitors to gather around the flames for live music, seasonal treats, and coastal charm. Whether you're a local or planning a Thanksgiving weekend getaway, the Bradley Beach Bonfire offers a festive, family-friendly experience that lights up the shore with heart and heritage. Don’t miss one of New Jersey’s coziest autumn events—perfect for all ages and ideal for your holiday itinerary.
Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides at The Howell Living History Farm
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
Hopewell Twp., NJ
Celebrate the season at the Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides event. Families can enjoy a nostalgic autumn experience with scenic hayrides through the farm's historic fields, hands-on corn harvesting, and festive activities that capture the spirit of Thanksgiving. Located in scenic Mercer County, this family-friendly event blends tradition, education, and outdoor fun—perfect for New Jersey locals and visitors seeking memorable fall adventures. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature and history just in time for the holidays.
Greenberg's Great Train & Toy Show
November
29, 30, 2025
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
All aboard for family fun at Greenberg's Great Train & Toy Show. This beloved event is the largest and longest-running train and toy show in the Northeast, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, massive operating model train displays, free workshops, and thousands of collectible toys and trains for sale. Perfect for hobbyists, families, and curious kids, it's a must-visit destination for holiday weekend entertainment in New Jersey. Don't miss the chance to explore, shop, and spark imagination!
December 2025 Central Jersey Festival
Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
Hopewell Twp, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas on the Farm. Step back in time and experience an old-fashioned holiday with horse-drawn sleigh rides, festive music, and hands-on crafts in a beautifully preserved 1900s farm setting. Families can enjoy storytelling by the hearth, seasonal treats, and a visit from St. Nick himself. Perfect for all ages, this beloved annual event blends holiday cheer with historic charm—making it a must-visit Christmas tradition in New Jersey.
Christmas Con NJ
December 12, 13, 14, 2025
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the holidays at Christmas Con NJ 2025. This festive fan-favorite convention brings together beloved holiday movie stars, themed photo ops, exclusive panels, and seasonal shopping—all under one roof. Whether you're a Hallmark Channel devotee or just love the spirit of Christmas, it's the ultimate winter wonderland experience for families, couples, and holiday enthusiasts across New Jersey and beyond.
Jurassic Quest roars through Edison, NJ
Saturday, December 27 - Tuesday, December 30, 2025
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave,
Step into a prehistoric adventure at Jurassic Quest.. Perfect for families and dinosaur enthusiasts, this nationally acclaimed event features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive science stations, fossil digs, dino rides, and exclusive LEGO®-themed play zones. With activities tailored for kids ages 2–10 and photo ops galore, Jurassic Quest is the ultimate winter break destination for unforgettable fun and learning. Book your tickets early to experience the largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit on tour.
First Night Ocean County
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ
Ring in the New Year early at First Night Ocean County, a beloved family-friendly celebration on the iconic Seaside Heights Boardwalk! Enjoy an afternoon packed with live entertainment, character appearances, magic shows, train rides, fireworks and festive activities across multiple boardwalk venues. Perfect for families seeking a safe and spirited way to welcome 2026, this event blends classic Jersey Shore charm with unforgettable holiday fun.
Southern NJ Festivals and Family Events
Ongoing South Jersey Festivals
Diggerland Drive thru Holiday Light Show
November 14th until January 11th, 2026
100 Pinedge Drive
West Berlin, NJ
Experience the magic of the 2025 Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, This dazzling one-mile course transforms America's only construction-themed park into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights, animated displays, and illuminated tunnels. Families can enjoy holiday music via Diggerland's exclusive radio station while cruising through millions of lights. Perfect for all ages, this unforgettable event is a must-see New Jersey holiday tradition
DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express
November 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. December 3 until 23, 2025
DiDonato's Family Fun Center,
Hammonton, NJ
All aboard the DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express—South Jersey’s beloved Christmas train ride. Families can experience a dazzling journey through millions of twinkling lights, meet Santa and his elves in their festive workshop, enjoy holiday treats, and explore the enchanting Holiday Village. With free bowling, photo ops, and seasonal surprises, this immersive event is perfect for kids ages 1–92.
Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake
Thanksgiving until January 5th, 2026
Historical Smithville,
Smithville, NJ
Experience the magic of the Smithville Holiday Light Show on the Lake. Features over 120 dazzling Christmas trees—crafted from more than 50,000 lights—float on Lake Meone, dancing in sync with festive music nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. This free, family-friendly event transforms the Village Greene into a winter wonderland, offering visitors enchanting views from both sides of the lake and the iconic bridge. Don’t miss one of New Jersey’s most beloved holiday traditions, perfect for seasonal strolls, shopping, and joyful memories
The 22nd Annual Antique Toy Train Show
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 28th, 2025 thru February. 1st, 2026
Museum of American History,
Deptford, NJ
All aboard for nostalgia! This family-friendly exhibit showcases rare vintage toy trains, classic model railroads, and interactive displays that delight train enthusiasts of all ages. Perfect for holiday outings and weekend adventures, the show offers a unique glimpse into American toy history and craftsmanship. Don't miss one of New Jersey's top winter attractions for collectors, families, and history buffs alike.
November 2025 South Jersey Festivals
Collingswood Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Downtown,
Collingswood, NJ
Get ready for one of South Jersey's most beloved holiday traditions. This festive event transforms the heart of Collingswood into a winter wonderland of joy and celebration. The parade kicks off at Zane Avenue and marches all the way to West Linden Avenue, showcasing a spectacular lineup of marching bands, dancers, holiday-themed floats, mummers, mascots, and giants on stilts. Families and visitors will delight in the vibrant performances, whimsical characters, and live music that fill the streets with holiday cheer. Whether you're a local resident or visiting for the weekend, the Collingswood Holiday Parade offers a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
December 2025 South Jersey Festivals
Glassboro's Boro In Lights
December 5, 2025
Glassboro Town Square
1 High St W
Glassboro, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at Glassboro’s 12th Annual Boro in Lights. This beloved South Jersey holiday tradition features dazzling light displays, live entertainment, festive food trucks, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Don’t miss the enchanting tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arriving by firetruck at 6:30 p.m. Create lasting memories and kick off the holidays with joy, community spirit, and a sprinkle of seasonal wonder.
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Friday, December 5th, 2025: 6:00 PM
Ocean City, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Ocean City NJ Christmas Parade along festive Asbury Avenue. This beloved annual event features dazzling floats, marching bands, holiday characters like the Grinch and Santa Claus, and plenty of family-friendly cheer. Starting at Sixth Street and ending at 11th Street, the parade offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy downtown shopping and dining before and after the show. Don’t miss this heartwarming kickoff to Ocean City’s holiday season!
Wildwoods' Winter Festival - Christmas in The Plaza
Friday, Saturday, December 5th, 6th, 2025
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at Wildwoods' Winter Festival – Christmas in The Plaza. This festive, family-friendly event features twinkling lights, live holiday entertainment, local vendors, and visits with Santa Claus—all set in a charming coastal town bursting with seasonal cheer. Perfect for holiday shopping and memory-making, Christmas in The Plaza is a must-visit destination for families, couples, and visitors seeking a joyful winter escape in New Jersey. Don't miss this enchanting kickoff to the Wildwoods' holiday season.
Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 4:30pm
Atlantic City, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade. Held along vibrant Atlantic Avenue, this festive holiday event features dazzling lights, joyful music, and family-friendly entertainment that captures the spirit of Christmas in Atlantic City. Whether you're a local or visiting the Jersey Shore, don’t miss this enchanting parade that brings the community together for an unforgettable winter celebration.
Ocean City Train Expo
December 6th, 7th 2025: 10 AM to 4 PM
Historic Music Pier
Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace
Ocean City, NJ
All aboard for family fun at the Ocean City, NJ Holiday Train Expo. Explore dazzling model train displays of all gauges, shop unique collectibles from expert vendors, and enjoy free admission in America’s Greatest Family Resort. This festive event offers free parking and unforgettable holiday charm by the boardwalk. Perfect for train enthusiasts, families, and holiday travelers seeking seasonal magic in South Jersey.
First Night Ocean City
Wednesday, December 31, 2025; 4pm-midnight
Ocean City, NJ
Ring in 2026 with First Night Ocean City, New Jersey's beloved alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration! This family-friendly event features over 70 live performances and activities across 23 venues, including music tributes, magic shows, ice skating, and more. Cap off the night with a dazzling fireworks display at midnight over the beach. Perfect for all ages, First Night Ocean City promises safe, spirited fun and unforgettable memories to start the new year right
FAQs
Q: Where can I find nj kids events near me on short notice?
A: Check event pages linked above on the day of. Many festivals post updates on weather, hours, and ticket windows.
Q: Do I need tickets in advance for popular fall events?
A: Often yes. Timed entries and weekend dates sell out fast, especially at pumpkin walks and light shows.
Q: Are these festivals stroller friendly?
A: Most are, but farm fields and gravel paths can be bumpy. Bring a carrier for infants if you plan to walk trails.
Q: What should I bring for outdoor nj family events?
A: Dress in layers, wear comfy shoes, pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and a small flashlight for evening walks.
Q: How can I find quieter times for kids who need less noise?
A: Choose weekday evenings, early time slots, or rain dates. Some venues offer sensory-friendly hours, so check each link.
