Guide to The 10 Best Things to Do in NJ This November: 2026 Edition

Updated: September 26, 2026

Looking for NJ things to do in November near you?

Whether you're a local or visiting for the holidays, discover what's happening in NJ during November that brings families, couples, and curious explorers together.

The guide covers ten New Jersey events and activities for November 2026, including festivals, family outings, holiday displays, and conventions.
The Cow Parade and Asbury Park's Día de los Muertos procession are scheduled for November 7.
Family-friendly options include Diggerland's Diggerfest, a visit to Duke Farms, and activities at Heaven Hill Farm.
Late-November picks include Smithville's holiday light show, Thanksgiving hayrides at Howell Living History Farm, Collect-A-Con, and a model train show.

Top New Jersey Fall 2026 Autumn Festivals, Seasonal Markets

November brings a festive spark to towns across New Jersey, with farm parades, cultural celebrations, and creative popups adding color, crafts, and music to the season.

Outdoor fun is still in play, giving you a few more crisp weekends to enjoy with family and friends. From fall-themed festivities to community gatherings, NJ’s November calendar is packed with events worth exploring.

1. Cow Parade- adorned with garlands, bells, and flowers

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Cherry Grove farm, Lawrenceville, NJ
This annual family festival features hay rides, face painting, bouncy house, kids' games, food, music, beer, local artisanal vendors, and more! After milking, you can watch as the cows, adorned with garlands, bells, and flowers, parade from the milking parlor, down the lane and around the field back to their pasture

2. Asbury Park: Día de los Muertos-a colorful procession to remember

Saturday, November 7, 2026: 2pm-7pm.
Boardwalk, Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
Asbury Park brings dia de los muertos to the boardwalk with an oceanfront celebration. The walk serves as a colorful procession to remember and honor the lives of loved ones who have passed.

The evening features traditional Mariachi music, a live DJ, and vibrant singing and dancing along the waterfront. Attendees are invited to participate in the tradition by viewing or "bringing offerings to the ofrenda, a traditional altar to honor the deceased.

Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Adventures and Unique Experiences

November delivers a generous mix of family fun across New Jersey, offering fall adventures for toddlers, teens, and even grandparents. With farm days, dig and drive thrills, and easy scenic hikes, the month is packed with NJ November activities that spark joy and help build new traditions.

3. Great Pumpkin Festival- a festive fall attraction

Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ
Transforms the property into a festive fall attraction with pumpkin picking, hayrides, a sprawling corn maze, barnyard animals, live entertainment, and dozens of family activities. Visitors can expect a lively, carnival-style atmosphere with food vendors, photo spots, and rotating weekend themes.

4. Diggerland-Diggerfest- dig and drive excitement

Diggerland, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
The park transforms into an autumn adventure zone where kids can operate real machinery, enjoy fall-themed activities, and take part in special weekend entertainment.

It's a lighthearted, hands-on celebration that blends Diggerland's signature dig and drive excitement with crisp weather charm, making it an easy pick for families looking to add something different to their fall outings.

5. Duke Farms - A nature-fiiled day trip

Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway, West Hillsborough, N.J
A wonderful fall activity for families spending an afternoon exploring the estate’s easy, kid-friendly trails as the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold and red.

Children love spotting wildlife around the lakes, wandering through the Community Garden, and discovering the Orchid Range’s warm, tropical greenhouse on a crisp day.

With wide paths perfect for strollers and bikes, plenty of open space to roam, and peaceful scenery at every turn, Duke Farms offers a relaxed, nature-filled outing that feels both refreshing and effortlessly family-friendly.

Holiday Light Shows and Thanksgiving Weekend Activities

Late November in New Jersey glows with holiday lights and Thanksgiving week hayrides, offering easy fun for families, couples, and groups of friends. With so many November events happening across the state, chilly days and crisp nights quickly turn into bright, memorable outings.

6. Festival of Trees-winter wonderland

Beginning November 16, 2026
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Step into a winter wonderland at the Festival of Trees, an annual holiday tradition held in the heart of Princeton. This festive exhibit transforms the historic mansion into a dazzling showcase of creatively decorated trees and mantels.

Perfect for families, couples, and holiday enthusiasts, the Festival of Trees offers a magical blend of art, history, and seasonal cheer.

7. Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake

Beginning Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026
Historical Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Rd. 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, offering visitors enchanting views from both sides of the lake and the iconic bridge.

8. Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides at The Howell Living History Farm

Saturday, November 28, 2026
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp., NJ
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides event. Families can enjoy festive hayrides, hands-on corn picking, and community giving by donating non-perishable food or new toys for Toys for Tots. This beloved fall tradition blends farm fun with holiday generosity.

More Ways to Enjoy November in New Jersey

Still shaping your November game plan in New Jersey? If you’re looking for family-friendly staycation ideas, here are a few more ways to keep kids happily occupied all month long — including late day indoor options during school breaks, from a beloved pop culture convention to a classic model train show.

9. Collect-A-Con trading card, anime & pop culture convention

November 21, 22, 2026
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 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

November 28, 29, 2026
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
This show Features Hundreds of Tables of Trains for Sale Exhibitors from Across the Country Huge Operating Model Train Displays Including: Free Workshops and Demonstrations Free Test Track . Test Run Your Trains at the Show On-Site Train Repairs Free Door Prize Giveaways Plus Much More!

Frequently Asked Questions About
Things to Do in New Jersey in November

What are some family-friendly things to do in New Jersey in November?

The guide includes farm events, Diggerland's Diggerfest, and a visit to Duke Farms. These options feature activities such as hayrides, pumpkin picking, hands-on attractions, and easy trails.

What events are happening in New Jersey over Thanksgiving weekend 2026?

Howell Living History Farm's Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides are scheduled for November 28. The Smithville Holiday Light Show begins November 26, and the Greenberg's Model Train Show is listed for November 28 and 29.

Where can I see holiday lights in New Jersey in November 2026?

The guide lists the Smithville Holiday Light Show on the Lake in Smithville, beginning November 26. The display features more than 120 illuminated trees and runs nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, according to the article.

How can I check the latest details for a New Jersey November event?

Check the linked event or venue page before you go, especially for schedules, admission details, and possible changes. The article links to event organizers for many listings.