A Festive Journey Through New Jersey's Christmas Events: 2024 Edition

2024 New Jersey Christmas Events

Multi-date 2024 North Jersey Christmas Events

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
November 7th, 2024 - January 12th, 2025
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ
Cost: $20/adult, $10/child- aged 3-17
Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo. Tickets include a walk through the zoo and a train ride! The evening event also has fire pits and s'mores kits.

Orchard of Lights - Drive Thru
From Friday, November 22nd until Friday, December 29th, 2024
Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Rd.
Hillsdale, NJ
Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in our retail farm market Take pictures with Santa Make your own S'mores Listen to Santa's singing Reindeer.

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
Friday, November 29, 2024 - Wednrsday, January 8, 2025, from dusk until 10pm
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
83 Patterson Road
Fanwood, NJ
This holiday display features spectacular 30,000-light display. Monetary donations are accepted to support the NJ Institute for Disabilities. Donations may be deposited in the dropbox by the display or online at https://www.njid.org/donate.

Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village
Begining last weekend in November until end of 2024
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Pl.
Augusta, NJ 07822
Outdoor Village:FREE admission
With more than two million dazzling lights on a mile-long drive-through course PLUS a new outdoor village, it's a must-see holiday attraction for your whole family.
Christmas Joy is coming back to Sussex County, Bigger, and Better than Ever. This Winter, Skylands Stadium will be Dazzled with Lights on a Mile Long Drive-Thru course that now goes ON THE FIELD. Plus a NEW & EXPANDED Outdoor Village & Winter Carnival. It's a Must-See Holiday Attraction for the Whole Family. The event is Safe, Spacious, and Distanced.

Newark Winter Village
Saturday, November 30th until January 8th, 2025
Mulberry Commons Park
Newark, N.J
Event Cost: Free Admission
Experience the beauty of Newark during our winter village, located just outside of Prudential Center, the home arena of the New Jersey Devils. A stylish open-air festival overlooking beautiful downtown Newark with curbside eats, ice skating, and marketplace. Enjoy food and hot beverages from selective local businesses inside one of our cozy heated private pods or igloos.

Morristown Christmas Festival
Sunday, December 1st until Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
The Morristown Green
10 N. Park Pl.
Morristown, NJ
Fre Admission
The Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green, presented by the Morristown Partnership promises once again to transform the downtown into a winter wonderland. For over 100 years, generations of residents and visitors have come to the heart of downtown Morristown to enjoy the magic of the Christmas season. It began in 1913 with a small group of festive volunteers lighting a single star atop one tree on the Morristown Green. Since that time, this tradition has spread holiday cheer to countless families with its addition of a Santa House, holiday music and crafts, a vintage-style oversized rocking horse, ice sculpture demonstrations, free rides around the Green on a miniature electric trail. All activities are free with the exception of a $15 fee for photos with Santa.

Holiday Train Show and Open House
November 29, 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2024: 11am - 6pm
The Model Railroad Club
295 Jefferson Ave
Union, NJ
Event Cost: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $5 Children
The show features show train operations where special trains traverse the club's huge 11,000 square foot layout. Come see some of the famous trains of the past such as the Santa Fe's famous Super Chief and New York Central's 20th Century Limited. Parents and kids can tour the trains and layout up-close.

2024 North Jersey Christmas Events

German Christmas Market of NJ
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 6, 7, 8, 2024: Open Rain or Shine
Sussex County Fairgrounds
37 Plains Rd,
Augusta, NJ
One of the largest Christmas Markets in NJ. Visitores will get to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a German Christmas Market, Authentic Wooden Huts, Gifts, (100+ vendors) Entertainment, Food, Thousands of Lights, Christmas Trees, Snowflakes, Candy Cane Walkways and Visits from Santa Horse Drawn Carriage Wagon Rides around the fairgrounds complete with jingling sleigh bells!
The majority of the proceeds are donated to local Sussex County charities.

Hometown Holiday
Friday, December 6, 2024 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Downtown
Washington Borough, NJ
This family fun filled event features an evening with the Borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, There will be live DJ, free holiday hay rides (weather permitting), vendors, selfies with Santa and every child receives a small gift. Free Victorian photo booth, strolling brass band, The Warren County Singers and other seasonal characters. Free kids crafts with Dove Environmental Education.

Annual Tree of Lights Festival
Saturday, December 7, 2024; @5:30pm
Village Green
Mountain Blv'd
Watchung, NJ
This event is dedicated to the Educators of Watchung. The ceremony will include music, fireworks, and more!
Attendees can place a red light on our tree to honor a person, family, friends, and others. send honoree(s) name email to treasurer@watchungems.org after your transaction.

Berkeley Heights Winter Walk Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 7, 2024; 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Berkeley Heights, NJ
This famiy Festive celebration his year's Winter Walk will feature over 80 activities and performances, including an artificial ice rink, horse and carriage rides, life-size snow globes, a trackless train, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more. Enjoy live music, dance performances, and games for all ages as Springfield Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland. The festivities culminate with the Berkeley Heights Tree Lighting ceremony at Peppertown Park (Plainfield Ave & Sherman Ave) at 6:00 PM followed by a Fireworks show.

Colonial Christmas Township Tree Lighting Celebration
Saturday, December 7th, 2024; from 3pm- 5:30pm
Jacobus Van derveer House
3055 River Road
Bedminster, NJ 07921
Free Event
Join in for complimentary hot cocoa and pretzels around the fire pit!
The celebration features Festive Music & Decorations, Live Historic Demonstrations, Free Photos with Santa, Surprise Holiday Pull, Poinsettia Sale, Decorating your own Gingerbread Man, Colonial Re-enactors, and more! Santa will arrive at 3:30pm, the Liberty Tree will be lit at 5:30pm

Roxbury's Annual Home for the Holidays Festival
Saturday December 7, 2024; from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Roxbury Public Library
103 Main Street
Succasunna, NJ
Event Cost: Free
A fun-filled Holiday Festival inside the Library and two churches on Main St. Vendors, crafters, food & drink, music, free activities for kids, and of course Santa!

Festival of Trees
Sunday, December 8th, 2024: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm ( rain or shine)
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue
Summit, NJ
Registrion required for reduced cost
Cost: Members $7; Non-Members $12. Children 3 and under are free.
This holiday event features a Multicultural Celebration of the Holidays.The day's activities will include arts and crafts for Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice, games, stories, musical entertainment, a story walk, photo opportunities with Santa, as well as food vendors and a holiday market.The highlight of the festival will be over 20 festive trees placed around the grounds decorated by local organizations, businesses and families!

Warren Holiday Festival
Sunday, December 8th, 2024; 4pm - 7pm
Municipal Complex
46 Mountain Blvd,
Warren, NJ
This family holiday celebration feaures a a bonfire @ 4:16pm, a visit by Santa, carnival games, food trucks, horse and carriage rides, petting zoo, an iceless skating rink, a tree lighting @ 6:15pm, and fireworks @7pm

Holiday Craft Show Morristown
December 13-15, 2024
Morristown National Guard Armory
430 Western Ave.
Morristown, NJ
This weekend event features creative holiday items from 175 modern American makers from across the country. Savvy shoppers have the chance to wow their loved ones with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts they will never forget. In addition to 165 craft artists from across the country are various demonstrations and a gourmet specialty food boutique.

Community Day: Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 14th, 2024: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Newark Museum of Art
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ
Cost: Free event, registration required
This event celebrates the winter holidays around the world, including Flamenco for Dia De Los Reyes, a Kwanzaa theatrical performance, and a lively Latin band for Parrandas. Stroll through the galleries with carolers, enjoy a magical light show, and participate in art-making activities. Families can also create their own ornaments for our community Christmas tree while sipping hot chocolate. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. Enjoy free general admission to the Museum all day during Community Day.

South Orange Downtown Holiday Market
Sunday, December 22, 2024: 10am until 4pm
Village Plaza
20-32 Village Plaza
South Orange, NJ
Free Admission
This year's market will feature an exciting mix of over 20 local artisan vendors, offering unique finds from both new sellers and returning favorites. In addition to the market vendors, visitors can explore the vibrant downtown and support the unique brick-and-mortar businesses that make South Orange special. It's the perfect opportunity to shop small and discover one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.

Multi-date 2024 Central Jersey Christmas Events

Festival of Trees: Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!
Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 through Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street
Princeton, NJ
This annual tradition welcomes visitors to stroll the exquisite displays of creativity in their galleries, presented by community nonprofits, schools, garden clubs, and local groups.
This year's theme, Traditions & Celebrations, is inspired by Morven's history and the stories of its residents, from their current exhibition Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey's Most Historic Home that include Governor Richard Hughes and his wife Betty Hughes. Learn the inspiring story of how "Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!" became an annual tradition.

Holiday in the Park
Select Dates November 21st until January 1st, 2024
Six Flags Great Adventure
1 Six Flags Blvd.
Jackson, NJ
Experience the magic of Holiday in the Park! Make merry memories with millions of luminous lights, festive foods, and your favorite thrilling coasters. From coasters to cocoa it's a holiday spectacular for the whole family!

Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November 22nd until January 4th, 2025
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116
Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
The Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of New Jersey's favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.

New Brunswick's Winter Wonderland for the Holidays
Nivember 23rd until December 31st, 2024
New Brunswick City Center
Monument Square Park
New Brunswick, NJ
Starting with the Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the State Theatre on November 23rd, and contiuning each evening with a variety of entertaining events including, the popular Holliday Tree Lighting Celebration on Dec 5th that features many performers, and ending with the grand finale Fireworks show on New Years Eve.

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Black Friday, November 29th - Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall
1300 Ocean Ave
& The Asbury Hotel Every Sunday, December 1st - December 15th, 2024
Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: Free
This event showcases handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts by local and regional makers and small businesses, holiday music and entertainment, Photos with Santa, food & libations, craft workshops, kids activities, festive décor, music, and more. The Bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts" holiday markets held in Germany

Polar Express
Trips run November 29, 30, December 1,6,7,8,13.14,15,20,21,22, 2024
Lehigh Junction
99 Elizabeth St.
Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $38 Child and $48.00 Adult
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical hour and a half trip to meet Santa. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious cookies are served by dancing chefs. Passengers listen to the classic children's book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip there is plenty of entertainment from our magical juggling chefs to our singing hobos! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.

Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm & Walk through Light Show!
November 29th - December 29th, 2024; Every Thursday - Sunday. 4-8 pm, Santa 5-7 pm
Allaire Community Farm
1923 Baileys Corner Rd
Wall Township, NJ
Admission: (Pay at Door, No Advance Tickets) $6 Children 18 & under $10 Adults Children under 1 are free
This event features a magical lifesize Christmas village, with indoor and outdoor petting zoos, photos with Santa in the museum, relax & watch classic holiday movies and holiday displays in the pavilion, a Model Train House, and an historic 100-year-old Barn that has been converted into a farmer's market.
With the purchase of a Yuletide Wagon ride and or Polar Express tickets, you'll take a magical ride to visit the two tunnels of lights.

Winter Village -- Festival of Trees
November 29th, 30th, December 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 2024; 10am - 6pm
The Red Mill
56 Main St.
Clinton, NJ
This Annual Holiday Festival features a beautiful display of decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces that are available to win through our raffle. Experience over 40 artisan crafters, specialty foods and craft beer set inside the bucolic Red Mill Museum Village made even more special with holiday lights and decor throughout the grounds of the Red Mill Museum Village, amid the historic buildings.

The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
November 29, - December 31, 2024
Middlesex County Fairgrounds
655 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $30 per car Sunday - Thursday $35 per car Friday and Saturday $40 per car for 12/20- 12/28
This drive-thru Christmas event features over 1.5 million lights animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes. They have 30' Christmas trees, 4 magical tunnels, a tribute to our first responders & US Armed Forces and tons of other stunning, larger-than-life holiday themed displays for the entire family – all synchronized to the music playing in your car!
This family holiday tradition takes you on a journey celebrating the season's wonderful holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa).
Park is a 1/2 mile long drive and open 7 days a week.

Cook's Christmas Lights Show
Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 30, 2024 and will run nightly through Jan 1, 2025. 6pm-10pm Sunday-Thursday, and 6pm-11pm Friday and Saturday
1 Carlson Ct.
Jackson, NJ
Free event - Donations gratefully accepted. 100% of donations go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The show has almost 8,000 pixels, including a 1,008 pixel matrix, 4 singing Christmas trees, snowflakes, multiple small trees and arches plus a 3,200 LED light spiral tree.  All the lights are synchronized to music for a festive, entertaining show.  This years show consists of 6 songs, running approx. 22 minutes on a continuous loop.   When you come to enjoy the show they ask that you please shut off your lights and don't block any driveway

2024 Central Jersey Christmas Events

Dickens' Days
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 29 - December 1, 2024 4:00 PM
Main St.
Clinton, NJ
This annual family event will transform Clinton into a Victorian Village. Take a trip back in time to Victorian Clinton and celebrate the season with Clinton's festive activities including horse and carriage rides, carolers, and more! There is no better place to experience the magic of the season than downtown Clinton during Dickens Days.

Princeton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 29th, 2024; @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
On the Green
Downtown Princeton, NJ
This family event will feature music and entertainment by local groups with a mix of traditional and reimagined sing-a-long favorites that the whole family will enjoy. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that a certain jolly, white-bearded fellow flies in to help us light the 32,000 lights atop our giant spruce tree!

Red Bank Holiday Express Concert, Tree Lighting, & Holiday Activities
Friday, November 29th, 2024; beginning @6pm
Downtown
Red Bank, NJ
Kick off the season with the annual Holiday Express Concert & Town Lighting. Holiday Express will be rocking the streets with all of your favorite tunes. There will be entertaining events throughout Red Bank with the grand finale @ 8pm with the lighting of the Christmas Tree

Celebrate the Arrival of Santa!
Saturday, November 30, 2024; 11am - 1pm
iPlay America
110 Schanck Rd
Freehold, NJ
Cost: Free
Kick off the holiday season and celebrate the arrival of Santa at iPlay America! This Free event will include lots of festive fun and activities: Free photo opportunity with Santa! Santa will also be onsite every Sunday for Brunch at The Bistro 10 AM – 3 PM. Christmas carols performed by The Rock n' Roll Chorus! Free holiday photos with selfie snapshots! Holiday crafts to take home. A toy drive: Spread more holiday cheer! Donate a toy and get 2 hours of free unlimited, non-redemption video games. Forgot a gift?
Donate $5 towards gifts and get 2 hours of free unlimited, non-redemption video games.

Roxey Ballet's American Holiday Classic Nutcracker
November 30th, December 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 2024
Villa Victoria Theater
376 West Upper Ferry Road
Ewing Township, NJ
Roxey Ballet, Lambertville's renowned professional dance company, is proud to present its Annual Holiday Classic "The Nutcracker”.
This production regarded as the "most child-friendly production" features the company of professional dancers, students from the official school of the Roxey Ballet. It's a joyous and magical way to begin the holiday season. This performance provides the perfect introduction to ballet for children of all ages, with timeless classical music, beautiful costumes, special effects, and an accessible story.

Bradley Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, December 1st, 2024; 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Riley Park
Bradley Beach
Features live music, horse & carriage rides, hot chocolates, cookies, dance performnce, real snow, kids games, the arrival by Santa on a fire truck, and the tree lighting.

Jenkinson's Aquarium Secret Santa
December 1st, 2024; 10am until 5pm
Jenkinson's Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant, NJ
Diving Santa is making a splash at Jenkinson's Aquarium! This festive tradition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Take in all aspects of marine life with a bit of holiday cheer!

Long Branch Tree Lighting in Pier Village
Sunday, December 1st, 2024; 4:30pm-6pm
Festival Plaza
Pier Village
Long Branch, NJ
This family fun event features a host of holiday activities including performances by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, Tim McLoone and the Shirley's, and a special appearance from Santa Clause.

Drumthwacket Holiday Open House
December 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 2024
Drumthwacket Foundation
354 Stockton Street
Princeton, NJ
Admission: Free. Guests must register in advance.
Drumthwacket serves as the stately home and grounds of the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey. Constructed on land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American independence, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the most elegant of our nation's executive residences.
Drumthwacket is most festive during the holiiday season. Guests view six first-floor public rooms festively decorated by the Garden Clubs of New Jersey, enjoy holiday piano music in the Music Room and a sweet treat prepared by the Drumthwacket Chef. The format for all Open Houses is self-guided but Docents are available in every room to answer questions.

Asbury Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6th, 2024; @5:30pm
Firemen's Park
(Sunset Avenue and Main Street)
Asbury Park, NJ
Kick off the holiday season in Asbury Park! Visit with Santa, enjoy holiday music and refreshments and celebrate with your neighbors.

Christmas in Ocean Grove
December 6, 7, 2024
Auditorium Square
21 Pilgrim Pathway
Ocean Grove, NJ
This weekend event will feature the Christmas Marketplace offering bargains on lightly-used Christmas treasures, a christmas concert, a childrens birthday party for Jesus, a Live Nativity, Christmas Tree Lighting & Carols, and The Arrival of Santa.

Downtown Somerville Holiday Jubilee
Friday, December 6th, 2024: from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m
Division Street & Main St
Somerville, NJ
There's festive music in the air with this family-friendly celebration highlighted by the spectacular tree lighting, visit from Santa, festive music and entertainment, and delicious holiday treats. The free event kicks off a magical holiday season brimming with unique shopping and dining experiences in award-winning Downtown Somerville.

Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting/Winter Village
Friday, Saturday, December 6th & 7th, 2024
Town Hall Courtyard
Washington Street
Toms River, NJ
The weekend holiday celebration begins on Friday with the Tree lighting with live entertainment at 5pm on Friday as Santa arrives on the fire truck at 7pm to light the tree. Photos with Santa will follow the tree lighting in Town Hall. Live music and entertainment. On Saturday, the celebration continues with the Winter Village with the courtyard transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village. Vendors, kid's activities, hot chocolate station, holiday music and more. Downtown businesses will be open.

Historic Allaire Christmas Lantern Tour
Saturday, December 7th, 2024; 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Historic Village at Allaire
Blacksmith Shop
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Wall Township, NJ
Cost: $45
Spend an evening strolling through the Historic Village at Allaire by candlelit lantern and enjoy the rich history of Christmas in the 1800s! Visit the Bakery, Blacksmith's Shop, Allaire Residence and more as your guided tour brings alive the spirit of Christmas past with traditions and holiday decorations to delight everyone. You will experience music, history & theater, as you create a new holiday tradition of our Christmas Lantern Tours! Its the best way to see the village at night and these are the final village tours of 2024 season.

Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 7th, 2024; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
Lambertville, NJ
Parking & Admission are free.
Santa is coming to Howell Farm…not in a sleigh, but on a steam tractor! Visit Howell Farm this Saturday for Christmas crafts, live music, farm animal visits, and an opportunity to stroll through a decorated historic farmhouse – before meeting Santa when he arrives at 12:30. Stop by the visitor center to hear the Jugtown Mountain String Band play inside the barn...then find a spot around the craft table to recreate a paper Victorian angel ornament ($5 materials fee). Next walk up to the barnyard, where families can take selfies in the 1800s sleigh pulled by the horses on snowy days, and visit the blacksmith working in the farm's forge. The farmhouse will be open for tours, decked out in all its Christmas finery. Stop back at the visitor center for warm drinks, homemade cookies, lunch, and other light refreshments.

Seaside Heights Tree Lighting!
December 7th, 2024: 4:30pm until 7pm
Carousel Pavilion
Seaside Heights, NJ
Mayor Vaz will start the Ceremony at 4:30pm before Santa & Mrs. Claus arrives on a Fire Truck! There will be the HJ Boyd Singers will be performing some Christmas Carols for everyone. Tree Lighting happens at 5pm followed by Fireworks.
Enjoy Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Carousel Pavilion at 5:15pm and enjoy Carousel rides until 7pm!

Christmas at Allaire
Sundays, December 8th & 15th, 2024: from 12 to 4pm
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Wall Township, NJ
Cost: Tickets can be purchased in advance for just $8 per person (children 2 and under admitted for free) or at the door (if available) for $10. Advanced purchase is highly recommended.
This event unfolds as the Village is transformed into an enchanting showcase of holiday cheer. Enjoy the warm glow of open hearths and candle-lit windows as you wander through the Village from the Chapel to Allaire House, amidst the joyful sound of live caroling and the whimsical tunes a harp. Sights, sounds, and activities designed to enchant both young and old for Christmas.

Santa Brunch Cruises
Weekends beginning Sunday, December 8th until the 22nd, 2024; Departing 10:30am
Seastreak Ferry Terminal at Highlands
326 Shore Drive
Highlands, NJ
Cost: $89 adults, $59 kids, $29 infants 2 years and under
This Brunch Cruise through NYC Harbor, features buffet of delicious breakfast favorites and local specialties for both adults and kids. Santa and Mrs. Claus will board from NYC after brunch is served. The entertainers will engage with the kids, spread good cheer, tell stories, and listen to everyone's holiday wishes! While the kids wait for their turn to visit Santa, games, activities, and balloon art will keep them entertained!

Belmar Christmas Light Show
December 13th & 21st, 2024: at 6 PM
Belmar Plaza
On the Connelly-Campion-Wright Building
704 Belmar Plaza
Belmar, NJ
Cost: The show is free, however they suggest donations of $25 for a family of 4 and $10 for an individual adult
Each show runs for approximately 20 minutes.
This popular Disney-quality show features tens of thousands of lights, color-changing carbon-dioxide cannons and pyrotechnics synchronized to music.
Proceeds from this event will benefit RallyCap Sports (www.rallycapsports.org), a nonprofit 501-c-3 charity that sponsors sports programs and builds facilities for children with disabilities.
Parking is located in the Belmar Mall parking lot and surrounding streets. Visitors are advised to arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior to show time, dress warm, and carpool if possible.

Christmas Con NJ
December 13, 14, 15, 2024
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ
Cost: $10 - $250
This three day festive annual gathering features more than 30 holiday movie celebrity fan-favorites, with celebrity panels where you will get an autograph and photo with your favorite stars, ugly sweater contests, photo booths, and more.

Lighting Up Nature Drive-thru
December 16th -19th, 2024;  6pm-8pm
Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center
1100 Double Trouble Road
Beechwood, NJ
Cost: Free
This evening drive tru features a lighting up of nature with holiday lights.

Ugly Sweater Party
Saturday, December 21st, 2024; @9pm
The Bistro at iPlay America
108 Schanck Rd
Freehold, NJ
Grab your quirkiest sweater and head to Miracle at iPlay America for our Ugly Sweater Party!
This celebration features over-the-top Christmas decorations, sweater contest with prizes, seasonal cocktails, and a lively holiday atmosphere, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends.

Multi-date 2024 South Jersey Christmas Events

Diggerland Drive thru Holiday Light Show
November 15th - January 12th, 2025
100 Pinedge Drive
West Berlin, NJ
Cost: $36.99/car
This holiday event features a Drive a mile-length course through America's only construction theme & water park to witness hundreds of thousands of lights, tour their holiday displays, enjoy tasty treats, and listen to our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit!

Christmas Fantasy with Lights Parade
On selected dates, November 16th thru December 30th, 2024
Storybook Land
6415 Black Horse Pike
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Come experience holiday magic right before your eyes!
On the first Night, November 19th, :join in as they welcome Mr. & Mrs. Claus to Storybook Land for the season! Meet and Greet with characters, enjoy festive tunes from the award-winning Fralinger String Band, and more! Watch as Santa Claus appears in his chimney, waves his magic wand, and lights Storybook Land with over 1 million lights! All rides and snack bars are open!

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express
November 16 - December 23, 2024
DiDonato's Family Fun Center
1151 S White Horse Pike
Hammonton, NJ
This holiday event features a ride on an exciting train through millions of Christmas lights. The fun includes meeting Santa, a gift from Santa, a holiday movie, cookies, and a walk through the Holiday Village.

Cape May Christmas Holiday Season
November 22nd until January 5th, 2025
Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ
The Cape May Christmas holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 24, 2024, and continues every weekend as the town is transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with garlands of fragrant greens and twinkling gaslights. Wrap yourself in the warmth of holiday spirit and sample a variety of fun tours and events.

Christmas memories at Johnson's Corner Farm
November 22nd – December 23rd, 2024
Johnson's Corner Farm
133 Church Rd.
Medford, NJ
Cost; Varies with activities
The Market is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with thousands of Twinkling lights attached to the wagons so that you are surrounded with at computerized light show set to the music of Christmas. Intensify your experience with a pair of 3D snowflake glasses that turn every light into a snowflake.
Their Musical Light Show Hayride that will take your family around the farm. You will be surrounded by a light show set to your family's favorite Christmas tunes. View the Farm with Decorated Barns, Tractors and Farmhouses.

Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Underwater
November 23rd - December 24, 2024
1 Riverside Dr.
Camden, NJ
Discover an incredible world of seasonal under-the-sea fun! Scuba Santa will be back in Ocean Realm, sharing Christmas cheer with kids (and animals!) of all ages! Explore even more holiday decor than ever before, including underwater light displays, festive new shows and the World's Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree!

Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake
Thanksgiving until January 6th, 2025
Historical Smithville
615 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Smithville, NJ 08205
Over 120 Christmas Trees made from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights seem to dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting of the water's surface. This show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge.

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express
Every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, beginning November 30th until December 23rd, 2024
Cape May Seashore Lines
Reading Ave. & Mill Road
Tuckahoe, NJ
A Christmas Tradition for Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Ride the Seashore Lines on a historic, comfortable and fun train ride with Santa Claus, as Santa returns to visit with children (young and older!) on board The Santa Express!

South Jersey Holiday Lights Show
Selected nights from now until December 29, 2024; Opens at 5pm
Bridgeport Speedway
83 Flood Gate Rd
Swedesboro, NJ
The South Jersey Holiday Light Show is the only drive-through holiday light spectacular in Southern New Jersey! Featuring dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family! Visitors are welcomed to bundle up in their car, pack a favorite snack or beverage and tune their radio to enjoy the synced light performance as they travel the more than 1 mile route through the holiday light show!
The show is approximately 20-25 minutes long.

Wildwoods' Family Holiday Celebration
November 29th until December 22nd, 2024
Downtown
Wildwood, NJ
The Wildwood's holiday celebrations features plenty of entertainment and activities to help Create Family Memories including, bonfires, parades, light shows, craft fairs, tree lightings, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and so much more.

2024 South Jersey Christmas Events

Collingswood Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 30, 2024; beginning at 10 am
Downtown, Collingswood, NJ
The parade features lively seasonal entertainment, including marching bands, dancers, holiday characters, giants on stilts, floats, mummers, sports mascots and live music!
The parade will begin at Zane Avenue and continue to West Linden Avenue, through the heart of historic Collingswood.

 Mullica Hill Lights on Main
Saturday, November 30th, 2024; 5 PM - 9 PM
South Main Street
Mullica Hill, NJ
Christmas will officially begin when the 60 foot Christmas is lit. Come join in the revelry, festivities and laughter! Carriage rides along Main Street. Delicious refreshments and drinks. Activities for the kids. Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa.

Santa's Tree Lighting Celebration at the Zoo
Saturday, November 30th, 2024; 3pm - 6pm
Cape May County Park and Zoo
707 U.S. 9
Middle Township, NJ
Cost: Free admission
The Ceremony and Lighting of the Tree will be at 5:00 P.M. Vendors with collectibles and crafts for sale including unique items from the Cape May County Associations of Zoo Keepers will be available from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. The Zoo will be open from 10 am to 3:30 pm. The celebration will include live holiday music by the John Walter Cape Community Band, bounce house castle & slide, character appearances, free treats for all and a visit by the jolly man himself in the red suit. Also don't miss the performance of "Elves Gone Wild."

Atlantic City Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 6th, 2024; 4:30pm - 6pm
Bally's Atlantic City Casino Resort
At the Yard
Atlantic City, NJ
Christmas holiday celebration hosted by Joe Kelly & Jahna Michal from Cat Country 107.3 Morning Show will feature Visit with Santa as they light the 40 foot Christmas Tree. There will be complimentary hot chocolate, holiday treats, live DJ entertainment, and a photo booth. Get in the holiday spirit by donating a new unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tots toy collection or donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!

Congress Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 6th, 2024; 6pm - 8:30pm
Congress Hall Hotel
215 Beach Ave. (bet. Congress & Perry streets)
Cape May, NJ
This holiday event features Live Music on the Congress Hall Lawn by their Festival Choir culminating with the tree lighting ceremony.
@8pm the Tree Lighting Ceremony begins after the sing-along where every one will join in the count down as they throw the switch!

Glassboro's Boro In Lights
December 6, 2024: 6 pm - 9 pm
Glassboro Town Square
1 High St W
Glassboro, NJ
Admission: Free
This festive family friendly for all ages celebration ushers in the holiday season with a captivating display of lights, music, and community spirit. The celebration will be enhanced with food trucks, selfie stations, and festive activities.

Ocean City Christmas Parade
Friday, December 6th, 2024: 6:00 PM
Ocean City, NJ
Parade begins on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street and continues to 11th Street

Renault Winery Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6th, 2024; 6pm - 9pm
Renault Winery Resort
72 N Bremen Avenue
Egg Harbor City, NJ
Tree lighting at 6:30pm
The magnificent Christmas tree made from historic barrels, casting a warm and festive glow over our historic estate. This joyous occasion marks the official beginning of our vintner wonderland festivities. Photos with Santa and Ice Skating will be open for all in attendance!

West Cape May Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
Friday, Saturday, December 6th & 7th, 2024 @5pm
West Cape May, NJ
The Borough's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place the Friday before the Community Wide Christmas Parade. The ceremony will commence at 6:00pm in Wilbraham Park.
On Saturday, @ 5pm, the parade marches through town beginning at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse heading South on Broadway, turning East on Perry, and finishing its route through to the end of Carpenter Lane in the City of Cape May. Each year a small group of volunteers assemble creating an unforgettable hometown memory, made possible by the donations received through out the year by the Community and its guests!

Annual Dickens Festival
Saturday, December 7, 2024; 4:30pm - 9pm ( Rain or Shine )
Main Street
Medford, NJ
Admission is free
This annual family event transforms downtown Medford into a Victorian-era Christmas wonderland. The event features:
Holiday Carolers * Great Food * Hot Chocolate * Magic, Comedy, Juggling * Live Presentations.

Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
Saturday, December 7th, 2024: 10:00am - 12:00pm (rain date December 8th)
Atlantic City, NJ
From tree lighting ceremonies and dazzling displays to spectacular holiday pop-up experiences, live shows, a Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village, Cocktail-Mocktail Trail, the largest Winter Wonderland Parade in the resort's history, holiday shopping, and much more, it will be the coolest time of year to visit AC.
The parade route will be along Atlantic Avenue from Albany Avenue to South Carolina Avenue.
Spectators can grab a spot anywhere along Atlantic Avenue or in Center City Park to enjoy the festivities. Following the parade, a meet and greet with Santa Claus at Center City Park on South Carolina Avenue and Bacharach Blvd. along with a drill team performance battle with the bands to conclude the event.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7th, 2024; (5 p.m)
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard
1st & Central Avenues
North Wildwood, NJ
Admission: Free
Festive ceremony will take place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard. The Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, a self-guided free tour of lighthouse, and Santa Claus!

Ship Bottom Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024 @1pm - 3pm (rain date December 8th)
On Long Beach Blvd. from 5th-25th Streets.
Ship Bottom, NJ
The parade steps off at 1pm along Long Beach Blvd from 5th to 25th Streets.

Somers Point Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7th, 2024: @ 6pm
Somers Point, NJ
The parade begins at 6pm at Dawes Avenue and continues along Shore Road to City Hall, 1 W. New Jersey Ave. Somers Point. Volunteer Fire Companies 1 & 2 will escort Santa Claus to City Hall where the tree lighting will take place after the parade. Parade participants can include floats, vehicles, bands, and walkers.

Wassail Day & Winter Encampment
Saturday, December 7, 2024 11:00am-2:00pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
720 US Rt 9
Cape May, NJ
Admission for Wassail Day is $10, for adults & $5.00 for children, FREE for HCSV Members
The Village paths come alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday season at this event!
There will be hands-on crafts, live music, hot beverages and holiday treats served by historically clothed interpreters. Visitors can meet Father Christmas in the Country Store and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride throughout the festively decorated Village grounds for a small donation. Vote for your favorite wreath! The Country Store will be open and stocked with unique holiday gift ideas including Artisan crafts for the home, books, jewelry, toys and old fashioned candy. Horse-drawn wagon rides will be available for $3.00 per person, weather permitting.

Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village
Saturday & Sunday, December 14th, 15th, 2024: from 12-5 pm
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University
2200 Fairmount Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: Free
This family friendly event features a premium selection of vendors display and sell handmade items at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. Santa will be flying in for photos! From noon to 2:00 p.m., families and children are welcome to have a free portrait taken with Santa by a professional photographer. There will be food, music, a gingerbread contest, craft kits, and make-and-take activities.