Best Central Jersey Christmas Events
Your Guide to the top 2021 Central Jersey Christmas Events Including Tree Lighting Celebrations, Festivals, Parades, and more
Experience Holiday and Christmas events and attractions in New Jersey, whether it's jingle bells, Christmas tree lighting, carol singing, or just reenactments of past New Jersey Christmas events, The attractions during the Christmas season in NJ are always festive. Many of these events begin the day after Thanksgiving with the traditional start of the Christmas Holiday season
Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.
Multi-date 2021 Central Jersey Christmas Events
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts CenterNovember 13th - January 2nd, 2021 Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 10 pm. Friday - Saturday 5pm - 11pm.m.
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116
Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
Website/Tickets
This popular Holiday event features more than a mile of festival and vibrant light displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. Experience the drive-through from the comfort of your car! At every turn, and in every direction, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular light displays and animations. Multiple holiday themes come to life with hundreds of sparking lights.
Six Flags Great Adventure Holiday in the Park - Drive-Thru Experience
Begining November 15 and runs weekends and select days through January 9, 2022
1 Six Flags Blvd.
Jackson, NJ 08527.
Website/Tickets
Enjoy Holiday in The Park Lights from the comfort of your car with the Drive-Thru Experience! Dazzling lights and holiday cheer aren't the only things on this Drive-Thru Experience! Say hello to all of your favorite holiday characters as you travel through 10 themed areas filled with thousands of colorful lights.
New for 2021! Once you've made it through the Drive-Thru Experience, extend your magical evening with the NEW Jolly Jamboree Walk-Thru Experience. There's so much to do for young and old, like getting to meet Santa and his jolly elves and toast some S'mores by the fireside. Grab the whole family and enjoy a delicious meal at the Holiday Feast, or shop for unique and memorable gift items for all of those who made the nice list.
Festival of Trees
November 17th, 2021 through January 9th, 2022; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, closed from 1:00p.m. to 1:30p.m. for cleaning
Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street
Princeton, New Jersey
Website/tickets Timed admission tickets are available for purchase on-line by clicking below and will be given priority.
Cost: General Admission: $10 Seniors & Students: $8 Friends of Morven and children under 6: Free, Active Military: Free
Festival of Trees is an annual highlight of the holiday season showcasing a juried collection of trees and mantles displayed throughout the museum's galleries, upstairs and down. Area designers, artists, garden clubs, businesses, and non-profit organizations will adorn all of the Museum's galleries, including the second floor, with exquisite and whimsical holiday decorations. Docents will be available to answer questions,
Polar Express
Trips run November 26, 27,28 December 3,4,5,10,11,12,13,17,18,19, 2021: Friday 6 & 8 pm, Saturday 2,4,6, & 8 pm, Sunday 2,4,6 pm
Lehigh Junction
99 Elizabeth St.
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
877-872-4674
Website
Cost: Child $32.00 ( ages 2 to 12), Adult $42.00
Train Ride departs from Lehigh Junction located in the Historic Main Street area of Phillipsburg. On the train you will re-live the experience of the little boy in The Polar Express. The story focuses on a little boy who has been told by his friends that there is no Santa Claus. Unwilling to believe this, he lies awake in his bed on Christmas Eve, waiting for the sound of Santa's sleigh. Instead, he hears the hissing steam and squeaking metal of the Polar Express as it stops outside his window, ready to take him and other children to the North Pole. During your ride you will listen to this wonderful story, every child will be served hot chocolate and cookies Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas.
The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
November 26 until January 2, 2021;5:30pm to 10:00pm (Park will be open 7 days a week).
Middlesex County Fairgrounds
655 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost: :$28 per car (tickets sold on-line)
This drive-thru Christmas event features over 1.5 million lights animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes. They have twelve 20' trees, the 200' tunnel of lights, a tribute to our first responders and tons of other stunning, larger-than-life holiday themed displays for the entire family – all synchronized to the music playing your in car!
Cook's Christmas Lights Show
Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 27, 2021 and will run nightly through Jan 1. 2022. 6pm-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 6pm-11pm Friday and Saturday
1 Carlson Ct.
Jackson, NJ
Facebook page
Free event - Donations gratefully accepted to support Multiple Sclerosis
The Cook's Christmas Lights display returns for its fifth year. This year's show is better than ever, featuring over 30,000 LED lights, a 1,008 bulb pixel matrix and 4 singing Christmas trees, synchronized to music. Tune your radio to 100.9FM and enjoy the show.
Long Branch Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 27 - Sunday, December 19, 2021; selected dates, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Whitechapel Projects
15 2nd Avenue
Long Branch, NJ
Website
Cost: Free
This event featurea a curated roster of the best local and regional artists, vendors, and shops selling the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, foodstuffs, and more. The event will feature also feature music, holiday photo stations, craft workshops and beautiful holiday décor. The holiday market is inspired by the traditional "Weihnachtsmarkts" held in Germany.
While you shop, enjoy delicious food & libations and craft beers from Whitechapel Projects.
Whitechapel Projects (WCP) is a gorgeous arts, food and cultural venue in Long Branch, NJ featuring a sustainable restaurant and bar inspired by local ingredients, products and community collaboration; craft nano-brewery; 8,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden; enclosed outdoor courtyard; and a multi-purpose, 2,100-square-foot indoor space.
Sunday Brunch with Santa
November 28th thru December 19th, 2021; 11 am - 3pm
iPlay America
110 Schanck Rd.
Freehold, NJ
Website
Bring the whole family in for brunch and festive fun, Enjoy over-the-top Christmas décor, a table visit from Santa, a special photo-op and more all conveniently in our Christmas village!
New Brunswick's Winter Wonderland for the Holidays
December 3, 2021 to January 2, 2022
New Brunswick City Center
Monument Square Park
New Brunswick, NJ
Website
Starting with the Ice Carving Demonstrations, The Victorian Strolling Carolers, and Tree Lighting at Monument Square Park on Friday, December 3rd, and every day through until the New Year, the season will be filled with multiple activities celebrating the holidays creating a Winter Wonderland of festivities in New Brunswick!
Enjoy live ice carving demonstrations while Hub City Sounds provides musical entertainment before the tree lighting ceremony and bask in the glow of the holiday tree as we flip the switch amongst carolers and friends. Make your plans to join in on the fun and make a night out with shopping, beauty services, fine dining, and entertainment!
Historic Allaire Christmas Lantern Tours
Saturdays, December 4th, 11th, & 18th, 2021; Starting at 5pm
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Wall Township, NJ
Website
"Starts @ $30 pp.
This event features a 60-minute evening lantern tour with a period dressed interpreter that leads visitors to six historic buildings; warm by the fire pit outside the Carriage House; enjoy the ambiance of a candlelit village.
Christmas at Allaire
Sundays, December 5, 12th, & 19th, 2021; 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Wall Township, NJ
Tickets
Cost: $8 - $10
Experience the Magic and Joys of Christmas Past. Warm up on the open hearth, help make Christmas treats, listen to the musicians, storytelling, preparing the Allaire Mansion for a French Christmas, Gingerbread House Contest, and much more! Drop off your holiday cards at the Allaire Village Post Office inside the General Store. Also keep your eyes out for Santa, a great photo opportunity! All the village buildings will be spectacularly decorated for the Season!
Jenkinson's Aquarium Sea of Lights Holiday Festival
December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 26th, 27th & 28th, 2021; from 4-8pm
Jenkinson's Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant, NJ
732-892-0600
Website
This annual Holiday festival features the Aquarium done up with the holiday spirit with hundreds festive lights and decorations.
The winter wonderland includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, Diving Santa and Holiday Entertainment! The Aquarium, Sweet Shop, Aquarium Gift Shop, Pavilion & Pavilion Arcade will be open!
Photos with Santa: December 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th (5-8pm)
Diving Santa: December 26th, 27th & 28th (6:15-7:15pm and 7:45-8:45pm)
2021 Central Jersey Christmas Events
The Christmas Limited North Pole Express November 16th, 17th, 2021
RingoesTrain Station
108 John Ringo Road
Ringoes, NJ 08551
Website
The Christmas Limited is a slightly lower-key version of our popular North Pole Express. All the features you know and love, but without the elves. It's all about Santa! Catch the train at RINGOES for a trip over the river and through the woods with Santa! Meet Santa on board the train. Complimentary chocolate chip cookie and hot cocoa at Ringoes. Complimentary face-painting at Ringoes. Photo-op with fun props and FREE 2x6" photo strip print (frames available for purchase). Photo-op on Santa's sleigh. Children receive a silver sleigh bell gift from Santa.
Dickens' Days
November 26th - 28th, 2021
Main St.
Clinton, NJ
908-730-8800
Website
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!
Holiday Express Concert, Tree Lighting, & Activities
Friday, November 26th, 2021; beginning @5:30pm
Downtown
Red Bank, NJ
Website
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.
@
5:30pm Holiday Dance and Music Performance at the Red Bank Train Station
6:45pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus parade down Monmouth to Broad Street
7:00pm Holiday Express Concert begins (stage located on Broad Street near Garmany)
8:00pm Tree lighting
Princeton
Tree Lighting Ceremony
On the Green
Downtown Princeton, NJ
Website
This family event will feature live music and a visit by Santa. The tree will be a 65-foot Norwegian spruce decorated over 32,000 lights.
Santa Arrival Party at MarketFair
November 26th, 2021; 10:30am - 1pm
MarketFair
3535 US HIGHWAY 1
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Website
laurynn@cashmanandassociates.com
Event Cost: Free
Celebrate Santa's Arrival as his helpers and musicians prepare for his Grand Entrance to MarketFair! Interactive Holiday Shows, Arts & Crafts, Balloon Sculpting, Mrs. Claus Storytime, and giveaways for the first 150 registrants!
Winter Village at the Red Mill Museum
Friday, November 26th through Sunday, November 28th, 2021 from 10am - 4pm
Red Mill Museum Village
56 Main Street
Clinton, NJ
908.735.4101
Tickets - $10
This event features 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 museum grounds.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Red Mill Museum Village, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Roxey Ballet's American Holiday Classic Nutcracker
November 27, 28, 2021; @3pm
Villa Victoria Academy
376 West Upper Ferry Road
Ewing Township, NJ
Website
609-397-7616
Event Cost: General Admission: $36.00
Roxey Ballet, Lambertville's renowned professional dance company, is proud to present its Annual Holiday Classic "The Nutcracker”.
The production directed by Mark Roxey, co-founder of this acclaimed professional company, features the company of professional dancers, students from the official school of the Roxey Ballet, The Mill Ballet School, and members of the community. More than 200 costumes are featured designed by Alicia Worden and Nilda Roxey with lighting designed by Jeffrey Goldstein.
Bradley Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, November 28, 2021; 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Riley Park
Bradley Beach
732-776-2999
Website
Santa will arrive by Fire Truck Horse and wagon rides Refreshments & Entertainment and Santa Claus.
The Annual Long Branch Tree Lighting in Pier Village
Sunday, November 28th, 2021; 4-6pm
Festival Plaza
Pier Village
Long Branch, NJ
Website
732-222-7000
This family fun event features the Pier Village ice skating rink, mini train rides, meet & greet with Santa, a live marching band, costumed characters, stilt walkers, carousel rides, dancers and a live performances by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys and the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance team. The ice rink, Ice at the Pier, will be open from 10am-9pm. There will be costumed characters, a meet & greet with Santa, and free mini train rides around Festival Plaza. The Pier Village Carousel will be open from 12PM – 9PM.
Asbury Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 3rd, 2021; @5:30pm
Firemen's Park
(Sunset Avenue and Main Street)
Asbury Park, NJ
Website
Kick off the holiday season in Asbury Park! Visit with Santa, enjoy holiday music and refreshments and celebrate with your neighbors.
Downtown Somerville Holiday Jubilee
Friday, December 3, 2021; 5pm - 9pm
Division Street Plaza
Somerville, NJ
Website
There's festive music in the air with a tree lighting, horse drawn carriage rides, frozen characters, a visit from Santa, photos, Holiday musical performances, hot cocoa, cookies, and more,
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
Friday, December 3, 2021; 5:00 PM to 7 PM
Town Hall Courtyard
Washington Street
Toms River, NJ
732-341-8738
Website
Annual Tree Lighting and the arrival of Santa Clause! Ceremony. Live holiday musical entertainment, reading of "A Christmas Carol" by Mrs. Claus, Santa arrives on fire truck at 7:00pm to light the town tree. Photos with Santa after tree lighting. Hot chocolate and cookies for sale by Fire Co. #1
Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 4, 2021; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-737-3299
Website
Revisit the 1900 era on a horse drawn wagon to help shock and pick corn, and return to the barnyard to help shell it, grind it, and bake it into cornbread. Children are invited to join the fun of cutting and decorating the tree before St. Nick arrives to hear their Christmas wishes and give out cookies and coal as the case may be. Throughout the day there will be farmhouse tours, live music, wagon rides, and a children's craft program. In the Visitor Center, there is hearty lunch fare, a gift shop featuring the farm's own honey, maple syrup and popcorn ... and a 2-seater sleigh perfect for taking family portraits. Parking & Admission are free.
Christmas in Ocean Grove
Saturday, December 4th, 2021; 3pm - 8pm
Bishop Janes Tabernacle
Auditorium Square Park
Ocean Grove, NJ
Website
Free Event
This event features, The Worls Milal Missionary Choir Concert, a Live Nativity, TChristmas Tree Lighting & Carols, The Arrival of Santa, and the Finale Christmas Celebration Concert.
Ocean Grove Holiday Craft Festival
December 4th, 2021; 10am - 4pm (Rain or Shine)
Downtown
Main Ave
Ocean Grove, NJ
Website
732-774-1391
Free admission
This event features artisans & craft makers, with live music by the Band of Strays
Christmas in Raritan
Saturday, December 11, 2021; 1 pm - 6 pm
Downtown Raritan
Somerset Street
Raritan, NJ
Website
908-507-9062
Event Cost: Free
Join in for an afternoon of Merriment at the Christmas in Raritan Event. Come with an appetite as there will be a variety of seasonal foods for you to purchase. There will be food, beverages, crafts, activities, carolers, lots of fun for all ages, with live entertainment and carolers singing a selection of festive songs to get you in the festive mood.... and Santa Claus is coming to town.
Lighting Up Nature Drive-thru
Saturday & Sunday, December 18, 19, 2021: 6:00pm - 8PM
Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center
1100 Double Trouble Road
Beechwood, NJ 08722
(732) 281-2750
Website
Cost:
Free
This evenimg drive tru features
a lifghting up nature with holiday lights.
