New Jersey's Top 2026 Christmas Events and Festivals

Updated: October 23, 2026

The air is getting crisp, the scent of pine and gingerbread is in the air, and New Jersey is preparing for another spectacular holiday season! If you're searching for the most magical christmas events near me in the Garden State, you've landed in the right place.

New Jersey's 2026 Christmas events span North, Central, and South Jersey, with some attractions running into January 2027.
The guide covers drive-through light shows, holiday markets, train rides, parades, tree lightings, historic tours, and family attractions.
Featured events include Skylands Christmas Light Show, the German Christmas Market of NJ, the Polar Express in Phillipsburg, and Cape May's Christmas season.
Listings include dates, locations, and admission details; event schedules and prices should be confirmed with organizers before a visit.

Top 2026 North Jersey Christmas Events and Festivals Running on Multiple Dates

Discover the best North Jersey Christmas events and festivals taking place on multiple dates in 2026, from dazzling holiday light displays and Christmas markets to festive train rides, family-friendly attractions, and seasonal celebrations.

Orchard of Lights - Drive Thru

November 21 until December 29, 2026
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ
Visitors take their vehicle on a guided drive through 32 acres of illuminated orchards and festive holiday scenes, synchronized with seasonal music through their car radio. Guests can also enjoy the farm market, fire pits, hot cocoa, s'mores, Santa visits (through December 24), and optional access to the Winter Lights Petting Zoo. The drive-through experience typically lasts 20 to 25 minutes.
Cost: $35, Light Show Only, per vehicle (includes a visit with Santa)

Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village

November 21–December 30, 2026
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta, NJ
Families can enjoy a spectacular mile-long drive-through light show featuring more than two million twinkling lights, animated displays, tunnels of light, and festive holiday scenes surrounding the stadium grounds. After the drive-through experience, visitors can explore the Christmas Village, featuring holiday vendors, seasonal treats, visits with Santa, fire pits, and family-friendly attractions.
Cost: $29 per single-entry carload.

Holiday Train Show and Open House

December 5, 6, 12, and 14, 2026: 11 AM to 6 PM
The Model Railroad Club, 295 Jefferson Ave, Union, NJ
The annual Holiday Train Show and Open House, features an impressive HO and N-scale model railroads featuring detailed miniature landscapes, realistic train operations, and scenes inspired by the railroads of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. A special narrated presentation,"Jenny's Coming Home," is performed at the bottom of every hour, bringing the trains and railroad history to life through a 15-minute multimedia show.
Cost: Adult Ages 12 – 59: $6 | Senior Ages 60 & up: $5 | Child Ages 3 – 11: $4 | Children under 3: free

Experience the Best North Jersey Christmas Events and Holiday Festivals in 2026

Discover the best North Jersey Christmas events and holiday festivals in 2026, featuring dazzling light displays, festive holiday markets, Christmas parades, family-friendly activities, and seasonal celebrations that make the holiday season magical.

Holiday Walk Drone Light Show

Friday, November 27, 2026: 5:30pm–7pm
Downtown New Providence, NJ
The evening will feature music, activities, giveaways. @6pm: Santa arrives atop Terrana Orthodontics (65 South Street), along with the NPHS Marching Band.
@ 6:30pm (or thereabouts; anytime after Santa's arrival!) the evening will end with a drone light show.
Cost: Free

German Christmas Market of NJ

December 4, 5, 6, 2026
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ
This annual tradition brings the charm of a European Weihnachtsmarkt to Sussex County. Visitors can stroll through festive wooden vendor huts filled with handcrafted gifts, German imports, ornaments, holiday décor, and artisanal treasures while enjoying traditional German food, and other seasonal favorites. Includes live choirs, holiday entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, a carousel, model train displays, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cost: GA (ages 13+): $10.00 | Senior (65+): $7.00 | Vets with ID: Free | Children 12 & Under: Free

Gnometown Holiday

Friday, December 4, 2026
Downtown, Washington, NJ
The gnomes are back. The celebration features their tree lighting with pictures with Santa, free gifts, live music, & More.
Cost: Free

Annual Tree of Lights Festival

December 5th, 2026: 5:30 p.m.
Village Green, Mountain Blv'd, Watchung, NJ
A heartwarming community tradition, hosted by the Watchung Rescue Squad, features the ceremonial lighting of the Tree of Lights, honoring loved ones and community members with glowing red and white lights. Guests can gather for an evening of holiday spirit, festive music, and refreshments.
Cost: Free to attend | To place a light on the tree for an honoree and remembrance, a tax-deductible donation of $50.00 per light.

Holiday Train Show and Open House

Holiday Open House

Sunday, December 6, 2026; 11am - 4pm
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenu, Summit, NJ
This festive family-friendly event invites visitors to explore the beautifully decorated historic grounds, enjoy seasonal crafts, sip warm beverages, and experience the magic of the holidays in a nature-filled setting. Perfect for all ages, the Holiday Open House offers a charming blend of winter wonder and community spirit—ideal for those seeking memorable holiday activities in Union County. Don't miss this enchanting celebration nestled in one of New Jersey's most beloved arboretums!
Cost: Member Price: $10 | Non-Member Price: $10 | Children under 12: free

Holiday Craft Show Morristown

December 11, 12, 13, 2026
Morristown National Guard Armory, 430 Western Ave, Morristown
This celebrated craft show features over 150 top American artisans offering handmade gifts, original fashion, fine art, gourmet specialties, and unique home décor. Enjoy a festive indoor shopping experience with free parking, shuttle service, and on-site café.
Cost: Admission: General $12, Seniors (62+) $10, Under 16 Free

South Orange Hometown Holiday & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 12, 2026: 2 PM - 6 PM
76 S Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ
This annual event brings families and neighbors together for an enchanting evening filled with festive cheer, live entertainment, holiday treats, and the dazzling illumination of the town's holiday tree. Perfect for all ages, the celebration captures the spirit of community and kicks off the winter season with warmth and joy.
Cost: Free

Top 2026 Central Jersey Christmas Events and Festivals Running on Multiple Dates

Discover the best 2026 Central Jersey Christmas events and holiday festivals taking place on multiple dates, featuring dazzling light displays, festive family activities, holiday markets, seasonal entertainment, and memorable Christmas celebrations throughout the region.

U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland

November 13, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ
Experience a magical holiday light show, featuring more than 80,000 illuminated tulips, millions of twinkling lights, a musical windmill display, a towering 50-foot lighted tree, interactive play areas, a giant igloo snowball pit, and opportunities to meet Santa. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, hot chocolate, holiday treats, and fresh-cut greenhouse-grown tulips to take home.
Cost to attend: $17 per person Monday–Thursday; $20 per person Friday–Sunday. Special drone-show dates on December 18–20 cost $25 per person. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free. Santa experiences, pony rides, and other extras may cost additional fees.

Festival of Trees

November 16, until January 10, 2027
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.
Cost: $60

The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru

November 20, 2026 until January 3, 2027
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ
Experience the magic of the Winter WonderLights Spectacular Drive-Thru. Features more than 2 million animated lights, dazzling tunnels, towering illuminated Christmas trees, and larger-than-life seasonal displays synchronized to holiday music played through your car radio. The spectacular combination of music, motion, and lights creates an immersive experience that delights visitors of all ages.
Cost: Monday–Thursday: $39.99 | Friday–Sunday: $49.99 | Holiday Week (Dec 23–26): $54.99

PNC Holmdel-Magic of Lights Show

November 20, 2026 until January 3, 2027
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ
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 Holmdel’s new holiday tradition.
Cost: $23-$69, per vehicle

Cook's Christmas Lights Show

November 26, 2026 running nightly through Jan 1, 2027
1 Carlson Ct., Jackson, NJ
The Cook's Christmas Lights Show is a dazzling holiday tradition featuring over 15,500 synchronized lights with festive music that dance in perfect harmony with classic Christmas songs. Visitors can tune their radios to 100.9 FM to enjoy the fully synchronized musical experience from the comfort of their cars, making it a magical drive-up event for all ages.
Cost: Free to attend. accepting donations for the National MS Society

Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm & Walk through Light Show!

November 27 - December 23, 2026; Fridays - Sunday. 4-8 pm, (Monday, December 21, Tuesday, December 22, Wednesday, December 23,: 4–8 PM)
Allaire Community Farm, 1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall Township, NJ
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.
Cost:Adults: $12 Children 18 & under: $6 Children under 1: Add-ons: Feed Bags - $3 Yuletide Wagon ride - $3

Winter Village -- Festival of Trees

November 27-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2026: 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.
Cost: Admission free for museum members. Tickets are available at the door: $10 for adults, children 12 and under are free.

Roxey Ballet's American Holiday Classic Nutcracker

November 28 & 29 | December 4, 5 & 6, 2026
TCNJ Kendall Hall, Main Stage Theater, Ewing, NJ
Experience the magic of the season with Roxey Ballet's beloved American Holiday Classic, Join in for an unforgettable journey through Clara's enchanted dreamworld, featuring dazzling costumes, vibrant sets, and Tchaikovsky's timeless score. This cherished holiday tradition is perfect for families, ballet lovers, and first-time theatergoers alike.
Cost: $43.16 - $90.60

Polar Express

Trips run: December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 2026
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.
Cost: Single Level Cars Adult (13 and up) $51.93 ($48.00 + $3.93) | Child 2-12 years $41.42 ($38.00 + $3.42) | Double Decker Cars - Downstairs Adult (13 and up) $51.93 ($48.00 + $3.93) | Child 2-12 years $41.42 ($38.00 + $3.42)

Santa Brunch Cruises

Weekends, December 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th, 2026
Seastreak Ferry Terminal at Highlands, 326 Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ
Set sail into the spirit of the season with Seastreak’s festive Santa Brunch Cruises for a magical holiday experience on the water. Families will enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, breathtaking views of the New York Harbor, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Perfect for kids and adults alike, this seasonal cruise combines holiday cheer, waterfront dining, and unforgettable photo ops.
Cost: $99 adults, $69 children (3-12), $29 infants (0-2)

Experience the Best Central Jersey Christmas Events and Holiday Festivals in 2026

Discover the magic of Central Jersey’s 2026 Christmas season, featuring festive holiday festivals, dazzling light displays, Christmas markets, family-friendly activities, and special seasonal celebrations for all ages.

Dickens' Days

Friday, November 27 until Sunday, November 29, 2026: 12pm 4pm
The Guild of Clinton, 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!
Cost: Free for the downtown Dickens' Days festivities.

Princeton Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, November 27, 2026
On the Green, Downtown Princeton, NJ
This festive annual event draws families, friends, and visitors from across New Jersey to witness the dazzling illumination of Princeton’s iconic holiday tree. Set against the backdrop of historic architecture and twinkling storefronts, the celebration features live music, seasonal treats, and joyful community spirit.
Cost: Free to attend

Red Bank Holiday Express Concert, Tree Lighting, & Holiday Activities

Friday, November 27, 2026
Edmund Wilson Plaza, Red Bank, NJ
This beloved annual event transforms Broad Street into a winter wonderland, featuring a dazzling Christmas tree lighting, live music by the renowned Holiday Express band, and festive activities for all ages.
Cost; Free

Long Branch Tree Lighting in Pier Village

Sunday, November 29, 2026: 4pm - 6pm
Festival Plaza, Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ
As the sun sets over the Jersey Shore, watch Pier Village transform into a winter wonderland with the grand illumination of the holiday tree, surrounded by charming shops, restaurants, and ocean views. The celebration includes performances by Holiday Express with Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, and the Long Branch Wave Marching Band and Dancers, alongside strolling Stilt Walkers, Holiday Circus Elves and Snow Fairies bringing a little extra wonder to the Village.
Cost: Free

Downtown Somerville Holiday Jubilee

Friday, December 4, 2026: 5pm - 9pm
Division Street & Main St, Somerville, NJ
This year's Jubilee features a live performance by the Sharpe Family Singers, setting the stage for the official tree lighting ceremony that brings the community together in a dazzling display of holiday spirit. Families can enjoy free hot cocoa, trolley rides up and down Main Street, and a Holiday DJ Dance Party that keeps the energy high all evening long. Meet Santa Claus, snap photos in the Winter Village, and participate in holiday card making and ornament workshops.
Cost: Free

Asbury Park Holiday Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 5, 2026
Bradely Park, Asbury Park, NJ
Gather with family and friends to admire the newly planted holiday tree in the center of town, enjoy festive cheer, twinkling lights, and welcome a special visit from Santa Claus. This cherished community tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of winter in Asbury Park.
Cost: Free

Christmas on the Farm

Saturday, December 5, 2026: 10am - 4pm
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp
Features 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. 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.
Cost: Free admission & parking

Ocean Grove Victorian Holiday House & Inn Tour

Saturday, December 5, 2026
Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce Office, 39 Pilgrim Pathway. Ocean Grove, NJ
This annual event invites visitors to explore the charm and elegance of Ocean Grove’s beautifully preserved Victorian homes and historic inns, all decked out in festive holiday splendor. This self-guided walking tour offers a rare glimpse into the town’s rich heritage and warm community spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of tradition, beauty, and holiday cheer in one of New Jersey’s most enchanting seaside towns.
Cost: $54.60, free parking

Seaside Heights Tree Lighting!

December 5, 2026: 12pm
Carousel Pavilion , Seaside Heights, NJ
This festive event marks the official start of the holiday season along the Jersey Shore, featuring a day of holiday fun!
Includes carousel rides, iceless ice-skating rink, coffee & hot chocolate, snow, carolers, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Fireworks and more!
Cost: Free to attend

Historic Allaire Christmas Lantern Tour

Friday, December 11, 2026: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ
This festive evening invites guests to experience 19th-century holiday traditions by lantern light, with special stops including the iconic Blacksmith Shop. Wander through the beautifully decorated village, enjoy live demonstrations, and immerse yourself in the warmth of a bygone Christmas.
Cost: $48.20

Christmas Con NJ

December 11, 12, 13, 2026
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ
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,
Cost: Adults: $69.99-$80.24 | Kids (4-10): $18.74-$39.24 | Children under age 4 free

Lighting Up Nature Drive-thru

December 11 -13, 2026; 6pm-8pm
Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center, 1100 Double Trouble Road, Beechwood, NJ
This evening drive tru features a lighting up of nature with holiday lights.
Cost: Free

Top 2026 Southern Jersey Christmas Events and Festivals Running on Multiple Dates

Discover the best Southern New Jersey Christmas events and holiday festivals in 2026, featuring festive light displays, Christmas markets, holiday parades, family-friendly activities, and seasonal celebrations held on multiple dates throughout the holiday season.

Christmas Fantasy with Lights Parade

On selected dates, November 14 thru December 25, 2026
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
This enchanting event transforms the park into a winter wonderland, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, festive music, and heartwarming holiday displays. Families can enjoy themed rides, meet Santa Claus, and marvel at the nightly Lights Parade, where illuminated floats and costumed characters bring classic storybook scenes to life.
Cost: $45.95 ages 2-64 | $39,95 ages 65+ | $39.95 Active/retired Military & Family

Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Underwater

November 20 through December 24, 2026
1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ
This one-of-a-kind holiday event transforms the aquarium into a festive underwater wonderland, where guests of all ages can experience the magic of Christmas beneath the waves. Meet Scuba Santa as he swims among sharks and sea turtles, explore dazzling light displays, and enjoy seasonal music and interactive exhibits that bring holiday cheer to life.
Cost: $28.99 - $38.99

Diggerland Drive thru Holiday Light Show

November 20 until January 3, 2027
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
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.
Cost: $37.99

Cape May Christmas Holiday Season

November 21 until January 3, 2027
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May, NJ
The Cape May Christmas holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 21 and continues every weekend as the town is transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with garlands of fragrant greens and twinkling gaslights. The popular Tree Lighting Ceremony occurs on December 4, and Candlelight House Tours are December 5, 12, and 19.
Cost: Free to attend. Fees for tours and special attractions

Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake

November 26 until January 6, 2027
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.

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express

On selected dates beginning November 28 until December 23, 2026
Cape May Seashore Lines
Reading Ave. & Mill Road
Tuckahoe, NJ
All aboard the holiday magic! The Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express this popular holiday tradition invites families to experience the wonder of Christmas aboard vintage railcars decked out in dazzling seasonal décor. Children can meet Santa Claus, enjoy holiday music, and create unforgettable memories on this enchanting journey through South Jersey. Cost: $79.95, ages 2+

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express

December 4-23, 2026
DiDonato's Family Fun Center, Hammonton, NJ
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.
Cost: $22.95 - $31.95

Experience the Best Southern Jersey Christmas Events and Holiday Festivals in 2026

Discover the best Southern New Jersey Christmas events and holiday festivals in 2026, featuring dazzling light displays, festive parades, holiday markets, family-friendly activities, and seasonal celebrations throughout the region.

Family Holiday Bonfire on the Beach

November 27, 2026: 4:30pm-8:30pm
2nd and Surf Avenues, North Wildwood, NJ
The event features a cozy beach bonfire, music, and free photo opportunities with Santa Claus and other winter wonderland characters. Guests can bring beach chairs or blankets, enjoy food and refreshments available for purchase, and soak up the cheerful holiday atmosphere beside the ocean.
Cost: A donation admission fee $10 for adults and $2 for children 12 & under.

Christmas at the Hangar

November 28, 2026
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ
This festive holiday event transforms the historic aircraft hangar into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, decorated planes, and family-friendly cheer. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, seasonal treats, and unique photo opportunities surrounded by vintage aircraft
Cost: Adults: $16 | Children (ages 3-12): $12 | Children (under 3): FREE | Active Duty U.S. Military: FREE

Collingswood Holiday Parade

Saturday, November 28, 2026
Downtown, Collingswood, NJ
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.
Cost: Free

Mullica Hill Lights on Main

November 28, 2026
South Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Mullica Hill Lights on Main event. This cherished annual celebration transforms the historic downtown into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling light displays, Live festive music on 2 stages, horse-drawn carriage rides, and visits with Santa Claus himself.
Cost: Free to attend

Congress Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 4, 2026
Congress Hall Hote, 215 Beach Ave. (bet. Congress & Perry streets), Cape May, NJ
This festive event marks the beginning of the holiday season with dazzling lights, live music, and joyful celebrations. Families and visitors from across the region gather to witness the grand illumination of Congress Hall's iconic Christmas tree, set against the charming backdrop of America's oldest seaside resort.
Cost: Free

Glassboro's Boro In Lights

December 4, 2026: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m
Glassboro Town Square, 1 High St W, Glassboro, NJ
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.
Cost: Free to attend

Ocean City Christmas Parade

December 4, 2026: 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.
Cost: Free

West Cape May Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade

Friday, Saturday, December 4, 5, 2026
West Cape May, NJ
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with tree lighting ceremony on Friday. The evening features live music, holiday treats, and a heartwarming countdown to the illumination of the town's beautifully decorated tree.
The Christmas Parade on Saturday begins at 5:00 PM at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse (732 Broadway) and winds through town, ending at the Washington Street Mall. Expect a spectacular lineup of festive floats, marching bands, decorated fire trucks, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Cost: Free

Wildwoods' Winter Festival - Christmas in The Plaza

December 4, 5, 2026
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood, NJ
Enjoy free carnival rides, vendors, and musical entertainment. There will be live music by the John Walter Band and story time with Mrs. Claus. On Friday, December 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The parade steps off on 16th Avenue in North Wildwood, proceeding south along Central Avenue, and continues along Pacific Avenue to Spicer Avenue where the parade will turn and proceed to Byrne Plaza. Following the parade, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place.
Cost: Free

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Christmas Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 5, 2026; 5 p.m
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, 1st & Central Avenues, North Wildwood, NJ
Held in the charming courtyard of the historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, witness the magical moment the Christmas tree lights up against the backdrop of the iconic lighthouse, accompanied by seasonal music, warm refreshments, and joyful community vibes.
Cost: Free

Ocean City Train Expo

December 5, 6, 2026: 10 AM to 4 PM
Historic Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Ocean City, NJ
Explore dazzling model train displays of all gauges, shop unique collectibles from expert vendors. This festive event offers unforgettable holiday charm by the boardwalk. Perfect for train enthusiasts, and families.
Cost: Free admission and parking

Ship Bottom Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 5, 2026: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
On Long Beach Blvd. from 5th-25th Streets, Ship Bottom, NJ
Join the festive fun at the beloved Ship Bottom Christmas Parade along Long Beach Boulevard, stretching from 5th to 25th Streets. This cherished annual event transforms the heart of Long Beach Island into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling floats, marching bands, holiday characters, and community spirit.
Cost: Free

Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade

December 12, 2026: 4pm
O'Donnell Memorial Park, Atlantic City, NJ
Celebrate the holiday season along Atlantic Avenue with an evening of community and festive fun. Parade route will be down Atlantic Avenue, from New Hampshire Avenue to Albany Avenue and ending at O'Donnell Memorial Park at the Holiday Market.
Cost: Free

Frequently Asked Questions About
New Jersey Christmas Events in 2026

What types of Christmas events can you visit in New Jersey in 2026?

The guide features drive-through light displays, Christmas markets, parades, tree lightings, train rides, historic tours, performances, and family attractions. Many listings include dates, locations, and admission prices.

Where can you find Christmas events in New Jersey?

The guide groups events into North, Central, and Southern New Jersey, with listings in towns such as Hillsdale, Princeton, Red Bank, Cape May, and Ocean City. Use the regional sections to find events near your destination.

Which New Jersey Christmas events run on multiple dates?

Several attractions run across multiple dates, including Orchard of Lights in Hillsdale, Skylands Christmas Light Show in Augusta, Winter WonderLights in East Brunswick, and Cape May's Christmas holiday season. Check each listing for its specific operating dates.

How much do New Jersey Christmas events cost?

Admission ranges from free community events, such as several tree lightings and parades, to ticketed attractions and shows. The guide lists prices where available, but some activities, add-ons, or special dates may cost extra.

Can you visit New Jersey Christmas events with children?

Many listed events include family activities such as Santa visits, train rides, light displays, and holiday crafts. Check each event's details for age guidance, ticket prices, and any extra costs before planning your outing.