December Events: New Jersey 2018 Entertainment

The December Events calendar for 2018 is packed with exciting things to do in NJ. It includes concerts, theatre, festivals, kids events, and entertainment, that have appeal to people of all ages and interest.

The month of December is filled with events that include concerts and theatre at the largest NJ venues, holiday and Christmas festivals for families to welcome in the New Year.

Note: This information is provided by event sponsors as a free service to our viewers. 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.

December 2018 Festivals & Themed Events

Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 1st, 2018 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Claridge Hotel
123 South Indiana Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
1-844-224-7386
Website
The family-friendly event will take place outside of the hotel at the historic Brighton Park. Admission to the event is free, however guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. The Winter Wonderland event will have a special appearance and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, a hot chocolate station, as well as a cookie decorating station. The Bass Pro Shop of Atlantic City will also be supporting the event by providing additional family-friendly activities aligned with the holiday season. The evening will conclude with the Claridge Hotel's annual tree lighting ceremony taking place at 7 p.m. featuring a live choir who will be performing leading up to the lighting and assist with the ceremony countdown.
Proceeds from this event will benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.

Wassail Day
December 1, 2018; 11:00am — 3:00pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
720 Rt. 9
Cape May, NJ
609-898-2300
Website
Admission: Free
The Village paths come alive with the sounds and smells of wintertime at this free family event. Select buildings will be open where guests can enjoy hands-on crafts, live music, children's storytelling, and hot beverages and holiday treats served by historically clothed interpreters. Visitors can meet Father Christmas in the Country Store. The Country Store will be open and stocked with unique holiday gift ideas including traditionally-processed wool, artisan crafts for the home, books, jewelry, toys and old fashioned candy.

Christmas at Allaire
December 2, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Farmingdale, NJ
Website
This event is a celebration of the joys of Christmas past. Experience the sights and smells of an early American Christmas with hearth cooking, singing, dancing, wagon rides and St Nicholas! This is a day full of fun interactive programs. You can also bring your holiday cards to be sent from our historic post office located in the General Store. Bring your addressed envelopes with a stamp.

Jenkinson's Aquarium Sea of Lights Holiday Festival
December 14, 15, 21, 22 and 26-28, 2018: from 6-9pm.
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, plus make and take crafts, face painting, even a scuba diving Santa and other special guests from the coolest new animated movie.

NJ State Museum - Planetarium Shows
December 22, 23, 2018
NJ State Museum
205 West State Street
Trenton, NJ
Website
Sceheduled Planetarium Shows:
One World, One Sky - 11:00 am
Earth Moon Sun - 12 pm
Dinosaurs at Dusk - 1:00 pm
Laser Holiday Magic - 2:00 pm
Dark Universe - 3:00 pm

Patriots Week
December 26, 2018 - December 31, 2018
The Old Barracks Museum
101 Barrack Street
Trenton, NJ
609-396-1776
Website/Schedule of Events
Patriots Week is a celebration of Trenton's revolutionary role in America's history! Attendees will get to enjoy an immersive experience that commemorates and recognizes Trenton's unique and pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. A role that has shaped some of the very streets and buildings that can still be seen standing today as they were in 1776. The festival is anchored by the historically-accurate re-enactments of the Battles of Trenton on the very streets where they took place, as well as lectures by historians and topic experts, immersive demonstrations, tours, educational activities for children, reenactments, or musical entertainment. This year use your holiday break for a fun & history-filled family staycation! With over 70 events taking place during the six-day period it's easy for families and history aficionados to spend a few days in Central New Jersey this December.

Morris County First Night
December 31, 2018
Website & Tickets
Morris County First Night is a non-alcoholic event in Morristown that takes place from 4:45pm-midnight. Over 400 artists and 80 performers are scheduled to attend this year's celebration. Free parking and shuttle bus service will be provided. For one unbelievably reasonable price, you have dozens of venues to choose from, showcasing world-class talent with performances designed especially for kids, teens, young adults, families, and not-so-young adults. If that's not enough, First Night sets off not one but two separate fireworks displays – one at 9:15pm and another at midnight!

Seaside Heights - First Night
December 31, 2018
On the boardwalk
1-800-732-7467
Website
Enjoy a day filled with entertainment and begin a lasting family tradition. Starting at 12 noon until 5 PM with a Fireworks Display at 5pm

Atlantic City New Years Eve Fireworks
December 31, 2018 @9pm
Tropicana Hotel
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City
Website
The awesome fireworks show is best viewed from the boardwalk outside the casino.The show, designed by Fireworks by Grucci, will be displayed from the beachfront and will include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects including Grucci high aerials and grand illuminations.
It is recommended that you get there by 8 pm to avoid the crowds and get a good spot.

First Night Ocean City
December 31, 2018
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609-525-9300
Website
The non-alcoholic, family friendly event features live entertainment and of course there will be fireworks at midnight shot off from the 5th ave. Beach. Entertainment will be highlighted by The Fabulous Greaseband, a seven-member "Best of the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s Rock 'n' Roll Party Band." Their highly entertaining and energetic delivery of the greatest dance songs ever written has kept the group on top for the last 40 years!

First Night of 2019 Aboard the Battleship
December 31, 2018 @ 4:00 pm – January 1, 2019 @ 12:30 am
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ 08103
Website
The Battleship will open her decks for guests to watch the 6pm or Midnight SugarHouse New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. We'll have music, food concessions and bar service. We will open her decks two hours before each show – 4pm for the 6pm fireworks show and 10pm for the midnight show. Come aboard for just a $10 donation per person. All proceeds go to the on-going restoration of the Battleship, a non-profit museum and memorial. Fire the 5-inch gun at the conclusion of the 6pm and Midnight Fireworks! We'll offer chances for guests to pull the trigger and fire this historic gun on New Year's Eve!
Tickets are available by calling 866-877-6262 ext. 108, or at the Battleship's Ticket Office, open every day from 9:30am to 3pm, except Christmas Day, and prior to both the 6pm and Midnight shows on New Year's Eve. Both SugarHouse New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront shows are free to Battleship Members.