December Events: New Jersey Entertainment
2019 Schedule For Concerts, Theatre, Comedy, and Sports
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 2019 Festivals & Themed Events
Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village November 16th until December 30, 2019
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Pl.
Augusta, NJ 07822
Website
973-383-7644
Cost:
Light Show: $20 per carload (all tickets to be purchased at drive-thru entrance or box office, there are no online ticket sales) Save $3! Buy Advance Sale tickets at the box office (Monday–Thursday, 9–2 PM)
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.
The attractions include:
Walk-Thru Lights: Experience their brilliant walk-through light displays, Santa's Workshop Come inside to take photos with Santa, Skating Rink presented by Pompton Sports Center with skating on a 20′ x 40′ outdoor rink, an 8′ Polar Bear Statue: Take cool photos with Champ, our lovable life-size polar bear, Yuengling's Ice Cream Shop and Hot Chocolate Bar with scrumptious ice cream and custom hot chocolate drinks, a S'mores Station with Roast marshmallows over a fire pit and make delicious s'mores snacks. Carnival Games, Concessions with hot food and beverages, including French bread pizza and craft beers, and vendors with hHoliday shopping with local artisans,
Please dress warmly to enjoy the new outdoor village activities. Warming stations will be located throughout the Pavilion.
Atlantic City Annual Tropicana Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Daily shows begin Thursday, November 21 through Friday, December 27, 2019; Presented every hour on the hour starting at noon.
Tropicana Casino & Resort
Brighton Avenue and the Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
Website
Tropicana makes the season bright with the official Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Musical Light Show in The Quarter. The free Holiday Musical Light Show features a 35-foot ornately decorated tree with festive lights synchronized to the sights and sounds of the season.
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November 22, 2019 thru January 4, 2020; Sunday - Thursday: Dusk to 10pm & Friday & Saturday: Dusk to 11pm
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116
Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost: $20-$30, standard vehicle
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.
An Old Fashioned Christmas in Cape May
November 22, 2019 through January 1, 2020 (Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas )
Cape May, NJ
Website
The wonders of the season come to life in "An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years," at the Carroll Gallery in the Physick Estate Carriage House. Experience a breathtaking exhibit of holiday traditions complete with a giant Christmas tree, a Dickens Village, model trains, nostalgic photos from Christmas past, and more!
Polar Express
Trips run November 29, 30 December 1,6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22; 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.
Newark Annual Tree Holiday Lighting Celebration
Tuesday, December 3, 2019; from 4 pm-8 pm (Tree lighting @ 6pm) Rain or shine
Prudential Center's Championship Plaza
232 Market Street
Newark, NJ
Website
(street and lot parking options are available)
(973) 622-2002
This year's celebration will feature music, free pictures with Santa including a special holiday gift, a bouncy house, a synthetic ice skating rink, a trackless train, numerous carnival games, children's characters and Victorian carolers. This is a free family-friendly event open to the public. Lighting and concert begin at 6:00 pm
Wassail Day
December 7, 2019;11:00am - 3:00pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
720 Rt. 9
Cape May, NJ 08204
609-898-2300
Website
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, hot beverages and holiday treats served by historical clothed interpreters. Visitors can meet Father Christmas at 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.
Patriots Week
December 25 - 31, 2019
101 Barrack St.
Trenton, NJ 08608
Website
609-393-8998
This family event 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.
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a Fireworks Dinner Cruise
December 31, 2019
Boards 9:00 PM - Cruises 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Spirit of New Jersey
Lincoln Harbor Marina
Weehawken, New Jersey
Website
This four-hour event features a three-hour cruise and offers amazing views of New York City's sensational skyline, a delicious dinner buffet, a DJ for your dancing entertainment, with their talented wait staff singing solos, a premium open bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Stunning views of the illuminating fireworks display at the Statue of Liberty sponsored by Spirit Cruises as synchronized music accompanies the show in perfect harmony.
Seastreak New Years Eve Fireworks Cruise
Saturday, December 31st, 2019
Boarding Time: 9:00 PM
Departure Time: 9:30 PM
Departing from: Seastreak Ferry Terminal
326 Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ
1-800-262-8743
Information & Tickets
Cruise from Central Jersey to see the gorgeous fireworks display at the Statue of Liberty.
Tickets include amazing views of the fireworks and the New York City skyline, a premium open bar from 10pm-12am, hors d'oeuvres, buffet dinner, champagne toast, a DJ playing all your favorite tunes, and more. .
Morris County First Night
December 31, 2019
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!
First Night Ocean City
December 31, 2019
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609-525-9300
Website
The non-alcoholic, family friendly event features live entertainment from the Music Pier, The Civic Center, the Tabernacle, other venues, ---- and of course there will be fireworks at midnight shot off from the 5th ave. Beach.
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