December Things To Do:
Our Top 10 Picks For Your Day Out in New Jersey
Discover New Jersey's Best December Things to Do: Uncover The Popular seasonal Attractions and Hidden Gems
The month of December is filled with events that include concerts and theatre at the largest NJ venues, and holiday and Christmas festivals for families to welcome in the New Year
Fun makes a great gift this holiday season! Hurry – get $10 in FREE bonus play when you buy $50 in gift cards before December 31!
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.
1- Plan A Weekend Getaway to Cape May
To Enjoy the Holiday Season
An Old Fashioned Christmas in Cape May
November 17th, 2023 through January 1, 2024 (Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas )
Cape May, NJ
Website
This seaside 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.
The holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on November 18th. Other events include Christmas Candlelight house tours, Santa's Trolley rides, and more!
November 17th, 2023 through January 1, 2024 (Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas )
Cape May, NJ
Website
This seaside 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.
The holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on November 18th. Other events include Christmas Candlelight house tours, Santa's Trolley rides, and more!
2- Celebrate New Year's Eve At A
Major Party Venue
Celebrate New Year's Eve and usher in 2021 at one of the major major entertainment venues, resorts, night clubs, hotels, aquariums, and more.
These New Years Eve parties are held at adult venues serving alcoholic drinks. Many of these events are in hotels or venues that have overnight accommodations with an option of making your New Years celebration extra special.
Learn more
Learn more
3- Celebrate New Year's Eve At A
Family Oriented, Non-Alcoholic Venue
Celebrate New Years Eve in NJ with the family at a venue with an unusual twist; they are not alcoholic dominant celebrations that New Years Eve has come to be associated with. Many of the events are The First Night celebrations that are affordable family-friendly, alcohol free, celebrations..
Learn more
Learn more
4 - Take the family to a major
Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Festival
Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village
November 22nd until December 30th, 2023
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Pl.
Augusta, NJ 07822
Website
973-383-7644
Cost:
Light Show:$29 per carload
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.
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November. 17th - December 30th, 2023; Sun – Thur: 5:00 -10:00pm & Fri - Sat: 5:00 -11:00pm
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116
Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost: $20 +
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.
South Jersey Holiday Lights Show
Selected nights from November 18 until December 30, 2023; Opens at 5pm
Bridgeport Speedway
83 Flood Gate Rd
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
(856) 213-2838
Website
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!
November 22nd until December 30th, 2023
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Pl.
Augusta, NJ 07822
Website
973-383-7644
Cost:
Light Show:$29 per carload
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.
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November. 17th - December 30th, 2023; Sun – Thur: 5:00 -10:00pm & Fri - Sat: 5:00 -11:00pm
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116
Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost: $20 +
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.
South Jersey Holiday Lights Show
Selected nights from November 18 until December 30, 2023; Opens at 5pm
Bridgeport Speedway
83 Flood Gate Rd
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
(856) 213-2838
Website
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!
5 - Visit Atlantic City - The Crown Jewel of the Jersey Shore
Take in the casinos, great restaurants, hotels, clubs and concerts.
Atlantic City Visitors Guide
Popular Jersey Shore destination with casino gaming, top entertainment venues, restaurants, a beach & boardwalk, and more.
Learn More
Atlantic City Visitors Guide
Popular Jersey Shore destination with casino gaming, top entertainment venues, restaurants, a beach & boardwalk, and more.
Learn More
6 - Take the Family To A Fun Indoor Attraction
Check out the Best New Jersey Attractions
For Fun, Discovery, and Education
New Jersey attractions are found throughout every corner of the state. They are especially of interest to people looking for fun, discovery, education, and excitement. Popular attractions can be enjoyed on a day trip, weekend getaway, or a week long vacation to "get away from it all".
Learn more
New Jersey attractions are found throughout every corner of the state. They are especially of interest to people looking for fun, discovery, education, and excitement. Popular attractions can be enjoyed on a day trip, weekend getaway, or a week long vacation to "get away from it all".
Learn more
7 - Go To A Major Holiday Arts/Crafts Show
Holiday Craft Show Morristown
December 1, 2, 3, 2023: Friday 4 - 8 pm; Saturday 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday 101 am - 5 pm.
Morristown National Guard Armory
430 Western Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
845-331-7900
Website
Admission: Cash or check only. General $1, Seniors (62 and up) $9, Under 16 FREE
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.
Annual Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Collingswood Grand Ballroom
315 White Horse Pike
Collingswood, NJ
Website
Free Admission
This years event will feature over 40 local artists and crafters, live music and special adult beverages! The first 100 guests will receive a free Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre tote bag – packed with cool stuff from their vendors.
Parents – just a heads up – some of the art may depict nudity or bad words. It's your call…. They're cool with it if you're cool with it.
December 1, 2, 3, 2023: Friday 4 - 8 pm; Saturday 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday 101 am - 5 pm.
Morristown National Guard Armory
430 Western Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
845-331-7900
Website
Admission: Cash or check only. General $1, Seniors (62 and up) $9, Under 16 FREE
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.
Annual Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Collingswood Grand Ballroom
315 White Horse Pike
Collingswood, NJ
Website
Free Admission
This years event will feature over 40 local artists and crafters, live music and special adult beverages! The first 100 guests will receive a free Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre tote bag – packed with cool stuff from their vendors.
Parents – just a heads up – some of the art may depict nudity or bad words. It's your call…. They're cool with it if you're cool with it.
8 - Visit Red Bank - The Cultural Center of the Jersey Shore
Red Bank is the Jersey Shore's cultural, social and commercial destination. At only an hour's ride from New York City, by car, train or bus. With the Count Basie Theatre, great restaurants, and a vibrant downtown with charming shops and holiday decorations, ---It makes for a fabulous day or weekend trip! .
Visitors Guide
Visitors Guide
9 - Take The Kids to The Liberty Science Center For Fun & Education
Liberty Science Center
Liberty State Park
Jersey City, NJ
Website
There's a reason LSC is the state's most visited museum. Families can try 100s of hands-on exhibits, indoor rock climbing, and the famous Touch Tunnel pitch dark maze, then see live animal presentations, films, and shows. There are even special exhibits for ages 2-5. Everyone can have fun exploring together.The new Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Only three others in the world—two in Japan and one in China—are bigger
Liberty State Park
Jersey City, NJ
Website
There's a reason LSC is the state's most visited museum. Families can try 100s of hands-on exhibits, indoor rock climbing, and the famous Touch Tunnel pitch dark maze, then see live animal presentations, films, and shows. There are even special exhibits for ages 2-5. Everyone can have fun exploring together.The new Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Only three others in the world—two in Japan and one in China—are bigger
10 - Pamper Yourself at a Spa
The best New Jersey spa hotels and resorts
Features spa services for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or for men and women looking to complement their business trip or for a romantic weekend getaway
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Features spa services for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or for men and women looking to complement their business trip or for a romantic weekend getaway
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The top New Jersey Day Spa's
These spa's feature a variety skin care, hair, facial, nail, and massage services in addition to women's and gentleman's spa packages, and laser skin treatments.
Learn More
These spa's feature a variety skin care, hair, facial, nail, and massage services in addition to women's and gentleman's spa packages, and laser skin treatments.
Learn More
