Experience the Best of New Jersey:
January 2025 Events and Festivals

January Joy: Top New Jersey Events & Festivals You Can't Miss!

The January 2025 events calendar in New Jersey is brimming with excitement, offering an array of activities that celebrate the season’s charm.

Picture this: a winter wonderland where crisp air invigorates your senses, snow glistens under the soft glow of streetlights, and cozy cafes welcome you with warmth and comfort. This is New Jersey in January – a time when the community spirit flourishes, and the state buzzes with the promise of unique experiences.

From bustling festivals to serene nature walks, January in the Garden State offers a rich tapestry of events to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking cultural celebrations, family-friendly activities, or delicious food fairs, there’s something special waiting for you.

This guide is your ultimate resource for uncovering New Jersey’s most exciting and enriching happenings this January. Dive into a world of discovery and make this month truly unforgettable!

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Northern NJ January 2025 Festivals and Themed Events

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sundays, Now thru January 12th, 2025
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ
Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo.
Let it Glow is a symphony of vivid glowing colors to tease your eyes and dazzle the mind. Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll throughout the zoo These larger than life lanterns are amazing in picture but stunning in person! With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breath-taking than the last! Its one of those things you need to see in person to truly appreciate.

YMCA of Newark 54th Anniversary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Friday, January 10, 2025; @8am
The Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place
Newark NJ
Cost: $45.00
The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity has honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The breakfast allows us to take time to remember and reflect on Dr. King's vision of a community and world of peace, love, and understanding. This is a wonderful opportunity to recommit ourselves to the high ideals that Dr. King personified.
Proceeds fro this event will directly impact those in need.

DESSERTOPIA
January 25, 2025: 11am-7pm
at Morristown Armory
430 Western Ave
Morristown, NJ
Cost: General Admission $5.49, (kids under 5 free) This event features a dessert filled event with a specialty dessert beverage, vendors, a DJ, an adult beverage bar, face painting, and, most importantly, a wide array of desserts ranging from cupcakes, cookies, waffles and ice cream to pastries, pies, puddings, chocolate and so much more.
If it's sweet, it will be there, so get your tastebuds ready!

Garden State Comic Fest
Saturday-Sunday, January 25-26, 2025
Sussex County Fairgrounds
37 Plains Road,
Augusta, NJ
Cost: $10 for a daily pass (Buy Saturday, get Sunday free)
This family event features a meet up with comic book celebrities such as Bob Sharen, Bud Larosa, Scott Hanna, Nick Caponi, and more.
There will be comics, artists, vendors, delicious foods, and more.

Lunar New Year Celebration
January 25 , 2025: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Montclair Art Museum
3 S Mountain Ave
Montclair, NJ
Attendees at the Montclair Art Museum will get to ring in the year of the snake with a traditional dragon parade, lion dance, cultural performances, vendor market, crafts, and of course, an array of food trucks serving delicious dishes and drinks to keep you warm and full.

Ridgewood Lunar New Year Festival
Sunday, January 26th, 2025
Campus Center
Ridgewood H.S.
Ridgewood, NJ
Celebrate the year of the Snake with performances, delicious foods, and a craft market.

Monster Jam Pit Party
Saturday, Sunday, Jan 25, 26, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ
Join in for this this pre- Monster Jam race at the Pit Party and see the massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities.
This fun-filled experience is the only place to get an insider's look at how these 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks are built to stand up to the competition.

Central NJ January 2025 Festivals and Themed Events

Lumino City's "Wonder Journey" Festival
Now through January. 5, 2025
Freehold Raceway Mall
3710 US-9
Freehold, NJ
Lumino City uses light and imagination to turn creative ideas inspired by the world into stunning displays of light and color. The "Wonder Journey" festival will completely transform the Freehold Mall parking lot into a fantasy filled journey inspired by Alice in Wonderland. There will be larger-than-life scenes straight from the story — including the Wonderland Tea Party, the iconic butterfly seat and more.

Cutting, Splitting and Hewing at Historic Longstreet Farm
Sundays, January 5, & February 2, 2025: from 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel 07733
Free event
Come out to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams.

Experience the Battle of Princeton
Sunday, January 5th, 2025; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
The historic Clarke House
500 Mercer Rd
Princeton, NJ
The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) will mark the 246th anniversary of Battle of Princeton fought on Jan. 3, 1777- with its signature educational event, "Experience the Battle of Princeton".
A narrated reenactment of a portion of the Battle of Princeton will feature reenactors portraying Crown and Continental forces. Attendees will then have an opportunity to interact and converse with living historians and battle reenactors. Also, the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution will join other hereditary organizations as well as representatives of legacy National Guard and British Army units whose antecedents fought at the battle in a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Grove behind the Colonnade on the battlefield.
Tours of the historic Thomas Clarke House, the only building on site remaining from the time of the battle, will also be offered beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Festival of Trees: Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!
Now through Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street
Princeton, NJ
This annual tradition welcomes visitors to stroll the exquisite displays of creativity in their galleries, presented by community nonprofits, schools, garden clubs, and local groups.
This year's theme, Traditions & Celebrations, is inspired by Morven's history and the stories of its residents, from their current exhibition Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey's Most Historic Home that include Governor Richard Hughes and his wife Betty Hughes. Learn the inspiring story of how "Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!" became an annual tradition.

Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
Now until January 4th, 2025
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116
Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
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.

The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
Now until Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Middlesex County Fairgrounds
655 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: :$30 - $40 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 30' Christmas trees, 4 magical tunnels, a tribute to our first responders & US Armed Forces and tons of other stunning, larger-than-life holiday themed displays for the entire family – all synchronized to the music playing in your car!
This family holiday tradition takes you on a journey celebrating the season's wonderful holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa).

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
Sunday, January 12, 2025; 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel
Beat the winter blues and beat your opponent too! Strategize your best moves while playing Halma and Basilinda, two long-forgotten 1890s board games.
They also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers, and Dominoes.

Pine Barren Bonfires
Monday, January 13, 2025: from 6-8 p.m.
Turkey Swamp Park
200 Georgia Road
Freehold, NJ
Cost: $15 per family of four; cash or check only (all ages, under 18 with adult)
There's something about a bonfire that's so magical. The flames dancing in the night, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and the feeling of warmth and companionship around the fire. Enjoy a winter evening with us at Turkey Swamp's council ring. There will be games, s'mores, and a full moon!
Please dress appropriately for the weather.

The Garden State RV and Camping Show
January 17 – 19, 2025
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
(Raritan Center Expo Hall)
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ
This show will feature over 150,000 square feet of the latest in recreation vehicles, camping supplies & services, accessories, and information on campgrounds. The Garden State RV & Camping Show is the ideal place for camping families who are looking to purchase their first RV, upgrade their present RV or for the veteran camper to explore new camping adventures. Dozens of on-site exhibits will provide attendees with literature and information about premier family campgrounds throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 36th Annual Commemorative Breakfast
Friday, January 17, 2025; 7:30am - 9:30am
Ocean Place Resort & Spa
1 Ocean Blvd,
Long Branch, NJ
Cost: $40 Adults | $15 Youth | $400 Table of 10
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County proudly celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The events features:
* Keynote: Raymond S. Santiago, Monmouth County Prosecutor
* Human Dignity Award: Pastor Terrence K. Porter, Pilgrim Baptist Church
* Togetherhood Champion Award: Itzel Perez-Hernandez, American Friends Service
* Social Responsibility Award: Congressman Andy Kim.

Light Of Day '25 Winter Fest
Saturday, January 18th, 2025 @6:30PM
Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre
Basie Center Campus
99 Monmouth Street
Red Bank, NJ
This annual music festival will feature a lineup including John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Brian Baker (Bad Religion), Pete Steinkopf (The Bouncing Souls), Dramarama, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the quest to end Parkinson's disease and its related illnesses ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).

Noodle Mountain
Activation dates are January 25, 2025, February 22, 2025, April 26, 2025, June 28, 2025, July 26, 2025, and August 30, 2025
Grounds for Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way
Hamilton, NJ
Noodle Mountain contemplates deeply personal memories, as well as the intergenerational histories of place, labor, and diaspora that food can conjure. Don't miss a special opportunity to see this complex sculpture be activated!

Wassailing the Apple Trees
Sunday, January 26th, 2025; 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Road
Princeton, NJ
Free Event - All ages
Enjoy dancing and singing and re-enactments of old English traditional rituals, as well as chanting and music making, toasts of hot cider and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches while chanting the lively words of praise for the New Year. Top the evening off by a bonfire, complete with marshmallows, and live music by the Spiced Punch Quartet playing traditional music using violins and flutes of many kinds Join the fun. Bring noise makers' drums, whistles, bells, clackers, or put a few pebbles in an empty coffee can with a lid. These will make a joyful and worthy noise to drive away any and all spirits.

Southern NJ January 2025 Festivals and Themed Events

Diggerland Drive thru Holiday Light Show
November 15th - January 12th, 2025
100 Pinedge Drive
West Berlin, NJ
Cost: $36.99/car
This holiday event features a Drive a mile-length course through America's only construction theme & water park to witness hundreds of thousands of lights, tour their holiday displays, enjoy tasty treats, and listen to our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit!

Cape May Christmas Holiday Season
November 22nd until January 5th, 2025
Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ
The Cape May Christmas holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 24, 2024, and continues every weekend as the 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.

Patcong Valley Model Railroad Open House
January 4, 5, 11, 12, 2025;
Patcong Valley Model Railroad Club
Route 40 at Fir Avenue
Richland, NJ
Admission: Free
The event features highly detailed, museum quality, HO scale model railroad. They model a time period from the late-1940s to the late-1950s, the waning days of the steam engine and the expansion of diesel motive power.

Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake
Thanksgiving until January 6th, 2025
Historical Smithville
615 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Smithville, NJ 08205
Over 120 Christmas Trees made from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights seem to dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting of the water's surface. This show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge.

Wildwood Fishing & Boat Expo
January 10th, 11th, & 12th, 2025
Wildwoods Convention Center
4501 Boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
Cost: $10 for adults. $3 for kids 6-13. 5 & under are free.
This annual event features 13 boat dealers showcasing cabin cruisers, pontoons, skiffs, wave runners and more with over 100 vendor booths with everything you will need to make the 2025 Fishing & Boating Season a success. There will also be an additional 65 vendor booths offering everything including tow services, terminal tackle, rods and reels, custom rods, inshore-offshore, accessories, services, apparel, gifts, decor.... and free seminars.

Moonlight Walk
Saturday, January 11, 2025: 7pm-9pm
Historic Whitesbog Village
120 West Whites Bogs Road
Browns Mills, NJ
Cost: $10 per person suggested donation. Members of Whitesbog Preservation Trust $5
Come explore the village and the bogs by moon light, this special opportunity is scheduled on or as close to the full moon as possible. An experienced guide will share insights about Whitesbog and the nature that surrounds us. Meet your guide in the General Store before the start time and look around prior to the start. All walks are 3-5 miles in length. Trail paths are sandy and can be bumpy or wet. Dress is weather appropriate.

Children's Winter Ball
January 18, 2025: @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Renault Winery
72 North Bremen Avenue
Egg Harbor City, NJ
This event features a magical event where children can bring their parents to the Renault Winter Ball!
Their Champagne Ballroom will be dressed up for the evening where there will be dinner and dancing, as well as time to meet your favorite cast of beloved princesses and superhero characters. There will also be a photo booth, DJ, lights, a variety of culinary stations, and more!

Wildwood Comic Con
Saturday, January 18, 2025; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Wildwood Convention Hall
Wildwood, NJ
The event will feature numerous cosplay/costume groups, artists, writers, creators, vendors, crafts, and video games. Artists, writers, creators, and vendors will have art, books, comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, non-sport trading cards, Pokemon, gaming items, toys, Funko's, Lego, sci-fi, pop culture, comic themed crafts, collectibles, and much more!!! Our Cosplay/Costume groups will provide entertainment, interactive activities, and photo ops for youngsters and attendees. There will be a Cosplay Contest as well, so be sure to come out and wear your favorite Superhero, Anime, or Comic Book Character costume!

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast @ Rowan University
Monday, January 20, 2025: @9am - 1pm.
Eynon Ballroom, Chamberlain Student Center
201 Mullica Hill Road
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey 08028
Cost: $75
Join this event for an uplifting gathering in recognition of a true American visionary, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our 2025 celebration offers new and unique opportunities to make a remarkable impact serving in the spirit of Dr. King. Guests will enjoy remarks from Master of Ceremonies, Rick Williams, and a featured special guest..
All proceeds will support their students through the William H. Myers Memorial Scholarships. This event is co-sponsored by the Division of Diverisity, Equity & Inclusion and the Rowan University Foundation.

Fire & Ice Festival
Saturday, January 25th, 2025: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
downtown Mount Holly
This free family friendly fun tradition features about a dozen professional ice carvers from up and down the east coast, an equal number of professional chili chefs plus a wide variety of interesting entertainment for young, old and everyone in between. The ice carvers transform 300 pound blocks of ice into beautiful crystalline works of art, right before your eyes, throughout town.

New Jersey offers a range of attractions and activities in January that cater to diverse interests, from winter sports to cultural events.

Here's a FAQ guide to help you plan:

 Upcoming Ticketed Events

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