Must-Visit November Events and Festivals in New Jersey: 2026 Edition

Updated: October 29, 2026

New Jersey stays festive well past Halloween, offering plenty of harvest events for anyone eager to squeeze the last joy out of fall.

November turns New Jersey into a lively playground filled with color and excitement. The crisp air and bold fall leaves set the scene for a season packed with NJ November fun festivals near every corner.

New Jersey's November 2026 calendar includes fall festivals, food and drink events, cultural events, and holiday activities.
Listings include events in Newark, Vernon, Teaneck, Jersey City, Central New Jersey, and South Jersey.
Some seasonal attractions begin in October or continue into December and January.
The article lists free and ticketed events, with prices varying by event.

Northern New Jersey November 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Disney on Ice-Spotlight Magic!

October 28 - November 1, 2026
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Experience the magic of Disney on Ice. This enchanting ice-skating show includes over 30 Disney characters, featuring Gary De'Snake and Gazelle (Zootopia 2), Angel (Lilo & Stitch), as well as a showcase of Disney's iconic villains including the Evil Queen, Gaston, Maleficent, and Ursula!
Cost: $33.75 - $220.40

Great Pumpkin Festival

November 1 until November 8th, 2026
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ
Transforms the property into a festive fall attraction with pumpkin picking, hayrides, a sprawling corn maze, barnyard animals, live entertainment, and dozens of family activities. Visitors can expect a lively, carnival-style atmosphere with food vendors, photo spots, and rotating weekend themes.
Cost: Weekend & Holiday General Admission $26.98 (children 2 years & younger are free)

Jack O’Lantern Experience

November 1, 2026
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ
A glowing autumn walk-through filled with thousands of hand carved pumpkins, whimsical displays, and larger than life themed scenes that transform Skylands Stadium into a nighttime Halloween wonderland. Guests stroll along an outdoor trail lined with illuminated jack-o'-lanterns, creative sculptures, and photo ready installations, with seasonal treats and stadium concessions available before or after the experience.
Recommended Ages: Ideal for all ages, especially families with children ages 3 and up.
Cost: $20- $45

Annual Teaneck International Film Festival

November 5th to 12th, 2026
at multiple venues in Teaneck, NJ
The film festival has developed a niche in the film festival circuit present a collection of compelling and imaginative feature-length films, documentaries, and shorts from a variety of cultures that would lead audiences to question, debate, and become caring and involved citizens who recognize the need to institute positive change.
Cost: 2026 ticket prices not yet posted. Expect 2026 tickets to be $12–$13 per ticket.

Jersey City Mac & Cheese Festival

Saturday, November 7, 2026. (rain or shine)
Jersey City, NJ
This Jersey City Mac & Cheese Festival will be held as a food crawl (think bar crawl, but for Mac & Cheese instead)! So, round up your crew, bring your family, and get ready to take a tour around Jersey City to sample all kinds of Mac & Cheese creations from some of the best spots in town. Ticket includes: A sample of each restaurant's featured Mac!

Cost:$17-$65

Annual C. Edward McCracken Festival of Lights

Saturday, November 14, 2026:4:30 PM
Newton Medical Center, 175 High Street, Newton, NJ.
This heartwarming holiday tradition brings patients, families, and area residents together to usher in the festive season. The celebration begins with the community reception at 4:30 PM, followed by the tree lighting and fireworks display at 5:30 PM
Cost: Registration with donations $10 +

Jersey City Wine Fest

Saturday, November 21, 2026: 6 PM - 9:30 PM
Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson St, Jersey City, NJ
Celebrate the flavors of fall where guests can sip and savor unlimited samples of wines from around the world, paired with live music, gourmet bites, and interactive games. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or casual enthusiast, this waterfront wine festival offers a vibrant, all-access tasting experience in the heart of Jersey City. Cost: from $18.33 - $68.33

Colonial Christmas

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 27, 28, 29, 2026
Jacobus Van derveer House, 3055 River Road, Bedminster, NJ
Explore beautifully decorated rooms, enjoy live period music, Clydesdale wagon rides, museum tours, and discover holiday customs from America's colonial past in one of New Jersey's most historic homes. Friday evening will be the annual Christmas Tree lighting. Saturday will host the gala Colonial Christmas Cocktail Party and Sunday the house will be open with midday events.

Dickens' Days

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 27, 28, 29, 2026
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: Typically around $10 for adults, with children 6 and under free

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 to attend

Warren Holiday Festival

November 27, 2026; 5pm-9pm
Municipal Complex, 46 Mountain Blvd, Warren, NJ
This festive community gathering brings residents and visitors together for an evening of holiday cheer, featuring seasonal decorations, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and opportunities to enjoy the spirit of the season with friends and neighbors. With twinkling lights, festive attractions, and a warm hometown atmosphere, the festival offers a memorable way to kick off the holiday season in Warren.
Cost: Free to attend

Winter Village

November 27, 28, 29, December 5, 6, 2026
The Red Mill, 56 Main St., Clinton, NJ
The Winter Village transforms the grounds of the historic Red Mill Museum into a holiday shopping destination. It features a heated outdoor market with 50+ local craft artisans, food trucks, and activities each day. You can also stroll through the Festival of Trees, where decorated holiday trees are on display and available for silent auction to benefit the museum
Cost: General Admission: $10 per person. Children: Free for 12 and under

Central New Jersey November 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Beers on the Boards

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Martells Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Beers on the Boards brings craft beer lovers to the iconic Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk for a day of oceanfront tastings and seasonal celebration. Sample dozens of local and regional brews while enjoying live music, hearty food pairings, and unbeatable coastal vibes. This fall beer festival is a must-attend event for New Jersey beer enthusiasts and beachgoers alike—perfect for kicking off November with flavor and fun.
Cost: $70.37 for Beer Drinker. $28.97 for Designated Driver.

Cow Parade

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Cherry Grove farm, Lawrenceville, NJ
This annual family festival features hay rides, face painting, bouncy house, kids' games, food, music, beer, local artisanal vendors, and more! After milking, you can watch as the cows, adorned with garlands, bells, and flowers, parade from the milking parlor, down the lane and around the field back to their pasture
Cost: Free to attend. Parking $20

Asbury Park: Día de los Muertos

Saturday, November 7, 2026: 2pm-7pm.
Boardwalk, Convention Hall, AsburyPark, NJ
Asbury Park brings dia de los muertos to the boardwalk with an oceanfront celebration. The walk serves as a colorful procession to remember and honor the lives of loved ones who have passed. The evening features traditional Mariachi music, a live DJ, and vibrant singing and dancing along the waterfront. Attendees are invited to participate in the tradition by viewing or "bringing offerings to the ofrenda, a traditional altar to honor the deceased.
Cost: Free and open to the public.

Middletown Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony

Sunday, November 8, 2026: @ 1:30 PM
Middletown, NJ
The parade will begin at Bayview Elementary School (300 Leonardville Road), travel down Leonardville Road through historic Campbell's Junction, and end at the Mater Dei Parking Lot, Cherry Tree Farm Rd).
After the parade, there will be a special celebration with food trucks and live music for all ages.
Cost: Free to attend

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ceremony

November 11, 2026: 11 a.m
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Holmdel, NJ
This public event is an honored tradition that pays tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War. This solemn event features distinguished speakers, a wreath-laying tribute, and reflections on service and sacrifice.
Cost: Free to attend

Darkside Art Presents: Friday 13th, Dark Market

Friday, November 13, 2026
NJ Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ
This moody, immersive twist transforms the NJ Convention and Expo Center into a one night showcase of eerie art, oddities, and handcrafted curiosities. Expect a lively mix of alternative makers, spooky merch, and atmospheric entertainment that leans into the date's supernatural charm, making it a fun pick for horror fans, collectors, and anyone who loves a little edge in their weekend plans.
Cost: advance $20, at the door $25

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 | Thanksgiving Day (11/26) $49.99

Collect A Con

November 21, 22, 2026
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
Get ready for the ultimate pop culture celebration at Collect-A-Con. This massive two-day event brings together anime merch, Funko POPs, vintage toys, trading cards, and celebrity guests from your favorite shows and games. Families, collectors, and cosplay fans alike will love the live performances, exclusive panels, and immersive experiences
Cost: $43.22-$48.37

Fantasy of Lights & Fantasy 5k

November 27, 2026
State Street, Howell, NJ
The event kicks off with the Fantasy 5K race and one-mile family fun walk. The main event of the evening is the Fantasy of Lights Parade. It has been the official start to the holiday season in Howell, becoming a holiday favorite for many families. When the lights go down, grab a hot chocolate and watch beautifully lit floats soar down Grand River along with local marching bands, live entertainment, first responders, special guests and the big guy himself, Santa!
Cost: Free

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

Selected days. November 27-December 23, 2026; Fridays - Sunday. 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.
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 Free

Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides at The Howell Living History Farm

Saturday, November 28, 2026
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp., NJ
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides event. Families can enjoy festive hayrides, hands-on corn picking, and community giving by donating non-perishable food or new toys for Toys for Tots. This beloved fall tradition blends farm fun with holiday generosity.
Cost: Bring a non-perishable food item donation wagon to earn a ride on a hay wagon.

Greenberg's Great Train & Toy Show

November 28, 29, 2026
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
This show Features Hundreds of Tables of Trains for Sale Exhibitors from Across the Country Huge Operating Model Train Displays Including: Free Workshops and Demonstrations Free Test Track . Test Run Your Trains at the Show On-Site Train Repairs Free Door Prize Giveaways Plus Much More!
Cost: $11, $12. Children (Ages 11 and under): FREE

Southern New Jersey November 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Cape May Restaurant Weekend – Fall

Thursday, November 5 to Sunday, November 8, 2026
Invites food lovers to savor the flavors of the Jersey Shore’s culinary scene. This four-day event showcases Cape May’s top restaurants offering specially priced, three-course dinners that highlight seasonal ingredients and coastal charm. Perfect for a cozy autumn getaway, the weekend combines gourmet dining with Victorian seaside ambiance.
Cost: Lunch often ranging from about $15–$25 and dinner from roughly $30–$45, depending on the venue and entrée selections.

Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic!

November 6, 7, 8, 2026
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Step into the spotlight as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy welcome you to a star studded Disney On Ice gala experience. It's your moment to bask in the glitz, excitement, and enchantment of Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic!
Cost: $24.95-$123.95

New Jersey Wing Fest

Saturday, November 7, 2026: 12PM–6PM
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ
A haven for wing lovers. Guests can sample creative, spicy, and classic wings from local chefs and food trucks, enjoy live music, craft vendors, cold drinks, and family-friendly activities. It's a lively autumn celebration built around bold flavors, community spirit, and plenty of napkins.
Cost: $5-$50, Parking $10

Battleship New Jersey - Veterans Day Ceremony

November 11, 2026:11 am
Battleship New Jersey, Fantail, 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ
This year's keynote address will be delivered by Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, USAF, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Cost: Free to attend

The Atlantic City Tattoo Expo

November 13, 14, 15, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
Ink lovers, mark your calendars! This premier East Coast tattoo event features over 100 world-class artists, live tattooing, art installations, entertainment, and shopping—all in a vibrant seaside setting. Whether you're a seasoned collector or curious newcomer, this three-day celebration of ink culture promises unforgettable experiences and creative inspiration.
Cost: Advance $20 - $25 at the door

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express

November 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 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

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.
Cost: Free to attend

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

Frequently Asked Questions About
November Events in New Jersey

What events are happening in New Jersey in November 2026?

The article lists fall festivals, food and drink events, cultural events, and holiday activities across New Jersey. Examples include the Teaneck International Film Festival, Jersey City Mac & Cheese Festival, Cape May Restaurant Weekend, and the Collingswood Holiday Parade.

Which November events in New Jersey are free?

The article lists several free-to-attend events, including the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ceremony, Holiday Walk Drone Light Show, Warren Holiday Festival, Smithville Holiday Light Show on the Lake, and Collingswood Holiday Parade. Cow Parade is also listed as free, though parking costs $20.

Which November events in New Jersey are family-friendly?

The article describes family activities at events such as the Great Pumpkin Festival, Jack O'Lantern Experience, Cow Parade, and DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express. Check each event's organizer page for age guidance, schedules, and ticket details.

When do New Jersey's November 2026 holiday events begin?

Some holiday events begin in November and continue into December or January. For example, the Cape May Christmas Holiday Season is listed from November 21 through January 3, 2027, and Diggerland's holiday light show is listed from November 20 through January 3, 2027.