New Jersey This Weekend:
Events, Festivals, and Top Things to Do

New Jersey weekend events: December 5th, 6th, 7th, 2025

Looking for the best NJ events this weekend? From Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Garden State is packed with can’t-miss experiences for families, couples, and curious explorersقperfect if you’re searching “things to do in New Jersey” or “New Jersey events near me.”

Discover seasonal festivals, food fairs, live concerts, and cultural showcases across North, Central, and South Jerseyقcurated to highlight local flavor, cozy cold-weather fun, and community spirit. With crisp air and early sunsets, it’s the ideal time for twinkling light displays, indoor markets, and festive night outings.

Planning a quick day trip or a full weekend escape? Explore our top picks, maps, and ticket links to make your New Jersey weekend effortless and unforgettable.

Top Outdoor Events & Festivals in New Jersey This Weekend

Soak Up the Season: New Jersey’s Must-See seasonal Outdoor Events

Diggerland Drive thru Holiday Light Show
December 5th until January 11th, 2026
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
Experience the magic of the 2025 Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, 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

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
December 5th until january 11, 2026
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park, 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.

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express
December 5 until 23, 2025
DiDonato's Family Fun Center, Hammonton, NJ
All aboard the DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express—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. With free bowling, photo ops, and seasonal surprises, this immersive event is perfect for kids ages 1–92.

Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
December 5 to January 3, 2026, Holmdel
Experience the dazzling Magic of Lights at this festive drive-through holiday lights show perfect for families and seasonal seekers. Cruise through 2.5 miles of brilliant LED displays, animated scenes, and beloved holiday characters, all from the comfort of your car. This annual tradition features highlights like the Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and Prehistoric Christmas dinosaurs, plus a cozy Holiday Village with ice skating and Santa visits.

Ocean City Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 5th, 2025: 6:00 PM
Ocean City, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Ocean City NJ Christmas Parade along festive Asbury Avenue. This beloved annual event features dazzling floats, marching bands, holiday characters like the Grinch and Santa Claus, and plenty of family-friendly cheer. Starting at Sixth Street and ending at 11th Street, the parade offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy downtown shopping and dining before and after the show. Don’t miss this heartwarming kickoff to Ocean City’s holiday season!

Wildwoods' Winter Festival - Christmas in The Plaza
Friday, Saturday, December 5th, 6th, 2025
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at Wildwoods' Winter Festival – Christmas in The Plaza. This festive, family-friendly event features twinkling lights, live holiday entertainment, local vendors, and visits with Santa Claus—all set in a charming coastal town bursting with seasonal cheer. Perfect for holiday shopping and memory-making, Christmas in The Plaza is a must-visit destination for families, couples, and visitors seeking a joyful winter escape in New Jersey. Don't miss this enchanting kickoff to the Wildwoods' holiday season.

The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
December 5th until December 28th, 2025
Middlesex County Fairgrounds
655 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ
Experience the magic of the Winter WonderLights Spectacular Drive-Thru—New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show! This dazzling family-friendly event features over 1.5 million synchronized lights, festive music, and themed displays celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa. Guests can enjoy a cozy drive through sparkling tunnels, towering trees, and tributes to first responders—all from the comfort of their car. Perfect for holiday outings, date nights, and seasonal traditions

Winter Village -- Festival of Trees
Fridays-Sunday, December 5th until 21st, 2025
The Red Mill
56 Main St.
Clinton, NJ
This Annual Holiday Festival features a beautiful display of decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces that are available to win through our raffle. Experience over 40 artisan crafters, specialty foods and craft beer set inside the bucolic Red Mill Museum Village made even more special with holiday lights and decor throughout the grounds of the Red Mill Museum Village, amid the historic buildings.

Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 4:30pm
Atlantic City, NJ
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade. Held along vibrant Atlantic Avenue, this festive holiday event features dazzling lights, joyful music, and family-friendly entertainment that captures the spirit of Christmas in Atlantic City. Whether you're a local or visiting the Jersey Shore, don’t miss this enchanting parade that brings the community together for an unforgettable winter celebration.

Berkeley Heights Winter Walk Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Downtown Berkeley Heights, NJ
This annual holiday event transforms the town into a festive wonderland, featuring dazzling light displays, live entertainment, holiday shopping, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll through decorated storefronts, enjoy seasonal treats, and meet Santa Claus—all while soaking in the joyful community spirit. The day will culminate with the Berkeley Heights Recreation Department’s Tree Lighting and a spectacular fireworks show at Veteran's Memorial Park.

Wassail Day & Winter Encampment
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Historic Cold Spring Village
720 US Rt 9
Cape May, NJ
Step into the spirit of the season at the enchanting Wassail Day & Winter Encampment. This beloved annual event offers a festive blend of colonial holiday traditions, living history demonstrations, and family-friendly winter activities. Visitors can enjoy hot mulled cider, caroling, and interactive encampments that bring 18th-century winter life to vivid reality. Perfect for history buffs and holiday lovers alike, Wassail Day is a must-attend celebration that captures the charm of a bygone era in the heart of Cape May. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience authentic holiday cheer in one of New Jersey’s most treasured historic villages.
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Best Indoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend: Live Theater, Shows, and Concerts

As temperatures drop, step inside and discover the thrilling indoor attractions waiting at New Jersey’s top venues.

Drumthwacket Holiday Open House
December 5, 10, 20, 21, 2025
Drumthwacket Foundation
354 Stockton Street
Princeton, NJ
Admission: Free. Guests must register in advance.
Drumthwacket serves as the stately home and grounds of the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey. Constructed on land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American independence, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the most elegant of our nation's executive residences.
Drumthwacket is most festive during the holiiday season. Guests view six first-floor public rooms festively decorated by the Garden Clubs of New Jersey, enjoy holiday piano music in the Music Room and a sweet treat prepared by the Drumthwacket Chef. The format for all Open Houses is self-guided but Docents are available in every room to answer questions.

Ocean City Train Expo
December 6th, 7th 2025: 10 AM to 4 PM
Historic Music Pier
Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace
Ocean City, NJ
All aboard for family fun at the Ocean City, NJ Holiday Train Expo. Explore dazzling model train displays of all gauges, shop unique collectibles from expert vendors, and enjoy free admission in America’s Greatest Family Resort. This festive event offers free parking and unforgettable holiday charm by the boardwalk. Perfect for train enthusiasts, families, and holiday travelers seeking seasonal magic in South Jersey.

The Hook
December 5, 6, 7, 2025 , Harrahs Resort, Atlantic City
The electrifying spectacle, Spiegelworld's bold, adults-only variety show that redefines Boardwalk entertainment. This high-octane residency blends jaw-dropping acrobatics, unhinged comedy, and glamorous chaos into a 75-minute thrill ride, perfect for couples and nightlife seekers.

Almost Queen: A Tribute to QUEEN
December 6, 2025, The Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ
A Tribute to QUEEN brings the timeless hits of Freddie Mercury and Queen to life. Known for their spot-on vocals, dazzling costumes, and electrifying stage presence, Almost Queen delivers an unforgettable night of classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Somebody to Love. Perfect for fans of all ages, this high-energy performance promises to be one of New Jersey's must-see concerts of the season. Don't miss your chance to experience the ultimate Queen tribute in the heart of Montclair!

The Irish Tenors
December 5, 2025, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
The legendary trio—Patrick Hyland, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan—have captivated audiences worldwide since the 1980s, earning acclaim as the kings of Celtic music with ten best-selling CDs and celebrated PBS specials. Their upcoming concert promises a powerful blend of traditional Irish ballads, stirring anthems, and holiday favorites, making it a must-see event for fans of Irish culture and classical crossover music. Located in the heart of Morristown, this performance offers New Jersey audiences a rare chance to experience the Tenors’ soaring voices and rich harmonies in an intimate, acoustically superb venue

Christmas time withTrishaYearwood With aSymphony
December 5, 2025, Prudential Hall, Newark, NJ
This unforgettable concert blends Trisha Yearwood’s powerhouse vocals with the elegance of a full symphony orchestra, creating a festive evening of holiday classics and timeless hits. Perfect for families, couples, and music lovers, this NJPAC holiday event promises warmth, joy, and world-class entertainment in the heart of Newark. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the season’s most enchanting Christmas concerts in New Jersey.

Top New Jersey Family Events for Kids This Weekend

Make fresh memories with these easygoing, family friendly events.

Disney's Frozen
December 5, 6, 7 2025, Papermill Playhouse, Millburn, NJ
This enchanting Broadway musical brings Elsa, Anna, and Olaf to life with dazzling performances, unforgettable songs like “Let It Go”, and breathtaking sets perfect for families and theater lovers alike.

The Wizard of Oz
December 5, 6, 7, 2025, Lackland Performing Arts Center, Hackettstown, NJ
This beloved musical brings Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion to life in a dazzling stage production perfect for families and theater lovers alike. With unforgettable songs, vibrant costumes, and timeless storytelling, this enchanting performance is a must-see New Jersey event. Don’t miss your chance to follow the Yellow Brick Road.

Warren Holiday Festival
Saturday, December 6th, 2025; 4pm - 7pm
Municipal Complex
46 Mountain Blvd,
Warren, NJ
This family holiday celebration feaures a a bonfire @ 4:15pm, a visit by Santa, carnival games, food trucks, horse and carriage rides, petting zoo, an iceless skating rink, a tree lighting @ 6:50pm, and fireworks @7pm

New Jersey Ballet's The Nutcracker
December 6, 7, 2025, BergenPAC, Englewood, NJ
This beloved family tradition brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and dazzling choreography to life, featuring professional dancers, stunning costumes, and enchanting sets. Perfect for audiences of all ages, The Nutcracker at Bergen Performing Arts Center promises an unforgettable celebration of holiday spirit, making it one of New Jersey’s must-see Christmas events.

This Weekend's Best New Jersey Food & Drink Events

Treat yourself to harvest flavors and local brews at one of these popular events this weekend.

Wildwoods Restaurant Week
December 5th, 6th, 7th, 2025
Participating restaurants offering special prix fixe breakfast ($10), lunch ($15), and dinner ($40) menus at great prices. From fresh seafood and sizzling steaks to creative international cuisine and classic boardwalk favorites, there's something to satisfy every preference. Whether you're dining in a cozy restaurant or a lively family-friendly eatery, the experience promises delicious dishes, warm hospitality, and a true taste of the Wildwoods.

Top Fun, Educational & Adventurous Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend

This weekend in New Jersey (December 5, 6, 7, 2025), families, couples, and adventureقseekers can explore an exciting lineup of events and attractions across the Garden State.
From cultural festivals and outdoor adventures to holiday celebrations and kid-friendly activities, New Jersey's weekend calendar is filled with opportunities to spark imagination, embrace seasonal fun, and create lasting memories.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family outing, or a day of exploration, New Jersey offers vibrant experiences that blend entertainment, education, and adventure.