Best New Jersey Events For Kids this Season!
For the young (or the young at heart), there’s plenty of awesome activities for children of all ages this season. If you’re looking for a place to bring the family this month, New Jersey Isn’t Boring has got you covered.
PS. If the event does not list a cost, then the event is free (yay!)
For more events throughout 2021, click here.
If you’d like to submit your event, click here.
For more New Jersey adventures, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.
Best New Jersey Events For Kids this Season:
Winter WonderLights
Now – January 2, 2022, 5:30PM – 10PM
Over 1.5 million lights are animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes. Guests are welcome to bundle up in their car, bring their snacks/beverages, and tune their radio to enjoy the show to give you an incredible experience.
655 Cranbury Rd East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $28 per car, $100 season pass
Smithville Village’s Holiday Light Show
Now – January 3, 2022 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on lake Meone and light up to the music around you. It is an orchestrated show of lights and music played out across the lake.
615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ
Dasher’s Lightshow Newark
Now – December 31
Ayana and Siree Morris, owners of Moonlight Cinema, are partnering with Dasher’s Lightshow, one of the fastest growing holiday light companies in the country, to bring an immersive “Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show” to Newark. Families can connect their vehicle’s radio to 97.5 FM to listen to their favorite holiday tunes and watch the hundreds of thousands of lights dance and blink in sync with the music. The light show is open seven days a week, starting at 5 p.m. with the latest entry at 10:30 p.m.
20 Orange St, Newark, NJ
Cost: $30 – $35
Diggerland Drive-Thru Light Show
Now- January 2, 2022, 5:30PM – 9:30PM
2021 marks the second holiday light show at Diggerland, and you won’t want to miss this! Experience a light show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit!
Diggerland USA, Berlin, NJ
Cost: $29.95 per card
Festival of the Trees
Now – January 9, 2022
Festival of Trees is an annual highlight of the holiday season showcasing a juried collection of trees and mantles displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, upstairs and down. This year’s Festival opens earlier and stays open even longer into 2021!
55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Cost: $10, Kids 6 and under are free
Magic of Lights
Now – January 2, 2022
Schedule: Sunday – Thursday 5PM – 10PM. Friday & Saturday 5PM – 11PM
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.
PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Now – January 9
Join Demarest Farms during the most magical time of year and experience the joy and wonder of the Orchard of Lights. Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in their retail farm market. Take pictures with Santa, make your own s’mores, listen to Santa’s singing Reindeer, and more.
Schedule: November 23, 26-30, all of December until January 9, 2022 from 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ
Cost: $35 per car
Holiday in the Park Six Flags Great Adventure
Now – January 9
Get ready to experience your favorite amusement park in a festive way that puts you in the holiday spirit. Hope on the Ferris wheel, ride a coaster or take a spin on the carousel, all while being surrounded by glittering lights. There will be shows, rides, food, and of course, beautiful holiday displays along with the arrival of Santa.
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ
Cost: $24.99 and up
Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village
Now – January 9
Visit Your Favorite Stadium for the Holidays and Experience Our Outdoor Christmas Village Full of Cool Attractions Including Drive-Thru Lightfest, Outdoor Skating Rink, Photos With Santa, S’mores Station, Local Artisan Shops, Carnival Rides, and Seasonal Food & Drink
Skylands Stadium, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $29 per car
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
Now – January 2, 2022
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park is northern New Jersey’s premier winter event featuring open-air ice skating, a kids zone ice rink, hospitality tent, children’s games, and activities, carousel rides, food trucks an indoor/outdoor beer garden, and the Bergen County Express Train Ride! All activities (including skate rentals) are included with admission.
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $15. Kids under 3 are Free
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Now – December 24
See Santa in scuba gear swimming with sharks and the world’s tallest and smallest underwater Christmas trees. You’ll also want to check out the unique exhibits featuring touch tanks, penguins, hippos, and thousands of other aquatic animals. Reservations required
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
Cost: Price of Admission
Let It Snow
Now-December 24, select dates
“Let it Snow” features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multi-media finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery, special effects, and all-dome scenery in the audiovisual setting of the Planetarium. The 32-minute program is a fun and entertaining experience for all ages, especially families.
Ocean County College, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ
Cost: $8-$10
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Now Through December 23
Take a ride on this dazzling train through millions of Christmas lights. The fun includes meeting Santa, a gift from Santa, a holiday movie, cookies, and a walk through the Holiday Village.
DiDonato Family Fun Center, 1151 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton NJ
Cost: $17.95 per person
Creamy Acre’s Night of Lights County Christmas Hayride
Select Dates Now – December 23
Holiday traditions await you at Creamy Acres as they transform the dairy farm into a Christmas Wonderland filled with huge sparkling light displays, a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and lights galore. The family will enjoy the magic of all the Christmas lights while warm in your vehicle. Tune to our private radio station to listen to all your favorite Christmas songs. Newly expanded mid-way area with concessions and fire pits, “Who” Village walk thru and more than 5 acres of musical dancing lights.>Dates: Fri & Sat, Nov 26 & 27 Fri & Sat, Dec 3 & 4 Thurs, Fri & Sat, Dec 9 10 & 11 Thurs, Fri & Sat, Dec 16 17 & 18 Mon – Fri, Dec 20 – 24
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ
Cost: $30
Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience
Now – January 9 (Mon – Thurs)
Six Flags Great Adventure will let guests drive through its annual seasonal spectacular Holiday in the Park letting guests enjoy the million-plus shimmering lights and other festive décor. The Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience will feature 12 areas across the 140-acre park that include live entertainment, music, and plenty of lights, as well as a drive-by encounter with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
Cost: $17.99, kids under 2 are free
South Jersey Holiday Light Show
Now – December 30
The South Jersey Holiday Light Show is the premiere drive-through light show in Southern New Jersey. They proudly feature dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family. The show is approximately 20-25 minutes long.
Bridgeport Freeway, 83 Flood Gate Rd, Swedesboro, NJ
Cost: $23
Light Show on the Lake
Now – December 23
Gather ’round the fire pits at Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to roast marshmallows and watch the lake light up in this breathtaking display. Be sure to hop on the Christmas “Light Show” Hayride to see more of the farm lit up for the holidays.
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ
Cost: $6.95 and up
The Polar Express Whippany
Now – December 30
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walkers Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station. Dates available by appointment
1 Railroad Plz., Whippany, NJ
Cost: $48 and up
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Now-December 30, dates and times vary
South Jersey’s Christmas Tradition! As seen on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight!” Watch as Santa Claus appears in his chimney, waves his magic wand and lights Storybook Land with over 1 MILLION lights!
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Cost: $26.95 per person if bought in advance, $29.95 per person at the door.
Christmas Light Spectacular at Allaire Community Farm
Now – December 30
A Tractor drawn Hay Ride thru a beautiful Christmas light display, providing a holiday outing for all families to enjoy during this challenging year. See spectacular lights and dazzling displays while listening to Christmas music. Fun for people of all ages and affordable for everyone. Grab your keys, pack up the kids, and get out of the house for an event with Christmas spirit in Wall Township.
1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall Township, NJ
Cost: Prices start at $15
The Santa Express and the Starlight Santa Express
Now-December 22 and for Starlight, Friday evenings, December 10-25, and Wednesday, December 22
The Seashore Lines will take you on a historic, comfortable, fun train ride with the big man himself. The 75-minute round-trip ride will feature Santa and his helpers, onboard entertainment, and snack service on the First Class cars. You can hop on board at either Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village, and The Starlight Express includes the same, but the magic happens at night.
Richland Village- 1272 Harding Highway, Richland, NJ
Tuckahoe Village- Reading Avenue and Railroad Avenue, Tuckahoe, NJ
Cost: prices starting at $23.95
Back to Nature Home & Garden Christmas Market
Now – December 24
Back to Nature is proud to reopen their annual December month-long holiday village (now safer than ever), the Christmas Market! Santa is staying in the North Pole this year but Back to Nature is still decked out with several pop-up holiday photo ops to satisfy your social media and holiday card needs! Plus live music, an outdoor fire pit, and a delectable food truck every weekend in December, you won’t want to miss this year’s very special Christmas Market. While taking your holiday card pictures, don’t forget to browse around for holiday décor, gifts, and of course, your Christmas tree!
Back to Nature Home and Garden, 3055 Valley Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ
Snowscape at Liberty Science Center
Now – January 2
Now through Jan. 2, enjoy Liberty Science Center’s pop-up holiday adventure, Snowscape. Kick off your shoes and take a spin on their super-popular Sock Skating Rink. You can also glide along the Snowflake Path to learn the science of snowflake formation, and make your own snowflake to add to the snowdrift in the Blizzard Zone. And don’t forget to stop by the new live science demonstration, Make It Snow!
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Price of admission
Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House
Now-January 8
See over 30,000 lights at Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House, which has twinkling displays and a light show every evening. Donations will be accepted for the NJ Institute for Disabilities.
82 Paterson Road, Fanwood, NJ
Skating on the Square
Now-February 27, select days
Bundle up and skate, on our synthetic skating rink (so it’s not as cold when your bum lands on the ice, err, surface!), under twinkling lights in the perfect downtown outdoor setting.
Tickets are only sold at the door; there are no reservations. All skaters must sign the electronic waiver to be eligible to participate.
40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ
Cost:$10 cash per person/ $12 +fees with credit card
Tuckerton Seaport’s 12 Days of Christmas
December 1-12
The Seaport will have Holiday Boat Tours of Tuckerton Creek each day from December 1st through the 12th. The Seaport Captain and Tour Guide will take guests on a 50-minute tour of Tuckerton Creek complete with stories about holiday celebrations specific to our area such as when Tuckerton trees saved Christmas for New York City. Bundle up and bring a blanket! Come for the Holiday Boat Tour or just to explore the museum and grounds which will be decorated in holiday lights. You will not want to miss the Outdoor Reindeer Scavenger Hunt! Stop in to the Lighthouse upon arrival for the details. The Seaport Lighthouse along with Pop-Up Holiday Gift Shop will also be open for exploring including the Soap Bus and Christmas Wreaths.Decorate your own gingerbread cookies will be available on Saturdays and Sundays ($5 add on) from Sinfully Delicious Bakery.
The Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street Ste. 1, Tuckerton, NJ
Cost: Costs vary per event
Collingswood Menorah Lighting and Parade of Lights
December 2 and 3
On December 2, be a part of a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration at the Lumberyard Garden and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and choco-gelt. The next day, the annual Parade of Lights will kick off with fire trucks and floats strung in glittering lights to usher in the holiday season.
Menorah Lighting – Collings and North Atlantic Avenues, Collingswood, NJ
Parade of Lights – Best viewing spot, Park Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
Dickens Village Maplewood
December 2 – 18
Dickens Village will bring various scenes from Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol to life in miniature houses arranged in Ricalton Square. This community tradition opens in December and runs each Saturday until Christmas. The festivities include horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, tree lighting, and Menorah lighting.
Ricalton Square, Maplewood, NJ
Somerville’s Holiday Jubilee
December 3, 5PM – 9PM
It’s a magical time of the year in Downtown Somerville! There’s festive music in the air, a warm glow from shop windows, and the delicious aroma of the area’s best cuisine. Best of all, Santa is on his way to the Downtown Somerville Holiday Jubilee! Tree lighting at 5PM
Division St and Main St, Somerville, NJ
Holiday on Haddon Township Festival
December 3, 7PM
Santa Claus is coming to town during Haddon Township’s annual “Holiday on Haddon” celebration on Friday, December 3rd along Haddon Avenue.
The celebration kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with the “Parade of Lights,” sponsored by the Westmont Fire Company No. 1. Decorated fire trucks, bands, floats, holiday characters, and Santa will parade along Haddon Avenue to the Haddon Township Municipal Building where all of Santa’s helpers will be encouraged to help Santa light the tree.
Haddon Township will also be collecting unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items for the Annual Holiday Toy & Food Drive during the event.
Haddon Ave, Haddon Twp, NJ
Boro in Lights: Glassboro’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 3, 6PM – 9PM
Glassboro, in partnership with Kingsway Church, presents Boro in Lights, the annual holiday celebration and tree lighting, on Friday, December 6, 2019, from 6 to 9 pm in Downtown Glassboro and the Town Square. Ring in the holidays with:
Lighting of a 32 ft LED tree with over 19,000 lights
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus + Grinch + Buddy the Elf
Horse and Carriage Rides
Live Nativity + Animals
Toys for Tots + Coat Drive
Live music and dance performances as the holidays come to life
Winter Ice Bar for adults over 21
Free Hot Cocoa, Coffee, and Pretzels
and MUCH MORE!
1 West High St, Glassboro, NJ
Annual Hackettstown Hometown Holiday
December 3 -5
The Hackettstown BID will host the Annual Hometown Holiday celebration, information coming soon! Past events have included:
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides through the Historic District
• Holiday Bazaar Shopping and Dining Tent
• Businesses Open Late with Specials and #ShopSmall Offers
• Centenary University Grand Illumination and Holiday Celebration
• Santa Parade, Tree Lighting, Santa Selfie Station
• Musical performances throughout Main Street area
• Hot Chocolate & Treats
Downtown Hackettstown, NJ
German Christmas Market
December 3 – 5
Sparkling Christmas lights and holiday music reaching across from every corner, surrounded by Christmas trees, authentic festive foods and vendors offering their trade to brighten your Holiday season. Join the fun at the Sussex County Fairgrounds Dec 3-5th 2021 to celebrate the 20th annual market. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, NJ
Roselle Park’s Annual Winter Market
December 3 – 5
Roselle Park’s annual Winter Market is here! On the first weekend of December, residents of all ages can come to Michael Mauri Park to enjoy all the holiday fun the market has to offer. The market will feature a variety of activities each day – craft and food vendors, a beer garden, free kids activities, mechanical rides, ice skating, free family portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live performances, and more! The market will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, December 3rd, and from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th and Sunday, December 5th.
Michael Mauri Park, Roselle Park, NJ
Toms River Winter Wonderland Weekend
December 3 – 5
Join The Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District for their Winter Wonderland Weekend. The weekend kicks off with the annual tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 3rd. Then join us on Saturday, Dec. 4th and Sunday, Dec. 5th when the courtyard at Town Hall will be transformed into a winter village with craft vendors, kids activities, holiday music & more! Free admission to the event. No pets are permitted in the winter village.
33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ
Rahway Winter Wonderland
December 3, 10, 17, 18
Live jazz, fire pits, hot chocolate, giveaways, decorate an ornament, candy canes, ice sculptures, a holiday DJ, and photos with Santa. Don’t miss Santa on parade on December 18.
Train Station Plaza, Cherry Street, The Paseo, and Arts District Park (weather permitting), Rahway, NJ
The Polar Express with the Delaware River Railroad Excursions
December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19
Get ready to roll with the Delaware River Railroad Excursions operated by the non profit New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society. Tickets go on sale in the summer and they sell out fast. Inspired by movie and the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express. Set to the sounds of the Polar Express and Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell. Sing songs with roaming hobos, watch a Juggling Chef and make wishes to Santa himself. Don’t forget your pjs for the ride.
100 Elizabeth Street, Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $32 per child and $42 per adult
New Brunswick’s Winter Wonderland
December 3 – January 3, 2022
New Brunswick City Center is YOUR Host for the Holidays! Starting with the annual Tree Lighting at Monument Square Park on Friday, December 3rd, and every day through until the New Year, the season will be filled with multiple activities celebrating the holidays creating a Winter Wonderland of festivities in New Brunswick!
Come out for activities such as Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Live Ice Sculpture and Glass Blowing Demonstrations, Sip & Paint Nights, Holiday Themed Bars and Cocktail Specials, Date Nights, and Local Boutique Shopping!
Various Locations in New Brunswick, NJ
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
December 3 – 5, December 10 – 31 (closed Dec 24 & 25), 5PM – 9PM
About 50 animal and holiday-themed figures will light up the winter night in Turtle Back Zoo and the surrounding Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. Over 100,000 lights will illuminate figures of bears, tigers and elephants, along with holiday lights designed to look like wooden soldiers, stars and winter scenes. Several animal exhibits will be open, including the Sea Lion Sound, Essex Farm, Tam-ring Gibbons Reserve, Tropical Currents Aquarium and the Reptile Building. Myrtle the Turtle, the mascot of Turtle Back Zoo, and several of his winter friends will be on hand to greet visitors at the Zoo. “Selfies” with Santa Claus and a mailbox where children can send letters to Santa Clause at the North Pole will be available each night until December 22nd.
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ
Ocean Grove Holiday Festival and Christmas in Ocean Grove
December 4, 10AM – 4PM
A Holiday Festival Arts & Crafts show! Come shop amazing crafter & artisan booths. It’s a day full of fun, food, and festivities. Local businesses offer a wide variety of unique and special gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Stick around for the choir, live nativity, a tree lighting with carols, Santa’s arrival, and a Christmas Celebration Concert.
Crafters, artisans, and live music- Main Ave., Ocean Grove, NJ
Choir, nativity, tree lighting, and Santa- Auditorium Square, Ocean Grove, NJ
Roxbury’s Annual Home For The Holidays Street Festival
December 4, 11AM – 3PM
Kick off the holiday season on Main Street in Succasunna for Roxbury Township’s Annual Home for the Holidays. You can shop, eat, meet Santa, listen to music and take a free carriage ride with jingle-belled horses! They’ll have food trucks, vendors selling unique gifts, and strolling carolers singing holiday songs. Explore “Santa Land” inside the Library from 1-4PM where you can get a photo with Santa, listen to holiday book readings, and do fun crafts. Enjoy hot drinks and homemade treats.
103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ
Pitman Winter Village
December 4, 11AM – 4PM
Visit Uptown Pitman for a special holiday shopping engagement! Find unique gifts in our stores and from more than 30 hand-craft vendors located on Ballard Avenue. Visit Santa at Ballard Park! Make a craft, play games, and listen to live music while you shop. Then grab a bite to eat at one of our fantastic restaurants! This event is rain or shine.
Ballard Ave & Park, Uptown Pitman, NJ
Verona Fair in the Square
December 4, 12PM – 5PM
The 24th annual festival for Verona and its surrounding communities celebrates the upcoming holiday season with crafters, vendors, entertainment and children’s activities. Food and beverages will be sold. Celebrations include the arrival of Santa and traditional tree lighting.
600 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ
42nd Annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade
December 4, 1PM – 3PM
The Borough of Ship Bottom and the Christmas Parade Committee is excited to announce the theme for 2021 parade is “Comfort & Joyful Christmas”. Antique vehicles, handmade floats and groups looking to march or perform are encouraged.
Ship Bottom, NJ
Medford Dickens Festival
December 4, 4:30PM – 9PM
Venture back to a simpler, magical time for children and grown-ups alike. This will be the 29th year that Main Street in Medford will be transformed into a quaint winter wonderland, featuring holiday festivities galore with an old-time flair. The festival is free and typically attracts more than 10,000 people from Medford and many surrounding communities. Locals never fail to catch up with old friends on the street; there’s something for everyone!
Downtown Medford, NJ
Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 4, 5PM
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration, which features a tree lighting, library storytime, live music, ice sculpting, and more. The event will kick off with performances from local dance troupes along Center Avenue at 5:00 p.m. Local marching bands, scout troops, service organizations and more will parade down Westwood Avenue to Veterans’ Memorial park. Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will assist in the lighting of the tree.
Downtown Westwood, NJ
Roseland Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa 2021
December 4, 5 – 9PM (Rain Date December 11)
After last year’s different Christmas festivities, 2021’s Holiday Lighting Celebration is going to be a grand celebration of the season and there are a few surprises in store you really won’t want to miss! There will be various activities, refreshments, and performances from 5-7pm leading up to Santa’s arrival at about 7pm, and then Photos with Santa (RSVP through Community Pass!) and other activities will take place until 9pm.
Holiday Lights Parade 2021
December 4, 6PM – 10PM
Prizes given out for the best decorated fire and emergency vehicles, personal floats vehicle, and best decorated houses and/or businesses in Somerville,
Main St, Somerville, NJ
Dearborn Market’s Holiday Festival
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 11AM – 5PM
Dearborn Market’s 2021 Holiday Festival is coming! Photos with Santa will be free, but registration is required. Registration begins on 11/19 at 8 AM and can be done at www.dearbornmarket.com. Families can also enjoy a face painter and hot cocoa bar. DIY wreath kits will also be available for purchase, as well as Christmas trees and other great holiday decor items.
2170 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ
A Very Merry Pop Up
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, & 19, 12PM – 5PM
Shop and stroll on the Asbury Park Boardwalk and celebrate the holidays at “A Very Merry Pop Up” every Sat & Sun until Dec 19, from 12-5 PM in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall in Asbury Park! Shop from 12 local vendors each day along with retail tenants Betty’s Icebox, Wanderlust, Carla Gizzi, Funhouse, Drift, Sanctum Handmade, and Asbury Park Roastery. Enjoy food & libations and entertainment at Asbury Oyster Bar.
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ
The Monmouth Moms Holiday Festival at Bell Works
December 5, 11AM – 3PM
Families will enjoy a day full of local vendors for holiday shopping, food for sale, Santa picture station, entertainment, and more!
Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ
Christmas at Allaire
December 5, 12 & 19
Experience what an 1830’s Christmas was like at the decorated-to-the-nines Allaire Village. Each Sunday until Christmas, wander through the village with each house decorated in an old-world style, watch the blacksmith, wood carving, and tinsmith demonstrations, partake in a Christmas scavenger hunt, and watch a historical cooking session. You can even mail your letter to Santa in the village’s Post Office.
4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ
Cost: $8 – $10
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 5, 12, 19, 11AM – 6PM
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, hosted by Asbury Park Bazaar & Asbury Hotel, will feature a curated roster of the best local and regional artists, vendors, and shops selling the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, foodstuffs, and more. The event will feature also feature music, holiday photo stations, craft workshops, and beautiful décor. The holiday market is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” held in Germany. While you shop, enjoy delicious food & libations from Asbury Hotel.The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ
Sea of Lights
December 10, 11, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28, 4PM – 8PM
The Holiday Lights Spectacular returns this December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 26th, 27th & 28th from 4-8pm each night (entertainment 5-8pm) at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. The winter wonderland includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa*, games, Diving Santa*and Holiday Entertainment!
*Photos with Santa: December 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th (5-8pm)
*Diving Santa: December 26th, 27th & 28th (6:15-7:15pm and 7:45-8:45pm)
Point Pleasant Boardwalk, Point Pleasant, NJ
Cost: Varies per event
New Egypt Flea Market Holiday Market
December 10 & 17, 5-8PM
Tis the season for some Sweet Pickin Holiday Shopping!!! The village will be filled with twinkling lights and Christmas cheer!!! Get some shopping done and a visit with Santa!!
933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ
Bloomfield Center Holiday Hunt
December 11, 1PM – 4PM
The Bloomfield Center Alliance is welcoming shoppers to Bloomfield Center – to find holiday cheer in music, ice sculpture, and shopping! The day will kick-off with music, hot cocoa, and ice sculpture at the Six Points Plaza. Attendees will receive a Bloomfield Center Holiday Hunt Map upon arrival. The Map will show locations of Holiday Hunt Destinations.
Six Points Plaza, 574 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ
Christmas in Raritan
December 11, 1PM – 6PM
Join others for an afternoon of Merriment at the Christmas in Raritan Event. The event will be held on December 11, 2021 from 1 pm to 6 pm in Downtown Raritan, New Jersey (Somerset Street). There will be food, beverages, crafts, activities, carolers, lots of fun for all ages… and Santa Claus is coming to town! Brought to you by The Raritan Economic Development Committee.
Somerset Street, Raritan, NJ
Handmade Holiday Market & Family Day
December 11, 11AM – 4PM
Bundle up for some fun indoor and outdoor shopping in the Historic Village! Shop local, support local artists and makers while supporting the farm. Make a dent in your Christmas shopping at the Handmade Holiday Craft Fair at Whitesbog Historic Village. Handmade Arts & Crafts exhibitors will be spread throughout the historic village, free wagon rides and a candy cane hunt on the woodland trails! Hot cocoa and cookies, live music, and even more! There will be a range of art, crafts, and gifts. Warm-up at a fire pit and roast some marshmallows! Take pictures in front of the lovely cottages. Photos with Santa provided by Pemberton Recreation!
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, Browns Mills, NJ
Holiday Artisan Hop and Shop
December 11 & 12
Join several Hightstown local businesses for a special, family-friendly time of shopping locally! Shops listed will be open 1-7 pm Saturday and 11 am-4 pm Sunday for walk-in shopping. Some will be offering special pricing or items just for the event and will be posting their offerings in this event as things roll out. Each shop will place an item into a basket that we will raffle off at the end of the evening to one lucky shopper!
Downtown Hightstown, NJ
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market: Wreck The Halls
December 11 & 12
If you’re craving hot cocoa and warm sweaters we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the birth of a new holiday season by getting down with the best vendor selection in the tri-state area, the regions finest food trucks, local, live music, and more going down Dec 11-12, 2021 at the Cure Insurance Arena parking lot from 10am-5pm each day
Cure Arena parking lot (81 Hamilton Ave), Trenton, NJ
Cost: $10 at the Door (cash only, good for both days), Kids 10 & under are always free!
Somerset County 4-H’s Holiday Craft Festival
December 11 & 12, 10AM – 4PM
Join the Somerset County 4-H Association for their annual, free to attend, Holiday Craft Festival from December 10 – 11, 2021. This two-day event will be filled with holiday cheer including a very special visit from Santa Claus with his Red Santa Sleigh which is great for photo opportunities, a gingerbread house contest that is open for all to participate in, a running train display by the Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters, as well as plenty of handmade craft vendors and local artisans to help you with your holiday stocking stuffers!
Ted Blum 4-H Center 310 Milltown Road Bridgewater Township, NJ
Bayshore Holiday Bazaar
December 12, 12PM – 5PM
Asbury Park Bazaar is excited to announce the official launch of Bayshore Bazaar co-hosted with Bayshore + Beyond! Come celebrate the 1st annual Bayshore Holiday Bazaar happening Sunday, Dec 12th, 12-5 pm, at 3BR Distillery located at 7 Main St. in Keyport, NJ!
The Bayshore Holiday Bazaar will feature
HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Grab perfect gifts from a curated selection of local vendors selling the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, and more. Check out the vendor list below.
RUSSIAN SANTA! Bring your kids and the whole family to enjoy a show with Father Frost aka Russian Santa who will be joined by a witch and a snow princess. Stay after to snap a photo with Santa by a beautiful holiday tree and photo station (1-2 PM)
HOLIDAY PHOTO WALL: Grab your friends and family and snap a photo at our Insta-worthy holiday photo wall designed by Lauren Michael Events.
FESTIVE HOLIDAY TUNES & SPIRITS: While you shop enjoy a curated holiday playlist and delicious libations and craft cocktails from 3BR (the only distillery in the world using 100% garden peas to make their spirits)!
7 Main Street, Keyport, NJ
Count Basie Center Holiday Market
December 12, 12PM – 5PM
Get ready for holiday shopping, drinks, and more at The Count Basie Center For The Arts. Get into a festive mood at a Winter Market in NJ.
The Count Basie Center For The Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ
Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 12, 11AM – 3PM, Tree lighting – 6PM- 8PM
Last-minute holiday shopping? Join Hopatcong Marketplace for some last minute holiday shopping at their final market of the year. Later that day enjoy a tree lighting with a sighting from Santa.
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ
Handmade Holiday at The Woodland
December 19, 10AM – 4PM
Marketspace Vendor Events and The Township of Maplewood cordially invite you to the Handmade Holiday at The Woodland in bustling Maplewood, NJ. Admission is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood, NJ
