NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings for November 29 – December 1

In November, people in New Jersey start getting excited about the holidays. They begin putting up Christmas lights on big trees in towns and cities, making everything look warm and festive. Even before Thanksgiving is over, communities across the state gather to turn on these lights, marking the start of the holiday season.

Whether you’re in a busy city or a cute little town, the twinkling lights make everyone feel happy and ready for celebrations. It’s like a signal that the best time of the year is coming, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. New Jersey becomes a place filled with lights and happiness, getting everyone in the spirit for a season of warmth, togetherness, and festive joy.

Always check the weather and the event links before you attend in case of cancellations and rescheduling.

For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.

For more New Jersey adventures and New Jersey Events, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.

November New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings:

November 29

Avalon Tree Lighting
November 29, 5 pm
Experience a delightful array of entertainment, including live music, children’s performances, character appearances, face painting, crafts, giveaways, hot chocolate, and more! The festivities reach a climax on Friday at 5 pm when Santa and Mayor McCorristin make a special appearance at Veterans Plaza for a magical tree-lighting celebration, generously sponsored by the Borough of Avalon. Following the celebration, head to 30th Street Beach at 6:30 pm for a Christmas Movie on the Beach featuring “The Polar Express.”
Veteran’s Plaza, Avalon, NJ

Holiday Tree Lighting in Bound Brook
November 29, 5 pm – 9 pm
The Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership will host its festive tree lighting event on Friday, November 29, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Main Street between Mountain Avenue and Hamilton Street. The evening will feature activities for all ages, including photos with Santa at the photo booth, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice skating, a trackless train, a gingerbread maze, and the Polar Extreme Obstacle Course. Guests can also enjoy performances by carolers, live entertainment, and special appearances from Frozen characters Olaf, Anna, and Elsa, along with a stilt walker and an ice sculptor.
Main Street, Bound Brook, NJ

Clinton’s Lighting of Christmas Tree
November 29, 6:30 pm
Clinton Parks & Recreation along with the Board of Selectmen and Clinton Tree Lighting Committee invite everyone to come join in on this festive occasion in Central Park. Come enjoy some free, family fun that will include holiday music, light refreshments and maybe (if your good) a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Main St, Clinton, NJ

Collingswood Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights
November 29 at 7:30 pm & 30 at 10 am
The Collingswood Holiday Tree Lighting kicks off on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM, as Santa descends from Borough Hall via the Collingswood Fire Department’s ladder truck for the town’s official tree lighting ceremony. Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioners Rob Lewandowski and Morgan Robinson will share season’s greetings while choral groups fill the air with festive music. At 7:30 PM, enjoy a live ice carving demonstration at the Millennium Clock near Irvin Avenue, then stroll downtown to visit local merchants. The festivities continue on Saturday, November 30, at 10:00 AM with South Jersey’s premier Holiday Parade, featuring marching bands, dancers, holiday characters, floats, mummers, mascots, and more as it winds through Downtown Collingswood from Zane and Haddon Avenues to West Linden Avenue.
TreeLighting – Collings and North Atlantic Avenues, Collingswood, NJ
Parade of Lights – Best viewing spot, Park Avenue, Collingswood, NJ

Cranford Christmas Tree Lighting & Pictures with Santa
November 29, 5 pm
The cherished Cranford winter tradition is scheduled for Friday, November 24. The tree decorating session by the Girl Scouts will take place from 10 am to noon. Caroling is set to commence at 5 pm, with the tree illumination ceremony scheduled for 6 pm. Following the lighting, attendees will be allowed to take pictures with Santa.
Downtown Cranford, NJ

Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
November 29, 7 pm
The parade begins at approximately 7:30 p.m. starting at Williams Avenue and proceeding up to the traffic circle where the tree lighting will take place. Floats in the Parade will be judged and be awarded prizes in the following categories: Original, Artistic, Creative, Unusual or Funniest.
On the Boulevard from Williams Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Parade
November 29, 6 pm
The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Library Point hosted by the Haddonfield Celebrations Association will take place during downtown Haddonfield’s Candlelight Shopping. Mr. & Mrs. Claus, hosted by the Partnership for Haddonfield, will lead a Parade to Kings Court, where they will pose for pictures in the Gazebo.
Liberty Point, Haddonfield, NJ

Madison Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 29, 5 pm
The annual Madison Christmas Parade is one of the most beloved Madison holiday traditions. Each year throngs of people gather on the route down Main Street to enjoy the parade and tree lighting sponsored by the all-volunteer Madison Christmas Committee.
Downtown Madison, NJ

Princeton’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 29, 5 pm
The festivities kick off at 2:30 PM on the Green with Ice Sculpture Philly carving a baby grand piano out of ice, setting the stage for The Flying Ivories to perform later in the evening. At 5 PM, the lighting ceremony begins, featuring a special concert by the BSTREETBAND, delivering Bruce Springsteen holiday hits to keep the celebration alive. The Princeton High School Choir will make an appearance, and with some luck, a jolly, white-bearded guest will help light up the 32,000 twinkling lights on the towering spruce tree.
Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ

Rahway’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 29, 2 pm – 6 pm
The yearly event in Rahway showcased firepits, hot chocolate, giveaways, and additional festive offerings. At 6 pm, Santa is set to illuminate the tree.
Downtown Rahway, NJ

Red Bank Town Lighting with Holiday Express
November 29, 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Join in the festivities and celebrate the official commencement of the holiday season at the 31st Annual Town Lighting and Holiday Express Concert on Friday. Enjoy complimentary parking and kick off your day with the Gobble, Wobble, and Shopping event, exploring the town’s fantastic shops and restaurants. The pre-show and parade at Two River Theater start at 5:30 pm, featuring a special holiday music and dance performance before Santa leads the parade down to Broad Street. The main event takes place at 7 pm on Broad Street in front of Garmany, where Tim McLoone and the Holiday Express band will rock the street until 8 pm, culminating in a dazzling lights-on countdown. Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the Red Bank Christmas Tree in Riverside Gardens Park for a picturesque photo opportunity before or after the main show. Remember, the concert and countdown occur on Broad Street, and you won’t want to miss it!
Broad St, Red Bank, NJ

Stone Harbor Island Holiday
November 29, 11 am – 9 pm
Experience Thanksgiving in Stone Harbor with a day full of festive activities. From 11 am to 5 pm, enjoy the Carousel & Holiday Market at the Water Tower Lot on 95th Street & Second Ave. At 1 pm, join the Paw Prints Pet Parade, sponsored by the Borough of Stone Harbor and Paw Prints. As the evening unfolds, gather at 96th Street (200 block) at 6 pm for the Tree Lighting ceremony. Following the tree lighting, from 6 pm to 9 pm, partake in Hospitality Night in the Business District, rounding out the day with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Downtown Stone Harbor, NJ

November 30

Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 4:30 pm
Join the Foundation for Bordentown Traditions in the center of Bordentown City to help light the Bordentown CIty Christmas Tree. Local students will perform while you wait for the arrival of Santa on the firetruck. Free refreshments. Santa will be available for photos after the event.
Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ

Santa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cape May County Zoo
November 30 at 5 pm
The Cape May County Park and Zoo, alongside the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners, will host Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 30, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event features a tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 PM, live holiday music by the John Walter Cape Community Band, a Candyland bounce house, a Polar Bear slide, Wild Lights walk-through, character appearances, an ice sculpture demonstration, and festive treats. Additional highlights include the “Elves Gone Wild” performance, a drone show by Cape May Aerial Ads, and a visit from Santa. Vendors will offer crafts and collectibles, including unique items from the Cape May County Zoo Keepers.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US 9 North, Cape May Court House, N

Colonia Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 5 pm – 8 pm
The Colonia Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring a live holiday zoo with camels, sheep, deer, and more. Santa Claus will make a grand arrival with the Colonia Fire Department, and there will be holiday crafts and displays for everyone to enjoy. A Toys-for-Tots collection will also be held during the event.
Evergreen Center, Colonia section of Woodbridge, NJ

Denville Tree Lighting at Santa Land
November 30, 6 pm
The Denville Rotary Club’s annual Tree Lighting at Santa Land will take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The event will be held at Rotary Santa Land, located on Clark Street, behind Chase Bank. This festive occasion kicks off the holiday season with a community celebration featuring the lighting of the Christmas tree and more seasonal activities.
Clark St, Denville, NJ

Highland Park Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 4 pm – 8 pm
The Small Business Saturday Night Owl Holiday Market invites visitors to explore local arts, crafts, and artisanal goods, along with food, a gingerbread house contest, caroling by the Highland Park Community Chorus, and live music from the Jeremy Sweet Trio.The evening culminates in the downtown tree lighting at 6:30 PM, featuring a special appearance by Santa arriving on the Highland Park fire truck.
Downtown Highland Park, NJ

Keyport Miracle on Front Street and Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 11 am – 8 pm
All are invited to enjoy the annual lighting of Keyport’s hometown holiday tree and welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive by fire truck. Expect family-friendly activities, Carolers singing, and watch as Ice Sculptor creates magical ice artwork live.
West Front St, Keyport, NJ

Newton Holiday Parade
November 30, 10 am
The parade includes themed floats hosted by local organizations, bands playing live music, and community groups marching in celebration of the holidays. The final act is the guest of honor himself — Santa arriving in Newton! After the parade, children are invited to visit with Santa and tell him their holiday wishes.
Spring Street, Newton, NJ

Borough of Ship Bottom Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 5 pm – 7 pm
The Borough of Ship Bottom will host its Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 30, at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Boat Ramp, located at 10th Street and Shore Avenue. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire, provided by the Ship Bottom Fire Company and Long Beach Island PBA. The festivities continue the following week with the 45th Annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at 1:00 PM along Long Beach Boulevard.
W 10th St & Shore Ave, Ship Bottom, NJ

Spring Lake Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 6 pm
The Spring Lake Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Festivities begin at 5:00 PM with caroling and games featuring the David & Kate Duo. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas train display at the Duggan Building and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Community House. The evening includes music, dancing, and a magical holiday atmosphere as the town’s tree lights up.
Downtown Third Ave, Spring Lake, NJ

Annual Swedesboro Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 30, Parade at 1 pm. Lighting at 6:30 pm
Kings Highway will be alive with Christmas cheer as Swedesboro celebrates the start of the holiday season with its annual Christmas Parade at 1pm. The parade will take place on Kings Highway at Walter Hill School and will continue all the way through downtown where it will end at Church Street. The Parade will be concluded with an appearance by Santa. Immediately following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children in the Woolwich Fire House until 4pm. The day’s events will wrap up at 6pm, with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and caroling at Borough Hall.
Swedesboro Borough Hall, 1500 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ

Westfield Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 5:30 pm
Kick off the holiday season with an evening full of festive cheer and community spirit! Santa will make his grand entrance on a fire truck to light the Christmas Tree, followed by surprises and hot cocoa for all. Children can then meet Santa on stage and capture a special holiday photo.
North Avenue Train Station, Westfield, NJ

Woodbridge Township Winterfest and Light Parade
November 30, 4 pm
The Annual Holiday Stroll & Winterfest on Main Street features the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday carolers, live entertainment, and a variety of crafters and vendors. Celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping local with Main Street merchants and enjoy an evening filled with festive activities and holiday cheer.
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ

December 1

Bradley Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 4 pm
Celebrate the holiday season at the Bradley Beach annual tree lighting event in Riley Park. Join the fun in the park as Santa Claus makes a very special visit, arriving on fire truck! There will be live music, hot chocolate and cookies, holiday games, free face painting and a holiday dance performance by one of the local dance studios. A horse and carriage will give rides around the park during the entire event. The Tourism Commission will be collecting hats, gloves and socks during the event to help local charitable organizations.
Riley Park, Bradley Beach, NJ

Long Branch Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
December 1, 4 pm – 6 pm
To kick-off the holiday season, The Long Branch Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, December 1 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Attendees will enjoy a host of holiday activities such performances by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, Tim McLoone and the Shirley’s and a special appearance from Santa Claus.
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ

Metuchen Winter Festival
December 1, 4 pm
Let It Snow! The annual Metuchen Winter Fest is set for Sunday, December 1st. The Downtown Main St. Parade steps off at 4pm, immediately followed by the tree lighting on the Plaza.
Downtown Metuchen, NJ

Christmas Festival on the Green
December 1, 5 pm – 8 pm
The event kicks off on the Sunday after Thanksgiving with Santa’s rooftop arrival and welcome ceremony. Family activities and entertainment on the historic Morristown Green, add to the dazzling “Lighting of the Green” ceremony with brilliant lights and wreaths adorning streetlights town-wide – a 100+ year tradition!
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ