Christmas Tree Lightings, Parades, and Menorah Lightings

Christmas may not be until the end of December, but that doesn’t start New Jersey from celebrating early! There are PLENTY of events from annual tree lightings, parades, and festivals that celebrate that and more. All of these events are free unless noted differently.

Enjoy this guide and check out these events! *Weather Permitting

New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings, Parades, and Menorah Lightings 2022:

The Week of November 21 – 27, 2022:

Rahway’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 25, 2PM – 7PM
Rahway’s annual event featured firepits, hot chocolate, giveaways, and more. Santa will be lighting the tree at 6PM.
Downtown Rahway, NJ

Princeton’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 25, 4PM
Come kick-off the holiday season with on the Green at Palmer Square and watch as they light all 32,000 lights atop their 65-foot-tall Norwegian Spruce! Take a walk about town and catch the nightly musical performances and an appearance by the one, the jolly, Santa!
Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ

Avalon Tree Lighting
November 25, 4:30PM
Festive Friday and Avalon Tree Lighting, downtown Avalon, 11:00am-4:00pm. Tree lighting at 4:30pm
Veteran’s Plaza, Avalon, NJ

Cranford Christmas Tree Lighting & Pictures with Santa
November 25, 5PM – 9PM
The beloved Cranford winter tradition will be held on Friday, November 25. The Girl Scouts will decorate the tree from 10-3, Caroling will begin at 5 and the tree will be lit at 6pm. Pictures with Santa will follow after the tree is lit.
Downtown Cranford, NJ

Red Bank Town Lighting with Holiday Express
November 25, 5:30PM
Festivities begin at 5:30pm at the Red Bank Train station with a special holiday dance performance. Santa and Mrs. Claus board the Red Bank Fire Engine at 6:45pm for their parade down Monmouth to Broad for a 7pm concert from Holiday Express. At 8pm it’s 3…2…1… LIGHTS ON!
Broad St, Red Bank, NJ

Madison Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 25, 5:30PM – 8PM
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

Clinton’s Lighting of Christmas Tree
November 25, 6:30PM
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 25 at 7PM & 26 at 10AM
Santa descends from atop Borough Hall by way of the Collingswood Fire Department’s ladder truck – just in time for the Borough’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Choral groups will sing as the town tree is lit up with twinkling lights and season’s greetings are made by Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioners Rob Lewandowski and Morgan Robinson. Live Ice Carving on Nov 25! If you needed more reason to soak up the season after the tree lighting, there will be a live ice carving demonstration at the Millennium Clock/Zane Schoolhouse at Irvin Ave at 7:30 p.m. After we greet Santa at Borough Hall, turn around and stroll the downtown, visit our merchants and enjoy the show. 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.
TreeLighting – Collings and North Atlantic Avenues, Collingswood, NJ
Parade of Lights – Best viewing spot, Park Avenue, Collingswood, NJ

Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
November 25, 7PM – 9PM
The parade begins at approximately 7 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

Stone Harbor Island Holiday
November 25 & 26
Downtown Stone Harbor, NJ

Newton Holiday Parade
November 26, 10AM
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

Annual Swedesboro Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 26, Parade at 1PM. Lighting at 6PM
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

Keyport Miracle on Front Street and Christmas Tree Lighting
November 26, 1PM – 9PM
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. Christmas tree lighting at 8pm.
West Front St, Keyport, NJ

Metuchen Winter Festival Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting
November 27, 4PM – 7PM
The parade route is expected to be over a mile long, beginning at Edgar School at 4 p.m., then proceeding north on Main Street towards the plaza. At the end of the parade, there will be a Menorah and Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Main St, Metuchen, NJ

Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 26, 4:30PM
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

Garwood Tree Lighting
November 26, 5PM – 9PM
Join Garwood Celebrations Committee to kick off the holidays at the 2021 holiday Tree Lighting. Don’t miss Garwood’s largest and most fun free community event! Enjoy a visit from Santa, free hot chocolate, donuts, holiday music, craft vendors, wreath sales, gift wrapping services and much more.
403 South Ave, Garwood, NJ

Bradley Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 27, 4PM – 6PM
Take a horse and carriage ride around our beautiful park… get a hot chocolate and cookie handed out by Girl Scout Troop 902. Kids can do a holiday craft, get their face painted or even play some holiday games. Live music with Classic Rewind! Dance performances from Studio 7. Santa arrives by firetruck and you can take your photo for free in our gazebo and tell the big guy just what you wish for most.
Riley Park, Bradley Beach, NJ

Long Branch Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
November 27, 4PM – 6PM
To kick-off the holiday season, The Long Branch Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, November 27th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Attendees will enjoy a host of holiday activities such ice skating at our famous ice rink, performances by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, Tim McLoone and the Shirley’s and a special appearance from Santa Clause.
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ

Christmas Festival on the Green
November 27, 5PM – 8PM
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

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The Week of November 28 – December 4, 2022:

Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
December 2, 5PM – 7PM
Live entertainment begins at 5pm. Santa arrives on the fire truck at 7pm to light the tree. Photos with Santa will follow the tree lighting in Town Hall. Hot Chocolate & cookies for sale to benefit Volunteer Toms River Fire Co. #1. Downtown restaurants and businesses will be open.
33 Washington St, Toms River, NJ

New Brunswick’s Holiday Tree Lighting
December 2, 5PM
Starting with the annual Tree Lighting at Monument Square Park and Facebook Live on Friday, December 2nd, the winter season will be filled with fun activities celebrating the holidays creating a Winter Wonderland of festivities. Enjoy live ice carving demonstrations while Hub City Sounds provides musical entertainment before the tree lighting ceremony and bask in the glow of the holiday tree as we flip the switch amongst carolers and friends. Make plans to join in on the fun and make a night out with shopping, beauty services, fine dining, and entertainment! Plus stop by the table out front of the NBPAC with your best “Ugly Sweater” on you or your dog and you’ll be in the running for a special contest.
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick, NJ

Somerville’s Holiday Jubilee
December 2, 5:30PM – 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!
Division St and Main St, Somerville, NJ

Boro in Lights: Glassboro’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 2, 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

Holiday on Haddon Township Festival
December 2, 7PM
Santa Claus is coming to town during Haddon Township’s annual “Holiday on Haddon” celebration on Friday, December 2nd 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

City of Cape May Tree Lighting
December 2, 7PM
Enjoy some old-fashioned holiday cheer when the City of Cape May officially kicks off the holiday season on Friday, December 2, at 7 p.m. with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rotary Park Bandstand located on the 400 block of Lafayette Street! The festive family program will include a special visit from Santa Claus.
Rotary Park; Lafayette St., Cape May, NJ

Lavalette’s Christmas Tree Lighting
December 2, 7:30PM
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Lavallette Elementary School, 105 Brooklyn Ave, Lavallette, NJ

Annual Hackettstown Hometown Holiday
December 2 -4
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

43rd Annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade
December 3, 1PM – 3PM
The Borough of Ship Bottom and the Christmas Parade Committee are excited to announce the theme for 2022 parade is “Christmas with Friends”. Antique vehicles, handmade floats and groups looking to march or perform are encouraged.
Ship Bottom, NJ

Roseland Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa
December 3, 4 – 8PM (Rain Date December 10)
2022’s Roseland Hometown Christmas Celebration is going to be yet another a grand celebration of the season! If you heard about last year’s event, you know you won’t want to miss this special night of magic and fun hosted by the Borough. Go see the  Christmas tree lighting and witness the arrival of Santa in Roseland on Saturday, December 3rd at 4pm. There will be various activities, refreshments, and performances, in addition to Photos with Santa (RSVP through Community Pass!). All activities will wrap up by 8pm
140 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ

Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 3, 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

Ocean Grove Christmas Tree Lighting
December 3, 6PM
A choir, live nativity, a tree lighting with carols, Santa’s arrival, and a Christmas Celebration Concert.
Auditorium Square, Ocean Grove, NJ

Downtown Hammonton’s Holiday Tree Lighting
December 3, 6PM – 8PM
A magical, musical evening show begins at 6pm awaiting the arrival of Santa at 7pm. Enjoy carriage rides and the “Mistletoe Mart”; an intimate holiday village with art activities and local craft vendors. Walk along Bellevue Ave to take in the holiday warmth and joy in the downtown. Rain date Dec 4.
Bellevue Ave & Central Ave, Hammmonton, NJ

Holiday of Lights
December 4, 5:15PM
Movie, Arts/Crafts, Letters to Santa, Cookies & Cocoa from East Brunswick Education Association, Arts/Crafts from Girl Scouts, Fire Pits, Holiday Lights, singalong, and more. The Lighting of the Menorah and Christmas Tree will start at 6PM
1 Civic Center Dr, East Brunswick, NJ

Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4, 6PM – 7:30PM
The Downtown Tree Lighting will once again be held in Press Plaza (Cookman Ave. and Emory St.) on Sunday, December 4th. The event will feature hot chocolate and cookies for attendees, carolers from Alphabets Preschool, and the arrival of Santa Claus on the firetruck to light up the tree for the holiday season. Please help the Community Affairs and Resource Center by Donating a new/gently used winter coat!
Kennedy Park, Asbury Park, NJ

The Week of December 5 – 11, 2022:

Downtown Freehold Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Join DownownFreehold.com and Monmouth County for the Annual Tree Lighting. The Rock and Roll Choir will perform, Court Jester will be providing hot cider. The Freehold Fire Department may stop by with a very special Guest.
Hall of Records, Freehold, NJ

Voorhees Town Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 7, 6:30PM
Come on out to the Voorhees Town Center Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and to see Santa arrive in style escorted by Voorhees Township Police and Fire Departments.
Voorhees Town Center, 2120 Voorhees Town Ctr, Voorhees Township, NJ

Tree Lighting & Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 10, 3PM – 8PM
Join the fun on Saturday, December 10th (rain date December 11th) from 3pm to 8pm for a fun night under the lights as we kick off the holiday season! Shopping with 100+ vendors begins at 3pm which includes local crafters, businesses, community groups, food trucks and more! Santa arrives at 6pm in time for the Tree lighting and photos with his fans!! Free kid activities also begin at 6pm presented by the Hopatcong Recreation Department!
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ

The Week of December 19 – 25, 2022:

Downtown Freehold Menorah Lighting
December 19, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Join DownownFreehold.com and Monmouth County for the Annual Menorah Lighting celebrating Hanukkah.
Hall of Records, Freehold, NJ

Verona Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting
December 21, 7PM
Verona’s annual Hanukkah Celebration with a Menorah Lighting, Live Music, Dancing, Food, Art & Community.
Verona Town Hall, 600 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ

Collingswood Menorah Lighting
December 22
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.
Collings and North Atlantic Avenues, Collingswood, NJ