‘Tis the Season: 30+ New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings & Holiday Parades for December 2019

November 25, 2019 newjerseyisntboring

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 lightnings, 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 & Holiday Parade Guide December 2019

Bridgeton Christmas Parade
December 1, 2PM
Come kick off the holiday season with a Classic Christmas Parade! Have a ‘Holly Jolly Time’ with us! Parade will begin on West Avenue, promptly at 2PM and will make its way down Commerce Street, through the downtown and up Laurel Street to Washington Street.
Bridgeton, NJ

WLB 90th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1, 3PM – 6PM
Meet Santa, Enjoy Hot Chocolate & Cookies, Some Live Entertainment … and Ice Skating
Franklin Lake, West Long Branch, NJ

Pier Village Tree Lighting
December 1, 4PM
Don’t miss the annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration in Pier Village on Dec 1 from 4pm-6pm! This event will feature performances by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, the Long Branch High School marching band and dance team, and the Second Baptist Church Choir. The ice rink, Ice at the Pier, will be open from 10am-9pm. There will be costume characters, a meet & greet with Santa, and free mini train rides around Festival Plaza. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the beautiful night!
Pier Village, 50 Chelsea Avenue Ste 137, Long Branch, NJ

North Plainfield’s Tree Lighting and Santa Comes to Town
December 1, 4PM
Come celebrate two Annual North Plainfield traditions together –Recreation’s Holiday Tree Lighting, and the Borough’s Santa Comes to Town. Everyone is invited to join at Vermeule for Santa’s arrival at 4 pm, holiday music, balloon caricatures, hot chocolate, cookies and other refreshments, and more!
614 Greenbrook Rd, North Plainfield, NJ

Bradley Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 4PM
Santa will arrive by Fire Truck Horse and wagon rides Bradley Beach. Refreshments & Entertainment and Santa Claus.
Riley Park, Bradley Beach, NJ

Metuchen Winter Festival Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1, 4PM – 7PM
Metuvchen’s Annual Winter Festival Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting! This year’s theme is “BABY, it’s COLD OUTSIDE.”
Main St, Metuchen, NJ

Holiday of Lights
December 1, 5PM
5:00pm- Fun Begins!!!!
Movie – Troll’s Holiday
Fire Pits!!!
FREE Cotton Candy – courtesy of Primrose School of East Brunswick
FREE Holiday Activity – courtesy of Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, Inc. East Brunswick, Milltown, & South River
FREE Candy Canes – courtesy of Mark Coller CPA
FREE Dreidels – courtesy of Mark Coller CPA
FREE Cocoa – courtesy of East Brunswick Education Association
FREE Cookies – courtesy of East Brunswick Education Association
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
6:00pm – Ceremonial Tree and Menorah Lighting
Immediately following the lighting there will be a Special Guest Appearance from the North Pole
334 Dunhams Corner Rd, East Brunswick, NJ

100th Annual Crosswicks Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1, 5:30pm
Kick off the holiday season by watching as the Community Christmas Tree is lit on the first Sunday in December! Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and caroling provided by the Girl Scouts, and see Santa as he is escorted by the Union Fire Company to visit the children! Be part of this treasured tradition that has charmed the community annually since 1919!
480 Main Street, Crosswicks, NJ

Christmas Tree Lighting on the Beach!
December 1, 5PM – 8:30PM
Join in on the fun as it’s time to light the Mister C’s Christmas Tree on the Beach!
Ocean Place at Allen Ave, Allenhurst, NJ

Union Beach’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Visit from Santa
December 1, 6PM
Join the Union Beach Recreation Commission for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and visit from the big man himself…SANTA! Ring in the Holiday Season with the best little town in New Jersey as they come together to light the tree, hear the holiday tunes, and welcome Santa Claus!
Scholer Park, Union Beach, NJ

Christmas Festival on the Green
December 1, 5PM – 7PM
The place to celebrate the holidays from Thanksgiving up until Christmas; this month-long family event (brought to you by the Morristown Partnership) 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

4th Annual Lighting Ceremony at Liberty Harbor
December 2, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
In addition to the tree lighting, there will be a petting zoo, pony ride, refreshments, and Santa will be stopping by between 6:00 and 7:00!
Liberty Harbor Residences, 333 Grand St, Jersey City, NJ

Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade
December 6, 6:30PM
Parade registration/check-in begins at 5 p.m. at the North Wildwood Recreation Center, 10th and Central Avenues, North Wildwood. Parade lines up along Central Avenue and steps off 16th Ave at 6:30 p.m. proceeding along Central Avenue, then Pacific Avenue to Rio Grande Avenue, then turns onto New Jersey Avenue continuing towards Oak Avenue turning back towards Pacific Avenue and ending at Byrne Plaza. Awards will be announced for floats and decorated business lighting contest. Tree lighting to follow awards ceremony.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 4:30PM – 7:30PM
Festive ceremony will take place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, 1st & Central Avenues, in North Wildwood. Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, free tour of lighthouse and Santa Claus! 4:30 p.m. Free admission
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, 1st & Central Avenues, North Weldwood, NJ

Cape May Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 5PM (rain date Dec 2)
Old fashioned family fun including caroling, tree lighting, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Rotary Park, Cape May, NJ

New Brunswick Annual Tree Lighting 2019
December 6, 5PM
New Brunswick City Center invites the entire community to celebrate the holidays in New Brunswick this season! Join for the annual holiday festivities and lighting of the 26-foot Tree, Friday, December 6 at Monument Square Park. Admission is FREE so bring the whole family. There will be face painting, a photo booth, holiday music, cook-off competition, giveaways, the Howl-day Pet Costume Pageant, and MORE! Santa Claus will also be arriving in style! Be sure to check out our specialty stores offering holiday specials and make plans to dine in our fabulous restaurants while you’re in town!
109 Church St, New Brunswick, NJ

Tom’s River Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 5PM – 7PM
Annual Christmas Tree lighting, caroling, live performances, and food trucks!
Town Hall Courtyard, Toms River, NJ

Montclair’s Tree Lighting
December 6, 6PM – 8PM
Montclair Center’s Annual Tree Lighting. Music, refreshments and fun to usher in the holiday season.
Church & Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ

Holiday Lights Event
Decemebr 6, 6PM
Plainfield’s lighting of the Xmas Tree and Menorah. Holiday Gifts for the Kids and Hot Chocolate. And of course, a Visit from Santa!
515 Watchung Ave, Plainfield, NJ

Boro in Lights: Glassboro’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6, 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!
Glassboro Town Square, Glassboro, NJ

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
December 6, 6PM
The Santa Parade will start at 6 pm near Red Bank Avenue and North Broad Street, and go down North Broad Street, ending in front of City Hall. The Tree Lighting will follow the Santa Parade. Afterwards, take pictures with Santa and enjoy some holiday treats! During the event they will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots. The first 40 people to bring a toy will receive a free Santa hat!
City Hall, Woodbury, NJ

Wall Twp Tree Lighting
December 6, 6PM
Bring your family and friends for an evening Holiday Celebration of Christmas Carols, Dance Performances, Refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus!
2700 Allaire Rd, Wall, NJ

Holiday on Haddon Township Festival
December 6, 7PM
Santa Claus is coming to town on Friday, Nov 30 for the annual “Holiday on Haddon” celebration. The “Parade of Lights” sponsored by the Westmont Fire Company No.1 will begin at 7:00 pm and make its way down Haddon Ave. to the municipal building. Decorated fire trucks, bands, floats, holiday characters and, of course, Santa will all be parading their way to the Township tree. The tree lighting ceremony will take place immediately following the parade where all of Santa’s helpers will be encouraged to magically light the tree. Afterwards, families are invited for refreshments at the Westmont Fire Company No. 1 and children will get a chance to sit on Santa’s lap before he returns to the North Pole. There is no rain date for the parade. Refreshments and photos with Santa will still be held at the Westmont Fire house in case of inclement weather.The Township will also be collecting unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items for the Annual Holiday Toy Drive that evening.
Haddon Ave, Haddon Twp, NJ

Highlands Tree Lighting
December 6, 6PM
The event features music performances, holiday dancers, along with free hot chocolate, candy canes, horse and buggy rides and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Huddy Park, Highlands, NJ

Lavalette’s Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 7PM
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Boro Hall ; 125 Washington Ave, Lavallette, NJ

Clinton Christmas Parade
December 6, 7PM
The 33rd Annual Clinton Christmas Parade! A night of magic and fun for the whole family!
Downtown Clinton, NJ

Christmas in the Plaza
December 6 & 7
Enjoy the best festival in town! This family-friendly holiday event will take place at Byrne Plaza, located at Oak and Pacific Avenues, in Downtown Wildwood. Friday night will feature a Christmas parade awards ceremony, tree lighting ceremony, appearances from Santa Claus, carnival rides and more from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday’s festivities will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. featuring carnival rides, vendors, holiday activities, family entertainment and story time with Mrs. Claus at 10:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 11:45 a.m. (bring a blanket or chair to sit on.) The John Walter Cape Community Band will take the stage from noon-4 p.m. and entertain the crowd with live Christmas music. Admission is FREE!
Oak and Pacific Avenues, in Downtown Wildwood, NJ

Roxbury’s 5th Annual Home For The Holidays Street Festival
December 7, 11AM – 4PM
Kick off the holiday season on Main Street in Succasunna for Roxbury Township’s 4th 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

23rd Annual Verona Fair in the Square
December 7, 12PM – 5PM
The 23nd 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

40th Annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade
December 7, 1PM – 3PM
Homemade floats and antique cars welcome, The parade will proceed along Long Beach Boulevard 5th Street to 25th Street
On Long Beach Blvd. from 5th-25th Streets, Ship Bottom, NJ

Washington Twp Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 5PM
Be sure to join Mayor Gattinelli and Town Council at the annual tree lighting ceremony. They will have all of the usual favorites, including hot chocolate and cookies in our heated tent, carols by the WTHS Choir, guest appearances by Frosty the Snowman, Mickey & Minnie Mouse and of course our guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus! All new this year will be a Christmas Village, sponsored by the WT Chamber of Commerce, so you can even do some shopping!
Washington Twp, NJ

2019 Long Branch Holiday Celebration
December 7, 5PM – 7PM
Enjoy holiday goodies, cookies, and hot cocoa while listening to the LB Middle School Honors Choir and watching the tree and menorah lighting. Come one, come all, have a cookie, have a ball!
Between City Hall & The Library (328 Broadway), Long Branch, NJ

West Cape May Christmas Parade
December 7, 5PM (rain date Dec 2)
Start your holiday season with the best Christmas Parade in Cape May County! Over three hours of family fun and entertainment. Parade start time is 5:00PM. Parade starts at the West Cape May Fire Hall, proceeds south on Broadway to West Perry and to the Washington St. Mall, Cape May.
West Cape May, NJ

The Asbury Park Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 7, 5:30PM
Join the fun at Asbury Park’s Press Plaza, where Cookman Ave. meets Emory St., as we kick off the 2019 holiday season on Saturday December 7th! Festivities begin at 5:30. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you listen to the Alphabets Preschool Carolers! Watch as Santa himself casts his magic and lights the beautiful tree with all of the colors of the rainbow! Donate a toy to the Asbury Park Toy Drive and Community Affairs and Resource Center, to spread the joy of the season, by donating an unwrapped toy or a new/gently worn winter coat. Bring your kids, your friends, your date and don’t forget, Asbury Park is a dog friendly community! Come early or stay after and enjoy our many spectacular retail stores and amazing restaurants & eateries
Downtown Asbury Park, NJ

Annual Blackwood Fire Company Christmas Parade
December 7, 6PM – 9PM
Join Blackwood Fire Company on Saturday, December 7th, at 6pm for the 31st Annual Christmas Parade. The parade will start at the intersection of Davistown Road and the Black Horse Pike and travel North to Church St. Santa visit, hot chocolate and cookies until 9pm.
Blackwood Fire Company, 14 W Central Ave, Blackwood, NJ

Downtown Hammonton’s Holiday Tree Lighting
December 7, 6PM – 9PM (Rain Date Dec 8)
This event features horse and carriage rides, live entertainment, a living nativity, Historical Society Museum tours and a visit from Santa to magically light up the town’s Christmas tree. What more could you ask for?
Bellevue Ave & Central Ave, Hammonton, NJ

Somerville’s Holiday Lights Parade
December 7, 6PM – 10PM
The annual Somerville parade features dozens of vehicles decked out with lights. Prizes are given out for the best-decorated fire and emergency vehicles, personal floats vehicle, and best-decorated houses and/or businesses along the parade route.
Main St, Somerville, NJ

Gloucester County Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 8, 2:30PM – 9PM
Please join Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer and Council for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Veterans Park on Sunday, December 8th.
2:00 pm – Amusement Rides Open
4:30 pm – Food & Activities Begin
6:00 pm – Performance by Mainstage
6:30 pm – Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival
1261 Chews Landing Rd, Clementon, NJ

Middletown Christmas Tree Lighting
December 8, 5PM
The Middletown Arts Center will be holding a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony with crafts and entertainment on Sunday, December 3rd at the Arts Center on Church St. Along with the tree lighting there will be a special visit from Santa escorted by the Old Village Fire Company, music, crafts, entertainment, 50/50 raffle to benefit the Arts Center, and much more!
Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown, NJ

Christmas Tree Lighting on the Beach!
December 8, 5PM – 8:30PM
Join in on the fun as it’s time to light the Mister C’s Christmas Tree on the Beach!
Ocean Place at Allen Ave, Allenhurst, NJ

Downtown Freehold Christmas Tree Lighting
December 9, 5PM – 7PM
The annual Christmas tree lighting marks Santa’s arrival in the borough! The Rock and Roll Choir will perform, Court Jester will be providing hot cider. We also understand the Freehold Fire Department may stop by with a very special Guest!!
Hall of Records Plaza, 1 East Main Street, Freehold, N

HDSID Annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting
December 10, 6PM – 7PM
The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District presents its Annual Historic Downtown Tree Lighting and Menorah Ceremony at the Pedestrian Mall on December 3rd at 6:00pm! Please join Mayor Fulop and the HDSID in celebrating the holiday season. Santa will arrive on a fire truck!
Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall, 119-158 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ

More Ideas of Things You Can Do this Fall/Winter: