NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings for December 5 – 8

Get into the holiday spirit this weekend with festive Christmas tree lightings happening all across New Jersey. Towns are decking the halls and lighting up their beautiful trees with twinkling lights, carolers, hot cocoa, and holiday cheer for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a cozy small-town celebration or a grand event with live music and Santa appearances, there’s a tree lighting near you to kick off the most magical time of the year. Don’t miss these merry moments to make your season bright.

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.

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New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings December 5 – 8:

New Brunswick’s Holiday Tree Lighting
December 5, 5 pm
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

Tinseltown Official Tree Lighting
December 6, 4:30 – 6 pm
Bally’s Atlantic City will host its third annual holiday tree lighting ceremony, with special hosts Joe Kelly and Jahna Michal from the Cat Country 107.3 morning show. The event will feature complimentary hot chocolate, holiday treats, and more. Attendees are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit by donating a new, unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tots collection or contributing to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Santa will also be on hand to join in the festivities as the 40-foot Christmas tree at The Yard is lit, marking the start of the 2024 holiday season.
The Yard at Bally’s, Atlantic City, NJ

Hometown Holiday
December 6, 5 pm – 8 pm
Hometown Holiday is a family fun filled evening with the Borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, live DJ, free holiday hay rides (weather permitting), vendors, selfies with Santa and every child receives a small gift. Free Victorian photo booth, strolling brass band, The Warren County Singers and other seasonal characters. Free kids crafts with Dove Environmental Education. Open house/shopping in stores and restaurants.
44 E. Washington Ave, Washington NJ

Bay Head Christmas Walk
December 6, 5 pm – 9 pm
Experience the heartwarming Bay Head tradition with an Open House celebration welcoming all shops and businesses. Starting at 5:30 at Andi’s on Lake Avenue, the Jubilee Bells’ enchanting melodies set the tone. As twilight falls, head to Diane Turton on Bridge Avenue for the Holiday Brass Band from 6:00 to 8:00, infusing the evening with festive tunes. The highlight at 6:30 is the Town Tree Lighting, featuring Santa’s grand arrival by firetruck. This event, a testament to town unity, offers a platform for local businesses to showcase warmth and hospitality. Immerse yourself in the joyous ambiance of this Bay Head tradition and join the festivities.
Downtown Bay Head from Bridge Ave to Lake Ave, Mount St, and Main St, Bay Head, NJ

Somerville’s Holiday Jubilee
December 6, 5 – 10 pm
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

New Egypt Flea Market Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
December 6, 5 pm – 9 pm
Join the New Egypt Flea Market’s Tree Lighting & Holiday Shopping Event for a magical evening celebrating the holiday season. The event will feature a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 7:30 PM sharp, along with unique holiday shopping opportunities from local vendors and market shoppes. Savor wine from Cream Ridge Winery, enjoy bites from food trucks, and explore holiday decorations in a pet-friendly setting. Celebrate with friends and family, shop small, and discover perfect gifts to make the season truly memorable.
933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ

Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
December 6, 5 pm
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

Roseland Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa
December 6, 5 pm
The Roseland Hometown Christmas Celebration promises to be a spectacular seasonal event with exciting new attractions and surprises. The festivities will kick off with the Christmas tree lighting and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa in Roseland. The evening will feature a variety of activities, refreshments, and performances for all to enjoy. Families can also capture cherished memories with Photos with Santa (RSVP required through Roseland’s Community Pass). The celebration will conclude by 9 PM, offering a joyful evening for the whole community.
140 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ

10th Annual Boro In Lights
December 6, 6 pm – 9 pm
Glassboro’s Boro in Lights is an enchanting and eagerly anticipated annual event held in the heart of Downtown Glassboro. This festive celebration ushers in the holiday season with a captivating display of lights, music, and community spirit. With food trucks, selfie stations, festive activities, and it’s a time when residents of Southern New Jersey to come together to spread joy and happiness, creating cherished memories and sets the tone for a joyful holiday season. This free event features holiday activities as well as family friendly activities for all ages.
1 High St W, Glassboro, NJ

Christmas in Court House
December 6, 6 pm – 9 pm
The festivities will kick off with a parade along Route 9, leading to the tree lighting ceremony and performances by the local library. At Town Hall, attendees can explore a variety of craft and food vendors, offering unique items and delicious snacks. For more holiday fun, visit the firehouse for additional treats and a special chance to meet Santa Claus.
Memorial Field, Cape May Courthouse, NJ

Vinter Wonderland
December 6, 6 pm
Renault Winery invites you to celebrate the season with a festive experience for the whole family. Enjoy ice skating, tractor rides, and live entertainment for the kids, while adults indulge in gourmet dining and exquisite wines. Don’t miss Santa Claus’s special visit on December 6, where he will light the iconic Wine Barrel Christmas Tree and pose for memorable holiday photos.
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ

Holiday on Haddon Township Festival
December 6, 7 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town during Haddon Township’s annual “Holiday on Haddon” celebration along Haddon Avenue. The festival 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 6, 7 pm
Enjoy some old-fashioned holiday cheer when the City of Cape May officially kicks off the holiday season 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

Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6, 8 pm
Join the Wildwood Business Improvement District for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood. The event will take place around 8:00 p.m., offering a festive atmosphere to kick off the holiday season. For more details visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood, NJ

Annual Hackettstown Hometown Holiday
December 6 & 7
The Hackettstown BID will host its Annual Hometown Holiday celebration on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024. This two-day festive event will feature local shopping, dining, and a variety of holiday-themed activities for the whole family. Highlights include a lively Holiday Bazaar with food and shopping, community Christmas caroling, and open houses at the Hackettstown Free Public Library and Historical Society. Performances by local choirs, the NJ Civic Ballet, and a Santa Parade add to the excitement. The festivities culminate with the Tree Lighting ceremony at 7:30 PM on Friday at the Main and Moore Street Gazebo, bringing the community together to officially kick off the holiday season with sparkle and cheer.
Downtown Hackettstown, NJ

Ocean Grove Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7
A choir, live nativity, a tree lighting with carols, Santa’s arrival, and a Christmas Celebration Concert.
Auditorium Square, Ocean Grove, NJ

Verona Fair in the Square
December 7,  12 pm – 5 pm
The 26th 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

Belvidere Tree Lighting and Winter Festival
December 7, 12 pm – 8 pm
There will be live music, ice skating, shopping, warm treats, a tree lighting, and more.
Riverside Park, Belvidere, NJ

East Brunswick Winter Wonderland
December 7, 1 pm – 7 pm
The Winter Season Festival in East Brunswick promises a fun-filled day for the whole family. Taking place from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the East Brunswick Municipal Complex, the event will feature live music, dancers, carolers, a seasonal photo area, kids’ activities and crafts, food trucks, Toys for Tots, train rides, “ice” skating, a Letters to Santa drop-off, a Winter Tavern, and more. The day will conclude with a festive Holiday Market and Lighting Ceremony, making it a perfect way to celebrate the season.
1 Civic Center Dr, East Brunswick, NJ

NDD 11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
December 7, 2 pm – 6 pm
Join NDD at Military Park to kick off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting ceremony, hot cocoa, carolers, and a visit from Santa. Enjoy family-friendly activities like bounce houses, pony rides, games, food trucks, and live music. It’s a joyful celebration that brings the community together in holiday cheer!
Military Park, 51 Park Place, Newark NJ

South Orange Downtown Hometown Holiday + Tree Lighting
December 7, 3 pm – 6 pm
Join South Orange Downtown at Village Hall Restaurant 101 S Orange Ave (upstairs) for a fun filled afternoon and get your FREE photo with Santa by professional photographer, Samori Etienne. Enjoy themed games, crafts, and a holiday education station presented by the South Orange Public Library. The festivities continue with the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of 76 S Orange Ave. Starting at 5PM, there will be special performances from the Columbia High School Choir and the dance team at Concepts Dance Academy. The tree lighting will begin at 5:30PM. Plus, don’t miss hot chocolate and treats back at Village Hall immediately following the tree lighting. Special thanks to sponsors, Village Hall and The Lichtman Rabney Group at Hearth Realty Group.
101 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ

Seaside Height’s Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 4:30 pm
The Seaside Heights Tree Lighting event offers a festive way to kick off the holiday season. Carousel rides will be available from 12 PM to 4 PM, followed by the start of the ceremony at 4:30 PM, led by Mayor Vaz. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance on a fire truck, and the HJ Boyd Singers will perform Christmas carols. The tree lighting will take place at 5 PM, followed by a fireworks display. Afterward, families can take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Carousel Pavilion at 5:15 PM, with Carousel rides continuing until 7 PM.
Carousel Pavilion, Seaside Heights, NJ

North Wildwood Tree Lighting
December 7, 5 pm
Join the festive ceremony at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, located at 1st & Central Avenues in North Wildwood, starting at 5 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting event will feature holiday music by the Margaret Mace School Choir, refreshments, a self-guided tour of the lighthouse, and a special visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, 1st & Central Aves, North Wildwood, NJ

Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 5:30 – 7 pm
The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce invites the community to Downtown Asbury Park for the lighting of the newly planted Christmas Tree in Press Plaza. Festivities include caroling by Alphabets Preschool, Santa’s arrival to light the tree and take photos, and complimentary hot chocolate from DJ’s Delights and cookies. The permanent tree, planted in honor of fallen NYC Firefighter Michael Cioffi, will bring joy to Asbury Park for many holiday seasons, thanks to the support of the Asbury Park Environmental Shade Tree Commission and the City’s Department of Public Works.
Press Plaza, Intersection of Cookman Ave. and Emory St, Asbury Park, NJ

Christmas Parade and Lighting Event in Somers Point
December 7, 6 pm
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. Santa will be there to join in the celebration and meet with all the children, spreading holiday cheer.
City Hall, Somers Point, NJ

Downtown Hammonton’s Holiday Tree Lighting
December 7, 6 pm – 9 pm
Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Hammonton with an evening of festive cheer! Local musical and dance groups will perform, culminating in a special guest appearance to light the Town Tree. Guests can also enjoy seasonal activities, shopping, and holiday fun at the Hammonton Gazette Elf Village on Central Avenue. The event promises a magical start to the season, with a rain date set for Sunday, December 8th.
Bellevue Ave & Central Ave, Hammonton, NJ

Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 7, 6 pm
Westwood’s cherished Home For The Holidays celebration is back, bringing festive fun for all ages! The evening will include a tree lighting ceremony, a jingle bell craft, and carolers spreading holiday cheer. The parade, starting at 6 PM, will feature a special appearance by Santa himself. This year’s theme, “Twinkle, Shine, and Glow,” promises a magical celebration to kick off the season.
Downtown Westwood, NJ

Lavalette’s Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 7 pm
Join Lavallette for a festive evening of holiday cheer featuring a magical Tree Lighting ceremony, warm hot chocolate, and joyful season’s greetings to kick off the holiday season.
Boro Hall, 125 Washington Ave, Lavallette, NJ