NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings & Parades for December 2025
Now that it’s December, people in New Jersey start getting excited about the holidays. To kick things off, New Jersey towns and cities are celebrating by having their Christmas tree lightings, inviting all to enjoy. Whether you’re in a busy city or a cute little town, the twinkling lights make everyone feel happy and ready for celebrations.
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.
December New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings:
Thursday, December 4th:
New Brunswick Winter Wonderland Bazaar
December 4, 4 pm – 9 pm
The New Brunswick Winter Wonderland Bazaar, presented by Asbury Park Bazaar in partnership with New Brunswick City Center, invites the community to enjoy a magical holiday evening at Monument Square Park, where a heated tent hosts a curated selection of artisan vendors, makers, designers, artists, and small businesses offering handcrafted gifts and décor. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony, live music by regional performers and community theatrical students, synthetic ice skating, a hot chocolate bar and seasonal beverages including adult libations from Stage Left Wine Shop, a Festival of Trees and Gingerbread House Contest, and festive photo opportunities such as selfies with Santa and a holiday photo booth by Flirt With The Light. Free to attend, it encourages visitors to shop small, support local makers, and enjoy a beautifully lit, community-centered celebration of the season.
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free
Friday, December 5th:
Newton Tree Lighting
December 5
The Town of Newton, New Jersey, will host its annual Tree Lighting on the front lawn of Town Hall. The event is free and includes music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa. The festivities will occur rain or shine.
Newton Town Hall, 39 Trinity St, Newton, NJ
Hometown Holiday
December 5, 5 pm – 8 pm
Gnometown Holiday is a family fun filled evening with the Borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, live DJ, Live ICE Sculpting, 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 and restaurants.
44 E. Washington Ave, Washington, NJ
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
December 5, 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
Annual Boro In Lights
December 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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
Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 5, 7 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 5 & 6
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
Saturday, December 6th:
Ship Bottom Parade
December 6, 1 pm – 4 pm
Celebrating 100 years of Christmas! The Christmas Parade takes place 5th – 25th Streets on the boulevard. Rain date: December 7
Ocean Grove Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6
A choir, live nativity, a tree lighting with carols, Santa’s arrival, and a Christmas Celebration Concert.
Auditorium Square, Ocean Grove, NJ
Belvidere Tree Lighting and Winter Festival
December 6, 12 pm – 8 pm
There will be live music, ice skating, shopping, warm treats, a tree lighting, and more.
Riverside Park, Belvidere, NJ
Verona Fair in the Square
December 6, 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 the traditional tree lighting.
600 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ
East Brunswick Winter Wonderland
December 6, 1 pm – 6 pm
The Winter Season Festival in East Brunswick promises a fun-filled day for the whole family. 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
South Orange Downtown Hometown Holiday + Tree Lighting
December 6, 2 pm – 6 pm
South Orange’s Hometown Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 6, offers a joyful afternoon of festive activities for all ages, bringing the community together for seasonal fun. From 2 to 5 PM, families can visit Felina Steak for free professional Santa photos, children’s games, crafts, and a special Holiday Education Station hosted by the South Orange Public Library. At 5 PM, the festivities move to their new location in Spiotta Park for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring performances by the Columbia High School Choir and dancers from Concepts Dance Academy before the tree is officially lit at 5:30 PM. Guests are then invited back to Felina Steak to enjoy hot chocolate and sweet treats, keeping the holiday spirit warm and bright.
101 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights’ Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 2 pm – 7 pm
The Seaside Heights Tree Lighting event offers a festive way to kick off the holiday season. There will be activities for the whole family, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Seaside Heights’ tree lighting, fireworks, and more.
Carousel Pavilion, Seaside Heights, NJ
Be Fort Lee Holiday Night Market
December 6, 4-9 pm
This European-style Holiday Night Market will feature a diverse array of artisan vendors, showcasing handcrafted goods that make perfect gifts for the season. In addition to shopping, guests can enjoy live holiday music, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for family and friends. A variety of delicious food and drink options will also be available, ensuring that everyone can savor seasonal treats while they shop.
Fort Lee Commons, 229 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ
Cost: Free
North Wildwood Tree Lighting
December 6, 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 6, 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
Annual Tree of Lights Festival
December 6, 5:30 pm
The 35th Annual Tree of Lights will illuminate the Village Green on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., inviting the community to participate by placing a red light in honor of someone or a white light in memory of a loved one, friend, or group. Honorees and remembrances received by November 30 will be included on the illuminated display at the ceremony, with updates continued on-site and online throughout the holiday season. To dedicate a light, participants may mail the printed Dedication Order Form with a tax-deductible $50 donation per light or use the online links provided, including noting the honoree’s name in PayPal comments or emailing it directly to treasurer@watchungems.org
Village Green, Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ
Downtown Somerville Holiday Lights Parade
December 6, 6 pm
Join the fun at this annual event in downtown Somerville. Prizes are given out for the best-decorated fire and emergency vehicles, personal floats vehicles, and best-decorated houses and/or businesses in Somerville,
Main St, Somerville, NJ
Downtown Hammonton’s Holiday Tree Lighting
December 6, 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.
Bellevue Ave & Central Ave, Hammonton, NJ
Lavalette’s Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6, 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
Sunday, December 7th:
Bound Brook Holiday Tree Lighting
December 7, 4 pm – 6:30 pm
Join Bound Brook Recreation for a fun and festive Holiday Tree Lighting celebration in Billian Legion Park! Come celebrate the holiday season with friends and family.
Billian Legion Park, Bound Brook, NJ
Woodbridge Twp Holiday Parade
Kicking off at Woodbridge High School – ending at Woodbridge Town Hall.
Saturday, December 13th:
Roseland Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa
December 13, 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
