NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey December Free Events 2023

Looking for free activities in New Jersey this December? Look no further! New Jersey offers a wide range of exciting and cost-free options for you to enjoy. From vibrant festivals and cultural events, there is something for everyone. Get ready to discover the best free things to do in New Jersey this December and make unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.

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

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New Jersey Free Events December 2023:

Hometown Holiday 2023
December 1, 5 pm – 8 pm
Hometown Holiday returns to Downtown Washington on Friday, December 1st, 2023, from 5pm-8pm! Kick off the holiday season at Hometown Holiday! A family fun filled evening with the annual Borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, music by DJ Rupe, free horse and carriage 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. Add your own unique ornament to the town tree with our new community ornament making activity! Open house/shopping in our stores and restaurants. Free parking, rain or shine.
44 E. Washington Ave, Washington NJ

New Egypt Flea Market Holiday Market
December 1, 5 pm – 9 pm
Tis the season for some Sweet Pickin Holiday Shopping!!! The village will be filled with twinkling lights and Christmas cheer!!! Get some shopping done and a visit with Santa!!
933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ

Bay Head Christmas Walk
December 1, 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

Roselle Park’s Annual Winter Market
December 1 – 3
Roselle Park’s annual Winter Market is here! On the first weekend of December, residents of all ages can come to Michael Mauri Park to enjoy all the holiday fun the market has to offer. The market will feature a variety of activities each day – craft and food vendors, a beer garden, free kids activities, mechanical rides, ice skating, free family portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live performances, and more!
Michael Mauri Park, Roselle Park, NJ

Smithville Village’s Holiday Light Show
December 1 – 31 every night, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you. It is an orchestrated show of lights and music played out across the lake.
​​615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
December 1-3, December 8-31 (closed Dec 24 & 25)
During the holiday season, individuals can enjoy a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, bathed in the glittering lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Embracing the spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. The 2023 Holiday Lights event runs from 5 pm to 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting from November 17 to December 3, and nightly from December 8 to December 31 (closed on December 24 & 25). Admission is free, and attendees can engage in various activities such as visiting the carousel, touch tank, face painting, reptile house, farm, train, and gift shop (some activities may have associated fees). Reservations are not required. This special event offers a unique backdrop with some animals, focusing on an evening stroll through light displays and photo opportunities with friends and family. Seasonal activities include a s’mores station, Grinch weekend, and photos with Santa. While not all areas of the Zoo are open and accessible, visitors can explore the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Farm to catch a glimpse of some animals.
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ

Drumthwacket Holiday Open House
December 1 – 3 pm, 16, 17, & 19, Open Houses are 11 am to 2 pm, and Sundays 12 noon to 3 pm
Drumthwacket serves as the stately home and grounds of the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey. Constructed on land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American independence, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the most elegant of our nation’s executive residences.
Drumthwacket is most festive during the holiday season. Guests view six first-floor public rooms festively decorated by the Garden Clubs of New Jersey, enjoy holiday piano music in the Music Room and a sweet treat prepared by the Drumthwacket Chef. The format for all Open Houses is self-guided but Docents are available in every room to answer questions.
Drumthwacket Foundation, 354 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Cost. Free, Guests must register in advance.

Heights Holiday Market
December 2, 10 am – 4 pm
Attendees can enjoy the offerings of over 80 local vendors, indulge in a festive food court, partake in a complimentary Holiday photo booth, experience live music courtesy of DJ Preskool and DJ Lucy Euclid, savor seasonal cocktails provided by Fox & Crow, capture family photos with Santa, relish s’mores hot cocoa by Busy Bee Organics, and much more!
Riverview Park, 498 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ

Roxbury’s Annual Home For The Holidays Street Festival
December 2, 11 am – 3 pm
Kick off the holiday season on Main Street in Succasunna for Roxbury Township’s 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

Verona Fair in the Square
December 2, 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

Downtown Somerville Holiday Lights Parade
December 2, 6 pm
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

Christmas on the Farm
December 2, 10 am – 4 pm
Santa is coming to Howell Farm…not in a sleigh, but on a steam tractor! Visit Howell Farm this Saturday for Christmas crafts, live music, farm animal visits, and an opportunity to stroll through a decorated historic farmhouse – before meeting Santa when he arrives at 12:30. Stop by the visitor center to hear the Jugtown Mountain String Band play inside the barn…then find a spot around the craft table to recreate a paper Victorian angel ornament ($5 materials fee). Next walk up to the barnyard, where families can take selfies in the 1800s sleigh pulled by the horses on snowy days, and visit the blacksmith working in the farm’s forge. The farmhouse will be open for tours, decked out in all its Christmas finery. Stop back at the visitor center for warm drinks, homemade cookies, lunch, and other light refreshments.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ

Westwood Home For The Holidays
December 2, 5 pm
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

Medford Dickens Festival
December 2, 4 pm – 9 pm
Venture back to a simpler, magical time for children and grown-ups alike. This will be the 30th year that Main Street in Medford will be transformed into a quaint winter wonderland, featuring holiday festivities galore with an old-time flair. The festival is free and typically attracts more than 10,000 people from Medford and many surrounding communities. Locals never fail to catch up with old friends on the street; there’s something for everyone!
Downtown Medford, NJ

Noyes Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village
December 2 & 3, 12 pm – 5 pm
All ages are welcome to attend the Noyes Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village! Enjoy live music from pianist Denis Brousse, family photos with Santa, craft activities for all ages, local food and drink vendors, and shopping from local artists and vendors. Donate an unwrapped toy for the Ducktown AC Toys for Tots drive. Compete for cash prizes and vote on your favorite gingerbread house in the Gingerbread Village.
2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, NJ

Ocean City Train Show
December 2 & 3, 10 am – 4 pm
Large model train displays are featured every holiday season at this resort’s popular Train Show and Sale. The show features colorful working displays that delight children and adults alike plus vendors who sell trains, parts, accessories, and memorabilia suitable for year-round and holiday exhibits. The stage of the Music Pier will highlight a working exhibit of Gauge 1 railway trains by the South Jersey Garden Railroad Society. The exhibit is a favorite of children, as they can sit on stage and watch large models circle through colorful foliage and forest settings. Members of the Society will discuss outdoor garden exhibits and youngsters will be permitted to take the controls of the display.
Historic Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Ocean City, NJ

2023 Holiday Bazaar
Select Dates and Locations December 2 – December 17, 12 pm – 5 pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join The Bazaar for a festive and fun filled 2023 Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park and Long Branch, NJ! The Bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” holiday markets held in Germany and was rated the best holiday market in New Jersey by Food & Wine. The Holiday Bazaar will showcase handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts by local and regional makers and small businesses, holiday music and entertainment, Photos with Santa, delicious food and libations, craft workshops, kids activities, festive décor, music, and more. Check out all the details below and mark your calendars for a magical holiday season you won’t forget.
2023 DATES & LOCATIONS:
** Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall
December 2 – December 17, 12-5 PM
** Asbury Park Bazaar at The Asbury Hotel
Every Sun, Dec 3-Dec 17, 12-5 pm

Downtown Toms River Winter Wonderland
December 2 & 9, 12 pm – 6 pm
The courtyard will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village. Vendors, kid’s activities, hot chocolate station, holiday music and more. Downtown businesses will be open.
Toms River Town Hall, 33 Washington St, Toms River, NJ

Bergenfield High School Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
December 3, 9 am – 4 pm
This holiday event brings in vendors that offer gift items, crafts, and stocking stuffers. There will be tables displaying an array of quality merchandise such as handbags, sports collectibles, jewelry for all ages, clothing, gift items, video games, vintage jewelry, gloves & scarves, toys, perfumes, antiques & collectibles, garage/tag sale items all at bargain prices.
80 South Prospect Ave, Bergenfield, NJ

AWA Pawliday Winter Wonderland
December 3, 12 pm – 4 pm
There will be Santa & Grinch Photos for pets & the whole family, Holiday Shopping, Games & Activities, Food Trucks, and Much More!
509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ

Asbury Fresh Porta Holiday Pop Up Markets
December 3, 17, & 21 Sundays from 12PM – 4PM, Thursdays from 5PM – 9PM
A series of shopping events featuring a curated collection of 25 local handmade artists & makers coming together for a holiday celebration.
Porta Asbury Park 911 Kingsley Street Asbury Park, NJ

Chanukah Village Walk
December 7, 5 pm – 7:15 pm
Immerse your entire family in a festive Chanukah celebration on Main Street Medford, offering an enriching holiday experience. The event includes delights such as Latkes, Donuts, and Hot Cider, along with a Photo Booth, Chanukah Video Truck Presentation, and Chanukah Beer at the Brewery. Engage in Crafts & Activities, encounter Judah Maccabee, and revel in holiday fun at Game on Arcade. The festivities reach a crescendo at 7 pm with the Grand Menorah Lighting at the corner of Main Street and Allen, accompanied by music and more for a memorable holiday gathering.
Medford Village Park, Main Street, Medford, NJ

South Orange Open-Air Holiday Market
December 7, 14 & 21, 3 pm – 7 pm
South Orange Village Center Alliance and Investors Bank present an outdoor shopping experience this Holiday season featuring local SOMA retailers and many of the area’s finest local artisans and craftspeople selling finely crafted jewelry, apparel, accessories, art, and gift items. The market will feature holiday music and seasonal treats creating a festive & fun holiday experience in downtown South Orange.
Sloan Street Parking Lot, South Orange, NJ

Holiday Made in Monmouth
December 9, 10 am – 4 pm
Over 200 vendors of products made in Monmouth County will be on display and for sale in time for the holiday season. Made In Monmouth is a program for both vendors and visitors to encourage people to shop locally and to create new and important items that the public will want to buy! All events are free to both vendors and the public.
Brookdale Community College, Collins Arena, Lincroft, NJ

Community Day: Winter Wonderland
December 9, 12 pm – 5 pm
Celebrate holidays from around the world at this festive family favorite! Winter Wonderland features seasonal performances and activities, including acapella singers, step dancing and gift making. Local vendors will be on hand to fulfill all your holiday shopping needs as you immerse yourself in multicultural joy! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ
Cost: Free, registration required

Somerset County 4-H’s Holiday Craft Festival
December 9 & 10, 10 am – 3 pm
Join the Somerset County 4-H Association for their annual, free to attend, Holiday Craft Festival. This two-day event will be filled with holiday cheer including a very special visit from Santa Claus with his Red Santa Sleigh which is great for photo opportunities, a gingerbread house contest that is open for all to participate in, a running train display by the Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters, as well as plenty of handmade craft vendors and local artisans to help you with your holiday stocking stuffers!
Ted Blum 4-H Center 310 Milltown Road Bridgewater Township, NJ

Christmas in the Village
December 9 & 10, 10 am – 4 pm
Bundle up for some fun indoor and outdoor shopping in the Historic Village! Shop local, support local artists and makers while supporting the farm. Make a dent in your Christmas shopping at the Handmade Holiday Craft Fair at Whitesbog Historic Village. Handmade Arts & Crafts exhibitors will be spread throughout the historic village, free wagon rides and a candy cane hunt on the woodland trails! Hot cocoa and cookies, live music, and even more! There will be a range of art, crafts, and gifts. Warm-up at a fire pit and roast some marshmallows! Take pictures in front of the lovely cottages. Photos with Santa provided by Pemberton Recreation!
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, Browns Mills, NJ

Holiday Pop Up Market at the Basie Center
December 9 (11 am – 8 pm) & 10 (11 am – 4 pm)
FRESH markets will be hosting a two-day holiday market at the Basie Center on December 9 & 10 that will feature a highly curated collection of 50 local makers, handmade gifts, and unique presents. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Adult beverages, soft drinks and snacks will be available to purchase!
Count Basie Theater, Red Bank, NJ

Artist & Maker Market Happy Holiday Market
December 9, 10, 16 & 17, 12 pm – 6 pm
The Artist & Maker Market is an open-air bazaar featuring locally created fine art and premium hand-crafted goods. Artist & Maker Market connects artists and artisans with the Jersey City & metro NYC community. Their mission is to support handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and work to cultivate small businesses and entrepreneurship by providing a thriving place for them to sell.
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City, NJ

Hanukkah Fireworks at KBA
December 10, 4:30 pm
This event features Hanukkah candle lighting, games, music, sweet treats, and a spectacular fireworks display! All activities will be held outdoors.
Kellman Brown Academy, 1007 Laurel Oak Road, Vorhees, NJ
Cost: Free; Open to the Community Registration is encouraged

Collingswood Menorah Lighting
December 13, 6 pm
On December 13, 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

Countdown to Christmas
December 16, 10 am – 4 pm
Attendees are invited to join the Countdown to Christmas, a Shopping Extravaganza, on Saturday, December 16th, from 10 am to 4 pm. It offers an opportunity to complete last-minute shopping while showing support for local businesses. The event features over 50 vendors, offers free admission, and includes a 50/50 draw hosted by St. Jude. Additionally, there will be food available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude.
40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ

Handmade Holiday at The Woodland
December 17, 10 am – 4 pm
Marketspace Vendor Events and The Township of Maplewood cordially invite you to exhibit your work at Handmade Holiday at The Woodland in bustling Maplewood, NJ. Admission is free, family friendly, and open to the public.
60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood, NJ