New Jersey Events December 1 – 3, 2023
It’s December and the holiday season has begun in a big way! New Jersey has a lot of great festivals and events this weekend including foodie events, free activities, and much more. Check out our list of the top New Jersey events from now until December 3.
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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 Events December 1 – 3, 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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
December 1-3
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
Cost: Free
Drumthwacket Holiday Open House
December 1 – 3 pm, 16, 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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
December 2, 12 pm (rain date Dec 9th)
The parade route will be along Atlantic Avenue from Albany Avenue to South Carolina Avenue. Spectators can grab a spot anywhere along Atlantic Avenue or in Center City Park to enjoy the festivities. Following the parade, a meet and greet with Santa Claus and Mayor Marty Small, Sr. will take place at Center City Park on South Carolina Avenue and Bacharach Blvd. along with a drill team performance battle with the bands to conclude the event.
Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: Free
Downtown Toms River Winter Wonderland
December 2, 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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
2023 Holiday Bazaar
December 2 & 3, 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
Asbury Park Bazaar at The Asbury Hotel
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
Asbury Fresh Porta Holiday Pop Up Markets
December 3, 12 pm – 4 pm
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
Cost: Free
