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NJIB’s Guide to 30+ New Jersey Events December 12 – 14, 2025

December sure is busy! New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events is your go-to source for the best events happening across the Garden State! Whether you’re searching for lively festivals, captivating performances, family-friendly fun, or seasonal activities, our guide has you covered. Explore new experiences, create unforgettable memories, and stay connected with the local community with New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s expertly curated event lineup.

As a reminder, NJIB has no control over the weather or whether (see what I did there) an event is canceled. Please make sure an event is still active before attending.

BONUS! See NJIB at Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market in Holmdel on Wednesday, December 10th, Saturday, December 13th, and Sunday, December 14th.

Check out our Event Guide for more events throughout the year. To submit your event, click here.

For more New Jersey Events and Adventures, follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.

NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Events December 10 – 14 2025:

Featured!!

new jersey holiday light guide


Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets
December 10, 13, & 14,  (Wed, Sat, & Sun 11 am -4 pm)

The Bell Works Holiday Market in Holmdel, NJ is a festive indoor shopping experience that transforms the iconic Bell Works building into a winter wonderland of local creativity. Hosted by Bell Works Fresh, the market features dozens of artisans, makers, and food vendors offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor, jewelry, candles, treats, and more. With live music, delicious bites, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to shop small, support local businesses, and get into the holiday spirit—all in one beautifully designed, weatherproof venue.
Bell Works 101 Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Free

Downtown Candlelight Shopping
December 12, 6 pm – 9 pm

Candlelight Shopping features Santa, carriage rides, carolers and twinkling luminarias lining the quaint streets. With over 200 shops and restaurants offering distinctive gifts and friendly customer service, businesses along Kings Highway and Downtown Haddonfield’s charming side streets – which include Mechanic Street, Ellis Street, Tanner Street, Haddy Lane, Kings Court, and Haddon Avenue – welcome everyone to shop in their beautifully curated stores and find delightful holiday treasures. Discover an array of incredible gifts in distinctive shops, food/beverage establishments, and boutiques, while enjoying the festivities and town-wide twinkling décor.
Downtown Haddonfield, NJ

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 12 – 14

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join The Bazaar for a festive and fun filled Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park. 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.
2025 DATES & LOCATIONS:
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ: 12 – 14, 19 – 21 (Fridays 3-8 PM, Saturday & Sundays 12-5 PM)
The Asbury Hotel, 210 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ –  December 14 (12 pm – 5 pm)
Cost: Free

Christmas Con NJ
December 12 – 14

This three-day festive annual gathering features more than 30 holiday movie celebrity fan-favorites, with celebrity panels where you will get an autograph and photo with your favorite stars, ugly sweater contests, photo booths, and more. Santa’s “nice” list of celebrities span from Hallmark, Lifetime and GAC Family movies.
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ
Cost: $10 – $250

Holiday Craft Show Morristown
December 12 – 14

Spend the day shopping for uncommon and one-of-a-kind gifts for every age, taste and budget from 175 of America’s finest craft artists.Find original fashions, accessories and jewelry; functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, fiber, wood and mixed media; fine art painting, printmaking, drawing and photography and more! Plus handcrafted gourmet specialties, foods and beverages.
Morristown National Guard Armory, 430 Western Ave, Morristown, NJ
Cost $12. 16 and under are free

Lighting Up Nature Ocean Drive-thru
December 12 -15, 6 pm – 8 pm
Take an evening drive through the Discovery Play Trail at Jakes Branch County Park, which is adorned with holiday lights.
Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center, 1100 Double Trouble Rd, Beechwood, NJ
Cost: Free

Holiday Made in Monmouth
December 13, 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’
Cost: Free

SoHa Holiday Open House
December 13, 10 am – 3 pm

The event invites the community to experience festive holiday spirit by exploring one-of-a-kind art, crafts, design, and gourmet gifts at Haddon Township’s SoHa Arts Building, where visitors can tour open resident studios and the second-floor gallery, meet local artists, and see their creative spaces. Attendees can take part in a resident raffle basket and food drive, enjoy a festive scavenger hunt, create their own holiday crafts, and sample snacks and refreshments from local businesses. The celebration encourages supporting the community while finding unique holiday gifts, offering a warm, creative, and cheerful end-of-year experience.
1001 White Horse Pike Haddon Twp. NJ
Cost: Free

Merry Glitzmas Holiday Festival
December 13, 11 am – 3 pm

Join for a merry market full of vendors with unique finds for your holiday shopping needs, raffles and tasty treats with food trucks and stands. Purchase a wristband for access to a fun and festive winter carnival area full of games and prizes. Benefiting the Glitz Parent Association to help their cheer squad get to compete in Disney, get new uniforms and more.
Cooper River Jack Curtis Stadium Pennsauken NJ
Cost: Free to come walk around

Community Day: Winter Wonderland
December 13, 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

Seas and Greetings
December 13, 12 pm – 5 pm

This holiday season, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk brings festive seaside magic to life with Seas & Greetings, a new daytime holiday celebration running December 13, 20, 27 & 28 from 12–5 PM. Guests can enjoy Photos with Santa, visits from Holiday Princesses, the dazzling Fun House holiday lights display, and the enchanting Bubble Snow and Holiday Magic Shows. Families can also experience Diving Santa and Fishmas Tales at the Aquarium, meet strolling holiday characters, and enjoy festive face painting. Plus, visitors can glide across the shorefront ice rink December 27–31 and savor seasonal sweets from Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop—all set against the sparkling backdrop of the Jersey Shore.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Queer Holiday Makers Market
December 13, 1 pm – 5 pm

Discover unique gifts and support local LGBTQ+ artists and makers! Join for a festive gathering filled with handmade treasures, art, crafts, & more. Proceeds benefit the work of the Fellowship to create a welcome and inclusive community. They will also be collecting scarves, beanies, gloves, socks, ear warmers, and sweaters/cardigans to be donated to Knit the Rainbow.
Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $5

Winterfest
December 13, 1 pm – 7 pm

This family event features a elebration of all things winter that will warm your heart. It’s a magical setting on the grounds of Historic Smithville Park. You will find wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire, holiday activities for all ages, including live entertainment, a wine and mulled cider tent, a Holiday Marketplace, ice skating, ice carving, art exhibits curated for the season, and, of course, Victorian Santa!
Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, NJ

Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
December 13, 4:30 pm

Atlantic City’s annual Holiday Parade is getting even more festive this year with a Holiday Market at O’Donnell Memorial Park, featuring local vendors, treats, and seasonal goodies. The parade has a new date Saturday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m. and a new route along Atlantic Avenue from South Carolina to Albany Avenue, starting at City Hall. Enjoy sparkling floats, marching bands, and community performances, then continue the fun at the market.
Atlantic City, NJ

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

The Christmas Light Show
December 13, 6 pm

A beloved New Jersey holiday light display is back for the season, shining brighter than ever with an expanded show synchronized to festive music. The exact location is shared once a reservation is made. Although admission is free, visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support RallyCap Sports, an organization dedicated to creating sports opportunities and accessible facilities for children with disabilities.
704 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ
Cost: Reservations are required. $25 suggested donation per family of 4

Countdown to Christmas, a Shopping Extravaganza!
December 13 & 14, 10 am – 4 pm

Shoppers can finish their holiday gift lists while supporting local businesses, enjoy food available for purchase hosted by St. Jude, and take part in a 50/50 raffle to benefit St. Jude.
St. Jude – 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ
Cost: Free

The New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market: Wreck The Halls
December 13 & 14

If you’re craving hot cocoa and warm sweaters we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the birth of a new holiday season by getting down with the best vendor selection in the tri-state area, the region’s finest food trucks, local, live music, and more. Featuring more than 400+ different small businesses, artists & makers each day with indoor vendors, live music, food trucks, celebrity guests, live tattooing and more.
The Dome at Adventure Crossing, 515 Monmouth Rd, Jackson, NJ
Cost: $15  or $25 for the weekend. Kids 10 & under are always free!

Christmas in the Village
December 13 & 14, 10 am – 3 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

Montclair Flea Holiday Market
December 13 & 14, 11 am – 6 pm

Get into the festive spirit at the Montclair Flea Holiday Market, a seasonal shopping destination you won’t want to miss! Discover a curated selection of vintage treasures and handmade goods, perfect for holiday gifts or unique finds for yourself. Savor delicious eats while enjoying a full bar to keep the holiday cheer flowing. Live music will add to the festive atmosphere, making it a vibrant event filled with the best holiday vibes. Bring your friends and family to experience the joy of the season while supporting local artisans and vendors.
1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ
Cost: Free

HP Night Owl Markets
December 13 (4 pm – 8 pm )
& 14 (1 pm – 4 pm)
Join downtown Highland Park for their outdoor holiday markets featuring local artists, artisans, crafters and food vendors! #ShopSmall and do all your holiday gift shopping downtown. Come by the markets to browse unique, handmade goods, and to enjoy live music, free arts and crafts, and other festive activities.
Municipal Lot between 2nd & 3rd Ave, Next to 212 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ
Cost: Free

Flounder’s Annual Kringle Market
December 13 & 14, 11 am – 5 pm

Shoppers can explore over 35 unique vendors offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, all carefully selected by Marketspace Vendor Events to ensure quality and originality. Steps Together will be serving Flounder beer and warm cider from Bellemara, with all proceeds benefiting this impactful local charity. Central Jersey Nurseries will be at the heart of the market, featuring Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday greenery. Attendees can enjoy live music from a brass quintet performing classic holiday songs, capture photos with Santa inside Flounder Brewing, and catch a festive dance recital by a local company on select days
2 Clerico Rd, Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $10 per car

The Metuchen Cookie Walk
December 14, 8 am – 1 pm

The Metuchen Cookie Walk is an annual holiday fundraiser for the Fuccile Foundation, which provides financial assistance to local families impacted by the tragedy. The premise of the Metuchen Cookie Walk is simple: bake, buy, give. Local residents bake thousands of homemade cookies that are then sold at the walk. Cookie Walk attendees purchase either a small ($10) or large ($20) box (or multiple boxes!) to fill with the homemade cookies.
400 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ
Cost: $10-$20

Holiday Vendor Pop-Up & Craft Fair at New Milford High School
December 14, 9 am – 4 pm

This Holiday Vendor Pop-Up will have an array of gift items, arts, crafts, and collectibles.Expect approximately 75 exhibitors selling an array of quality items such as new items that include handbags, sports collectibles, jewelry for all ages, clothing, candles, gift items, video games, vintage jewelry, gloves & scarves, toys, perfumes, and more. This event is held indoors in the cafeteria and the hallway.
330 River Road, New Milford, NJ
Cost: Free Admission

Handmade Holiday at The Woodland
December 14, 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
Cost: Free

Gifts of Conscience Market
December 14, 11 am – 4 pm

A Holiday Market featuring local and global non-profit vendors and social justice partners, a bake sale, and basket raffle!
Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ
Cost: Free

Hoboken Holiday Market Series
December 14, 11 am – 4 pm

Celebrate the holidays and shop local at The Main Street Pops Holiday Markets, featuring over 100 artisan vendors offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Shoppers can browse fashion, accessories, jewelry, bath and body products, pet items, home décor, children’s goods, fine art, photography, artisanal foods, and sweet treats. The festive event also includes roving characters, the Jingle Jam Community Concert, an inflatable village, the Sleigh Bell Lounge, and much more.
770 Jackson St. Plaza, (Behind Monroe Center), Hoboken, NJ
Cost: Free

Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre
December 14, 11 am – 5 pm

The Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre is a community market for the weird. This season’s event will feature 61 vendors, 2 food trucks and a sassy bar staff. This event is indoors at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom. There is no cover charge to enter and there’s plenty of free parking. Weird is welcome. Bring your friends.
315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ
Cost: Free

Tenafly Holiday Fair
December 14, 12 pm – 5 pm

A festive event filled with local shopping, delicious food, and holiday cheer. This year’s fair will showcase more than 60 local vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts, including fashion, accessories, jewelry, bath and body products, pet treats, home décor, children’s items, fine art, photography, artisanal foods, and sweet treats. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities such as a s’mores station, holiday crafts for kids, food trucks, baked goods, festive drinks from the Hive & Honey Mobile Bar, and a hot cocoa bar and milkshakes at Mel’s Butcher Box. Live music, dance performances, and DJ entertainment on the community stage will keep the park filled with holiday spirit all day long.
Huyler Park, Tenafly, NJ
Cost: Free

fliXfest Film Festival
December 14, 12 pm – 9 pm

Celebrate cinematic creativity at the 2nd Annual fliXfest Film Festival, This all-day event showcases a dynamic mix of indie films, student projects, music videos, and global features—highlighting diverse voices and storytelling from around the world. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or a curious newcomer, fliXfest offers an unforgettable experience of culture, creativity, and community. Discover New Jersey’s rising filmmakers and immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of genres and perspective.
Teaneck Cinemas, 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ
Cost: $15 – $35

Chanukah Village Walk
December 15, 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

Palmer Square Annual Menorah Lighting
December 16, 4 pm

The event features great music, great food and great fun for everyone. It has been a tradition for many years to celebrate Hanukah. A free event open to the community!
Nassau Inn Patio, 10 Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free

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