New Jersey Events December 15 – 17, 2023
It’s December and the holiday season is in full swing! 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 17.
For more Christmas Light Shows, click here. For more Holiday events this December, click here.
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.
New Jersey Events this Week:
Featured Event!
Crystal Springs Christmas Spectacular
Saturday, December 16, 6 pm – 9:45 pm
‘Tis the season! Join in the festive fun with friends and family at a delightful holiday event featuring two talented musical acts. Indulge in a delicious spread of your favorites and festive beverages at the Diamond Ballroom. Enjoy standing/mingling during the expansive cocktail reception with multiple stations. The menu includes a variety of options, and the open bar offers a toast to the season with egg nog, Gluehwein, hard cider, beer, wine, and hot cocoa. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for cash purchase.
Head over to the Canyon Ballroom for theater-style seating and high tops to experience captivating performances:
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Be enchanted by The Sugarplums, an extraordinary trio that has charmed audiences nationwide with their choreography, interaction, and harmonies. Winners of the CW’s Christmas Caroler Challenge!
8:45 pm – 9:45 pm: Groove to the exciting arrangements of Backtrack Vocals, an exceptional 5-person a cappella group that transforms familiar tunes
Crystal Springs Resort @ Minerals Hotel, 2 Chamonix Dr, Vernon Township, NJ
Cost: $40 – $104
Holiday Lights Hayride
Now – December 17
Looking for family Christmas activities and holiday fun? Bring your family and friends for a festive holiday lights tractor-drawn hayride. Norz Hill Farm offers Hayride experiences complete with holiday lights, outdoor interactive displays, a spin by the animals, and perhaps a stop by Santa’s cornfield office! If you looking for family Christmas activities, Norz Hill Farm’s provides the best family fun and holiday lights in New Jersey.
Norz Hill Farm, 120 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $13+
Family Christmas Activities at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Now – December 23
Join together by the fire pits at Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to toast marshmallows and witness the lake illuminate in a stunning display. Don’t miss out on the Christmas “Light Show” Hayride for a festive journey through more of the farm adorned with holiday lights.
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ
Cost: $9.95+
Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm & Walk through Light Show
Now- December 23, Every Thursday – Sunday 4-8 pm
Upon arrival, families can head to Allaire Community Farm’s historic 100-year-old Barn, transformed into a festive Farmers Market. Amidst a charming Christmas village display, they can obtain admission, feed bags, Polar Express tickets, Yuletide wagon ride tickets, and enjoy warm hot chocolate. Exiting the market, the journey into the Farm unfolds like a magical Lifesize Christmas village, offering a preview of the upcoming adventure. With indoor and outdoor petting zoos, Santa photo ops, holiday movies, a Model Train House, and a picturesque holiday ambiance, visitors are immersed in festive spirit. Opting for a Yuletide Wagon ride or Polar Express tickets adds magic, guiding families through tunnels of lights, the Mighty Christmas Village, and outdoor paddocks with various animals. The event proceeds directly support the nonprofit organization’s mission, benefiting rescued animals and programs for special needs individuals, teens with mental health issues, and Veterans with PTSD throughout the winter season.
1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall Township, NJ
Cost: $6 Children 18 & under, $10 Adults, Children under 1 are free
Creamy Acre’s Night of Lights County Christmas Hayride
Now – December 24
Experience holiday traditions at Creamy Acres as the 100-acre dairy farm becomes a Christmas Wonderland with dazzling light displays, Musical Dancing Tree shows, and festive lights. Families can enjoy the magic from their vehicles, tuning in to the private radio station for favorite Christmas songs. The Night of Lights Light Show Extravaganza now features a doubled display, creating an even more awe-inspiring one-and-a-half-mile drive-through experience.
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the gate.
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Now – December 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
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets
Wednesday, December 13, 11 am – 4 pm and Saturday, December 16, 1 pm – 6 pm
A series of shopping events featuring a curated collection of 75 local handmade artists & makers coming together for a holiday celebration.
Bell Works 101 Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Free
South Orange Open-Air Holiday Market
December 14, 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
Cost: Free
Holiday Horror Sideshow Market
December 16, 10 am – 4 pm
Welcome to The Horror Sideshow Market, a one-day event that offers a captivating blend of artistic expression, vintage treasures, pop culture delights, toys, comics, and much more! Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in a world where shopping meets the bizarre, exploring a diverse array of items that cater to a wide range of interests. The event promises a unique and thrilling experience, where patrons can discover hidden gems, engage with talented artists, and indulge their passion for the extraordinary.
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center Ballrooms, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ
Cost: $10 – $60
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
Cost: Free to attend
Flounder’s Annual Kringle Market
December 16, 11 am – 5 pm
Flounder’s Kringle Market returns on December 16th (rescheduled from the 10th), presented by Events on the Farm NJ at the picturesque Carriage Farm. Hand-picked artisans from Marketspace Vendors will be offering the finest crafts, and libations will be served by Steps Together for visitors’ enjoyment, all while supporting families in need in the area. As attendees wander the market, they can savor the delightful sounds of Flounder’s Brass Band playing nostalgic classics. It’s advised not to forget to look out for Mr. & Mrs. Claus as they stroll through the market before heading to the brewhouse for free pictures. For all holiday decorating needs, visitors can find fresh wreaths, garlands, and trees at Central Jersey Nurseries’ tree lot right in the heart of the market. A vendor list will be posted closer to the event, as the organizers are spreading it out a little and adding more vendors. The Christmas joy continues after the market ends on Saturday with the Vintage Vibe Tribe bringing their jazz Merry Little Holiday to the Barn!
2 Clerico Rd, Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $10 per car
Sea of Lights Holiday Lights
December 16, 4 pm – 8 pm
Celebrate the season at the annual Sea of Lights Holiday and Lights Spectacular, taking place on December 9th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, and 28th from 4-8 pm each night. Delight in various entertainment from 5-8 pm, featuring Santa’s photo sessions on December 9th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd, followed by his festive dive into the Aquarium tanks on December 27th & 28th at 5 pm & 6:30 pm. Exciting new holiday entertainment includes Princess Sweets & Treats with the Winter Princess & Queen, Elf Storytime, Snow-ville Shows, Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows, and character meet-and-greets with the happy reindeer and dancing snowman from a beloved “chilly” movie. This festive extravaganza unfolds inside the Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 16 & 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! 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 to attend
Off the Wall Holiday Market
December 16 & 17, 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
A large selection of fine art by local and regional artists that work with a variety of mediums. There will also be an artisan market that consists of a multitude of different individually curated and handcrafted pieces. The market will be open on weekends throughout December.
West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, NJ
Cost: Free
Artist & Maker Market Happy Holiday Market
December 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
Cost: Free
2023 Metuchen Cookie Walk
December 17, 8 am – 2 pm
Looking for a great holiday event for the whole family? The Metuchen Cookie Walk will take place on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 8am-2pm at Metuchen High School. 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. All proceeds benefit the Fuccile Foundation.
400 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ
Cost: $10 – $20
Asbury Fresh Porta Holiday Pop Up Markets
December 17, 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
Frank V Marina Monthly Flea Market & Collectibles
December 17, 9 am – 4 pm
There will be many exhibitors selling an array of merchandise such as candles, incense, and oils, jewelry, gift items, clothing, socks, dollar items, as well as antiques & collectibles, one-of-a-kind unique items, and a large garage/tag sale section all at bargain prices.
277 Passaic Ave, Kearny NJ
Cost: Free
Wayne PAL Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
December 17, 10 am – 4 pm
Enjoy shopping with over 75 exhibitors selling 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.
1 PAL Drive (off Parish Drive), Wayne, NJ
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
