New Jersey Free Events for January 2023

Is your favorite four-letter word FREE? Of course, it is! Good thing there’s plenty of free, fun entertainment going on in NJ all month long in January 2023. Be sure to put these free events on your calendar.

Please verify these events before attending in case of any last-minute cancellations. And always check the weather!

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

If you’d like to submit your event, click here.

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

Free New Jersey Events for January 2023:

Free First Day Hikes
January 1
Start your new year off right by experiencing adventure in one of New Jersey’s State Parks! The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting guided hikes, nature walks, and 1 lighthouse climb in state parks, forests, and historic sites on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes program. This is a great incentive to get outside, exercise, experience history, enjoy nature, and celebrate the New Year with friends and family in one of your state parks.
At Participating NJ Parks

First Day Clean Up at Whitesbog
January 1, 10AM – 12PM
Grab your gloves and boots and head on out to Whitesbog to pick up some litter!! The environmental outcomes of litter can have economic impacts. This includes lost tourism revenues, expenses for repairing vehicles, boats and ships, restoration of ecosystems, wildlife injury, and eventually the cost to human health.Debris may be carried by storm drains into local waterways, with potential for serious environmental contamination.Wind and weather, traffic, and animals all move litter into gutters, lawns and landscaped areas, alleyways, and parking structures.
120 West Whites Bogs Road #34 Browns Mills, NJ

Psychic & Healing Expo
January 3, 6PM – 9PM
The Psychic & Healing Expo takes place on Tuesday, January 3, from 6pm to 9pm at the American Legion in Collingswood, New Jersey. Admission is FREE and the event features psychics, mediums, Tarot card readers, healers, chair massage, merchants, speaker presentations, and a 50/50 raffle. Parking at the municipal lot across the street is also free; the location is adjacent to the PATCO Speedline; and it is wheelchair accessible. If you’re seeking answers, guidance, healing, and connection, then come to this fun and enlightening monthly event!
American Legion Tatem-Shields Post 17 622 Atlantic Avenue Collingswood, NJ

Rid Litter Day
January 6, 10AM – 11:30AM
2.5-mile round trip walk to pick up roadside litter along scenic Goodale Road. Help “Keep America Beautiful!” For teens & adults. Litter pickers, bags, gloves, and reflective vests provided.
Kittatinny Valley State Park, 199 Goodale Road, Newton, NJ

Movie Night on The Ice at Renault Winery & Resort’s Vintner Wonderland
January 6, 13, 20, & 27, 5PM – 8PM
Join every Friday for a different movie on the ice at Renault Winery & Resort’s Vintner Wonderland.
1/6: Night at the Museum
1/13 Ice Age
1/20: Happy Feet
1/27: 101 Dalmatians
Renault Winery Resort, Egg Harbor City, NJ

First Saturday Wellness Walk – Roebling Park, Bluff Trail
January 7, 10AM – 12PM
Join for a walk in the Bluff Trail at Roebling Park. Some wonderful winter wildlife might be willing to show off if you are lucky!. Program is free but registration is required. In case of inclement weather, check the marsh website; any cancellations will be listed before 9 am on the day of the event. A light drizzle will not cancel.
Tulpehaking Nature Center 157 Westcott Ave. Hamilton, NJ (meet in parking lot)

Family Hike at Whitesbog
January 7, 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Let’s see how beautiful it can be in winter! Grab the kids, dress in layers and let’s take a walk! Don’t forget your hat and mittens!
Whitesbog Historic Village 120 West Whites Bogs Road #34 Pemberton Township, NJ

New Jersey Bridal & Wedding Expo
January 7 & 8, 12PM – 5PM
The event features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination, and much more! Don’t miss the bridal fashion shows and live DJ demos, plus tons of prizes and giveaways. Visit our website for showcase dates and times.
Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ

Winery with Music, Firepits & Mulled Wine
January 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21  & 22, 28 & 29, 12PM – 5PM
Join for a chance to gather with friends, and family. This winter Terhune Orchards winery will be open Saturdays & Sundays with indoor and outdoor seating. Seasonal hot mulled wine is a wonderful way to warm up. Sample a variety of wines in tasting flights or enjoy wine by the glass. Fire pits will be going all weekend. Bring your glasses and enjoy them fireside. Light fare is available. All ages can enjoy s’more kits and hot cocoa. Families are welcome. No reservations are needed, maximum group of 8 guests.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free to attend

Sunset Beach: A Place for All Seasons
January 8, 9AM – 11AM
Join CMBO naturalists for this free walk at Sunset Beach. Part of the world-famous Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, the Sunset Beach area hosts an array of birds, including sparrows, warblers, hawks, and waterbirds. We’ll also explore nearby areas including the Magnesite Plant, Davey’s Lake and Pond Creek Marsh. This FREE walk is sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Sunset Beach 502 Sunset Boulevard Cape May, NJ

Cutting, Splitting and Hewing at Historic Longstreet Farm
January 8, 12PM – 4PM
Come out to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams.
Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ

NJ Audubon New Year’s Resolution Hike at Hawk Rise Sanctuary
January 8, 1PM – 2PM
Start the new year with fresh air and nature. Join for an exploration of the trails at Hawk Rise where you’ll discuss easy ways to get closer to the natural world. This program is appropriate for individuals of all ages. Come dressed for the weather. Hot chocolate will be served afterwards.
Hawk Rise Sanctuary Range Road Linden, NJ

Self-Care Sunday Pop Up
January 8, 2PM – 6PM
Come enjoy cupcakes and cocktails, vendors, music, raffles, and more… Admission is free with a complimentary cocktail and cupcakes.
Guest Room Event & Expo Center 1412 Stelton Rd Piscataway, NJ

Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market – Grow It Green
January 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 9:30 AM
Grow It Green Morristown creates sustainable farms and gardens, and educates communities on healthy eating and environmental stewardship. They feature more than 20 farmers and local food vendors like freshly grown produce, farm-raised beef, pork and poultry and fresh seafood, baked goods, farm eggs, and so much more.
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ

Country Mile Gardens Plant Fundraiser
Tuesday, January 10 to Saturday, January 14, 9AM – 5PM
A great way to begin 2023 is to freshen up your house with new indoor plants, or add bird feeders to your yard while doing good. Stop by Country Mile Gardens for a fundraiser on behalf of the nonprofit Mrs. Wilson’s Treatment Center, where you may find beautiful indoor plants and bird feeders. Mention the fundraiser for a portion of proceeds to go to Mrs. Wilson’s to provide housing, treatment, and life skills training to women in recovery from substance use and mental health conditions. The best part is that you may stop by Country Mile Gardens on any day that the event is running.
***Admission is free but an indoor plant or bird feeder must be purchased to count as part of the fundraiser.
Country Mile Gardens at 1108 Mt. Kemble Ave, Morristown, NJ

Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics at Wildwood
January 14, registration opens at 10 AM
Get to the beach in Wildwood to plunge into the frigid Atlantic Ocean and know that you are supporting thousands of registered Special Olympics New Jersey athletes. Have fun, get dressed up in costumes, use plunge props, and make banners and signs. There is a virtual option too.
Wildwoods Convention Center – 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: FREE to spectate. Register online for $25

Nature in Winter Walk
January 14, 10AM – 12PM
Winter is a quiet time in nature, but there’s still lots to explore! Join for a naturalist-guided winter walks on Saturday mornings. The focus of the walks will depend on the weather and snow conditions, but will include looking for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects, and much more! Walks will cover two miles or less over easy to moderate terrain. You’ll want to dress warmly and wear sturdy boots.
High Point State Park and New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial 1480 State Route 23 Sussex, NJ

Ice Carving Exihibition at Pier Village
January 14
Four professional Ice Sculptors will create 14 sculptures in an elimination style “speed carving” format over a three hour period (12pm -3pm). Witness carvings formed in less than 30 minutes before your eyes. Competition will have staggered heats of live carving and will be emceed by an experienced carver to entertain you with bios of carvers, facts and information on the carving as well as facilitate spectator participation in selection of themes and judging of carvers to be eliminated in the perspective rounds. This event also includes ice skating, food, libations and shopping from Pier Village retailers.
Festival Plaza, Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ

Rutgers University Wedding Expo
January 14, 12PM – 4PM
New Jersey’s Largest Winter Bridal Show at Rutgers University – Over 100 Wedding Professionals Exhibiting.
Rutgers–New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ

Family Woodland Hike
January 15, 1PM – 3PM
Join NJBG hike leaders on an easy, child-friendly hike in the Garden’s woodlands. Learn a bit about the plants and animals around you on a hike designed to fit the group. Wear sturdy shoes, meet at the Carriage House.
New Jersey Botanical Gardens, 2 Morris Rd, Ringwood, NJ

A Day of Service In Nature
January 16 , 2 Sessions
Friends of Princeton Open Space, a nonprofit dedicated to land preservation, is hosting a Day of Service in Nature in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday, January 16, help them continue their work on the Riparian Restoration Project: Restore the Lakeshore! at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton, New Jersey. Volunteers will work under the guidance of our Natural Resources and Stewardship Director, Anna Corichi, to identify and remove invasive plants species, such as burning bush (Euonymus alatus) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).
Mountain Lake House Parking lot, 57 Mountain Ave, Princeton, NJ

MLK Day of Service 2023 at West Windsor Arts
January 16, 10AM – 4PM
Participate in service projects supporting local organizations who help our neighbors in need. Join West Windsor Arts Council and African American Parent Support Group as they partner with local agencies to provide much needed assistance to the people they serve.
West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road Princeton Junction, NJ

Community Day: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 16, 12PM – 5PM
Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. with dynamic performances, hands-on activities, and opportunities to help others. There’s something for the whole family! Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support a local food bank, women’s shelter, or church.
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ

Ocean City Martin Luther King Jr Ceremony
January 16, 12PM
The ceremony will start at 12 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The event brings the community together to remember Dr. King through words, song and dance. The Martin Luther King Community Services Award will honor local volunteers. The event will be followed by a complimentary buffet luncheon in the Music Pier solarium. Free parking will be available in the municipal lots on Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.
Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ

Film Screening & Discussion: A Fine Line: A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen
January 17, 7PM – 9PM
A Fine Line: A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen (56 min.) explores why less than 7% of head chefs and restaurant owners are women when traditionally, women have always held the central role in the kitchen. Hear perspectives and experiences from world-renowned chefs, including: World’s Best Female Chef Dominique Crenn, Emmy Award Winning TV Host Lidia Bastianich, Two Michelin Star Chef April Bloomfield, One of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People Barbara Lynch, First Female Iron Chef Cat Cora, World’s Best Chef Daniel Humm and many more. Meanwhile, getting to the heart of what is needed to empower women across all industries, by following the personal story of a small-town restaurateur with a larger-than-life personality Valerie James. A single mother on a mission to do what she loves, while raising two kids and the odds stacked against her. An uplifting American success story about perseverance, family, and food. A Fine Line grapples with themes sparking national conversations right now, including workplace harassment, equal pay, paid parental leave, and career advancement. Stay for complimentary dessert from local female chefs and join a panel discussion featuring local female chefs.
Hopewell Theater 5 S Greenwood Ave Hopewell, NJ

Cranford Public Library Used Book Sale
January 19 – 21
Looking for some good reading at bargain prices? The Friends of the Cranford Public Library invite you to visit their Used Book Sale in the Cranford Public Library’s Friendly Book Cellar from Thursday, January 19 through Saturday, January 21, 2023. Browse through thousands of books at low prices. This sale is open to all, and registration is required.
Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, NJ

Beach Cleanup At Sandy Hook
January 21, 10AM – 12PM
Volunteers Needed to help remove trash and lots of debris near Spermaceti Cove at Sandy Hook, NJ. Join members of Save Coastal WIldlife Nonprofit as upi cleanup and restore the bayside beach and ocesan beach near Parking Lot D at Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area, including near Spermacetoi Cove Boardwalk.
Visitor Center Parking Hartshorne Drive Sandy Hook, NJ

Winterfest
January 21,12PM
Bundle up for a brisk stroll through the Hackettstown BID area to Celebrate WinterFest 2023! The merchants of Hackettstown invite you to a fun filled day starting at 12pm. From 12-4pm, take a turn around an iceless skating rink! (skates provided) Make a smore! (Smores, skating and other family friendly events will have a small fee – cash only). These activities can be found at the NEW BERK’s Outlet location (232 Main Street) parking lot. Check out the Live Ice Sculpture Demonstrations at two locations (Gazebo and on Main Street from 1pm-3:15pm) Look for posters in front of the over 30 businesses to identify those who are participating in sales, tastings and specials. Sample the tastes of the great Hackettstown Eateries and Breweries. Check out sales and special offers at the local shops and businesses. This is a GREAT opportunity to visit a business you have never visited ~ try a new beer, sample a new food, and shop at a business you have yet to visit! Be a judge at the CHILI SOUP COOK OFF CONTEST!
Downtown Hackettstown, NJ

Jersey Shore Home Show
January 21 & 22, 10AM – 5PM
Theevent features a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing expert exhibitors, you’ll be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence.
Brookdale Community College – Collins Arena Arena Dr Lincroft, NJ

MCAS Jan 2023 Field Trip – Manasquan Reservoir
January 22, 10AM – 12PM
Shake off the winter doldrums and join us for a winter bird walk at Manasquan Reservoir!
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center 331 Georgia Tavern Road Howell Township, NJ

Jersey City 11th Annual LGBTQ+ Wedding Expo
January 22, 12:30 – 3:30PM
Warm your hearts in January 2023: it promises to be an uplifting afternoon of fresh, trendy ideas for Your Special Day, community connections and a true celebration of equality! You and your fiancee (or fiancee-to-be!) will have the chance to chat with dozens of LGBTQ+ friendly wedding professionals from throughout the area, who are eager to support you in planning Your Dream Wedding. You’ll also want to take time to tour the beautiful Liberty House Restaurant, the gracious host for the afternoon. Sample an assortment of delectable food and dessert items. Ask questions of local LGBTQ+ friendly wedding professionals. Meet other couples also in the planning stages. Relax with a signature cocktail. Gather unique ceremony & reception ideas. Meet a variety of wedding vendors conveniently all in one afternoon… and REST ASSURED that all of them actively support Equal Rights for the community!
Liberty House Restaurant and Events 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Jersey City, NJ

Mount Holly Fire & Ice Festival 2023
January 28, 10AM – 4PM
The Mount Holly Fire & Ice Festival & the committee has been planning all year to hold this free family friendly event, filled with ice carvers lining the streets carving 300 lb blocks of ice into works of art. The fire will be provided by the chili cook off where the area’s best & brightest chefs go head to head and the public gets to take a taste & give their vote. Plus there will be exhibits, vendors, animals, music, plenty of food & adult beverages & a great reason to visit downtown Mount Holly.
6 High St Mt Holly, NJ

Winter Wonderland – Holiday Extravaganza Pop Up Shop
January 28, 12PM – 4PM
A Family friendly event! Over 15 vendors, face painting, giveaways, raffles and more.
Pop Up Next Door 1169 Elizabeth Avenue Elizabeth, NJ

The Town of Clinton 14th Annual Yuletide Bonfire
Janaury 28, 6PM
The Town of Clinton Bonfire is an annual event that brings together town residents of all ages for an evening of warmth and community. Local families can escape from their winter hibernation for a night surrounded by friends, hot chocolate, carriage rides, and, most importantly, a giant bonfire.
• Horse & Carriage Rides
• Hot Chocolate & Cookies
• Marshmallow Roasting
• Music
All Free – thanks to our generous sponsors & vendors!. Don’t forget to bring a canned food item for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry.
Hunts Mill Park, Clinton, NJ

Jersey Shore Wedding Expo
January 29, 12PM – 4PM
It’s the largest Jersey Shore Wedding Expo Ever at Ocean Place Resort & Spa. Over 10,000 square feet of bridal show exhibits, shows, and more! Hundreds of ideas to plan your wedding, great live shows, prizes, honeymoon giveaways, show specials, DJs, planners, invitations, favors and so much more. Shop everything you need for your wedding in one place, admission is free so bring your fiance, family and friends to enjoy this spectacular wedding expo event.
Ocean Place Resort & Spa, 1 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ

Wassailing the Apple Trees
January 29, 1PM – 4PM
Raise a glass of hot cider with as Terhune Orchards honors the trees that give us their wonderful apples. The ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm is a popular winter celebration at Terhune Orchards that you won’t want to miss. Activities include singing, dancing and playing of primitive instruments, toasts of hot cider, and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches while chanting the lively words of praise and New Year.  There will be festive singing and dancing to ensure the orchards have a good harvest in 2023. Warm yourself next to the bonfire (marshmallow roasting included). The festivities are FREE and open to the public, young and old.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton, NJ

Seashore Open House at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
January 29, 1PM – 4PM
Visit the Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center for their annual Open House and enjoy seashore fun. Engaging hands-on activities will entertain and educate you and your family about the shore and the sea. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. You can even create a beach keepsake to take with you.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Par, 221 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ