NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings for November 28 – November 30

In November, people in New Jersey start getting excited about the holidays. They begin putting up Christmas lights on big trees in towns and cities, making everything look warm and festive. Even before Thanksgiving is over, communities across the state gather to turn on these lights, marking the start of the holiday season.

Whether you’re in a busy city or a cute little town, the twinkling lights make everyone feel happy and ready for celebrations. It’s like a signal that the best time of the year is coming, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. New Jersey becomes a place filled with lights and happiness, getting everyone in the spirit for a season of warmth, togetherness, and festive joy.

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.

November New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28:

Avalon Tree Lighting
November 28, 5 pm
Don’t miss this family-favorite tradition! There will be a full schedule of holiday-themed activities, games, face painting, balloon art, crafts, and more. All sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association. Don’t forget the ever-popular character appearances and the special tree-lighting ceremony with Santa and Mayor McCorristin to light up the town!
Veteran’s Plaza, Avalon, NJ

Clinton’s Lighting of Christmas Tree
November 28, 6:30 pm
Clinton Parks & Recreation along with the Board of Selectmen and Clinton Tree Lighting Committee invite everyone to come join in on this festive occasion in Central Park. Come enjoy some free, family fun that will include holiday music, light refreshments and maybe (if your good) a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Main St, Clinton, NJ

Collingswood Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights
November 28, 7 pm
Santa descends from atop Borough Hall by way of the Collingswood Fire Department’s ladder truck – just in time for the Borough’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Choral groups will sing as the town tree is lit up with twinkling lights and season’s greetings are made by Mayor Daniela Solano-Ward and Commissioners Amy Henderson Riley and Jim Maley.
TreeLighting – Collings and North Atlantic Avenues, Collingswood, NJ

Cranford Christmas Tree Lighting & Pictures with Santa
November 28, 5 pm
The cherished Cranford winter tradition is scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving. The tree decorating session by the Girl Scouts will take place from 10 am to noon. Caroling is set to commence at 5 pm, with the tree illumination ceremony scheduled for 6 pm. Following the lighting, attendees will be allowed to take pictures with Santa.
Downtown Cranford, NJ

Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
November 28, 7 pm
The annual Holiday Parade will return on Friday, November 28 at 7 PM, bringing the community together for an evening of seasonal celebration. The event will feature live music, including the return of local bagpipers, along with a holiday float contest showcasing the creativity of clubs, organizations, and civic groups. Following the parade, attendees can gather at the circle for a tree lighting ceremony presented by the Mayor’s Celebration Committee. Holiday characters will walk the parade route to greet families and take photos, and Santa will be available for pictures at TD Bank immediately after the parade.
On the Boulevard from Williams Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Parade
November 28, 6 pm
The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Library Point hosted by the Haddonfield Celebrations Association will take place during downtown Haddonfield’s Candlelight Shopping. Mr. & Mrs. Claus, hosted by the Partnership for Haddonfield, will lead a Parade to Kings Court, where they will pose for pictures in the Gazebo.
Liberty Point, Haddonfield, NJ

Madison Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 28, 5:30 pm
The annual Madison Christmas Parade is one of the most beloved Madison holiday traditions. Each year throngs of people gather on the route down Main Street to enjoy the parade and tree lighting sponsored by the all-volunteer Madison Christmas Committee.
Downtown Madison, NJ

Princeton’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 28, 5 pm
On Friday, November 28, the Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting will bring the holiday spirit to life with a mix of returning traditions and festive entertainment. The event will feature a live ice carving, Dueling Pianos, performances by Epic Soul and the Princeton High School Choir, and an array of seasonal activities leading up to the grand tree lighting celebration, with the possibility of a surprise visit from Santa.
Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ

Rahway’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 28, 2 pm – 6 pm
Rahway’s Annual Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, November 28 from 2 to 6 PM in Downtown Rahway, featuring an afternoon of festivities including bounce houses, live performances, ice sculptors, fire pits, carolers, and additional seasonal activities. Santa will arrive at City Hall Plaza at 6 PM to light the tree and remain on-site for photos.
Downtown Rahway, NJ

Red Bank Town Lighting with Holiday Express
November 28, 6 pm – 8 pm
The Red Bank Town Lighting with Holiday Express will take place on Broad Street in downtown Red Bank on Friday, November 28, bringing a day-after-Thanksgiving celebration to the community. Each year, Holiday Express provides live music, festive entertainment, and essential gifts to individuals in need, including neurodivergent community members, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and others in vulnerable situations who may otherwise feel overlooked during the holiday season.
Broad St, Red Bank, NJ

Ocean City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 28, 6 pm
The main Christmas tree lighting event in Ocean City, NJ for 2025 is the “Christmas in the Downtown” event, which features Santa descending from City Hall to light the tree, live music, carolers, and free horse-and-carriage rides. It is part of a larger event called “Winterfest by the Sea” that starts the holiday season. The lighting is a highlight of the day, which includes festivities from 12 PM to 5 PM, and the tree lighting show begins at 6 PM

Stone Harbor Island Tree Lighting
November 28, 6 pm
Stone Harbor will host its annual tree lighting on Friday, November 28, with festivities beginning on 96th Street around 6 PM, featuring holiday carols from the 7 Mile Island Players and a snow effect during the lighting. Following the ceremony, the business district will hold Hospitality Night from 6 to 9 PM, offering refreshments, treats, and special shopping promotions. Earlier in the day, the town’s Island Holiday Weekend includes a Holiday Market and carousel at the Water Tower Lot. The Reeds at Shelter Haven will also hold its own celebration, beginning at 4 PM with hot chocolate and cookies, a tree lighting led by Santa at 5 PM, and live music from the Seabillys into the evening.
96th St, Downtown Stone Harbor, NJ

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29:

Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 29, 4:30 pm
Join the Foundation for Bordentown Traditions in the center of Bordentown City to help light the Bordentown CIty Christmas Tree. Local students will perform while you wait for the arrival of Santa on the firetruck. Free refreshments. Santa will be available for photos after the event.
Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ

Santa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cape May County Zoo
November 29, 2 pm – 6 pm
The Cape May County Park and Zoo, together with the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners, will host Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 29 from 2 to 6 PM, with the tree lighting ceremony taking place at 5 PM. Vendors offering collectibles and crafts, including items from the Cape May County Association of Zoo Keepers, will be available throughout the event, and the zoo will be open earlier in the day from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. The celebration will feature live holiday music by the John Walter Cape Community Band, bounce houses, a Wild Lights walk-through display, character appearances, an ice sculpture demonstration, seasonal treats, and a visit from Santa. The evening will conclude with a drone show presented by Cape May Aerial Ads.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ

Woodbridge Township Winterfest
November 29, 4 pm – 9 pm
Woodbridge Township will host its annual Winterfest and Light Parade on Main Street on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The celebration will begin with a Holiday Stroll at 4:00 PM, featuring children’s crafts, horse‑drawn carriage rides, ice sculpting, and roasted peanuts. The Main Street tree lighting is scheduled for approximately 5:30 PM, followed by the Light Parade at 6:00 PM. The event is family‑friendly and free to attend, offering a festive community atmosphere with seasonal activities for all ages.
Main St, Woodbridge, NJ

Denville Tree Lighting
November 29, 6 pm
The event will be held at Rotary Santa Land, located on Clark Street, behind Chase Bank. This festive occasion kicks off the holiday season with a community celebration featuring the lighting of the Christmas tree and more seasonal activities.
Clark St, Denville, NJ

Highland Park Christmas Tree Lighting
November 29, 4 pm – 8 pm
The Small Business Saturday Night Owl Holiday Market invites visitors to explore local arts, crafts, and artisanal goods, along with food, a gingerbread house contest, caroling by the Highland Park Community Chorus, and live music from the Jeremy Sweet Trio. The evening culminates in the downtown tree lighting at 6:30 PM, featuring a special appearance by Santa arriving on the Highland Park fire truck.
Downtown Highland Park, NJ

Keyport Miracle on Front Street and Christmas Tree Lighting
November 29, 12 pm – 8 pm
All are invited to enjoy the annual lighting of Keyport’s hometown holiday tree and welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive by fire truck. Expect family-friendly activities, Carolers singing, and watch as Ice Sculptor creates magical ice artwork live.
West Front St, Keyport, NJ

Borough of Ship Bottom Christmas Tree Lighting
November 29, 5 pm – 7 pm
The Borough of Ship Bottom will host its Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 30, at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Boat Ramp, located at 10th Street and Shore Avenue. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire, provided by the Ship Bottom Fire Company and Long Beach Island PBA. T
W 10th St & Shore Ave, Ship Bottom, NJ

Christmas Festival on the Green
November 29, 5 pm – 8 pm
Morristown will celebrate the holiday season with Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the Morristown Green on East Park Place from 5:00 to 5:30 PM, with assistance from the Town of Morristown Fire Department, Police Department, Morristown Partnership, and town officials. From 5:30 to 8:00 PM, attendees can enjoy programming that includes performances by the Mayo Performing Arts Company, hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Hyatt Regency Morristown, and an ice sculpting demonstration on the Green courtesy of 1776 Morristown. Santa will also be available for visits and photos in the Santa House from 5:45 to 8:00 PM.
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ

Annual Swedesboro Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 29, Parade at 1 pm. Lighting at 6:30 pm
Kings Highway will be alive with Christmas cheer as Swedesboro celebrates the start of the holiday season with its annual Christmas Parade at 1pm. The parade will take place on Kings Highway at Walter Hill School and will continue all the way through downtown where it will end at Church Street. The Parade will be concluded with an appearance by Santa. Immediately following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children in the Woolwich Fire House until 4pm. The day’s events will wrap up at 6pm, with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and caroling at Borough Hall.
Swedesboro Borough Hall, 1500 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ

Westfield Christmas Tree Lighting
November 29, 5 pm
The Westfield Christmas Tree Lighting 2025 will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the North Side Train Station Parking Lot. The event will feature Santa Claus, a DJ, carolers, and festive treats from local businesses to kick off the holiday season.
North Side Train Station Parking Lot, Westfield, NJ

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30:

Bradley Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 30, 4 pm
Celebrate the holiday season at the Bradley Beach annual tree lighting event in Riley Park. Join the fun in the park as Santa Claus makes a very special visit, arriving on fire truck! There will be live music, hot chocolate and cookies, holiday games, free face painting and a holiday dance performance by one of the local dance studios. A horse and carriage will give rides around the park during the entire event. The Tourism Commission will be collecting hats, gloves and socks during the event to help local charitable organizations.
Riley Park, Bradley Beach, NJ

Long Branch Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
November 30,  4 pm – 6 pm
Long Branch will host its annual Tree Lighting, offering an evening of festive entertainment and community celebration. The event will feature live performances by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, Atlantic Watch Drums and Pipes, Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Attendees can enjoy a variety of holiday activities for all ages, including a Santa meet-and-greet, Christmas caroling, stilt walkers, glitter tattoos, circus elves, jugglers, snow fairies, train rides, miniature golf at Pier Putt, bowling, VR games and air hockey at Pier Pins, carousel rides, and seasonal treats such as hot chocolate and sweets.
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ

Metuchen WinterFest Parade and Tree Lighting
November 30, 4 pm – 7 pm
The main Metuchen Christmas tree lighting event for 2025 is the WinterFest Parade and Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The parade starts on Main Street, followed by the tree lighting on the Town Plaza at Main and New Street.
Town Plaza at Main and New Street, Metuchen, NJ