NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Events December 19th – 21st, 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 17th and Saturday, December 20th, and LSC After Dark on Thursday, December 18th.
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 17 – 21, 2025:
Featured!!
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Now – December 23
This holiday event features a ride on an exciting train through millions of Christmas lights. The fun includes meeting Santa, a gift from Santa, a holiday movie, cookies, and a walk through the Holiday Village.
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, 1151 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ
Cost: $22.95+
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: Varies
Christmas Underwater
Now – December 24
In the spirit of the season, Adventure Aquarium presents their annual Christmas Underwater. Guests can experience the festive magic as Scuba Santa takes a dive with sharks, sea turtles, and rays, spreading Christmas cheer to all visitors. Both on land and sea, holiday surprises await, featuring the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree and enchanting snow-like flurries in the Snowtunda.
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
Cost: Cost of Admission
Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland
Now – December 24
Maple Leaf Farms transforms into a nostalgic holiday wonderland each December, inviting guests to stroll through twinkling lights, vintage animatronic displays, and cheerful Christmas scenes that evoke timeless childhood magic. Visitors can enjoy festive train rides, cozy bonfire pits for roasting s’mores, and a charming country store filled with seasonal treats like apple cider donuts and hot chocolate. With freshly cut Christmas trees and heartwarming holiday attractions throughout the farm, Maple Leaf Farms offers a magical, family-friendly experience that captures the true spirit of the season.
Maple Leaf Farm, 525 US-9 South, Manalapan, NJ
Cost: Varies per activity
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
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets
December 17 & 20 (Wed, Sat, 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 Rd, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Free
LSC After Dark: Reindeer Games & The Upside Down
December 18, 6 pm – 10 pm
Choose your own adventure! Sleigh with Santa in pictures and on the dance floor for Reindeer Games. Grab your crew of elves, your ugliest sweaters, and meet under the mistletoe. AND/OR “Stranger Things” are happening at LSC. Whether you’re fighting a demogorgon or hiding from Vecna, power up your Eggo appetite and be ready for a night of eerie fun inspired by the iconic show.
Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $24 in advance
Collingswood Menorah Lighting
December 18, 6 pm
Be a part of a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration at the Lumberyard Garden and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and choco-gelt.
Collings and North Atlantic Avenues, Collingswood, NJ
Downtown Candlelight Shopping
December 19, 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
Westfield Community Concert Band 36th Annual Holiday Concert
December 19, 7:30 pm – 9 pm
Westfield Community Concert Band presents its 36th Annual Holiday Concert with special guests, the Edison School Broadway Singers, featuring holiday favorites, including The Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride, A Christmas Festival, Fanfare for the Festival of Lights and many others.
Edison Intermediate School, 800 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ
Cost: Free
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 19 – 21
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.
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ: 19 – 21 (Fridays 3-8 PM, Saturday & Sundays 12-5 PM)
Cost: Free
Winter Village — Festival of Trees
December 19 – 21
This Annual Holiday Festival features a beautiful display of decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces hosted at the Red Mill Museum.
The Red Mill, 56 Main St, Clinton, NJ
Cost: $10
Barnyard Under the Stars
December 19 – 21, 4 pm – 8 pm
There’s nothing better than a dazzling light display to spark the holiday spirit, and Barnyard Under the Stars delivers just that. From shining lights to whimsical “crazy sheep,” the experience promises plenty of festive fun and photo-worthy moments for friends and family. Guests can also enjoy the Holiday Thomas the Train Ride, running throughout the evening from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This magical light show is designed for visitors of all ages.
Brookhollow’s Barnyard, 301 Rockaway Valley Rd, Boonton, NJ
Cost: $8.50
Holiday Lights Hayride
December 19 – 21
Looking for family Christmas activities and holiday fun? Step aboard a cozy, tractor-drawn wagon and journey through a breathtaking winter wonderland glowing under twinkling holiday lights. This interactive nighttime hayride is full of heartwarming fun for all ages and is sure to become a treasured family tradition. From an exciting interactive snowball fight to a joyful dance party under the dancing lights, every moment is filled with holiday cheer. Additional activites include a live nativity (with the farm animals), an outdoor firepit to roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa, and a farm stand to shop for holiday favorites including meats, pies, pastas, gifts, and festive treats to bring home. Bundle up, bring a blanket, and get ready to make memories.
Norz Hill Farm, 120 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $15
The Nutcracker American Repertory Ballet
December 19 – 21
Celebrate American Repertory Ballet’s annual Nutcracker tradition with your family! The only ARB performances featuring a live orchestra and choir. Bring the entire family to experience the joy and celebration of this holiday tradition and make memories to last a lifetime—featuring thrilling choreography, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, a cast of more than 100 dancers, and ARB’s only area performances with a live orchestra and choir. A tradition for 60 years, ARB’s The Nutcracker is one of the longest continuously running Nutcracker productions in the nation.
15 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $45- $90
Seas and Greetings
December 20, 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
The Christmas Light Show
December 20, 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
New Jersey Sports Card Convention
December 20 & 21, 10 am
The New Jersey Sports Card Convention will feature experienced card collectors and dealers, bringing sports fans a wide variety of collectibles, novelties, sports card memorabilia and MORE!
iPlay America, 110 Schanck Rd, Freehold, NJ
Cost: $10
Flounder’s Annual Kringle Market
December 20 & 21, 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
Montclair Flea Holiday Market
December 20 & 21, 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
Holly Jolly Holiday Market at MarketFair
December 20 & 21, 11 am – 6 pm
Santa’s reindeer barn sets the backdrop for this amazing showcase of over 30 local talented, artisans and craftspeople. Live music will be featured 3:30-6pm on Saturday and 2-5pm on Sunday with complimentary hot cocoa. Holiday movies for the kids and family will be featured all weekend long and for added fun and delight, kids can write a letter to Santa at the Santa Letter Writing & Craft Center. Enjoy Holly Jolly festive cheer and explore this curated charming collection of handcrafted gifts, artisan decor, specialty items, seasonal treasures & more! Be sure to stop by Center Court and wave a hello to Santa and have your gifts wrapped at their complimentary gift-wrapping station!
MarketFair, 3535 US Highway 1 Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Holiday Flea & Gift Fair at the Wayne PAL
December 21, 9 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 and antiques & collectibles. This event is mainly held indoors, weather permitting there will be limited outdoors. Admission is free.
1 Pal Drive, Wayne, NJ
Free Admission
Asbury Fresh Porta Holiday Pop Up Markets
December 21, 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
Hoboken Holiday Market Series
December 21, 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
Hanover Twp Hanukkah Hoopla
December 21, 3 pm – 5 pm
This festive, family-oriented gathering unites the community for an afternoon celebrating holiday traditions, cultural connection, and interactive activities for all ages. A central feature of the program is a community menorah lighting, with guests invited to bring their own menorahs; a limited number will be provided for those without one. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy dancing, latkes and donuts, Hanukkah gelt, arts and crafts, and classic dreidel games. Although admission is free, advance registration through Community Pass is required.
Hanover Township Community Center 15 North Jefferson Rd, Whippany, NJ
Cost: Free
