NJIB’s Guide to 40+ New Jersey Events January 2026
January in New Jersey proves that the Garden State doesn’t hibernate after the holidays. From cozy winter festivals and food-filled weekends to family-friendly expos, live entertainment, and unique seasonal celebrations, the new year kicks off with plenty to do across the state. Whether you’re looking to get out of the house, try something new, or embrace the winter vibes, New Jersey Isn’t Boring has rounded up the best January events to keep your calendar full and your winter anything but dull.
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 January 2026:
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Now – January 3
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. 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
Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village
Now – January 3
Visitors are invited to their favorite stadium for the holidays to explore an outdoor Christmas Village featuring various attractions. Highlights include a Drive-Thru Lightfest, an outdoor skating rink, opportunities for photos with Santa, a S’mores station, local artisan shops, carnival rides, and a selection of seasonal food and drinks.
Skylands Stadium, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $29 per car
Newark Winter Village
Now– January 2026
Embark on a winter adventure in the heart of downtown with a perfect blend of family fun and thrilling activities. Lace up your skates and glide across the icy rink, creating unforgettable moments for families and groups of friends. For a unique and competitive twist, try our exhilarating Go Karts on the icy track—a surefire way to add excitement to your winter festivities. For those seeking a more intimate experience, indulge in the warmth of your own private igloo. Revel in the company of friends and family while enjoying delicious food and drinks in these cozy domes. It’s the ideal setting for creating cherished memories in the midst of the winter wonderland.
Downtown Newark, NJ
Cost: Varies Per Activity
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
Now until January 3, 2026
The Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of New Jersey’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.
PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: $27+
Glow! to Bed: A Journey Through Time
Now – January 4
Take a ride through Gloucester County’s ultimate animated light show in the heart of South Jersey and a winner on The Great Christmas Light Fight show. See over 8 million animated lights and the joy through a child’s eyes, from the anticipation on Christmas Eve to the joys of Christmas morning. This mile-long display synchronized to music on your car radio will not disappoint.
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, Williamstown, NJ
Cost:$44.99, VIP $59.99
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland
Now – January 4
Holland Ridge Farms transforms into New Jersey’s most magical holiday walkthrough, offering an unforgettable experience for families, friends, and anyone seeking festive photo opportunities. Visitors can wander through millions of twinkling holiday lights and displays, including over 50,000 illuminated tulips brightening the flower fields. . Guests can visit Santa’s Workshop for photos, meet favorite characters like Olaf, Elsa, and the Grinch, and enjoy illuminated pony rides on weekends. Interactive light seesaws, swings, spinners, and slides add to the fun, along with a giant igloo snowball pit filled with more than 75,000 “snowballs” and magical snow flurries perfect for dreamy photos. Throughout the farm, visitors can sip hot chocolate, sample festive beer, wine, and cocktails, and indulge in treats from local food trucks and the bakery. The holiday experience also includes a charming gift shop, cozy heated cabins with cookies and cocoa, and even fresh-cut tulip bouquets available from the greenhouse.
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ
Cost: $17 age 3 and up M-TH – $20 age 3 and up F-SUN
Holiday Light Show at Historic Smithville
Now – January 6
Experience the magic as over 100 Christmas trees appear to float on Lake Meone, lighting up in sync with music for a mesmerizing show of lights and sound. This orchestrated holiday spectacle runs Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning November 28 through January 5. Historic Smithville also offers 50 unique shops, 7 dining options, a carousel, a train ride, cozy lodging at the Colonial Inn, and over 26 free weekend events. The show starts at dark and continues until 8:30 p.m.
615 East Moss Mill Rd. Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free
Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House
Now – January 8, from dusk until 10 pm
Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House shines as one of New Jersey’s most beloved holiday attractions, dazzling visitors with its spectacular light display and community spirit. Known for its elaborate decorations spanning both 83 and 87 Patterson Road, the display features thousands of twinkling lights, festive inflatables, and whimsical scenes that capture the magic of Christmas. What makes this attraction truly special is its mission: for over a decade, Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House has raised donations for the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities (NJID), with 100% of contributions going directly to support programs that benefit children and adults with special needs. Visitors can donate via the lockbox at the red house on Patterson Road or through NJID’s website, making every visit not only joyful but impactful.
Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House, 83 Patterson Rd, Fanwood, NJ
Festival of Trees
Now – January 11
Morven Museum & Garden’s uplifting annual Festival of Trees returns for its 20th Anniversary, transforming the historic mansion’s galleries with an abundance of creative trees and mantels, each uniquely decorated by 17 community partners, representing local non-profits, schools, garden clubs, and artists.
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Included with museum admission: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors (ages 60+), youth ages 7-18, students with ID, and active military or veterans with ID. Free for ages 6 & younger.
New Jersey First Day Hikes
January 1
New Jersey State Parks is inviting the public to kick off a milestone 2026 by celebrating the new year and nation’s 250th anniversary with a free, guided, first-day hike through one of New Jersey’s state parks, forests or historic sites. The coming year of 2026 marks the 250th, or semiquincentennial, anniversary of the United States, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Festivities throughout the year will take place across New Jersey and nation, beginning in the Garden State with the annual First Day Hikes event.
Statewide New Jersey
Cost: Free. Some advance registration required depending on location
Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
January 2 – 5 and 9 – 12
Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo.
Let it Glow is a symphony of vivid glowing colors to tease your eyes and dazzle the mind. Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll throughout the zoo These larger-than-life lanterns are amazing in the picture but stunning in person. With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breathtaking than the last.
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
Cost: Tickets available on Eventbrite
New Jersey Bridal & Wedding Expo
January 3 & 4, 12 pm – 5 pm
The Bridal & Wedding Expo 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!
Meadowlands Expo Center, 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ
Cost: Free passes online in advance or $10 at the door
Winery with Music, Firepits & Mulled Wine
January 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, 12 pm – 5 pm
Terhune Orchards invites guests to celebrate holiday cheer at the winery and gather with family and friends to enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday this winter. Seating is available indoors among the wine tanks in the cozy wine barn, as well as outdoors with firepits and outdoor heaters. Guests can savor hot mulled wine, tasting flights of Terhune’s favorite wines, and wine by the glass. All ages can join in the fun with s’mores and hot cocoa kits. Light bites, such as cheese plates and chips & salsa baskets, are available to enjoy with a glass of wine by the fire.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
NJ Super Pet Expo
January 9 -11
The 25th annual Super Pet Expo returns to the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison from January 9–11, 2026, bringing a high-energy weekend of entertainment, education, and shopping for pet lovers and their four-legged companions. One of the largest pet expos on the East Coast, the event features nonstop attractions designed to delight both pets and people. Dogs can race in the Doggie Derby, romp through a massive 5,000-ball Dog Ball Pit, sprint after a faux rabbit on the popular lure course, or play off-leash in the Puppy Playground. Style-conscious pups can strut their stuff in the Celebrity Catwalk, while aspiring animal actors can audition for roles in TV, film, and commercials.
97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ
Cost: Tickets (Online): $15 Adults (12+), $10 Kids (4–11), valid all three days, Tickets (At Door): $20 Adults, $10 Kids, one-day admission
Wildwood Fishing & Boat Expo
January 9 – 11
This annual event features 13 boat dealers showcasing cabin cruisers, pontoons, skiffs, wave runners and more with over 100 vendor booths with everything you will need to make the Fishing & Boating Season a success. There will also be an additional 65 vendor booths offering everything including tow services, terminal tackle, rods and reels, custom rods, inshore-offshore, accessories, services, apparel, gifts, decor, and free seminars.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: $12 for adults. $5 for kids 6-13. 5 & under are free.
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
January 10, 12 pm
Beat the winter blues and beat your opponent too! Strategize your best moves while playing Halma and Basilinda, two long-forgotten 1890s board games. They also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers, and Dominoes.
Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Free
Rahway Soup Stroll
January 10, 17, 24 & 31, 1 pm – 4 pm
This January beat the winter blues and warm up with some delicious soups during The Rahway Soup Stroll! On Saturdays in January, visitors can bundle up and stroll through participating restaurants to enjoy FREE 4oz samples of featured soups. No registration is required—show up ready to sip, stroll, and savor.
Downtown Rahway, NJ
Cost: Free
Garden State Wedding Expo at Rutgers University
January 11, 12 pm – 3:30 pm
The Garden State Wedding Expo at Rutgers University is the ultimate wedding planning event, featuring vendors for reception venues, gowns, photographers, DJs, flowers, cakes, honeymoon planners, transportation, and more. Enjoy grand prize giveaways, door prizes, and exclusive show offers with thousands of dollars in savings. Whether starting your planning or finalizing details, this event is the perfect place to create lasting memories.
Rutgers–New Brunswick College Avenue Gym, 130 College Avenue New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free. Reserve a spot in advance
Ridgewood Restaurant Week
January 11 – 15, 18 – 22
Ridgewood Restaurant Week offering special menus and discounts at local restaurants. This annual event, organized by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, celebrates the town’s diverse dining scene.
Ridgewood, NJ
Cost: Varies Per Restaurant
Collingswood Restaurant Week: Winter Warm Up Edition
January 12 – 18
Collingswood Restaurant Week will return in 2026 from January 12–18, bringing special menus, seasonal dishes, and unique dining experiences to restaurants throughout downtown Collingswood. It’s the perfect excuse to revisit favorite spots, try somewhere new, and enjoy everything that makes Collingswood South Jersey’s dining hot spot — even in the heart of winter.
Downtown Collingswood, NJ
New Hope & Lambertville Restaurant Week
January 12 – 25
It’s your chance to celebrate local restaurants and discover the amazing flavors this community has to offer. With specially curated prix fixe menus, this event is all about eating local, supporting small businesses, and finding your new favorite spot. Explore the incredible variety of participating restaurants across New Hope, Lambertville, and nearby towns. From cozy cafes to upscale dining, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA
Cost: Varies per restaurant
Light Of Day ’26 Winter Fest
January 16, 6:30 pm
This annual music festival will feature a lineup including Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Tangiers Blues Band & Friends with Danny Clinch, Milly, Bobby Mahoney, and more. Proceeds from this event will benefit the quest to end Parkinson’s disease and its related illnesses ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).
Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $47.35
Downtown Haddonfield’s Winterfest
January 16 – 18
Indoor sales, live ice carvings, and soup events, oh my! Winterfest returns with another slew of winter activities to cure your cabin fever. Creative ice sculptures will be spread out throughout Downtown Haddonfield, Haddonfield restaurants will be serving their best soups, and live ice carving will take place in Kings Court (Sunday). Be sure to be on the lookout for tickets to Souper Bowl Saturday, a soup-tasting event with interactive voting, with proceeds going to Cathedral Kitchen; supporting their goal of eliminating food insecurity to 2,000 people a day in Camden, NJ.
Downtown Haddonfield, NJ
Cost: Varies per event
The Garden State RV and Camping Show
January 16 – 18
The show will feature over 140,000 square feet of the latest in recreation vehicles, travel trailers, camping supplies, accessories, campgrounds and travel information exhibits. It is the ideal place for camping families and enthusiasts who are looking to purchase their first RV, looking to upgrade their present RV or for the veteran camper to explore new camping adventures.
NJ Convention Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ
Cost: $15 in advance, Children: 16 & under free, Day of $17, Cash only
Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics at Wildwood
January 17, 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.
Wildwoods Convention Center – 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: FREE to spectate. Register online $100 – $125
Wildwood Comic Con
January 17, 10 am – 5 pm
Calling all Nerds, Geeks, Comic Book Fans, Pop Culture Aficionados, and Cosplayers! It’s going to be WILD at the WILD-CON returning to the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured guests include Genoveva Rossi, Glenn Taranto, and Travis Artz. Artists joining us are Joe DelBeato, Jeff Brennan, Keith Williams, Criss Madd, Tom Schloendorn, Denny Fincke, and Mal Grabowy. Vendors will have Comic Books, Trading Cards, Toys, Crafts, and Much MORE!
Wildwood Convention Hall, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: $10
Pokemon Market
January 17, 10 am – 5 pm
Get ready for an unforgettable day of all things Pokémon! The event will bring together 350+ tables featuring some of the top vendors from across the tri-state area. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a competitive player, or just starting out — there’s something for everyone!
Bell Works, 101 Crawford Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Free
Pier Village Ice Carving Competition
January 17, 12 pm – 3 pm
Watch skilled ice sculptors transform massive blocks of ice into stunning works of art right before your eyes. This FREE, family-friendly event is the ultimate winter spectacle—and the sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (or until they melt!). After enjoying the ice displays, spend the day experiencing everything Pier Village has to offer.
The Blue Wave, Behind Wave Resort, Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
January 17 & 18, 10 am – 5 pm
Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia at Totally Rad Vintage Fest! Our vendors specialize in clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras, while also offering a selection of toys, home goods, and more to complete your nostalgic shopping experience! Unleash your inner gamer at the Free-Play Vintage Arcade, and explore the Rad Rewind Museum with relics from the past. Strike rad poses at the throwback photo ops.
Meadowlands Expo Center, 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ
Cost: $8 – $25
Downtown Cranford Souperhero Stroll
January 17 & 18
You and your family are invited to stroll through Downtown Cranford to view the life-size superhero balloon sculptures by Dream Factory Balloons while sampling delicious soups offered by our local restaurants. To participate in the Souperhero Stroll, please purchase your ticket for the dates and time slot offered. Please note that one ticket is needed for each soup tasting participant. Kids are encouraged to dress up in superhero costumes or wear their favorite capes. This event will take place rain, snow or shine. Additionally, canned soup donations for local food banks are welcome and can be brought to registration on the event day.
Downtown Cranford, NJ
Cost: $12
LSC After Dark: Apres Ski
January 22, 6 pm – 10 pm
The slopes may be cold, but the party is on fire! No lift ticket required! Cozy mountain vibes meet cool beats and seasonal drinks! You don’t need to travel far for the Alpine charm, grab your crew and meet up at the LSC fireside. A great party, delicious bites and drinks, and a twist of science! Each event features a fun theme with a menu to match, a dance floor, a live DJ, a full bar, and planetarium and laser shows. And all of the museum’s exhibits are open, too. When you purchase LSC After Dark tickets, you help the nonprofit Liberty Science Center provide even more programs for our community and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $25 at the door, save $3 buying online in advance
The Fly Fishing Show
January 23 -25
Attendees are invited to join the Fly Fishing Show for an unforgettable experience that promises to captivate them. The event offers an opportunity to explore the latest gear, techniques, and engage with experts in the field. Beyond that, it serves as a unique chance to book a fly fishing trip of a lifetime. wasWhether individuals are seasoned anglers or curious beginners, the show caters to a diverse audience, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ
Cost: $0 – $45
Monster Jam Pit Party
January 23 – 25
This family-friendly pre-show event lets fans meet drivers, snap photos with legendary Monster Jam trucks, and enjoy interactive activities before the main show. Don’t miss your chance to experience the ultimate Monster Jam weekend in Newark!
Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
Cost: Tickets
Dessertopia
January 24, 11 am – 6 pm
Dessert is always a good idea, so prepare for deliciousness, indulgence and fun. Enjoy a selection of the very best desserts in New Jersey. Look forward to a speciality dessert drink and adult beverage bar, retail vendors, a live DJ, and DESSERTS ranging from cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, waffles, cakes, pastries, pies, puddings, chocolate, candies, fruit, custards, tarts, gelatins, gummies, churros, macarons, doughnuts, drinks, and more!
Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $5
Garden State Home Show
January 24 (10 am – 8 pm) & 25 (10 am – 5 pm)
At the Home Show, thegoal is simple—to inspire, motivate, and excite attendees for their next home improvement project, whether it’s a small renovation or a complete remodel. The show features a wide variety of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. Visitors can meet, compare, and connect with expert exhibitors, leaving inspired and confident to start planning.
Meadowlands Expo Center, 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ
Cost: Free passes online in advance or $10 at the door
Garden State Comic Fest
January 24 (10 am – 4 pm) & 25 (10 am – 3 pm)
Immerse yourself in the world of comics with talented artists, diverse vendors showcasing comic books, anime, and collectibles, alongside food trucks and cosplayers. Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun that promises to be a celebration of Comics.
The Sussex County Fair Grounds 37 Plains Rd. Augusta NJ
Cost: $10, cash only. Kids under 12 are free
Holy Trinity Annual Winter Feast
January 30 – February 1
The winter feast encompasses an array of offerings, including delectable Greek cuisine, homemade Greek pastries, traditional dance performances by Greek groups, music provided by DJ JTK Entertainment, and the option for both dine-in and take-out services.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 Ridge Ave, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Fire and Ice Festival
January 31, 10 am – 4 pm
Downtown Mount Holly’s annual event! The highlight of the event is the participation of over ten skilled Ice Carvers, each sculpting 600 lbs of ice, accompanied by a dozen chili chefs serving the finest in Burlington County. Thousands of spectators, including those from the Tri-State area and beyond, gather to partake in the festivities.
Downtown Mount Holly, NJ
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Wing Fest
January 31, 12 pm – 4 pm
South Jersey spots known for their amazing wings will compete for best wing bragging rights at Atlantic City Wing Fest. Sample wings from more than 20 South Jersey restaurants, the all-you-can-eat wing festival will allow you to go around to all of the wing places until you decide – by vote – which wing is your favorite.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Huron Avenue & Brigantine Boulevard Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: $5+
Jersey City Whiskey Fest
January 31, 6 pm – 9:30 pm
The Jersey City Whiskey & Spirits Festival aims to warm up winter with a spectacular lineup. As the winter chill settles in, the Jersey City Whiskey & Spirits Festival is set to heat things up inside the iconic Harborside Atrium. The Jersey City Whiskey Fest is not just an event; it’s an opportunity for guests to gather, share moments with friends, and savor their libation of choice. This festival serves as an all-access pass to a dazzling array of emerging and renowned whiskies and spirits, from local gems to global favorites. Attendees will be treated to samples of over 100 styles throughout the evening, complemented by live entertainment, delectable food, and engaging interactive games.
Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson St Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $15 – $70.
