NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Events Thanksgiving Weekend 2025
It’s the last weekend of November, and WOW is it busy. New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events Thanksgiving Weekend (November 28 – November 30, 2025), 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, November 26th, Saturday, November 29th, and Sunday, November 30th.
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 Thanksgiving Weekend, 2025:
Featured!!
There are also over 25 Christmas Tree Lightings this Weekend! Click here for our Guide.
Looking for downtown Small Business Saturday Events? Click here for our Guide.
And don’t forget our Holiday Light Guide!
Small Business Saturday & Sunday at Bell Works
November 29 & 30, 12 pm – 4 pm
The Bell Works Holiday Market in Holmdel, NJ is a FREE 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 Road Holmdel, NJ
Holiday Light Show at Historic Smithville
Begins November 27. Every Day until 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
New Providence Holiday Walk
November 28, 5 pm – 7 pm
This annual holiday family event features Santa’s grand arrival, followed by a lively performance by the New Providence HS marching band, and the grand finale fireworks display.
Downtown New Providence, NJ
Cost: Free
Annual Bradley Beach Bonfire
November 28, 5 pm
This beloved Jersey Shore tradition lights up the coast with crackling flames, cozy vibes, and community spirit—perfect for families, couples, and visitors looking to kick off the holiday weekend. Bundle up, bring your beach chairs, and enjoy live music, warm refreshments, and stunning ocean views as the sun sets over Bradley Beach. Don’t miss one of Monmouth County’s favorite fall events!
5th Ave Gazebo, Bradley Beach, NJ
Cost: Free
Downtown Candlelight Shopping
November 28, 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
Sea Isle City Winter Village
November 28 (11 am – 8 pm) & 29, (10 am – 4 pm)
Families will enjoy a visit with Santa and his special guests, holiday performances and music, and a second chance to shop for gifts at the Shopping Village to get started on your holiday shopping.
Excursion Park (JFK Blvd & Pleasure Ave) 2 41st Street Sea Isle City, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Princeton’s Artist Winter Village
November 28 – 30
These festive pop-up shops, run by talented regional creatives, offer fun and unique gifts in cozy textiles, jewelry, hand-poured candles, charming children’s wear, pottery, wood, and so much more. From November 13 through December 21, four Chalets will be open for business Thursday through Sunday, 12-6pm. In addition to the Chalets, ten additional artists will join the village on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Vendors change each week.
Hinds Plaza, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Dickens Days
November 28 – 30
Dickens Days is an annual festival in Clinton, New Jersey, that transforms the town into a Victorian village for a holiday celebration. During the event, which typically takes place over a weekend in late November or early December, visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, storytelling, and performances by local artists. The festival also features specific attractions like a Winter Craft Village, Santa’s Workshop, and the Community Tree Lighting ceremony
Main St, Clinton, NJ
Polar Express
November 28 – 30
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical hour and a half trip to meet Santa. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious cookies are served by dancing chefs. Passengers listen to the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip there is plenty of entertainment from our magical juggling chefs to our singing hobos! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
Lehigh Junction, 99 Elizabeth St., Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $38 Child and $48.00 Adult
Winter Village at the Red Mill Museum
November 28 – 30
Marketspace Vendor Events joins The Red Mill Museum Village’s 16th Annual Festival of Trees and Dickens Days to present the Winter Village at The Red Mill in 2025. This five-day, family-friendly holiday market offers festive shopping in a heated outdoor setting with more than 50 local craft artisans, food trucks, and daily activities. Guests can stroll through the Festival of Trees, enjoy the Victorian charm of Dickens Days with theatrical carolers and horse-drawn carriage rides, and capture memories at the event’s photobooth. The market is dog-friendly, and general admission (free for children six and under) supports the museum.
56 Main St, Clinton, NJ
Kringle Cove – A Magical Pop Up
November 28 – 30, 12 pm – 5 pm
The event will showcase incredible handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts by local and regional makers and small businesses, holiday music, delicious food & libations, craft workshops, kids activities, festive décor, music, and more. During the event, guests can also experience WCP’s first pop-up weekend of Kringle Cove – your winter wonderland escape! From cheerful themed nights to live holiday music and smores stations, every visit will feel like a celebration. Indulge in WCP’s exclusive holiday menus, sip on merry cocktails, and enjoy family-friendly events.
Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Select Dates and Locations Nov 28 – December 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.
2025 DATES & LOCATIONS:
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ: November 28 (12 pm – 8 pm), November 28 & 29 (12 pm – 5 pm), December 5-7, 12 – 14, 19 – 21 (Fridays 3-8 PM, Saturday & Sundays 12-5 PM)
The Asbury Hotel, 210 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ – November 30, December 7 & 14 (12 pm – 5 pm)
Cost: Free
Glow! to Bed: A Journey Through Time
November 28 – January 4, 2025
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
The Annual Antique Toy Train Show
November 28 – February 1st, 2026 (Thurs – Sun)
Features O and O-27 gauge toy trains from the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s. Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines, with adjoining cars, will race on two diverse platforms. Vintage Plasticville buildings from the 950’s will further augment the display. Vegetatation and auxiliary structures will give the platforms a traditional holiday appearance.
Museum of American History, Deptford, NJ
Cost: $4 Adult, $3 children
Creamy Acre’s Night of Lights County Christmas Hayride
November 28 – December 27
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.
Christmas House Freehold
November 28 – December 31
Christmas House Freehold is an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive walkthrough Christmas experience. Everything you love about Christmas, all in one place. All of your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells come to life in Christmas House Freehold! Almost a dozen unique experiences including the first ever Snow Room, the North Pole Movie Theater, the Indoor Light Show, and many more
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm & Walk through Light Show
November 28 – December 28 (Fri – Sun)
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, $12 Adults, Children under 1 are free
Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland
November 28 – 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
Holiday Lights Hayride
November 28 – December 21 (Fridays – Sundays)
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
Annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
November 29, 10:30 am – 3 pm
The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents The Annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village… a completely outdoor shopping experience. Experience Small Business Saturday like its meant to be. Local small business vendors will be on hand for you to purchase the perfect holiday gift! Local artisans, jewelry, specialty shops, handcrafted items, holiday decorations, baked goods, boutique shops, gifts, holiday entertainment & music, raffle & more. This event will also serve as a gift drop location for The Lynch Who Stole Christmas From The GrYnch Program.
Byrne Village, 3400 Pacific Ave, Wildwoods, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Christmas at the Hangar
November 29, 10 am – 4 pm
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at Christmas at the Hangar, a free event that transforms its WWII-era aircraft hangar into a festive winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy live music, meet Santa Claus, shop from local artisan vendors, and take part in family-friendly activities including kids’ crafts, free face painting, and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. The event also offers raffle baskets, photo ops, and 20% off all gift shop purchases. Leashed dogs are welcome, and visitors are encouraged to dress warmly for the occasion.
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ
Cost: Free
Greater Ramsey Unico Italian Christmas Craft Fair
November 29, 10 am – 4 pm
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the Italian Christmas Craft Fair hosted by The Greater Ramsey Unico & Marshmallow Events Come join the Greater Ramsey Unico in celebrating Small Business Saturday at the Italian Christmas Craft Fair! With over 40 local handcrafters, food and Santa, there will be something for the entire family to enjoy. Cash 50/50 will be held by the Greater Ramsey Unico Chapter with all proceeds benefitting the chapter in helping the community. Take a picture with Santa while enjoying a tasty Italian treat and Free admission.
575 Darlington Aven, Ramsey, NJ
Cost: Free
Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show
November 29 & 30, 10 am – 4 pm
This show features hundreds of tables with trains for sale from exhibitors across the country. Attendees can enjoy large operating model train displays, free workshops and demonstrations, and a free test track to run their trains. On-site train repairs will also be available, along with free door prize giveaways and much more.
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ
Holiday Artisan Market at Grounds For Sculpture
November 29 & 30, 10 am – 5 pm (Members can enter at 9 am)
Kick off the season with creativity, flavor, and festive spirit at the Holiday Artisan Market at Grounds For Sculpture, featuring more than 50 local artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original art, skincare, gourmet treats, and more. Enjoy seasonal bites and beverages by Constellation Culinary Group in the Auditorium, then explore 42 acres of art-filled gardens and galleries — and complete your day with a meal at Rat’s Restaurant, where the cuisine is as artful as the surroundings.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ
Cost: Included with admission — $12–$25 for non-members; free for members
HP Night Owl Markets
November 29 (4 pm – 8 pm ) & 30 (1 pm – 5 pm)
Join downtown Highland Park for their outdoor holiday markets featuring local artists, artisans, crafters and food vendors! #ShopSmall and do all your holiday gift shopping downtown. Come by the markets to browse unique, handmade goods, and to enjoy live music, free arts and crafts, and other festive activities.
Municipal Lot between 2nd & 3rd Ave, Next to 212 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ
Cost: Free
Montclair Flea Holiday Market
November 29 & 30, 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
Thanksgiving Craft Show
November 30, 10 am – 5 pm
This is the ultimate shopping day you have been waiting for with one hundred and forty exhibitors participating from three states with arts, crafts, and photography. The show is held in two gyms, the vestibule and café so make sure you visit each area where you will find unique arts, crafts, and photography. The event is sponsored by Project Graduation and organized by P.J.’s Promotions. Shoppers can browse booths filled with Holiday décor, apparel, resin, hand crafted jewelry, table runners and pillows, fiber, crochet animals, soft sculpture, country crafts, hand painted ornaments and glassware, porch and door signs, jeweled utensils, heat packs and ceramics. Also, wood bowls, pens, charcuterie boards, birdhouses, bonsai, soaps, candles, stained glass, sports clocks, florals, pottery, Mandala and diamond art, and so much more. Homemade pickles, beef jerky, kettle korn, desserts, chain saw animals and tie dye will be set up outside.
Paramus High School, 99 East Century Road, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $3
Henville Shopping Village
November 30, 10 am – 4 pm
The annual Shopping Village at MudHen Brewing Company offers the perfect opportunity to wrap up holiday shopping while enjoying festive family activities. This popular event invites visitors of all ages to browse a variety of local vendors set up in the parking lot, featuring unique gifts, handcrafted items, and specialty products. In addition to shopping, guests can enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores stations, adding a warm and sweet touch to the holiday experience. Families can also take advantage of creative entertainment, including caricature artists, face painting, and live music in the Biergarten, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
Mudhen Brewing, 127 W. Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Asbury Fresh Porta Holiday Pop Up Markets
November 30, 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
