NJIB’s Guide to Weekend Events New Years Weekend 2026
This month is winding down, and we’re approaching 2026! 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.
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 New Years Weekend (December 31 – January 4):
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 3
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.
Noon Year’s Eve: Asteroid Drop!
December 31, 10 am – 2 pm
Countdown to the new year – prehistoric style! 🎉 Be part of the first-ever Noon Year’s Eve: Asteroid Drop at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, where the excitement blasts off before bedtime! When the clock strikes noon, we’ll drop our very own asteroid into the quarry to celebrate the end of one era and the start of another – just like the dinosaurs (but way more fun!). Keep the celebration going with a high-energy dance party, noisemaker-making, crafts & activities, a New Year’s Resolution Tree, and more family fun throughout the museum. Bring your young paleontologists for an unforgettable way to roar into 2026!
66 Million Mosasaur Way,
Mantua, NJ
Cost: Adults $40 | Children $30
Noon Years Eve at Jenkinson’s
December 31, 12 pm – 4 pm
Families are invited to ring in the New Year early with a day full of family fun, ocean magic, and festive surprises at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk! On December 31 from 12-4pm, guests can take part in the Noon Year’s Eve celebration — a perfect way to welcome 2026 with laughter, wonder, and a dazzling balloon drop finale.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Cost: Cost of Aquarium Admission
Hackettstown’s New Year’s Eve Blast Featuring An M&M’S® “Ball Drop” At Midnight
December 31, 8 pm – 12:30 am
The Town of Hackettstown, the Hackettstown Police Department, Mars Wrigley, and the Hackettstown Business Improvement District are prepping for its third annual New Year’s Eve Blast with an M&M’S® ball drop at midnight.
Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ
Cost: Free
Hammonton’s NYE Blast
December 31, 10:30 pm – 12:30 am
Spend the evening exploring downtown shops, enjoying local food and drinks, and gathering with friends and neighbors before heading to Town Hall for a night of celebration featuring: Live music by local favorite Beginners Luck, dancing under the stars, a festive midnight countdown, fireworks lighting up the sky, and the iconic Giant Blueberry Drop at midnight. Complimentary hot chocolate will be provided by Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery, and early arrivals can enjoy New Year’s giveaways including hats, party glasses, and noisemakers, while supplies last
100 Central Ave, Hammonton, NJ
Cost: Free
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
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, 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
