November Guide to New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings

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:

Rahway’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 24, 2 pm – 6 pm
The yearly event in Rahway showcased firepits, hot chocolate, giveaways, and additional festive offerings. At 6 pm, Santa is set to illuminate the tree.
Downtown Rahway, NJ

Princeton’s Annual Tree Lighting
November 24, 5 pm
Kick-off the holiday season with an invitation to the Annual Palmer Square Tree Lighting on Friday, November 24th at 5 pm. Attendees will have the pleasure of experiencing the harmonious tunes of the 11-man vocal group, The Sensational Soul Cruisers. The festivities continue with the return of The Flying Ivories and their Dueling Pianos, delivering a delightful mix of traditional and reimagined sing-along favorites for the entire family to enjoy. The event will also feature appearances from local community partners, including McCarter Theatre and the Princeton Highschool Choir. Anticipation is high for a special appearance by a certain jolly, white-bearded fellow who might assist in lighting the 32,000 lights adorning the giant spruce tree.
Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ

Avalon Tree Lighting
November 24
Experience a delightful array of entertainment, including live music, children’s performances, character appearances, face painting, crafts, giveaways, hot chocolate, and more! The festivities reach a climax on Friday at 5 pm when Santa and Mayor McCorristin make a special appearance at Veterans Plaza for a magical tree-lighting celebration, generously sponsored by the Borough of Avalon. Following the celebration, head to 30th Street Beach at 6:30 pm for a Christmas Movie on the Beach featuring “The Polar Express.”
Veteran’s Plaza, Avalon, NJ

Stone Harbor Island Holiday
November 24, 11 am – 9 pm
Experience Thanksgiving in Stone Harbor with a day full of festive activities. From 11 am to 5 pm, enjoy the Carousel & Holiday Market at the Water Tower Lot on 95th Street & Second Ave. At 1 pm, join the Paw Prints Pet Parade, sponsored by the Borough of Stone Harbor and Paw Prints. As the evening unfolds, gather at 96th Street (200 block) at 6 pm for the Tree Lighting ceremony. Following the tree lighting, from 6 pm to 9 pm, partake in Hospitality Night in the Business District, rounding out the day with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Downtown Stone Harbor, NJ

Cranford Christmas Tree Lighting & Pictures with Santa
November 24, 5 pm
The cherished Cranford winter tradition is scheduled for Friday, November 24. 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, there will be an opportunity for attendees to take pictures with Santa.
Downtown Cranford, NJ

Madison Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 24, 5 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

Red Bank Town Lighting with Holiday Express
November 24, 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Join in the festivities and celebrate the official commencement of the holiday season at the 31st Annual Town Lighting and Holiday Express Concert on Friday, November 24th. Enjoy complimentary parking and kick off your day with the Gobble, Wobble, and Shopping event, exploring the town’s fantastic shops and restaurants. The pre-show and parade at Two River Theater start at 5:30 pm, featuring a special holiday music and dance performance before Santa leads the parade down to Broad Street. The main event takes place at 7 pm on Broad Street in front of Garmany, where Tim McLoone and the Holiday Express band will rock the street until 8 pm, culminating in a dazzling lights-on countdown. Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the Red Bank Christmas Tree in Riverside Gardens Park for a picturesque photo opportunity before or after the main show. Remember, the concert and countdown occur on Broad Street, and you won’t want to miss it!
Broad St, Red Bank, NJ

Clinton’s Lighting of Christmas Tree
November 24, 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

Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
November 24, 7 pm
The parade begins at approximately 7:30 p.m. starting at Williams Avenue and proceeding up to the traffic circle where the tree lighting will take place. Floats in the Parade will be judged and be awarded prizes in the following categories: Original, Artistic, Creative, Unusual or Funniest.
On the Boulevard from Williams Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

Collingswood Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights
November 24 at 7:30 pm & 25 at 10 am
In Collingswood, Santa makes a grand entrance, descending from atop Borough Hall via the Collingswood Fire Department’s ladder truck, just in time for the official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Choral groups fill the air with festive tunes as the town tree is adorned with twinkling lights, accompanied by season’s greetings from Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioners Rob Lewandowski and Morgan Robinson. Following the tree lighting, on November 24, a live ice carving demonstration at the Millennium Clock/Zane Schoolhouse on Irvin Ave at 7:30 p.m. provides additional seasonal delight. After greeting Santa at Borough Hall, one can explore the downtown, visit merchants, and enjoy the live ice carving show. On November 25, at 10:00 AM, the town hosts its Holiday Parade, a highlight in South Jersey, featuring vibrant seasonal entertainment such as marching bands, dancers, holiday characters, stilts walkers, floats, mummers, sports mascots, and live music. The parade route starts at Zane and Haddon Avenues, winding through the heart of Downtown Collingswood along West Linden Avenue.
TreeLighting – Collings and North Atlantic Avenues, Collingswood, NJ
Parade of Lights – Best viewing spot, Park Avenue, Collingswood, NJ

Newton Holiday Parade
November 25, 10 am
The parade includes themed floats hosted by local organizations, bands playing live music, and community groups marching in celebration of the holidays. The final act is the guest of honor himself — Santa arriving in Newton! After the parade, children are invited to visit with Santa and tell him their holiday wishes.
Spring Street, Newton, NJ

Annual Swedesboro Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
November 25, 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

Keyport Miracle on Front Street and Christmas Tree Lighting
November 25, 11 am – 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

Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 25, 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

Bradley Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 26, 4 pm
Celebrate the holiday season at the Bradley Beach annual tree lighting event in Riley Park. On November 26th starting at 4pm, 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 26, 4 pm – 6 pm
To kick-off the holiday season, The Long Branch Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, November 26th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Attendees will enjoy a host of holiday activities such performances by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, Tim McLoone and the Shirley’s and a special appearance from Santa Claus.
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ

Christmas Festival on the Green
November 26, 5 pm – 8 pm
The event kicks off on the Sunday after Thanksgiving with Santa’s rooftop arrival and welcome ceremony. Family activities and entertainment on the historic Morristown Green, add to the dazzling “Lighting of the Green” ceremony with brilliant lights and wreaths adorning streetlights town-wide – a 100+ year tradition!
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ