A Preview to New Jersey Christmas
While it’s only mid-November, Christmas events and festivals in New Jersey are kicking off as early as this weekend. From festive hayrides and bustling shopping events to twinkling holiday lights and enchanting Christmas trains, there’s a myriad of seasonal experiences awaiting in New Jersey.
For more events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.
If you’d like to submit your event, click here.
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DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 17 – 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: $19.95 to $24.95
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November 17 – December 30
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: $20+
An Old-Fashioned Christmas in Cape May
November 17 – January 1, 2024
What better place to get into the true spirit of Christmas than Victorian Cape May? This seaside town is transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with garlands of fragrant greens and twinkling gaslights. Wrap yourself in the warmth of holiday spirit and sample a variety of fun tours and events.
Cape May, NJ
South Jersey Holiday Lights Show
November 18 – December 30 (Select Dates); Opens at 5pm
The South Jersey Holiday Light Show is the only drive-through holiday light spectacular in Southern New Jersey. Featuring dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family. Visitors are welcomed to bundle up in their car, pack a favorite snack or beverage and tune their radio to enjoy the synced light performance as they travel the more than 1 mile route through the holiday light show.The show is approximately 20-25 minutes long.
Bridgeport Speedway, 83 Flood Gate Rd, Swedesboro, NJ
Skating On The Square
November 18 – February 25, 2024 (Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Start new traditions this holiday season at Palmer Square’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink. Bring your own skates or borrow theirs! (skate rental included in ticket price) ALL skaters/guardians must sign the electronic waiver to be eligible to participate! Please sign in advance for a contactless experience at the rink.
Hulfish Street (behind the Nassau Inn Hotel), Princeton, NJ
Cost:$10 cash per person/ $12 +fees with credit card. Bring your own skates or borrow ours! (skate rental included in ticket price)
GSWGA’s Holiday Wine Trail Weekend
November 24 – 26
Beginning on Black Friday and continuing through the weekend, shoppers will have a few cozy and enjoyable stops to make before rushing home with their treasures. Winery tasting rooms from Sussex to Cape May will invite patrons to travel the New Jersey Wine Trail, with special tastings, entertainment, food pairings, discounts and sales. The Garden State Wine Growers Association’s annual Holiday Wine Trail Weekend is held at over 45 participating New Jersey wineries and vineyards statewide.
Participating Wineries and Vineyards
Cost: Varies Per Location
Dickens’ Days
November 24 – 26
Enjoy holiday festivities in downtown Clinton! Victorian characters, carolers, horse and carriage rides, and more,
Main St. Clinton, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Winter Village at the Red Mill Museum
November 24 – 26
Marketspace Vendor Events joins The Red Mill Museum Village’s 14th annual Festival of Trees 2023 and Dicken’s Days to bring you the Winter Village at The Red Mill. This three-day outdoor, tented and heated, winter craft market in the heart of Clinton, New Jersey features over 40 local craft artisans, activities, and food trucks each day. The Red Mill Museum Village’s annual Festival of Trees is comprised of a decorated tree and wreath silent auction fundraiser benefiting the museum’s preservation. Guests are invited to tour 12 historic buildings on the beautifully decorated grounds of the museum while enjoying performances by Clinton’s ‘Dickens Days’ theatrical carolers.
The Red Mill, 56 Main St. Clinton, NJ
Cost: $12
Polar Express
November 24 – 26
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.
Lehigh Junction, 99 Elizabeth St., Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $38 per child and $48 per adult
WheatonArts Holiday Studio Sale
November 24 – December 3, 10 am – 4 pm
WheatonArts annual Holiday Studio Sale begins every year on Black Friday! Explore original works of pottery and glass art at discounted prices. Browse beautiful handcrafted pottery by artists Terry Plasket, Samantha Bartlett, Tessa Carlton, Clint Hunter, Amy Peseller, and Phyllis Seidner. Discover handmade glass art by guest artists Melanie and David Leppla, as well as unique works by the WheatonArts Glass Artists, including Kendall Frank, Jeremy Hayes, Tiffany Leps, Josh Metzger, and Katey Murphy.Admission is FREE to the sale, open ten full days from November 24 through December 3, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the WheatonArts Event Center. Visitors can also create personalized gift tags for all the perfect gifts they find at the complimentary art activity table.
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ
Cost: Free
Holiday Lights Hayride
November 24 – December 17
Looking for family Christmas activities and holiday fun? Bring your family and friends for a festive holiday lights tractor-drawn hayride. Norz Hill Farm offers Hayride experiences complete with holiday lights, outdoor interactive displays, a spin by the animals, and perhaps a stop by Santa’s cornfield office! If you looking for family Christmas activities, Norz Hill Farm’s provides the best family fun and holiday lights in New Jersey.
Norz Hill Farm, 120 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $13+
Holiday in the Park
November 24 – December 31
Experience the magic of Holiday in the Park! Make merry memories with millions of luminous lights, festive foods, and your favorite thrilling coasters. From coasters to cocoa it’s a holiday spectacular for the whole family.
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ
Cost: $50
