Top Ten New Jersey Events for November 19 – 21, 2021

November 16, 2021 newjerseyisntboring

The weather is getting cooler as we quickly approach Thanksgiving! This weekend you’ll enjoy the beginning of the Holiday Light season in Princeton, Turtle Back Zoo, and Cape May. Plus Hoboken’s Annual Turkey Trot, shopping events, and food truck festivals.

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Top Ten New Jersey Events for November 19 – 21, 2021:

Diggerland Drive-Thru Light Show
November 17 – January 2, 2022, 5:30PM – 9:30PM
2021 marks the second holiday light show at Diggerland, and you won’t want to miss this! Experience a light show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit!
Diggerland USA, Berlin, NJ
Cost: $29.95 per card

Festival of the Trees
November 17 – January 9, 2022
Festival of Trees is an annual highlight of the holiday season showcasing a juried collection of trees and mantles displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, upstairs and down. This year’s Festival opens earlier and stays open even longer into 2021!
55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Cost: $10, Kids 6 and under are free

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
November 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, December 3 – 5, December 10 – 31 (closed Dec 24 & 25), 5PM – 9PM
About 50 animal and holiday-themed figures will light up the winter night in Turtle Back Zoo and the surrounding Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. Over 100,000 lights will illuminate figures of bears, tigers and elephants, along with holiday lights designed to look like wooden soldiers, stars and winter scenes. Several animal exhibits will be open, including the Sea Lion Sound, Essex Farm, Tam-ring Gibbons Reserve, Tropical Currents Aquarium and the Reptile Building. Myrtle the Turtle, the mascot of Turtle Back Zoo, and several of his winter friends will be on hand to greet visitors at the Zoo. “Selfies” with Santa Claus and a mailbox where children can send letters to Santa Clause at the North Pole will be available each night until December 22nd.
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ

South Jersey Holiday Light Show
November 19 – December 30
The South Jersey Holiday Light Show is the premiere drive-through light show in Southern New Jersey. They proudly feature dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family. The show is approximately 20-25 minutes long.
Bridgeport Freeway, 83 Flood Gate Rd, Swedesboro, NJ
Cost: $23

Magic of Lights
November 19 – January 2, 2022
Schedule: Sunday – Thursday 5PM – 10PM. Friday & Saturday 5PM – 11PM
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, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate

Hoboken Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
November 20, 9AM
This run starts at Pier A Park in Hoboken and runs alongside the Hudson River with priceless views of Manhattan. Runners, joggers, walkers, and strollers are welcome. Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers and meet at PIER A Saturday November 20, 2021. Starting at 9AM. All runners will receive Professional photos, Official timed results, Finish Zone drinks & snacks, Free giveaways from sponsors & vendors, and much more.
Pier A, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $30 to $40 online or $40 same day 5K Run

Cape May Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony
November 20, 5PM – 8:30PM
Santa and his elves have decked out the Physick Estate with thousands of lights and holiday trimmings. Enjoy a free performance of holiday classics by the Atlantic Brass Band as we join Santa in lighting the tree! Dawn’s Delights will be serving hot chocolate and baked goods for purchase. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Cape May Community Food Closet. Donations can be dropped in front of the outdoor stage.
1048 Washington St., Cape May, NJ

“Earlier than the Bird” DOWNTOWN Shopping Extravaganza + Free Carriage Rides
November 20 & 21
Get out earlier than the bird and jump-start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas for early bird shopping specials from 8AM – 12PM on November 20th! Afterwards you can enjoy a free horse and carriage ride from 12-3PM on Saturday and Sunday.
6th & Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ

Laurita Veteran’s Diwali and Food Trucks Festival
November 20 & 21 | Saturday 11AM – 9:30PM and Sunday 11AM – 7PM
Experience the trending Gourmet Food Truck offerings while sipping on wine and enjoying a seat to watch the Fireworks! Featuring authentic Indian cuisine, henna tattoos, shopping, DJ fusion music, games, prizes, entertainment, and more! In addition to the delicious Indian and American cuisine, there will be an amazing dance by Amara, a talented fire dancer and snake charmer. Amara will perform with a 12 foot Argentinian Boa Constrictor. She will dazzle everyone with her snake dance. Also, world-famous contortionist, Natasha King, who has had roles in Broadway and television will dazzle you with an incredible display of her skill.
Laurita Winery; 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ
Cost: 20 and under Free, $12 in advance, $14 at the door

MainStreetPops Artisan Market
November 21, 11AM – 4PM
This Outdoor Artisan Market provides a public venue in Hoboken for high-quality artisans and makers to to sell their handmade goods as well as for local residents to enjoy their neighborhood, shop, and engage with each other.
Under 14th Street Viaduct, 1401 Adams St, Hoboken, NJ

More Ideas of Things You Can Do This Fall: