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Looking for the best holiday activities and Christmas events in New Jersey? Read on for our top picks in the Garden State in 2023.
Make your list—and check it twice—we've got all the details you need for annual must-do holiday experiences and top Christmas events in New Jersey. From drive-thru Christmas light spectaculars, like the Magic of Lights, to local favorites, like Fanwood's Famous Christmas House, these 20+ Christmas events and holiday activities in New Jersey are sure to get everyone in the seasonal spirit over the next few weeks.
Take an enchanted journey on DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express. Photo courtesy of DiDonato's Best Christmas Activities and Holiday Events in NJ for Kids in 2022
DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express Hammonton Select dates from Saturday, November 5-Friday, December 23, 2022 All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express! Experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, and so much more.
Winterfest at Diggerland West Berlin Weekends from Saturday, November 5-Sunday, November 27, 2022 The holiday season is in full swing at Diggerland, with live music, the famous Parade of Machines, specialty food, hayrides, and plenty of fun and games. The fun also includes Santa photos and a candy cane hunt.
Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular Paramus Thursday, November 10-Sunday, January 15, 2023 The Bergen County Zoo is illuminated with holiday cheer in the evening all season long. Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed, creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo.
Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland West Berlin Select dates from Wednesday, November 16-Sunday, January 1, 2023 Diggerland shines this holiday season with a 1-mile drive-thru course covered in hundreds of twinkling lights. America’s only construction theme park is illuminated with holiday displays, and visitors can enjoy tasty treats. Stream its radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit.
Princeton Select dates from Wednesday, November 16-Sunday, January 8, 2023 Morven’s annual winter exhibition, Festival of Trees, has become a must-see holiday tradition. Come enjoy the museum’s elegant galleries, mantels, and porches artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and nonprofit organizations.
PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights Holmdel Friday, November 18-Friday, December 30, 2022 Take a drive through this spectacular holiday light experience, which uses LED technology and digital animation. Tune your radio into a holiday soundtrack and wind past themed displays like "Christmas Around the World," "Toyland," "Nativity," and more.
South Jersey Holiday Light Show Swedesboro Select dates from Friday, November 18-Saturday, December 31, 2022 Cruise through a mile-long route of dazzling, larger-than-life, holiday-themed displays. Visitors are welcome to bundle up in their car, pack a favorite snack or beverage, and tune their radio to enjoy the musically synced light performance.
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights West Orange–FREE Select dates from Friday, November 18-Saturday, December 31, 2022 Take a nighttime stroll through the Turtle Back Zoo to see more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters. Santa stops by the fun on select days.
Christmas Fantasy With Lights at Storybook Land Egg Harbor Township Saturday, November 19-Friday, December 30, 2022 Help welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Storybook Land through the end of December. Each night at dusk, Santa appears at the chimney and waves his wand, magically lighting up the park
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Cape May–FREE Saturday, November 19, 2022 The Physick Estate hosts this festive evening to kick off the holiday season. The fun begins with a concert by The Atlantic Brass Band, followed by a Physick Estate Open House, and finally Santa's tree lighting.
Saturday, November 19-Friday, December 30, 2022 Help welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Storybook Land through the end of December. Each night at dusk, Santa appears at the chimney and waves his wand, magically lighting up the park.
Flemington Weekends from Sunday, November 20-Sunday, December 4, 2022 A ride on the Santa Express is the perfect way to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit. This popular annual event features an onboard meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, gifts for children, and photo-ops.
Orchard of Lights Hillsdale Select dates from Wednesday, November 23-Sunday, January 1, 2023 It's that magical time of year when Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights. Take your car on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays. Then, visit Santa, warm up by the fire pit, and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market.
2022 Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village Augusta Select dates from Wednesday, November 23-Friday, December 30, 2022 Sussex County’s favorite stadium hosts this dazzling winter wonderland, showcasing a mile-long drive-thru course glittering with displays and an enchanting Christmas Village full of fun activities, delicious treats, memory-making photo ops, and much more.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland Paramus Friday, November 25-Monday, January 2, 2023 Spend the day at Van Saun Park for wintertime fun including skating, train rides, carousel rides, and much more.
Thursday, November 24-Friday, January 6, 2023 Watch in wonderment as more than 100 Christmas trees magically float on Historic Smithville Village's Lake Meone. Visit any day of the week between 5:30pm and 8:30pm to catch a choreographed light show synchronized to music.
Six Flags Holiday in the Park Jackson Select dates from Friday, November 25-Sunday, January 1, 2023 (details and dates tba) Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, and a little flurry of magic nightly. Visit the North Pole Village, and hop aboard many popular rides.
Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express Tuckahoe Select dates from Friday, November 25-Friday, December 23, 2022 Take a ride on the train at Cape May Seashore Lines with Santa this holiday season. Board the train at Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village for a 35-minute ride.
Palmer Square Tree Lighting Princeton–FREE Friday, November 25, 2022 Princeton's charming Palmer Square gets decked out in its holiday best with a little help from Santa. Jolly old St. Nick is on hand to help flick the switch on the 32,000 lights that illuminate the giant spruce.
Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru East Brunswick Friday, November 25-Sunday, January 1, 2023 The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes, with 12 trees, a tunnel of lights, a tribute to first responders, and stunning, larger-than-life, holiday-themed displays synchronized to music playing in your car.
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House Fanwood–FREE Friday, November 25-Saturday, December 31, 2022 Stroll by Fanwood's Famous Christmas House, which boasts a spectacular 30,000-light display. Monetary donations are accepted to support the NJ Institute for Disabilities
Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquarium Camden Friday, November 25-Saturday, December 24, 2022 Scuba Santa swims through the Adventure Aquarium alongside sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays during Christmas Underwater. Kids can see the world's tallest underwater Christmas tree amid submerged light displays.
Dickens Village Maplewood – FREE Weekends from December 3-Saturday, December 17, 2022 The Dickens Village returns to Maplewood for the holiday season. The Christmas Carol-inspired houses are decorated with fireplaces, stockings, and antique toys. Other activities include horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Palmer Square Menorah Lighting Princeton–FREE Tuesday, December 20, 2022 Celebrate Hanukkah at Palmer Square's annual menorah lighting ceremony. Enjoy music and activities in addition to the lighting.
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 Celebrate Hanukkah at Palmer Square's annual menorah lighting ceremony. Enjoy music and activities in addition to the lighting.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in New Jersey Multiple Dates and Locations Get in the holiday spirit with live performances of holiday classics