Ho, ho, ho—the countdown has begun, and with it, lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend to make those core memories with the fam. Dive into a winter waterland where Scuba Santa swims among sharks, rays, and sea turtles, plus festive lights, indoor snow flurries, and dazzling holiday décor at Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, shop for last minute gifts and share your wish list with Santa at the Flounders Kringle Market in Hillsborough, or bring your menorah for community lighting and enjoy dancing, latkes, gelt, crafts, and dreidel play at Hanukkah Hoopla in Whippany. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the holiday shows near you. (featured photo: NJMOM taken at Adventure Aquarium Christmas Underwater)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Creamy Acre Farms Night of Lights
December 19-20
Drive through a dairy farm transformed into a Christmas Wonderland, featuring a Musical Dancing Tree light show, and dazzling displays newly expanded with double the lights and scenes this holiday season. There will also be concessions, a country store, and fire pits.
Cost: $35 per vehicle
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Montclair Holiday Flea Market
December 19-21
Check off everyone on your list at the Montclair Flea’s Holiday Market. With up to 130 curated vendors offering everything from festive décor and handmade gifts to vintage treasures and cozy accessories, you’ll find the perfect holiday gifts at this indoor shopping experience.
Cost: Free
The Nutcracker American Repertory Ballet
December 19-21
Bring the entire family to experience the joy and celebration of this holiday tradition and make memories to last a lifetime—featuring thrilling choreography, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, a cast of more than 100 dancers, and ARB’s only area performances with a live orchestra and choir.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
December 19-21
Dive into a winter waterland where Scuba Santa swims among sharks, rays, and sea turtles, and the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree glows bright inside Shark Realm. Enjoy festive lights, indoor snow flurries, and dazzling holiday décor throughout the Aquarium. Plus photo ops, puppet shows, and sing-alongs that brighten spirits.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Old Fashioned Christmas
December 19-21
See the seaside town of Cape May transform into a Dickens village just in time for the holidays. Don’t miss free events like the Winter WonderWalk, tours of the Physick Estate, and the Christmas Candlelight House Tours. They also have a Lamplighter Christmas Tour and Santa’s Trolley Tours throughout the season.
Cape May, NJ 08204
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
December 19-21
All aboard a train ride through millions of Christmas lights with a meet and greet with Santa and his elves in his workshop. Perfect for Kids ages 1-92, 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. Afterward, head to the Holiday Movie tent, take a photo with your favorite snowman, and shop for everyone on your list at the Toy Market and Walkthrough Holiday Village. Tickets go on sale in the fall.
Cost: starting at $22.95
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
2025 Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
December 19-21
Check out this brilliant display, featuring over 30,000 light-up tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of lights throughout the farm. Don’t leave without enjoying the delicious treats from food trucks, festive music, fire pits, character meet-and-greets, and an illuminated playground.
Cost: $17 per person ages 3 and up Monday-Thursday and $20 per person ages 3 and up Friday-Sunday
Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Let It Glow
December 19-21
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo. There will be fire pits to warm up with and s’mores kits for a sweet treat.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Winter WonderLights
December 19-21
New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show drive-thru enchants with over 1.5 million lights dancing to your favorite holiday music. The trees, the tunnels, and a tribute to first responders and US armed forces are just a sample of what you will see on the half-mile drive.
Cost: $30 per car or $125 for a VIP season pass per car; guests are encouraged to buy tickets online.
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
December 19-21
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes, and take a ride on Santa’s sleigh (in 4D). Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see the big guy before you leave.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
December 19-21
The magic of Christmas has taken over Storybook Land for one of the most unforgettable light shows in NJ. Santa Claus is ready to wave his magic wand and light the park with over one million lights for the holiday season. Your littles will love seeing the park glow after dark and will be thrilled to go on rides and attractions (all open at night) during this magical time.
Cost: $37.99 per person if bought in advance (tickets go on sale after October 31), $41.99 per person at the door.
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
December 19-21
Dubbed the North Pole of NJ, this is one of the Christmas villages that feels like a holiday movie come to life. Kids will love visiting Santa’s workshop, where they can make reindeer food with elves, write wish lists, and meet with the big guy in red. Afterward, there’s plenty to do to get into the spirit—take a ride on the carousel, ice skate, play games, visit the sweet shop, cozy up to the fire pit, and shop for gifts in the vendor village. All proceeds benefit GeorgesHouse.org, a non-profit committed to providing toys and transitional housing for children and families in need.
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 19-21
Shop this traditional Christmas market and enjoy holiday décor and entertainment in Asbury Park at the Grand Arcade, Asbury Hotel, and Whitechapel Projects. There will also be crafts and a holiday photo booth.
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Whitechapel Projects, 15 2nd Avenue, 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
December 19-21
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with over 50 winter and animal characters. There will also be weekend Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
December 19-21
Visit Historic Smithville to hear your favorite holiday tunes synchronized to a unique light display. Over 120 Christmas trees, constructed from 50,000+ Christmas lights, will magically float atop Lake Meone in the center of the village. When the sky is dark, an orchestrated show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music. The show can be seen from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Kwanzaa at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
December 20 at 1 PM
Bring the whole family to the Kwanzaa Festival, featuring dance classes, storytelling, face painting, a Kwanzaa candlelighting ceremony, live performances, and traditional foods. Then, pick up some gifts at the Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace, which opens at 1 PM.
Cost: Free
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Dickens Village
December 20
The first three Sundays in December are filled with tons of holiday cheer. With events like winter stories for kids, a tree lighting, a menorah lighting, and a free holiday concert, the whole family will enjoy this village.
Cost: Free
Ricalton Square, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Chanukah on Ice
December 20 at 7:30 PM
Head to Igloo Ice Rink in Mt. Laurel for a night of Hanukkah-themed fun. People of all ages can enjoy gelt, the giant menorah lighting, festive music, and refreshments. Admission includes doughnuts, a skate rental, and drinks.
Cost: $15 at the door
3033 Fostertown Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Horse & Carriage Rides
December 20-21
The town of Ocean City lights up during the holiday season, and you can take part in the fun with free horse and carriage rides with the whole family.
Cost: Free
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market
December 20-21
If the weather outside looks frightful, head to this indoor market, which features 75 local farmers, food purveyors, local artisans, and more.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Market
December 20-21
Last-minute gifting is inevitable, so why not stop by for live music, food, and gifts made by local artisans? You’ll find that and more at this festive market in historic Jersey City.
Cost: Free
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Flounder’s 5th Annual Kringle Market
December 20-21
The holidays are alive in Hillsborough, with events including carolers, photos with Santa, a kids’ craft zone, dance performances, and this market filled with all the goodies you’re looking for.
Cost: $10 per car
2 Clerico Lane, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Hoboken Holiday Market
December 21
Ready to go shopping? Head to this event featuring 75+ vendors with goodies like handmade jewelry and pet products, plus holiday music, an inflatable village, and a bouncy house.
Cost: Free
770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Asbury Fresh Pop-Up at Porta
December 21
Experience a warm and toasty holiday market season in good ol’ Asbury Park. Shop locally curated vendors and enjoy pizza and festive drinks.
Cost: Free
Porta, 911 Kinsley Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Main Street Pops Holiday Artisan Market
December 21
Look for handmade goods and unique finds on Sundays in December. You’ll find lots of gift ideas, including jewelry, home goods, and artisanal foods.
770 Jackson Street Plaza @Monroe Center, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Hanukkah Hoopla
December 21 at 3 PM
Bring your menorah for community lighting and enjoy dancing, latkes, gelt, crafts, and dreidel play.
Cost: $5 per family
Hanover Township Community Center, 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981
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