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1. Asbury Park

If your holiday travels take you down the Shore, make Asbury Park a stop on your tour. The Holiday Bazaar is a must-see, filled with vendors and local shops selling the cutest and coolest art, jewelry, home goods, and more. Check out the bazaar every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Convention Hall and every Sunday at The Asbury Hotel, through Sunday, December 22. While you shop, kid-friendly activities abound including crafts and photo booths. Head over to Firemen's Park on Friday, December 6 for the town's annual Christmas tree lighting.

2. Cape May

The seaside town of Cape May goes all out for the holiday season, trimming its historic Victorian houses with gorgeous garlands and wreaths. Take in the beautiful holiday lights during a Lamplighter Christmas Tour, hop on a trolley ride with Mrs. Claus to see the Christmas lights, or swing by Congress Hall for breakfast with Santa. You can also climb aboard the Santa Express every weekend until Christmas for a festive Santa train ride, departing from either Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village.

3. Cranford

Explore the joyfully decorated Cranford downtown and discover creative, unique Christmas trees sponsored by local organizations. Witness the official Cranford tree lighting and snag some Santa photos on Friday, November 29. Kids can drop off their wish lists in Santa's mailbox at the gazebo. Take in the town's holiday sites and sounds aboard a FREE trolley ride on Saturday, December 21. On select weekend dates in December, the Cranford Theater hosts special 9:30am screenings of favorite Christmas movies. Swing by local bakery Sweet n Fancy to pick up a holiday cupcake decorating kit or enjoy a variety of holiday baking workshops.

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Zip around Palmer Square’s ice skating rink. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square

4. Princeton

Holiday happenings in this idyllic college town offer something for everyone. Looking for low-key, warm, indoor fun? The festive display of decorated Christmas trees at the Morven Museum's annual Festival of Trees gets kids of all ages into the holiday spirit. Wander through downtown every weekend taking in the Palmer Square holiday entertainment, including carolers and a strolling Santa. The town hosts two brilliant lighting events this season: the tree lighting on Friday, November 29, and a menorah lighting on Wednesday, December 18.

5. Morristown

With the sparkling holiday lights on the green, downtown Morristown has always captured the spirit of the holiday season. Kicking off with Santa's arrival on Sunday, December 1, enjoy month-long visits and photos with Santa, holiday crafts, ice sculpture demonstrations, a vintage-style rocking horse, and rides on a miniature train. Visitors can bask in the glow of thousands of dazzling lights. Be sure to stop by Santa's mailbox on the green to drop off your children's letters.

6. Red Bank

Your family will discover the best of Red Bank’s downtown arts and antique district during its annual holiday festivities. As you stroll the small-town shops, listen for the holiday harmonies throughout downtown, including carolers, jazz musicians, and hand bells. Greet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive for the annual town lighting via firetruck on Friday, November 29. Be sure to make reservations now for brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 8 at 26 West on the Navesink.

7. New Brunswick

Downtown New Brunswick becomes a Winter Wonderland during the holiday season. Peruse the local shops and restaurants while admiring the beautifully decorated Christmas trees representing diverse cultures and traditions throughout the city center. On select dates, visitors can witness frozen works of art come to life during live chainsaw ice sculpting demonstrations. Catch performances by local musicians, take the family on a horse-drawn carriage ride, and capture memories of the holiday season with a visit from Santa.

RELATED: Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays in New Jersey

The Dickens Village returns to Maplewood for the holiday season. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

8. South Orange-Maplewood

The quaint villages of the SOMA area are the perfect setting for holiday shopping. Aside from the local neighborhood shops, both towns host outdoor holiday markets. The South Orange Downtown Holiday Market runs on Sundays, while Maplewood's WNTR Holiday Village & Makers Market pops up Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 8. The Dickens Village is an annual holiday tradition in Maplewood with visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and houses decked out for the season. Stop by Santa's mailbox to drop off letters while you're there.

9. Smithville

There’s no shortage of seasonal entertainment at Historic Smithville. With charming cobblestone-lined streets, the colonial village offers a blend of old-time celebrations with a dizzying light show on the lake that will shine in your memory for decades. On weekends, gather around the fire pit on the green to make your s'mores. While you're there, say hi to the Magical Talking Tree. Weather permitting, the train and carousel are open through December.

10. Summit

A visit to downtown Summit puts visitors in the holiday spirit with its shops, restaurants, and hidden elves! Try to spot more than 100 hidden elves within Summit businesses for a chance to win prizes. Take in the sights of the holiday season from a carriage ride with holiday music throughout downtown on Saturdays all season long. Swing by downtown on Sundays for fresh foods and holiday items at the weekly farmers market. On Saturday, December 21, Celebrate in Summit by shopping locally while enjoying strolling carolers and musicians, horse and carriage rides with Santa, and ice sculpture carving demonstrations.

11. Clinton

There's no better way to kick off the holiday season than at the Clinton Christmas Parade on Friday, December 6. Held the first Friday in December for the last 38 years, this parade in historic Clinton features floats, fire trucks, costumed characters, and, of course, the jolly old man in red himself. There's just so much joyful sparkle, you'll be lit up inside for days! It's a freeze-worthy reason to bundle up and be part of the crowd. Get there early for a good spot!

Originally published in 2019.