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See the Grinch on stage at the State Theater of New Jersey in New Brunswick. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Elf, The Grinch, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival

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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway

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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm

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Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm

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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.

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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square

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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo

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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue

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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins

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The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in New Jersey

New Jersey Ballet's "The Nutcracker" brings magic to the stage at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. Photo courtesy of the Bergen PAC

11/10/24 - By Michelle Vames

The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are among the seasonal classics to look forward to over the holidays, when New Jersey theaters come alive with dancing sugar plum fairies, singing elves, and more than a few Christmas ghosts.

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you don't have to go to New York City to see a superb production—several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here in New Jersey, including R oxey Ballet and New Jersey Ballet. For a fun twist on the classic, don't miss The Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC.

In fact, there are so many top-notch productions, we couldn't list them all here, so be sure to check out our Activity Calendar for more, and bookmark our Guide to the Holidays in New Jersey for family-friendly Christmas activities all season long.

Editor's note: This article is in the process of getting updated for the 2024 holiday season. Please check back soon for full details.