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21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids

Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
11/8/24 - By Laurie Rein
LuminoCity
LuminoCity’s enchanting wonderland of light sculptures comes to Freehold Raceway Mall in New Jersey with this year’s “Wonder Journey” theme. Running from November 15 to January 5, this unique holiday tradition offers breathtaking displays perfect for families. Don’t miss this must-see experience! LEARN MORE

Looking for the best holiday activities and Christmas events in New Jersey? Read on for our top picks in the Garden State in 2024. 

Make your list—and check it twice—because we've got all the details you need for annual must-do holiday experiences and top Christmas events in New Jersey. These Christmas events and holiday activities in New Jersey are sure to get everyone in the seasonal spirit over the next few weeks. 

You can also stay up to date with all the family-friendly fun in our Family Activity Calendar and find more Christmas events and holiday hoopla in our seasonal Holiday Guide for New Jersey Families.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And keep in mind: Cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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Best Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in NJ for Kids in 2024

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular

Paramus
Select dates from Thursday, November 7-Sunday, January 12, 2025
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. READ MORE

2024 LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival - Wonder Journey

Freehold
Select dates from Friday, November 15, 2024-Sunday, January 5, 2025
Step into a world of wonder at the 2024 Holiday Lights Festival, “Wonder Journey,” bringing a dazzling spectacle to Freehold Raceway Mall. This year’s festival transforms the mall’s parking lot into a whimsical adventure, offering visitors a magical journey through iconic moments inspired by the beloved children’s story Alice in Wonderland. READ MORE

Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland

West Berlin
Select dates from Friday, November 15-Sunday, January 12, 2025
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. READ MORE

Christmas Fantasy With Lights at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Select dates from Saturday, November 16-Monday, December 30, 2024
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. READ MORE

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express

Hammonton
Select dates from Saturday, November 16-Monday, December 23, 2024
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 and take photos with Mrs. Claus, and so much more. READ MORE

Morven's Festival of Trees

Princeton
Select dates from Wednesday, November 20-Sunday, January 5, 2025
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. READ MORE

PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights

Holmdel
Daily from Friday, November 22-Saturday, January 4, 2025
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. READ MORE

Orchard of Lights

Hillsdale
Select dates from Friday November 22-Sunday, December 29, 2024
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. READ MORE

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange – FREE
Select dates from Friday, November 22-Tuesday, December 31, 2024
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.  READ MORE

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Physick Estate

Cape May – FREE
Saturday, November 23, 2024
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.  READ MORE

Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

Ocean City – FREE
Saturdays from November 23-December 22, 2024
Start off the holiday season on a scenic horse and carriage ride through downtown Ocean City. The rides are first-come, first-serve. READ MORE

Holidays in the Wildwoods

Wildwood – FREE
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Saturday, November 23-Sunday, December 22, 2024
Friends, family, and holiday cheer make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year in the Wildwoods. Seaside celebrations this winter include plenty of entertainment and activities to create family memories. Enjoy bonfires, parades, light shows, tree lightings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

Smithville–FREE
Thursdays through Sundays from Thursday, November 28-Sunday, January 5, 2025
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you. READ MORE

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express

Tuckahoe
Select dates from Saturday, November 30-Monday, December 23, 2024
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.  READ MORE

Palmer Square Tree Lighting

Princeton – FREE
Friday, November 29, 2024
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. Come early to witness Ice Sculpture Philly at 2:30pm. READ MORE

Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru

East Brunswick
Daily from Friday, November 29-Tuesday, December 31, 2024
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. READ MORE

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

Fanwood – FREE
Daily from Friday, November 29-Wednesday, January 8, 2025
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.  READ MORE

Santa's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Cape May County Zoo

Cape May – FREE
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Santa Claus is coming to the Cape May Zoo and bringing plenty of festive holiday cheer. Enjoy live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, bounce house, character appearances, performances and free treats for all. Plus, get a visit with jolly old St. Nick himself. READ MORE

Toms River Winter Wonderland Weekend

Toms River – FREE
Select dates from Friday, December 6-Saturday, December 7, 2024
Toms River hosts a weekend of fun to ring in the holiday season. A tree lighting kicks off the weekend and Santa arrives for photo-ops. Shop the Winter Village all weekend long for wares from local vendors, plus enjoy children's activities and music. READ MORE

Dickens Village

Maplewood – FREE
Saturdays from Saturday, December 7-Saturday, December 21, 2024
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. READ MORE

Palmer Square Menorah Lighting

Princeton – FREE
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Celebrate Hanukkah at Palmer Square's annual menorah lighting ceremony. Enjoy music and activities in addition to the lighting.  READ MORE

The Polar Express on the Morristown & Erie Railway

Whippany
Select dates through Monday, December 30, 2024
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express, powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, shortbread, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. READ MORE

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. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park
Freehold Raceway Mall
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House