Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a twinkling wonderland at Holidays in the Park. Photo by Lisa Warden

Christmas Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Light Shows, Santa Visits, and More Things to Do

It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids

Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey

GUIDE

Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families

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

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

Santa ships out before Christmas Day, but there's still plenty to see at the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

What's Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey: A List of Awesome Things to Do

Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue

Pictures with Santa in New Jersey

The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey

Holland Ridge Farms combines a tulip theme and the holidays in its Winter Wonderland installation. Photo courtesy of Holland Ridge Farms

Christmas Vacation in New Jersey: 20 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids

Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.

Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go

'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids

Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.

Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey

The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.

Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey

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

40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day

GUIDE

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids

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

Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ

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

The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids

The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.

Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

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

22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids

GUIDE

Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids

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

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive

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

Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms

Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey

At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.

18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids

Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes

GUIDE

Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids

At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.

Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less

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

100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

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

VIDEO

Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey

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

GUIDE

Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids

Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ

100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up

Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids

Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra

Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.

Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions

Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys

Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids

Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.

Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

GUIDE

New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

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

10/25/24 - By Laurie Rein

Every year Polar Express train rides come to New Jersey, with the Garden State's railroads decked out in their holiday best. We know it's a bit early to start hauling out the holly, but these Polar Express trains and Christmas trains are a popular holiday tradition, and they sell out fast!

Though these Christmas trains don't go all the way to the North Pole, most include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with treats, caroling, movies, and stories. We've even included a trolley ride hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. Read on to find out where to take a Christmas train ride near New Jersey with Santa, and book your tickets as soon as possible.

If you're already thinking about other must-do activities this holiday season, be sure to check out our rundown of the most spectacular holiday light displays in New Jersey and other tips in our Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in NJ for Families.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.