This month is winding down, and Christmas is on the way! New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events is your go-to source for the best events happening across the Garden State! Whether you’re searching for lively festivals, captivating performances, family-friendly fun, or seasonal activities, our guide has you covered. Explore new experiences, create unforgettable memories, and stay connected with the local community with New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s expertly curated event lineup.

As a reminder, NJIB has no control over the weather or whether (see what I did there) an event is canceled. Please make sure an event is still active before attending.

Check out our Event Guide for more events throughout the year. To submit your event, click here.

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NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Events Christmas Weekend (December 24 – 28):

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
Now through January 12th, 2026 (Closed Dec 25)
Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo.
Let it Glow is a symphony of vivid glowing colors to tease your eyes and dazzle the mind. Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll throughout the zoo These larger-than-life lanterns are amazing in the picture but stunning in person. With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breathtaking than the last.
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
Cost: Tickets available on Eventbrite

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Now – January 3 (closed Dec 24 & 25)
During the holiday season, individuals can enjoy a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, bathed in the glittering lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Embracing the spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. Admission is free, and attendees can engage in various activities such as visiting the carousel, touch tank, face painting, reptile house, farm, train, and gift shop (some activities may have associated fees). Reservations are not required. This special event offers a unique backdrop with some animals, focusing on an evening stroll through light displays and photo opportunities with friends and family. Seasonal activities include a s’mores station, Grinch weekend, and photos with Santa. While not all areas of the Zoo are open and accessible, visitors can explore the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Farm to catch a glimpse of some animals.
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ

Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village
Now – January 3 (closed Dec 24 & 25)
Visitors are invited to their favorite stadium for the holidays to explore an outdoor Christmas Village featuring various attractions. Highlights include a Drive-Thru Lightfest, an outdoor skating rink, opportunities for photos with Santa, a S’mores station, local artisan shops, carnival rides, and a selection of seasonal food and drinks.
Skylands Stadium, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $29 per car

New Brunswick’s Winter Wonderland
Now – January, 2026
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of a Winter Wonderland with a host of festive activities. Musical performances, iceless ice skating, letters to Santa, festival of the trees, a Gingerbread House decorating contest, and more.
Downtown New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Varies Per Event

Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
Now until January 3, 2026
The Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of New Jersey’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.
PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: $27+

Diggerland Drive-Thru Light Show
Now – January 2026
Embark on an extraordinary experience at the Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show hosted by Diggerland, the unique construction theme and water park. Visitors can drive through the park, witnessing a spectacular light show, holiday displays, and enchanting tunnels, and tune in to the dedicated radio station to infuse their car with the festive spirit. Diggerland invites families to make this drive-thru holiday event a cherished tradition.
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
Cost: $37.99 per car

U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland
Now– January 4, 2026 (closed Dec 24 & 25)
Holland Ridge Farms transforms into New Jersey’s most magical holiday walkthrough, offering an unforgettable experience for families, friends, and anyone seeking festive photo opportunities. Visitors can wander through millions of twinkling holiday lights and displays, including over 50,000 illuminated tulips brightening the flower fields. Guests can visit Santa’s Workshop for photos, meet favorite characters like Olaf, Elsa, and the Grinch, and enjoy illuminated pony rides on weekends. Interactive light seesaws, swings, spinners, and slides add to the fun, along with a giant igloo snowball pit filled with more than 75,000 “snowballs” and magical snow flurries perfect for dreamy photos. Throughout the farm, visitors can sip hot chocolate, sample festive beer, wine, and cocktails, and indulge in treats from local food trucks and the bakery. The holiday experience also includes a charming gift shop, cozy heated cabins with cookies and cocoa, and even fresh-cut tulip bouquets available from the greenhouse.
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ
Cost: $17 age 3 and up M-TH – $20 age 3 and up F-SUN

An Old-Fashioned Christmas in Cape May
Events conclude on January, 2026
What better place to get into the true spirit of Christmas than Victorian Cape May? This seaside town is transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with garlands of fragrant greens and twinkling gaslights. Wrap yourself in the warmth of holiday spirit and sample a variety of fun tours and events.
Cape May, NJ

Holiday Light Show at Historic Smithville
Every Day until January 6
Experience the magic as over 100 Christmas trees appear to float on Lake Meone, lighting up in sync with music for a mesmerizing show of lights and sound. This orchestrated holiday spectacle runs Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning November 28 through January 5. Historic Smithville also offers 50 unique shops, 7 dining options, a carousel, a train ride, cozy lodging at the Colonial Inn, and over 26 free weekend events. The show starts at dark and continues until 8:30 p.m.
615 East Moss Mill Rd. Smithville, NJ
Cost: Fre

Glow! to Bed: A Journey Through Time
Now – January 4, 2026
Take a ride through Gloucester County’s ultimate animated light show in the heart of South Jersey and a winner on The Great Christmas Light Fight show. See over 8 million animated lights and the joy through a child’s eyes, from the anticipation on Christmas Eve to the joys of Christmas morning. This mile-long display synchronized to music on your car radio will not disappoint.
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, Williamstown, NJ
Cost:$44.99, VIP $59.99

Creamy Acre’s Night of Lights County Christmas Hayride
Now– December 27 (closed Dec 25)
Experience holiday traditions at Creamy Acres as the 100-acre dairy farm becomes a Christmas Wonderland with dazzling light displays, Musical Dancing Tree shows, and festive lights. Families can enjoy the magic from their vehicles, tuning in to the private radio station for favorite Christmas songs. The Night of Lights Light Show Extravaganza now features a doubled display, creating an even more awe-inspiring one-and-a-half-mile drive-through experience.
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the gate.

The Village at Anne Ellen
Now– December 30 (closed Dec 24 & 25)
Embark on an enchanting adventure through a quaint winter wonderland, beginning with a nostalgic hayride through our Christmas tree fields. As you step off the wagon, you’ll be transported into a mesmerizing Christmas tale brought to life with twinkling lights and captivating displays. Wander along wooded pathways, soaking in the festive atmosphere and timeless holiday magic at every turn.
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Manalapan, NJ
Cost: $24 – $26, kids $12 – $14

Christmas House Freehold
Now – December 31 (closed Dec 25)
Christmas House Freehold is an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive walkthrough Christmas experience. Everything you love about Christmas, all in one place. All of your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells come to life in Christmas House Freehold! Almost a dozen unique experiences including the first ever Snow Room, the North Pole Movie Theater, the Indoor Light Show, and many more
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ
Cost: Ticket prices vary

Newark Winter Village
December 24, December 26 – 28
Embark on a winter adventure in the heart of downtown with a perfect blend of family fun and thrilling activities. Lace up your skates and glide across the icy rink, creating unforgettable moments for families and groups of friends. For a unique and competitive twist, try our exhilarating Go Karts on the icy track—a surefire way to add excitement to your winter festivities. For those seeking a more intimate experience, indulge in the warmth of your own private igloo. Revel in the company of friends and family while enjoying delicious food and drinks in these cozy domes. It’s the ideal setting for creating cherished memories in the midst of the winter wonderland.
Downtown Newark, NJ
Cost: Varies Per Activity

Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm & Walk through Light Show
December 26 – 28 
Upon arrival, families can head to Allaire Community Farm’s historic 100-year-old Barn, transformed into a festive Farmers Market. Amidst a charming Christmas village display, they can obtain admission, feed bags, Polar Express tickets, Yuletide wagon ride tickets, and enjoy warm hot chocolate. Exiting the market, the journey into the Farm unfolds like a magical Lifesize Christmas village, offering a preview of the upcoming adventure. With indoor and outdoor petting zoos, Santa photo ops, holiday movies, a Model Train House, and a picturesque holiday ambiance, visitors are immersed in festive spirit. Opting for a Yuletide Wagon ride or Polar Express tickets adds magic, guiding families through tunnels of lights, the Mighty Christmas Village, and outdoor paddocks with various animals. The event proceeds directly support the nonprofit organization’s mission, benefiting rescued animals and programs for special needs individuals, teens with mental health issues, and Veterans with PTSD throughout the winter season.
1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall Township, NJ
Cost: $6 Children 18 & under, $12 Adults, Children under 1 are free

Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
December 26 – 30
Embrace the enchantment of the holiday season at Demarest Farms. Immerse yourself in the joy and wonder of the Orchard of Lights, guiding your vehicle through 32 acres of dazzling holiday light displays. Cozy up by the fire pit, indulge in hot cocoa and treats at the retail farm market, and capture memories with Santa. Engage in festive activities such as crafting your own s’mores, listening to Santa’s singing reindeer, and more.
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ
Cost: $35 per car

Christmas Fantasy with Lights
December 26 – 30, dates and times vary
In the most magical time of the year, Storybook Land invites visitors to join the enchantment. At 5:00 pm each night, Santa Claus waves his magic wand, illuminating Storybook Land with over 1 million lights for the holiday season. Tickets are available for either weekdays (Mondays through Thursdays) or weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Cost: Cost of Admission

Barnyard Under the Stars
December 26 – 30, 4 pm – 8 pm
There’s nothing better than a dazzling light display to spark the holiday spirit, and Barnyard Under the Stars delivers just that. From shining lights to whimsical “crazy sheep,” the experience promises plenty of festive fun and photo-worthy moments for friends and family. Guests can also enjoy the Holiday Thomas the Train Ride, running throughout the evening from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This magical light show is designed for visitors of all ages.
Brookhollow’s Barnyard, 301 Rockaway Valley Rd, Boonton, NJ
Cost: $8.50

Festival of Trees
December 26 – 30
Morven Museum & Garden’s uplifting annual Festival of Trees returns for its 20th Anniversary, transforming the historic mansion’s galleries with an abundance of creative trees and mantels, each uniquely decorated by 17 community partners, representing local non-profits, schools, garden clubs, and artists.
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Included with museum admission: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors (ages 60+), youth ages 7-18, students with ID, and active military or veterans with ID. Free for ages 6 & younger.

Seas and Greetings
December 27 & 28, 12 pm – 5 pm
This holiday season, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk brings festive seaside magic to life with Seas & Greetings, a new daytime holiday celebration. Guests can enjoy Photos with Santa, visits from Holiday Princesses, the dazzling Fun House holiday lights display, and the enchanting Bubble Snow and Holiday Magic Shows. Families can also experience Diving Santa and Fishmas Tales at the Aquarium, meet strolling holiday characters, and enjoy festive face painting. Plus, visitors can glide across the shorefront ice rink December 27–31 and savor seasonal sweets from Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop—all set against the sparkling backdrop of the Jersey Shore.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Jurassic Quest
December 27 – December 30
Step into an immersive adventure where North America’s largest life-sized dinosaurs—moving, roaring, and breathing—come to life around you. Families can uncover new discoveries at every turn, from digging for fossils and meeting charming baby dinos to riding towering prehistoric creatures and exploring imaginative LEGO®-themed play zones.
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ
Cost: $20+