New Jersey transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering magical attractions for all ages. From festive markets to enchanting light displays, here’s your guide to the best holiday events and experiences across New Jersey this 2024 holiday season!
1. The Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms
Location: 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ
Dates: November 30 – December 29, 2024
Hours: Vary by day, check their website for specifics
Experience the joy of the holidays at Holland Ridge Farms’ Winter Wonderland! This charming farm lights up with holiday cheer, offering family-friendly activities, holiday treats, and picturesque photo opportunities. Tickets range from $15-$17 per person depending on the day, and event details can be found here.
2. Dine in & Enjoy A Sinner’s Christmas Experience
Location: Sinner’s Steakhouse, 20 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Dates: Through January 5, 2025
For those seeking a unique twist on the holidays, A Sinner’s Christmas Experience at Sinner’s Seafood & Steakhouse in Point Pleasant combines festive decor with seasonal eats and sips! Check out my Reel below to get the full rundown on this experience.
3. Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall in Cape May
Location: 200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ
Dates: Thursday – Sunday, November 29 – December 31, 2024
Hours: Vary by day (see here for specifics)
Step back in time at Congress Hall, where you’ll find a magical Christmas village, complete with a carousel, pop-up vendors, Christmas decor, and holiday dining. THE Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall features the Enchanted Vendor Village plus the Train and Carousel Rides on Thursdays through Sundays. You can visit any day of the week though in December to see the festive decor and ambiance.
4. Stroll the Historic Smithville Village
Location: 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ
Dates: Weekends in December for all attractions; village open daily
Visit Historic Smithville for festive shopping, holiday lights, and unique attractions like the floating Christmas tree display and light show on the lake. A cozy and enchanting holiday outing awaits!
5. German Christmas Market of NJ
Location: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ
Dates: December 6-8, 2024
Hours: Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Get a taste of Europe with this authentic German Christmas Market that takes place for one weekend only. Enjoy traditional food, handmade crafts, live entertainment, and the festive spirit of the holidays. Event details can be found here.
6. Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show & Village
Location: 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ
Dates: Now through December 30, 2024
Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM
Marvel at over two million dazzling lights at the Skylands Stadium’s one-mile drive-through light show. Visitors can also walk through the festive Christmas Village, enjoy hot cocoa, meet Santa, and enjoy more festivities! Event details and tickets can be found here.
7. Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Location: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
Dates: Now through January 12, 2025 (Open daily in December; select dates in January)
Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Drive through a mesmerizing light display at Diggerland, featuring construction-themed holiday fun. A perfect option for families looking for a cozy evening while staying warm in the car. Event details and tickets can be found here.
8. Visit the Town of Clinton, NJ
Location: Main Street, Clinton, NJ
Dates: Event dates vary throughout November 29 – December 22, 2024
Step into a Charles Dickens novel with this festive event in Clinton during its Dickens’ Days November 29th to December 1st. Enjoy carolers, horse-drawn carriages, and a charming holiday atmosphere along Main Street. Clinton also offers more festive experiences throughout December and the full breakdown can be seen in the image below.
9. Magic of Lights at PNC Arts Center
Location: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ
Dates: Now through January 4, 2025
Hours: Sundays to Thursdays: 5 PM – 10 PM; Fridays & Saturdays: 5 PM – 11 PM
Take a drive through this spectacular light display, featuring holiday scenes, tunnels of light, and cheerful decorations. A family favorite every year in Monmouth County, NJ!
10. Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland
Location: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Enjoy ice skating, bumper cars on ice, festive activities, craft vendors, a beer garden, and delicious food at this local holiday attraction. Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland offers a little something for everyone. Event details and tickets can be found here. While in the area, you can also visit the Bergen County Zoo and check out their “Let It Glow” event happening now through January 12, 2025.
11. Holiday Lights Hayride at Norz Hill Farm
Location: 120 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ
Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 1, 2024; Dec 5-8; Dec 12-15; Dec 19-22
Take a cozy tractor-drawn hayride through Norz Hill Farm’s beautiful holiday light display. Warm up with seasonal treats and enjoy the festive ambiance. Tickets cost $15 (+ fee & tax). Event details and tickets can be found here.
From dazzling light displays to charming Christmas markets, these New Jersey holiday attractions will fill your season with joy and cheer! Enjoy these festive holiday attractions in New Jersey to do this December 2024, and don’t forget to comment below your favorite holiday activity in NJ. Plan your visits early, as some events sell out. Happy holidays, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for real-time updates and content.
