Most towns in New Jersey host their own holiday festivities, transforming their streets into winter wonderlands! If you are looking for some cute NJ towns to walk around this holiday season, then this list will surely be something you want to consider. From the charming decor in Cape May to the annual Christmas Village in Augusta, there is plenty of holiday cheer spread around the Garden State! Here are 10 cute Christmas towns in New Jersey to walk around this holiday season.
1. Cape May
The Victorian aesthetic of Cape May already makes it beautiful enough, but every December the town becomes painted with festive decor and lights! This is my personal favorite town to visit and walk around in New Jersey during the holiday season. Shop local and wander through the quaint Washington Street Mall, and don’t forget to check out Congress Hall. Congress Hall is always beautifully decorated for the holidays, and also makes for a cozy winter beach retreat! Enjoy breakfast with Santa, a train ride, Santa’s workshop and plenty more fun at Congress Hall this December!
2. Princeton
The historic town of Princeton nestled in Central, West-Jersey is a must-visit during the holiday season (and all times of year). The town is full a shops, restaurants, and of course the famous Princeton University. Visitors can check out the epic Christmas tree at Palmer Square and enjoy a cozy downtown vibe! Check out my vlog for a look into my day exploring Princeton during December 2020!
3. Historic Smithville
Historic Smithville is a quaint, South-Jersey town that attracts visitors all year long. This lively town is full of shops, top-rated restaurants, and makes for a fun day trip during the holiday season. Visitors can view their festive Light Show on the Lake, orchestrated to festive tunes every evening during the month of December. Holiday train rides are also being offered in Historic Smithville (weather permitting)! For more information and to plan your future visit to Smithville, check out their official website here.
4. Collingswood
From now until the New Year, Collingswood is bursting with festive cheer and decor! The local shops decorate their window-fronts to really get in the holiday spirit. Parking is FREE in downtown Collingswood all December to make shopping and visiting even better! Want more FREE fun? Every weekend in December, Santa is available for visits at his headquarters at Extraordinary ED – free of charge! For a full list of holiday activities this season in Collingswood, click here.
5. Red Bank
A Monmouth County favorite, Red Bank is another charming New Jersey town filled with shops, eateries, and holiday cheer! You can check out the Christmas tree at the waterfront park, grab a bite to eat, and support a local business in Red Bank this holiday season!
6. Ridgewood
Ridgewood is definitely a popular downtown to wander year-round, but it is especially cute during the holiday season. Their annual tree lighting takes place Friday, December 2 from 6pm-9pm which will also include a plethora of festive attractions. Feel like you are walking through a hallmark Christmas movie as you shop, dine and explore the streets of Ridgewood in Bergen County! Don’t forget to grab the most mouth-watering cookies at The Cookie Connect while you are there!
7. Augusta (Skylands Stadium Christmas Village)
The Skylands Stadium in Augusta hosts an annual Christmas Drive-Thru light show, as well as a walkable Christmas Village. You can wander the decked out village and get cozy with hot cocoa and yummy treats! From now until December 30, visitors can enjoy the Christmas Village and light show. Ride the Ferris Wheel & Carousel, skate the ice rink, check out the Winter Beer Garden, and more at the Christmas Village in Augusta.
8. Morristown
Morristown’s famous Green hosts their annual Christmas Festival with lots of holiday cheer and decor! The festival starts with Santa’s arrival to Morristown on Friday, December 2, and the lighting of the Morristown Green. Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy the festive activities and displays on the Morristown Green, as well as dine and shop their way through the town!
9. Millburn
Taylor Park in Millburn is hosting it’s annual Winter Walk from now through January 15, 2023. Enjoy dazzling light displays and walk through a custom light tunnel. Admission to the Winter Walk is FREE, and begins at 100 Main Street in Millburn. Visitors can take in the fully decorated park, festive light displays and marvelous Christmas tree!
10. Lambertville (+ surrounding towns in PA)
Lambertville, NJ is a small downtown nestled on the border of New Hope, PA along the Delaware River. The Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn is hosting their Holiday Fest on December 17-18, where visitors can enjoy seasonal food and drinks, local vendors and more! You can shop local and dine in Lambertville, and I recommend also crossing the bridge (you can do it by foot) to New Hope, PA. A whimsical town that takes you back in time, New Hope has a great bit to offer!
Bonus: while you are in the area, you can drive about ten minutes to one of the top holiday destinations in Pennsylvania: Peddler’s Village! Peddler’s Village is beautifully decorated and lit for the season, and will surely feel like an enchanted village of Christmas galore!
