What to Do in New Jersey during the Holiday Season (2021)

Check out these 16 Festive Activities & Spots in NJ

1. Magic of Lights (PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ)

The Magic of Lights at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel is running from November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Check out more information on this drive-thru light show and pricing here.

2. Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo (West Orange, NJ)

Admission to view the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange is free, but donations are recommended and appreciated. Enjoy a winter walk in the zoo under the sparkling lights! More information can be found here.

3. Walk Around Princeton, NJ

Princeton is one of my favorite towns that I also mentioned in my article “15 Beautiful Downtowns in New Jersey to Walk Around“. From local shops to historic Princeton University, Princeton is definitely worth a stop this holiday season. Check out the annual tree lighting at Palmer Square on Friday, November 26, 2021 at 5pm. The town is also decorated nicely during the holiday season! Watch my vlog from my day in Princeton last December here.

4. Holiday Adventure at Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ)

The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is offering its Holiday Adventure experience from November 27, 2021 – January 3, 2022 (with a few days excluded). Enjoy a snowflake maze, sock ice skating, holiday dance party and more holiday fun with the family. Click here for more information and tickets.

5. Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ)

Experience 32 acres of holiday lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale. The Orchard of Lights is being offered on November 23, 26-30, and all of December 2021 until January 9, 2022 from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Check out more info here.

6. Holiday Lights Show on the Lake (Historic Smithville, NJ)

If you are down in South Jersey, stop by Historic Smithville in Atlantic County for a beautiful view of over 100 lit Christmas trees floating on Lake Meone. Read more information here.

7. Skylands Christmas Lightshow (Augusta, NJ)

The Christmas Light Show at Skylands Stadium in Augusta is a one mile long drive through a display of over two million lights. The show runs from November 24 – January 9, excluding a few days in between. Check out the full schedule and pricing information here. You can also enjoy the Christmas Village which has free admission (food, rides, games, and photos with Santa are an additional cost).

8. Bergen County Winter Wonderland (Van Saun County Park, Paramus, NJ)

Enjoy outdoor ice skating, festive decor, and food at the Bergen County Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park in Paramus. Tickets can be purchased here.

9. Walk Around Red Bank, NJ

If you are in Monmouth County, stop by downtown Red Bank for festive shop windows and lights around town. The annual tree lighting takes place on November 26, 2021 from 5:30-8pm. Check out what Red Bank has to offer during the holiday season here.

10. Christmas Fantasy with Lights (Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township, NJ)

Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township is offering their annual Christmas Fantasy event from November 13 – December 30, 2021. This is a great family-friendly festivity to enjoy with the kids, and all rides and snack bars will be open. Get more information here.

11. Holiday in the Park (Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ)

If you are looking for more adventure this holiday season, check out Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. Enjoy many rides and attractions while the park is decorated for the holiday season. They are also offering a drive-thru holiday light show. Get more information and tickets here.

12. The Winter Wonder Lights (East Brunswick, NJ)

If you are in central Jersey, check out the Winter Wonder Lights drive-thru show at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds in East Brunswick. See over 1.5 million lights animated to popular holiday tunes. Tickets can be purchased here.

13. Holidig Drive Thru Light Show (Diggerland, West Berlin, NJ)

Diggerland in West Berlin offers a drive-thru lightshow where you can drive a course in America’s only construction theme park. The show begins on November 17, 2021. More information and tickets can be found here.

14. Walk Around Congress Hall and the Washington Street Mall (Cape May, NJ)

Make your way down to exit zero on the parkway and spend some time enjoying the festive decor and ambience of downtown Cape May. Congress Hall and the Washington Street Mall are beautifully decorated for the season, and are nice for a festive date night, or trip with friends/family. Check out my vlog from my weekend in Cape May last winter here.

15. Winter Village at Red Mill Museum (Clinton, NJ)

The Winter Village at the Red Mill Museum in Clinton will take place November 26 – 28th, 2021. This three-day German-inspired holiday market will offer dozens of local craft artisans, vintage peddlers, and food trucks. Entry is $10 per person and more information can be found on their facebook page here.

16. “Nickmas Universe” at the American Dream Mall (East Rutherford, NJ)

If you are looking for a family-friendly activity this holiday season, check out Nickmas Universe at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford. The Nickelodeon Universe theme park will be decorated for the holidays all December. Tickets can be purchased here for Nickelodeon Universe. Check out other activities offered in the American Dream mall during the Holiday season here.

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Comment below what NJ holiday festivity or spot you’ll be checking out this season!