Can't-Miss New Jersey Family Festivals and Attractions

NJ Family Festivals, music, fairs, themed celebrations and events

Our recommendations for the Best New Jersey Family Festivals and Events: Features Family Oriented Music, Food, Entertainment and Fun Activities

Family festivals and events in New Jersey feature a robust offering of entertainment, food, and fun activities..

From talented artisans crafting unique pieces, and performers captivating the audiences to enjoyable activities and a wide range of food options, there is something for everyone, especially for families with kids.

Especially notable is they feature festivals and themed events with a large variety of kids activities.

To cap it all, every festival further sparks interest by providing a distinct theme that differentiates it from the rest, making these festivals not only a fun-filled experience but also one-of-a-kind!

iPlay America, Freehold, NJ, pop up Christmas

Miracle Bar has arrived at iPlay America! Visit us for holiday cheer, festive cocktails, stylish mugs and amazing decor! The halls are decked for a limited time at this exclusive Christmas-themed Pop Up bar. Learn More! 

Multi-Date, North Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
November 7th, 2024 - January 12th, 2025
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ
Cost: $20/adult, $10/child- aged 3-17
Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo. Tickets include a walk through the zoo and a train ride! The evening event also has fire pits and s'mores kits.

Orchard of Lights - Drive Thru
From Friday, November 22nd until Friday, December 29th, 2024
Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Rd.
Hillsdale, NJ
Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in our retail farm market Take pictures with Santa Make your own S'mores Listen to Santa's singing Reindeer.

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Friday to Sunday, November 22 – 24, Friday, November 29 – Wednesday, December 4 Friday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 31. Closed December 24 & 25 5pm – 9pm
Turtle Back Zoo
Northfield Ave.
West Orange, NJ
Admission: Free - Donation Recommended
Take a nighttime stroll through the Turtle Back Zoo to see more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters. Some of the zoo's vendors remain open for late-night snacks, including cocoa and cookies, and you can even grab a ride on the carousel (for a fee). Donations of non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys, and new or gently used winter coats are appreciated and collected at the entrance.

Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village
Begining last weekend in November until end of 2024
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Pl.
Augusta, NJ 07822
Outdoor Village:FREE admission
With more than two million dazzling lights on a mile-long drive-through course PLUS a new outdoor village, it's a must-see holiday attraction for your whole family.
Christmas Joy is coming back to Sussex County, Bigger, and Better than Ever. This Winter, Skylands Stadium will be Dazzled with Lights on a Mile Long Drive-Thru course that now goes on the field. Plus a NEW & EXPANDED Outdoor Village & Winter Carnival. It's a Must-See Holiday Attraction for the Whole Family. The event is Safe, Spacious, and Distanced.

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
Friday, November 29, 2024 - Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from dusk until 10pm
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
83 Patterson Road
Fanwood, NJ
This holiday display features spectacular 30,000-light display. Monetary donations are accepted to support the NJ Institute for Disabilities. Donations may be deposited in the dropbox by the display or online at https://www.njid.org/donate.

Morristown Christmas Festival
Sunday, December 1st until Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
The Morristown Green
10 N. Park Pl.
Morristown, NJ
Fre Admission
The Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green, presented by the Morristown Partnership promises once again to transform the downtown into a winter wonderland. For over 100 years, generations of residents and visitors have come to the heart of downtown Morristown to enjoy the magic of the Christmas season. It began in 1913 with a small group of festive volunteers lighting a single star atop one tree on the Morristown Green. Since that time, this tradition has spread holiday cheer to countless families with its addition of a Santa House, holiday music and crafts, a vintage-style oversized rocking horse, ice sculpture demonstrations, free rides around the Green on a miniature electric trail. All activities are free with the exception of a $15 fee for photos with Santa.

December 2024 Northern Jersey Family Festivals and Events


December 2024 Northern Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Holiday Train Show and Open House
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2024; 11am - 6pm
The Model Railroad Club
295 Jefferson Ave
Union, NJ 07083
Event Cost: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $5 Children
The show features show train operations where special trains traverse the club's huge 11,000 square foot layout. Come see some of the famous trains of the past such as the Santa Fe's famous Super Chief and New York Central's 20th Century Limited.
Parents and kids can tour the trains and layout up-close. See how track is being hand-laid, how mountains and scenery are created, and find out about the planning and engineering that goes into the club's bi-level corkscrew loop. In addition to the HO-scale trains featured in the show, there are G-scale and N-scale layouts on display, a small play area, and gift shop.

Holiday Craft Show Morristown
December 13, 14, 15, 2024
Morristown National Guard Armory
430 Western Ave.
Morristown, NJ
Admission: $0-11
This event features one-of-a-kind handmade items for every age, taste and budget with 165+ modern makers! Includes original fashions, accessories, jewelry, home décor, furniture, photography and fine art, as well as functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, wood, mixed media and more!

Community Day: Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 14th, 2024: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Newark Museum of Art
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ
Registration
Cost: Free event, registration required
This event celebrates the winter holidays around the world, including Flamenco for Dia De Los Reyes, a Kwanzaa theatrical performance, and a lively Latin band for Parrandas. Stroll through the galleries with carolers, enjoy a magical light show, and participate in art-making activities. Families can also create their own ornaments for our community Christmas tree while sipping hot chocolate. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. Enjoy free general admission to the Museum all day during Community Day.

Drive-In Chanukah Party Featuring the Rugrats Movie
Thursday, December 19, 2024: at 5:00 PM
Temple Emanu-El
756 East Broad Street
Westfield, NJ
Join in for a Chanukah celebration in the parking lot!
They offer pizza & donuts from the donut truck. Watch the Chanukah episode of the Rugrats. sing Chanukah songs and symbolically light the menorah!

Rockaway Chanukah Festival & Gelt Drop
December 29th, 2024 @5pm
The WML Women's Clubhouse
100 White Meadow Road
Rockaway, NJ
This family festive Chanukah celebration begins the evening with a thrilling fire juggling show and a menorah lighting on the lawn, followed by a gelt drop from a fire truck—complete with parachutes!
The celebration will continue indoors with plenty of excitement for the entire family. Kids can decorate their own donuts with fun fillings at the donut decorating station, explore a Chanukah crafts corner, and enjoy a strolling juggler. We'll also have hot chocolate, latkes, and other delicious treats for everyone to savor. Plus, don't miss the stunning giant balloon menorah, which will be lit indoors. This event is free and open to the entire community.

Celebrate New Year's Eve with a Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Boards 9:30 PM - Cruises 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Lincoln Harbor Marina
Weehawken, New Jersey
Ring in 2025 on the water and countdown to midnight with an unforgettable New Year's Eve Signature Dinner Cruise in New Jersey. Whether for a romantic date night or a special celebration with friends and family, celebrate the new year in style on the Hudson and East Rivers with a dinner buffet freshly prepared by our chef, City Cruises' distinctive hospitality, and full bar service. While onboard, guests will enjoy exceptional views of New York City's iconic skyline, dining and dancing, a sparkling wine toast, fireworks, DJ entertainment, and festive decor.

Morris County First Night 
Sunday, December 31, 2024; 4pm - Midnight
Downtown Morristown, NJ 
Morris County First Night is an alcohol-free and substance-free celebration of arts and culture, This popular annual event attracts families, seniors, singles and anyone looking for an exciting way to ring in the New Year!
It features 70 Performances at 23 Venues (21 In-Person, 1 Live Stream, and 1 On-Demand) on December 31, 2024, in Downtown Morristown from 4:45 PM to Midnight with Complimentary Parking, Free Shuttles, 2 Fireworks Shows and Additional On-Demand Access through 4 PM on January 1st. Tickets (Buttons) Start at $25.

January 2025 Northern Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Lunar New Year Celebration
January 25 , 2025: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Montclair Art Museum
3 S Mountain Ave
Montclair, NJ
Attendees at the Montclair Art Museum will get to ring in the year of the snake with a traditional dragon parade, lion dance, cultural performances, vendor market, crafts, and of course, an array of food trucks serving delicious dishes and drinks to keep you warm and full.

Monster Jam Pit Party
Saturday, Sunday, Jan 25, 26, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ
Join in for this this pre- Monster Jam race at the Pit Party and see the massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities.
This fun-filled experience is the only place to get an insider's look at how these 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks are built to stand up to the competition.

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