A Festive December 2024:
Events and Festivals in New Jersey

NJ December events, festivals, and festive celebrations

 New Jersey's Best December 2024 events and festivals:
Features the month's top seasonal attractions, popular events, and hidden gems

iPlay America NYE 2024


Ring in the New Year in style! Join us for the Ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration from 7PM to 1AM at iPlay America! Enjoy a night of rides, games, party favors, DJ, giveaways, and more!

Northern NJ December 2024
Festivals and Themed Events

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.

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.

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.

German Christmas Market of NJ
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 6, 7, 8, 2024: Open Rain or Shine
Sussex County Fairgrounds
37 Plains Rd,
Augusta, NJ
One of the largest Christmas Markets in NJ. Visitores will get to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a German Christmas Market, Authentic Wooden Huts, Gifts, (100+ vendors) Entertainment, Food, Thousands of Lights, Christmas Trees, Snowflakes, Candy Cane Walkways and Visits from Santa Horse Drawn Carriage Wagon Rides around the fairgrounds complete with jingling sleigh bells!
The majority of the proceeds are donated to local Sussex County charities.

Annual Tree of Lights Festival
Saturday, December 7, 2024; @5:30pm
Village Green
Mountain Blv'd
Watchung, NJ
This event is dedicated to the Educators of Watchung. The ceremony will include music, fireworks, and more!
Attendees can place a red light on our tree to honor a person, family, friends, and others. send honoree(s) name email to treasurer@watchungems.org after your transaction.

Berkeley Heights Winter Walk Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 7, 2024; 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Berkeley Heights, NJ
This famiy Festive celebration his year's Winter Walk will feature over 80 activities and performances, including an artificial ice rink, horse and carriage rides, life-size snow globes, a trackless train, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more. Enjoy live music, dance performances, and games for all ages as Springfield Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland. The festivities culminate with the Berkeley Heights Tree Lighting ceremony at Peppertown Park (Plainfield Ave & Sherman Ave) at 6:00 PM followed by a Fireworks show.

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sundays, December 2024, thru January 12th, 2025
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ
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 picture but stunning in person! With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breath-taking than the last! Its one of those things you need to see in person to truly appreciate.

Festival of Trees
Sunday, December 8, 2024; @ 11:00pm - 1:30pm ( rain or shine)
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue
Summit, NJ
This holiday event features a Multicultural Celebration of the Holidays. There will be arts and crafts that celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and the Solstice; musical entertainment; as well as food trucks; and holiday vendors. The highlight of the festival will be over 20 festive trees placed around the grounds decorated by local organizations, businesses and families!

Warren Holiday Festival
Sunday, December 8th, 2024; 4pm - 7pm
Municipal Complex
46 Mountain Blvd,
Warren, NJ
This family holiday celebration feaures a a bonfire @ 4:16pm, a visit by Santa, carnival games, food trucks, horse and carriage rides, petting zoo, an iceless skating rink, a tree lighting @ 6:15pm, and fireworks @7pm

Community Day: Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 14, 2024; 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Newark Museum of Art
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ
Cost: Free event, registration required
Celebrate holidays from around the world at this festive family favorite! Winter Wonderland features seasonal performances and activities, 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.

fliXfest Film Festival
Sunday, December 15th, 2024: 10AM-10PM.
Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Lane
Teaneck, NJ
Tickets: $10 – $35
fliXfest showcases students, indie, and pro films and music videos. Feat. They offer thought-provoking documentaries to engaging features, shorts, and music videos spanning genres, ethnicities, and subject matters offering a rich tapestry of human experiences.
fliXfest is dedicated to showcasing films from around the world while highlighting filmmakers from New Jersey.

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!

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!

Hoboken Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 29th, 2024: 5PM until 6PM
Hoboken City Hall
94 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ
Free for the entire community.
Bring the family as this years event features entertainment, speakers, prayers, music, holiday treats, and the menorah lighting

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.

Central NJ December 2024
Festivals and Themed Events

Lumino City's "Wonder Journey" Festival
November 15, 2024 through January. 5, 2025
Freehold Raceway Mall
3710 US-9
Freehold, NJ
Lumino City uses light and imagination to turn creative ideas inspired by the world into stunning displays of light and color. The "Wonder Journey" festival will completely transform the Freehold Mall parking lot into a fantasy filled journey inspired by Alice in Wonderland. There will be larger-than-life scenes straight from the story — including the Wonderland Tea Party, the iconic butterfly seat and more.

Festival of Trees: Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!
Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 through Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street
Princeton, NJ
This annual tradition welcomes visitors to stroll the exquisite displays of creativity in their galleries, presented by community nonprofits, schools, garden clubs, and local groups.
This year's theme, Traditions & Celebrations, is inspired by Morven's history and the stories of its residents, from their current exhibition Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey's Most Historic Home that include Governor Richard Hughes and his wife Betty Hughes. Learn the inspiring story of how "Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!" became an annual tradition.

Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November 22nd until January 4th, 2025
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116
Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
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.

Holiday in the Park
Select Dates November 21st until January 1st, 2024
Six Flags Great Adventure
1 Six Flags Blvd.
Jackson, NJ
Experience the magic of Holiday in the Park! Make merry memories with millions of luminous lights, festive foods, and your favorite thrilling coasters. From coasters to cocoa it's a holiday spectacular for the whole family!

Polar Express
Trips run November 29,30, December 1,6,7,8,13.14,15,20,21,22, 2024
Lehigh Junction
99 Elizabeth St.
Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $38 Child and $48.00 Adult
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical hour and a half trip to meet Santa. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious cookies are served by dancing chefs. Passengers listen to the classic children's book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip there is plenty of entertainment from our magical juggling chefs to our singing hobos! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.

The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
Friday, November 29th 2024 - Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Middlesex County Fairgrounds
655 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: :$30 - $40 per car (tickets sold on-line)
This drive-thru Christmas event features over 1.5 million lights animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes. They have 30' Christmas trees, 4 magical tunnels, a tribute to our first responders & US Armed Forces and tons of other stunning, larger-than-life holiday themed displays for the entire family – all synchronized to the music playing in your car!
This family holiday tradition takes you on a journey celebrating the season's wonderful holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa).

Jenkinson's Aquarium Secret Santa
December 1st, 2024; 10am until 5pm
Jenkinson's Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant, NJ
Diving Santa is making a splash at Jenkinson's Aquarium! This festive tradition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Take in all aspects of marine life with a bit of holiday cheer!

Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 7th, 2024; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
Hopewell Twp., NJ
Parking & Admission are free.
Santa is coming to Howell Farm…not in a sleigh, but on a steam tractor! Visit Howell Farm this Saturday for Christmas crafts, live music, farm animal visits, and an opportunity to stroll through a decorated historic farmhouse – before meeting Santa when he arrives at 12:30. Stop by the visitor center to hear the Jugtown Mountain String Band play inside the barn...then find a spot around the craft table to recreate a paper Victorian angel ornament ($5 materials fee). Next walk up to the barnyard, where families can take selfies in the 1800s sleigh pulled by the horses on snowy days, and visit the blacksmith working in the farm's forge. The farmhouse will be open for tours, decked out in all its Christmas finery. Stop back at the visitor center for warm drinks, homemade cookies, lunch, and other light refreshments.

Christmas Con NJ
December 13, 14, 15, 2024
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ
Cost: $10 - $250
This three day festive annual gathering features more than 30 holiday movie celebtity fan-favorites, with celebrity panels where you will get an autograph and photo with your favorite stars, ugly sweater contests, photo booths, and more.

Pine Barren Bonfires
Sunday, December 15, 2025: from 6-8 p.m.
Turkey Swamp Park
200 Georgia Road
Freehold, NJ
Cost: $15 per family of four; cash or check only (all ages, under 18 with adult)
There's something about a bonfire that's so magical. The flames dancing in the night, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and the feeling of warmth and companionship around the fire. Enjoy a winter evening with us at Turkey Swamp's council ring. There will be games, s'mores, and a full moon!
Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Klezmer – Let's Rejoice! – Hanukkah Celebration and Lunch
Tuesday, December 17, 2024:11:15 am - 12:15 pm
JCC of Central NJ
1391 Martine Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ
Cost: Special $10 holiday lunch for members and non members
The event features a performance of all your favorite Klezmer hits by acclaimed international concert musician Dr. David Podles. The showcasing of Klezmer music with plenty of freilehs, bulgars and horas to get your toes tapping and your hands clapping! A journey of playful celebration and happiness, illustrating the immortal Jewish spirit.

Palmer Square Annual Menorah Lighting
Wednesday, December 18, 2024: @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Nassau Inn Patio
10 Palmer Square
Princeton, NJ
The event features great music, great food and great fun for everyone. It has been a tradition for many years to celebrate Hanukah. A free event open to the community!

Downtown Red Bank Ice Carving Experience
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024; 1pm-4pm
Downtown Red Bank, NJ
This family winter event features ice carvings and treats at 3 different downtown Red Bank locations.
Ice Carving Schedule: 1pm - Edmund Wilson Plaza (between Triumph Brewing and the Two River Theater) 2pm - The Monmouth Street Parklet (by Ce La Vi, Johnny's Pork Roll & Coffee Too!, Mr. Pizza Slice, Toss'd, The Green Room, and Whipped) 3pm- Broad Street (corner of Broad Street and Peter's Place by Paris Baguette, Salad House, and Fourchette)

Jurassic Quest roars through Edison, NJ
Friday, December 27 - Monday, December 30, 2024
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave,
Edison, NJ
Jurassic Quest is the world's largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe their herd of life size animatronic dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and an incredible T-Rex!

First Night Ocean County 
Saturday, December 31, 2024: 1pm-5pm 
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Seaside Heights, NJ
The popular annual family non-alcohol New Years Celebration promises lots of fun at the four First Night locations. Lucky Leo's, Coin Castle, Casino Arcade, and Shake Shoppe are all part of the fun. Enjoy a New Years Eve afternoon of entertainment from music to magic shows and more family fun entertainment! Two trackless trains will circulate on the Boardwalk between event locations and Fireworks are scheduled for 5 pm, weather permitting.

New Brunswick's Winter Wonderland for the Holidays with Fireworks 
December 31, 2024
New Brunswick City Center 
Monument Square Park
New Brunswick, NJ
The grand finale of New Brunswick's Winter Wonderland of festivities running through December, culminates with a fireworks display on New Year's Eve, December 31st @ Various Locations in New Brunswick.

Southern NJ December 2024
Festivals and Themed Events

Twilight Adult Guided Tour Aboard Battleship New Jersey
December 20, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
100 Clinton St.
Camden, NJ
Cost:$40
Experience an "adult-oriented" tour during the evening hours! This adult tour, led by a member of our curatorial team, will take guests through rarely seen parts of the ship and will showcase the more mature sailor art created over the years, as well as share some adult stories. Guests can enjoy a cold beer, glass of wine, or a soft drink after the tour on the Main Deck!

Chanukah Village Walk
Thursday, December 26th, 2024, 5pm - 7:15pm
Medford Village Park
Main Street
Medford, NJ
Admission: Free
Enjoy an enriching holiday experience for the whole family as Main Street Medford celebrates Chanukah.
The event features Latkes, Donuts and Hot Cider, Photo Booth, Chanukah Video Truck Presentation, Chanukah Beer at the Brewery, Crafts & Activities, Judah Maccabee, Holiday fun at Game on Arcade, Music and More!
@ 7pm Grand Menorah Lighting Corner Main Street & Allen.

Atlantic City NYE Fireworks
December 31, 2024; 9pm
Boardwalk
In front of Tropicana Atlantic City.
Atlantic City, NJ
The fireworks over the ocean are the highlight of the new years eve celebrations in Atlantic City. The new years eve fireworks on the Boardwalk also includes special newly designed pyrotechnic scenes and vivid effects including Grucci high aerials and grand illuminations - sounds like a very special display in store!
To get the best views of the fireworks, then the best vantage points are of course along the AC Boardwalk, which runs along the beach for four miles to the city limit, where an additional one and a half miles extends on into Ventnor City.

First Night Ocean City
Tuesday, December 31, 2024; 4pm - midnight
Ocean City, NJ
This non-alcoholic, family friendly event features a complete schedule of entertainment leading up to fireworks at midnight. at the 5th ave beach.

New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Battleship New Jersey
December 31st, 2024: Two Fireworks shows @ 6pm & Midnight
Battleship New Jersey
100 Clinton St.
Camden, NJ
Cost: $10
Experience the amazing view of the fireworks over the Delaware River. Live music, face painting for kids, food concessions, bar service and the best view of the fireworks from the forecastle (forward deck) of the Battleship! A $10 donation per person for general admission. Our Admiral's VIP Fireworks package offers a limited amount of guests the opportunity to view the fireworks over the Delaware River from the Admiral's and Captain's Decks, one deck above the main deck. You'll get some delicious BBQ-style snacks and dessert, as well as two drinks from the bar for adults and complimentary soft drinks for the children.

New Year's Eve Bash & Giant Blueberry Drop
Tuesday, December 31, 2025: 11pm until 12:30am
Town Hall
Downtown Hammonton, NJ
This festive family NYE celebration features the giant blueberry drop, music, dancing, and spectacular fireworks at midnight. Attendees are advised to bring your own lawn chair.

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