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, Freehold, NJ

Get a $25 Ride Band at iPlay America every Wednesday and Friday. Plus, Kids Eat FREE at our new restaurant, The Bistro, with the purchase of a ride band. Learn 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Southern NJ December 2024
Festivals and Themed Events

Diggerland Drive thru Holiday Light Show
November 15th - January 12th, 2025
100 Pinedge Drive
West Berlin, NJ
Cost: $36.99/car
This holiday event features a Drive a mile-length course through America's only construction theme & water park to witness hundreds of thousands of lights, tour their holiday displays, enjoy tasty treats, and listen to our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit!

Cape May Christmas Holiday Season
November 22nd until January 5th, 2025
Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ
The Cape May Christmas holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 24, 2024, and continues every weekend as the town is transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with garlands of fragrant greens and twinkling gaslights. Wrap yourself in the warmth of holiday spirit and sample a variety of fun tours and events.

Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake
Thanksgiving until January 6th, 2025
Historical Smithville
615 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Smithville, NJ 08205
Over 120 Christmas Trees made from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights seem to dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting of the water's surface. This show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge.

Wildwoods' Family Holiday Celebration
November 29th unti December 22nd, 2024
Downtown
Wildwood, NJ
The Wildwood's holiday celebrations features plenty of entertainment and activities to help Create Family Memories including, bonfires, parades, light shows, craft fairs, tree lightings, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and so much more.

Ocean City Christmas Parade
Friday, December 6th, 2024: 6:00 PM
Ocean City, NJ
Parade begins on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street and continues to 11th Street

Annual Dickens Festival
Saturday, December 7, 2024; 4:30pm - 9pm ( Rain or Shine )
Main Street
Medford, NJ
Admission is free
This annual family event transforms downtown Medford into a Victorian-era Christmas wonderland. The event features:
Holiday Carolers * Great Food * Hot Chocolate * Magic, Comedy, Juggling * Live Presentations.

Ocean City Train Expo
December 7th & 8th, 2024: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Historic Music Pier
Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace
Ocean City, NJ
Admission is Free.
The show will feature running displays, model trains of all gauges and vendors selling various scale model trains.

Hanukkah Fireworks at KBA
Sunday, December 15th, 2024; 4:30pm
Kellman Brown Academy
1007 Laurel Oak Road
Vorhees, NJ
Registration is encouraged
Free; Open to the Community
This event features Hanukkah candle lighting, games, music, sweet treats, and a spectacular fireworks display! All activities will be held outdoors.

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.

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