When most people think of Christmas they think of New England towns but few realize that their own state of New Jersey has so much to offer. Many towns in North, Central and South Jersey do elaborate lights and decorations. There are often events such as visits with Santa, hayrides, tree lightings, house tours and more. You don’t need to drive far to find Christmas towns in New Jersey near you.
Some NJ Christmas towns offer activities all month long. Others truly transport you into the pages of a Dickens novel.
Our family loves to check out at least two different Christmas towns each year during the month of December since they truly help us feel full of Christmas cheer.
For those who celebrate Hanukkah there are some towns on this list that also have Menorah lightings this year. Read on to see if your town made our list of the best Christmas Towns in New Jersey and to find somewhere new to visit this year. The towns are organized alphabetically within each section of New Jersey.
We’re currently updating this for Christmas 2022. Save this and check back often for updates.
New Jersey Christmas Towns in North Jersey
Whether it is attending a Victorian Christmas in Clinton or seeing live ice sculpting in New Brunswick, North Jersey has lots of Christmas towns where you can get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Santa Land in Boonton, NJ 2022
Come find out why Boonton is one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey. Boonton is home to Santa Land in December. There are numerous activities such as a Santa Run, Christmas Parade and tree lighting. Come join in the fun! Be sure to check out the falls in Grace Lord Park while you are there.
Holiday events that are part of Boonton’s Christmas town activities
The Boonton Christmas Parade is on November 26, 2022, at 1 pm with a rain date of November 27th. The parade starts at 816 Main Street and ends at 124 Main Street. Afterward there will be free festivities at Santa Land along with treats and activities.
This will occur from 5 to 8 pm on December 1, 2022 at Boonton SantaLand with an ice skating rink, drum corp, gingerbread contest and more.
Boonton houses will be decorated and lit by 6 to 9 pm on December 12, 2022 as Boonton residents compete for the best-decorated houses.
Brookhollow’s Barnyard will have a walkthrough light experience that opens on November 27, 2022. Look for tickets on their website before going.
Christmas Dickens Days, Winter Village and Festival of Trees in Clinton, NJ 2022
Clinton is a town that is well known for its Dickens Days, Winter Village, and Festival of Trees. You can visit with Ebenezer, take a horse-drawn carriage around town, or visit a German Christmas Market.
Holiday events that are part of Clinton’s Christmas town activities
This year the events in Clinton include a tree lighting, winter village, Christmas parade, Candlelight night, Dicken’s Days, and a visit from Santa.
Clinton will have a tree lighting on Friday, November 25th, 2022 at 6:30 pm.
Lots of decorated Christmas trees will be on display at Red Mill Museum Village from November 25th to 27, 2022 from 10 am to 6 pm and on December 3rd to 18th, 2022 from noon to 6 pm.
These will be from November 25th to the 27th from 11 am to 6 pm. The whole town transforms into a Victorian Village. There are horse-drawn carriage rides around the village for a fee, carolers, Father Christmas and lots more.
This is an outdoor German-style craft market that is heated with food trucks. The museum takes a $10 fee for entrance. There is also a Festival of Trees and 12 historic buildings on the grounds of the museum that can be toured. It is on November 25th to the 27th from 10 am to 6 pm as well as Saturdays and Sundays from December 2rd to the 18th from 12 to 6 pm.
This will occur on December 2nd from 7 to 9 pm.
This will occur on December 15, 2022 from 6 to 9 pm. The downtown will be lit with luminaries while shoppers do their holiday shopping.
Visit with Santa in Clinton on Sunday, December 18th, 2022 from 1 to 3 pm.
You can view the Clinton Calendar of events to see if any new events have been added.
Christmas in Madison, NJ 2022
Visit Madison for its yearly Christmas parade and visits with Santa! It is also known as the Rose City since it sends millions of roses to New York every year.
Holiday events that are part of Madison’s Christmas town activities
Schedule an appointment to see Santa at Santa’s village at the link above.
The Christmas Parade will take place on November 25, 2022 at 5:30 pm. It will start on Waverly Place and go along Main Street. It will have around 70 floats and 4 bands. The lighting of the tree will happen on Waverly Place right after the parade.
The lighting will be on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 5 pm at the Madison train station.
Christmas Dickens Village in Maplewood, NJ 2022
Maplewood is a great place to visit at Christmas time. There is free parking and a variety of shops and restaurants. Every year during the month of December the town is converted to look like the setting of A Christmas Carol.
We went to see Dickens Village last year and the kids loved peering into the scenes inside the different small houses and the carriage ride around town.
Holiday events that are part of Maplewood’s Dickens Village activities
Maplewood sets up an entire Dickens Village every December. This is the perfect place to escape reality into a Christmas oasis. Kids adore peering into the small houses and going to special events there that can happen due to a huge host of volunteers.
- On December 3rd at 1 Santa will arrive via the Fire Department. From 1 to 4 there will be visits with Santa and the Dickens houses will be open to see. At 2 pm there will be a free concert from Swing Town. There will be a tree lighting at 4:30 pm as well as a reading of A Christmas Carol.
- On December 10th and 17th from 1 to 4 pm the village houses are open for visitors. Each of these tell the story with great attention to the details of that era including shingled roofs and foods you may see eaten. You might even see Tiny Tim and Scrooge in the houses! There are also horse and wagon rides and a petting farm.
- On December 21st at 6:15 pm there will be a Menorah lighting in Ricalton Square.
Winter Villages and Christmas in Millburn-Short Hills
Millburn-Short Hills joins our list of best New Jersey Christmas towns for 2022. Visit for fun in igloos, with smore making, and hanging out with characters.
Winter Village in Millburn-Short Hills
Visit the Explore Millburn-Short Hills Winter Village of igloos and fire pits on December 3 & 4, and December 10 & 11. Relax in one of the cozy igloos, listen to the Manhattan Holiday Carolers, warm up next to the fire pits, BYOS (bring your own smores), enjoy listening to your holiday favorites with DJ Jason J, gaze at ice sculptures, and start your holiday shopping at over 225 shops and boutiques.
Holiday Character Day
Take a selfie with the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and Olaf and Elsa from Frozen. They will be popping in and out of shops on Saturday, December 17.
Christmas Festivals in Morristown, NJ 2022
If you are someone who loves to celebrate Christmas from Thanksgiving onwards then visiting Morristown is for you! With activities on the Morristown Green every weekend there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Holiday events that are part of Morristown‘s Christmas town activities
This month-long festival starts on Sunday, November 27th, 2022 when Santa arrives at North Park Place. The tree will be lit at 5 pm. People can still take photos with Santa until 8 pm and there will also be some entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies.
After that, activities will be every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 18th with various things between noon to 7 pm. Everything is free aside from the $15 fee for photos with Santa. Activities will include things such as ice sculpting demonstrations, miniature train rides and card making.
- Christmas Shows at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Mayo Performing Arts Center performs Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical on November 27th at 2 and 6:30 pm. For tickets visit Mayo Arts: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Mannheim Steamroller will be doing Christmas performances at 3 and 8 pm on December 3, 2022.
Christmas Winter Wonderland in New Brunswick, NJ 2022
New Brunswick is home to great theater performances and restaurants. At Christmas, it also turns into a veritable Winter Wonderland with various things happening every Friday to Sunday for the entire month of December.
Holiday events that are part of New Brunswick’s Christmas town activities
New Brunswick turns into a Winter Oasis during the month of December with lots of performances and events.
- On December 2, 2022 there will be a Holiday Tree Lighting in New Brunswick from 5 to 7:30 pm in Monument Square Park with various events occurring before and afterwards such as ice carving, carolers and Anastasia the musical.
- From November 25th to December 31st there will be a Festival of Trees.
- Miracle on George Street will be a Miracle Bar from November 25th to December 31st.
- There will be horse-drawn carriage rides from December 16th to the 18th from 4 to 7 pm that are $20 per carriage family.
- Holiday Performances at the State Theatre New Jersey
- The Wizards of Winter is a Holiday Rock Musical on November 25th at 8 pm.
- On December 1st Patti LaBelle will be performing at the State Theater.
- Martina McBride is doing a Joy of Christmas Tour show on December 4th at 7:30 pm.
- The Irish Tenors will be doing a We Three Kings concert on December 8th at 8 pm.
- The Queen’s Cartoonists will be doing a Holiday Hurrah You’ll Love It! Show on December 23rd at 8 pm.
- Kenny G will be performing on his The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour on December 11th at 7 pm.
- The Nutcracker will be performed by the American Repertory Ballet from December 16th to the 18th.
Christmas Winterfest & Downtown for the Holidays in Ridgewood, NJ 2022
Ridgewood is a town you do not want to skip visiting in December. From events such as Winterfest and Downtown for the Holidays, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.
In past years, many members of the town became carolers, storytellers, and played music. Many of the Historic District storefronts have kept their original facades. There is a mixture of architectural styles seen in the buildings such as Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean Revival designs.
Holiday events that are part of Ridgewood’s Christmas town activities
Visit Van Neste Square on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 12 to 3 pm to see ice sculptures, hear storytelling with Guild elves, hayrides, Santa, a trackless train and more! There will also be complementary hot cocoa, cookies and candy canes.
This will occur on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. There will be s’mores at Memorial Park, the Grinch, Santa, beautifully lit trees, a trackless train and more. To find out more you can also visit this link here: Meet Santa.
Santa will be coming to Columbia Bank on December 3rd from 10 am to 1 pm.
You can view the Ridgewood Calendar of Events to see if any new events have been added.
Christmas Jubilee in Somerville, NJ 2022
Walk down Main Street with the glow of streetlights and Christmas lights enveloping you. Each year the best time to visit Somerville around the holidays is during their Holiday Jubilee and Christmas Parade. Somerville closes out the best Christmas towns in New Jersey in North Jersey.
Holiday events that are part of Somerville’s Christmas town activities
On December 2, 2022 everyone in Somerville will be having its jubilee with ice skating and a DJ on East Main Street from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. There will be free hot cocoa, cookies and carriage rides and strolling carolers and Frozen characters. Division Street will be having some live entertainment and Santa will arrive there at 8 pm with photos following from 8:30 to 9:30 pm at United Reform Church.
On December 3, 2022 at 6 pm there will be a Holiday Lights Parade.
New Jersey Christmas Towns in Central Jersey
Whether it is seeing the tree lighting in Palmer Square or visiting the Winter Wonderland in Kuser Farm Park, Central Jersey is full of towns that make you feel like you are in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Christmas in Bordentown, NJ 2022
Our first Central Jersey town to make our list of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey is Bordentown. Grab a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants and enjoy the large tree lit in the center of town.
Then head towards the water to view the boats drifting by. Bordentown is a great place for a Christmas date night. If you do not want to drive here it is also a stop along the Riverline.
Holiday events that are part of Bordentown’s Christmas town activities
On November 26th there will be a Christmas tree lighting with the celebration starting at 4:30 pm with music. Then Santa will come via fire truck to light the tree.
- There’s a second Bordentown Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 2, 2022 at the Municipal Complex.
Enjoy chocolate treats as you stroll through the downtown businesses. Have your passport stamped at each location for your chance to win prizes. This will be on Friday, December 2nd.
Passport Pick-up is from 5:30 to 6:30 pm and the passport is $8 per person ahead of time or $10 there. For Holiday Chocolate Walk updates go here: Holiday Chocolate Walk. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Under the Moon between 6 to 9 pm.
Slip Stitch Avenue will have a selfie station from 6 to 9 and Pegasus Theatre will have a selfie station and Elfie Scavenger Hunt.
- Holiday Spirits through the Bordentown Walking Company will take you through town to hear ghost stories and do a pub crawl. Tickets are $80.
- Holiday Markets in Bordentown with candlelight shopping from 6 to 9 pm and Santa sightings will be on December 2nd, 9th and 16th.
- Carriage ride tickets in Bordentown will be available starting December 1st.
Bordentown is a great place to take a stroll near Christmas time. There are wreaths, bows, and lights everywhere you turn.
Our family loves to spend a few hours here whether it is eating some freshly baked bread at Marcello’s or getting some takeout from Jester’s and having a picnic near the water. It can be quite magical.
Many places offer outdoor dining as well. All of the local business owners are friendly and helpful when you are searching for the perfect Christmas gift for someone.
This year it does not appear that the trains will be open for visitors to view around the holidays but those are well worth a visit another year when they are running.
Christmas Wonderland in Hamilton, NJ 2022
Hamilton has some great places to visit. Sayen Gardens are free to visit and always have well-kept landscaping with seasonal flowers. Kuser Park is great to visit around Christmas because of its wonderful lighted decorations.
Be sure to check out the Martels Christmas Wonderland nearby after your visit which was previously a winner on the Christmas Light Fight show.
Holiday events that are part of Hamilton’s Christmas town activities
Head to Kuser Park on December 2nd and 3rd, 2022 for their annual Winter Wonderland event from 5 to 8 pm. More details will be coming at the link above. For the flyer go here: Winter Wonderland. There will be 20 minute free mansion walkthroughs.
The tree will be lit at 6 pm on December 2nd.
Our family went to Kuser Park last year to look at the lights on a day without events and the kids had a grand time even without going into the mansion. They were mesmerized by the lights on the large trees and loved the photo stand-ins. They also loved some of the Christmas figures they saw around the park such as the reindeer.
- Christmas at the Mansion Kuser Farm Mansion 45 minute tours will be free on December 4th from 4 to 8 pm, and December 6th from 10 am to 2 pm. They will be on December 7th, 8th and 9th from 6 to 9 pm. On December 10th they will be from 5 to 8 pm. On December 11th they will be from 11 am to 3 pm. On December 13th they will be from 10 am to 2 pm and on December 14th they will be from 5 to 8 pm.
- The Jersey Valley Model Railroad will be in the lower level of the mansion from 5 to 8 pm on December 2nd to the 3rd. On December 4th it will be from 4 to 8 pm, December 7th from 6 to 9 pm, December 11th from 11 am to 3 pm and December 14th from 5 to 8 pm.
Christmas at the Jersey Shore – Point Pleasant & Point Pleasant Beach NJ 2022
Point Pleasant Beach is one of the best NJ beaches to visit if you love the boardwalk as well as the beach. Jenkinson’s is always doing various activities and events year-round that are fun for different ages and sometimes even for dogs as well!
In the winter it is easier to find parking that is close by as well. There are often activities in both Point Pleasant Beach and the Borough of Point Pleasant as well as interesting businesses and restaurants to check out during your Christmas visit to the area.
Holiday events that are part of Point Pleasant’s Christmas town activities
The Point Pleasant Christmas Tree Lighting will be from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on November 25th, 2022. This will also include the opportunity to get your picture taken with Santa, carriage rides, activities for kids and a DJ.
The Borough of Point Pleasant Borough Christmas Tree Lighting will be December 3rd, 2022 from 5 to 8 pm. The Christmas tree lighting will be at 5 pm. There will also be local performances, Santa visits, photo opportunities, carriage rides, bounce houses, food trucks and vendors.
Join Point Pleasant Beach Recreation for Christmas fun on December 10, 2022. There will be pictures with Santa, a pet friendly photo wall, live ice sculptor, reindeer rides, crafts, movie in the park, and more.
Also on December 10, 2022 is another opportunity for photos with Santa. Photos are free and there’s even 1/2 Price Arcade Play all day long when you use a Jenkinson’s Boardwalk playcard.
The Point Pleasant INDOOR Holiday Lights Spectacular will be on December 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 27th and 28th, 2022 from 4 to 8 pm. Entertainment will be from 5 to 8 pm. There will be crafts, treats, games, pictures with Santa and a Diving Santa. The Pavilion Arcade, Sweet Shop, Aquarium Gift Shop and the Aquarium will be open.
Our family has already been twice to the Christmas in July events and this promises to have many similar attributes. When we went my kids were entertained by strolling elves and magicians, they did Santa hat crafts, they saw a mini Christmas show on the beach and more.
They were delighted that all of the entertainers interacted with them and they had a great time eating food near the ocean and playing in the sand as well.
Christmas in Princeton, NJ 2022
Princeton is our final Central Jersey town to close out the best Christmas towns in New Jersey. Princeton is a must-see destination at any time of year but it is especially magical around Christmas time.
There is something special about walking hand in hand around Palmer Square as snowflakes fall and time seems to still. It is home to numerous events throughout the season such as a tree lighting, Festival of Trees, the Nutcracker, and an ice skating rink.
Be sure to also visit Lawrenceville nearby for some of its town’s yearly Christmas events.
Holiday events that are part of Princeton’s Christmas town activities
This will occur on November 25, 2022 from 5 to 6 pm. Don’t Call Me Francis will be playing and the Flying Ivories will be dueling on the pianos.
The Christmas spirit is alive and well at Kale’s Garden Center with Christmas displays and St. Nick himself.
Bring your family and friends to the Festival of Light on December 3, 2022. There will be a Christmas play, face painting, live music, delicious food, and more.
From 4:30 to 6 pm in the Green on December 2, 2022, there will be performances by an acapella group. There will be local food and beverages. Bring your toy donations.
Every Saturday and Sunday at the square there will be entertainment from noon to 2 pm. On December 4th the Princeton Tiger Tones will be performing, December 10th the Harmonics Quartet, Courtney’s Carolers on December 11th and Spiced Punch on December 17th and 18th.
From November 19th, 2022 to February 26th, 2023 there will be Skating on the Square. Open skating will be from 4 to 7 pm every Thursday to Friday. It will also be on Saturday to Sunday from noon to 3 pm and 4 to 7 pm. $10 per person or $12+ fees if using a credit card. For more information visit the link above.
At 10:30 am on November 25th Santa will arrive at MarketFair Mall with a Brass Band and the Princeton Youth Ballet. Mrs. Claus will be joining for the storytime and the balloon sculpting. The Grinch will also be there with arts and crafts and face painting.
The Princeton Menorah Lighting will be on December 20, 2022, at 4 pm on the Nassau Inn Patio. There will be music as well.
Breakfast with Santa will be in the Yankee Doodle Tap Room on December 4th, 11th, and 18th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. The Breakfast Buffet is $16 per person and there is a $2 ticket fee to confirm a reservation.
The Festival of Trees runs from November 27, 2022 to January 9, 2023 inside Morven. Reserve and pay for tickets online.
On December 3rd and 4th from 10 am to 5 pm. Visit the barnyard and choose the perfect tree and wreath. Take photos in the Winter Wonderland. Warm up by the bonfires with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Live music will be from 1 to 4 pm.
Our family visits Terhune Orchards regularly and our kids always enjoy the many activities they have to offer. Fewer people visit here after October so it is a great time to pay the farm a visit while still enjoying many of its amenities. The fire pits are a nice way to warm up in between your other activities.
A Christmas Carol will be having multiple performances between December 7th to the 24th. Tickets can be purchased at the link above.
American Repertory Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker returns. This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. It will be at the McCarter Theatre from November 25th to December 18th.
New Jersey Christmas Towns in South Jersey
Whether it is going on a Christmas hayride at Johnson’s Corner Farm, touring the decorated Victorian Homes in Cape May, or walking down Main Street to visit Santa in Maple Shade, South Jersey is filled with towns that are likely to put you in a Christmas frame of mind.
Christmas Winter Wonderland in Cape May, NJ 2022
Our first South Jersey town to make our list of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey is Cape May. Many people do not realize that this beach town also has lots of events to offer in December. It celebrates Christmas to the max with events on many different days before Christmas.
Recently Cape May was number 19 on the list from PureWow of The Best Christmas Towns in the US. It ranks at the top of nearly every kind of list.
Be sure to check out the various tree lightings, Winter Wonderland, and various town tours during your visit. The Cape May Zoo is also a great place to see a variety of wildlife for free while you are in the area.
Holiday events that are part of Cape May’s Christmas town activities
Christmas in Cape May is spectacular with various events between November 18, 2022 to January 1, 2022. Throughout this time there will be things such as Christmas Candlelight House Tours, the Lamplighter Christmas Tour, Evening Yuletide Tour, Holiday Inns Tour and Physick Family Christmas House Tour. There are also Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, All That Glitters Trolley Tour and more. There is also a Winter Wonderwalk and an Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit at the Physick Estate. There is Breakfast with Santa at Bella Vida and Breakfast with Santa at Ocean 7. For more details keep reading.
The ceremony and tree lighting will be at 5 pm on November 26, 2022. There will be an ice sculpting demonstration, bounce house castle and slide, characters, free treats, Santa and the polar express train ride.
This event occurs from 5 to 8 pm on November 26, 2022. There will be VIP fire pits, special menus, hot chocolate at the lawn bar and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
What better place to get into the true spirit of Christmas than Victorian Cape May? This seaside 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. Tours take place November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023.
From November 25, 2022 to January 1, 2023 there will be a Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall. There will be different events there such as Breakfast with Santa, a Christmas Cabaret, Train rides, Carousel rides, Holiday Farm Dinners, Christmas Dinner in the Ballroom, an Enchanted Vendor’s Village and Santa’s Workshop.
There will be a tree lighting ceremony at Congress Hall on December 2, 2022.
There will be a tree lighting ceremony at The Museum of Cape May County on December 4, 2022.
On December 2, 2022 there will be a Christmas Tree Lighting from 7 to 8 pm at Rotary Park with carolers and Santa joining in the fun as well.
This will be on December 3, 2022 from 5 to 6 pm that will start at the West Cape May Firehouse.
On December 10, 2022 from 7 to 9 pm there will be a free concert by America’s Sweethearts at Cape May Convention Hall.
Historic Cold Spring Village come alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday season at this Wassail Day event on December 3, 2022.
This show runs from November 16th to December 30th, 2022. Tickets can be purchased at the link above.
The Carriage House on the Physick Estate has this free admission exhibit with a Dickens Village, model trains, decorated trees, and more. See the link above for the 2022 Christmas season schedule.
November 2022 into winter 2023, enjoy the grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., have been transformed for the holiday season. Winter Wonderwalk is an exciting new addition to the decorated estate. Walk the grounds and view these fun & whimsical displays of winters past.
Find more Cape May events on their calendar.
Christmas in Collingswood, NJ 2022
Collingswood has a downtown that is fully loaded with delicious restaurants and spectacular magic around the holidays. In December there are extended shopping hours on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as free parking downtown.
Many retailers sell Holospex glasses to see the lights in a whole new way. Collingswood also has a House Decorating contest so be sure to look at the map and see some beautifully decorated houses before you return home.
Holiday events that are part of Collingswood’s Christmas town activities
Santa will be at Extraordinary ED for visits every weeken in December, Fridays through Sundays. For more details and the schedule visit the link above.
Letters can also be dropped into Santa’s mailbox that is located in front of Borough Hall starting on November 25th. On December 4th and 11th from 9 am to 12 pm at Upcycle Fitness.
This event will be from 7 to 8:30 pm on November 25, 2022. Santa will descend from a fire truck ladder and there will be choral groups. After the tree lighting there will be live ice sculpting.
Carolers will be out on Friday and Saturday evenings in December. Group information will be provided at the link above. Music will be on December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th and the 18th. Singing will occur on the steps of the Zane School at the Millenium Clock.
There will be a Menorah lighting at the Lumberyard Garden on December 22nd at 6 pm. There will be music, latkes, dreidels, donuts and choco-gelt.
Collingswood DecemberFest Holiday Pop-Ups
The Decemberfest Holiday Pop-Up will be from 5 to 8 pm on December 3, 2022. There will be s’mores and hot chocolate kits, kid activities, a showing of Frozen II by the fire and lawn games.
There is a local maker’s market, fire pit lounge with wine and live music from 5 to 9 pm on December 10, 2022. It is also the Second Saturday of the month so there will also be arts and entertainment throughout town.
On November 26, 2022 at 10 am this parade will start and contain people on stilts, floats, dancers, and more! It will start at Zane Avenue. Visit the link above for parade route details.
- Parade of Lights 2022
On December 2, 2022, there will be a parade of lights with trucks from fire companies and other organizations competing to win. Visit the link above for parade route details.
The Nutcracker will be performed on December 16th, 17th and 18, 2022. Come and enjoy this Christmas classic. Free parking is next to the theater and tickets are still available.
Find more Collingswood Events.
Christmas in Delran, NJ 2022
Delran is home to a great Christmas Festival each year with a lot of freebies. Be sure to also check out the downtown in Riverton and the decorated Christmas Trees at Smithville Park nearby during the Christmas season as well.
Jake’s Place is a great new playground to visit while you are here. Check the Delran Fire Department’s Facebook page in December to find out when Santa will be heading out to see everyone around town.
Holiday events that are part of Delran’s Christmas town activities
The event starts at 6 pm at the Delran Municipal Building on December 2, 2022. Santa arrives with the Fire Department at 7 pm and pictures with Santa will follow. There will be crafts, food trucks and holiday music. Parking will be on Underwood Boulevard and local street parking.
This store is filled with artificial Christmas trees and other decor. They offer multiple Winter Wonderland events throughout the season that are great for kids. We went to one a couple years ago where we met with Paw Patrol characters and saw some petting zoo animals.
On November 5, 2022 Santa will arrive on a fire truck and there will be pictures with him and Baby Shark. On November 6th there will be a free petting zoo and free pictures with Santa.
This event will be from 10 am to 2 pm at the Delran Middle School Gymnasium on December 3, 2022.
Tsigos Construction is collecting toys for their Holiday Toy Drive at Delran Fire Department 1020 S Chester Avenue on December 8th from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. There is a Selfie with Santa station and each present over $10 qualifies for a raffle ticket.
There is a Christmas light show in Delran from Thanksgiving through the New Year at 102 Tarlton Court Delran, NJ. Tune into 93.9 FM to watch. More details are at the link above or on their Facebook page. The display this year will have a revamped walk through display and some new features. There is a donation box to help families in need. It is from 5 to 10 pm on weekdays and 5 to 11 pm on weekends.
Lights will be on from 5 to 10 pm on weekdays and from 5 to 11 pm on weekends.
Christmas in Haddonfield, NJ 2022
Haddonfield is known for its picturesque downtown as well as being the location where the Hadrosaurus was found. Be sure to visit this holiday season during its Candlelight Shopping for some holiday festivities while enjoying the shops and restaurants downtown as well.
Holiday events that are part of Haddonfield‘s Christmas town activities
This will occur at Library Pointe at 6:00 pm followed by a parade with Santa to King’s Court. Afterward, there will be entertainment all evening.
Candlelight Shopping is from 6 to 9 pm on November 25th to December 16, 2022 on each Friday night. This is a great way to finish up your holiday shopping while getting to see luminarias, lights, and more holiday decor. There will also be carolers, Mrs. Claus and carriage rides.
From 11 am to 9 pm on December 8th will be a Holiday House Tour in Haddonfield with 6 homes and the Friends Meeting House. Tickets are $25 ahead of time or $30 on that day. More details are at the link above.
The Haddonfield Public Library will host this for ages 3 to 6 at 1 pm on December 12th. There will be a STEM story and Gingerbread Man STEM kit to play with during this time. Register at the link above.
Find more Downtown Haddonfield Events and go to Haddonfield Celebrations.
Christmas in Hammonton, NJ 2022
Hammonton is well known for its blueberries but few people realize that it is full of holiday fun the entire month of December. Their downtown is always hosting fun events throughout the year that cannot be missed.
Holiday events that are part of Hammonton‘s Christmas town activities
On December 3, 2022 from 6 to 9 pm there will be a musical show at 6 and Santa will arrive at 7. There will also be a Mistletoe Mart and carriage rides.
On December 10th, 2022 there will be a Fire Department Christmas Parade at 7 pm along Bellevue Avenue and into downtown Hammonton.
On December 15, 2022 from 5 to 8 pm there will be a Jingle, Mingle and Kringle downtown. The downtown will come alive with food, art, shopping, music & more.
From November 26th to December 15, 2022, stroll throughout the downtown and see twelve decorated wreaths and enter to have a chance to win one.
Be sure to purchase tickets in advance as this is a well-known Christmas extravaganza in South Jersey. There is a walk-through holiday village, train ride through the lights, stories with Mrs. Claus, a holiday movie tent, and more.
Find more Downtown Hammonton Events.
Christmas in Maple Shade, NJ 2022
As it gets dark earlier, Maple Shade is a place that will be sure to help combat winter blue with its plethora of holiday lights. Be sure to also check out its gazebo in the center of town.
Holiday events that are part of Maple Shade’s Christmas town activities
Maple Shade will be having its 3rd Annual Home Decorating Contest this year. Be sure to drive around town to see all of the decor and enter to participate if you live in Maple Shade. Check back on the link above to see more details about this for 2022 when available.
Visit with Santa in his workshop at the Train Station! Come Join Troop 28 for their annual visits with Santa! There are no details yet for this year. See the link above to see any recent updates.
There will be a Tree Lighting at Gazebo Park on November 25, 2022.
The Maple Shade Independent Fire Company No. 1 Craft Fair and Hoagie Sale will be at 10 am on December 3rd.
The Maple Shade Holiday Festival will be on December 2nd from 6 to 9 pm. There will be visits with Santa, pony rides, a petting zoo, a live nativity, live show, ice sculptures, music and more.
- Breakfast with Santa 2022
The Municipal Building will have a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 9:30 am to 11 am. There will be breakfast and entertainment. Tickets are $10 or $6 for kids under 12. See link above for details on how to register.
Bring your family and friends to the Happy Hour Club’s Annual Kids Christmas Party.
A fun, hands on way for the whole family to celebrate Christmas together on December 3, 2022 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Maple Shade.
Join Immanuel Baptist Church on Main Street in front of the church for a live nativity!
Christmas in Medford, NJ 2022
Medford is a unique place to visit during Christmas time with its farms as well as its Dickens Festival. With its downtown area as well as its more rural side of town there are festivity options for different kinds of people to enjoy.
Holiday events that are part of Medford’s Christmas town activities
- Dickens Festival 2022
On December 3, 2022 from 4:30 to 9 pm Main Street will be transformed for the annual Dickens Festival. There will be carolers, hot chocolate, magicians, live presentations, free admission, free parking and more. Do not miss out on this well-loved event.
Visit the alpacas at the farm for a tour, feeding and more. There will be a winter sleigh out starting on November 25, 2022, for some unique family photos as well.
My two young kids were thrilled with their visit to the farm and being able to come face to face with a few different alpacas. They also offer some items for sale there and there are some outdoor kid toys as well.
While many have experienced hayrides this is one that gives you a whole new experience of them. These Christmas “light show” hayrides take place at night and each light show hayride is covered with lights itself, Christmas music playing and also holiday lights and decor to take in as you go around the farm.
This is a family activity we really enjoy. There is a light show on the lake, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, and visits with Santa. Make a reservation before going.
- Johnson’s Corner Farm Breakfast with Santa
This Breakfast with Santa is at Johnson’s Corner Farm and is $35 per person. Kids under 24 months old are free. Visit their site to see times and purchase tickets.
This Hanukkah event will start at 5 pm on December 20th at Medford Village Park Main Street. There is also a Grand Menorah lighting at the corner of Main Street and Allen Avenue at 7 pm.
There will be a vendor map and things like latkes, donuts, music, cider, Judah Maccabee, Chanukah Video Truck, fun at Game On Arcade and more! Visit the link above to RSVP for this free event.
Christmas Whoville in Mount Holly, NJ 2022
Mount Holly is a town that undergoes a transformation at Christmas time. We went two years ago and Mill Race Village was decorated like Whoville and the Grinch was outside of the stores.
They also had crafts for kids in a cafe. There was a large tree lit up as well in the center of town. Each year they have multiple Christmas events for which they go all out.
Holiday events that are part of Mount Holly’s Christmas town activities
This year Mount Holly has a tree lighting on December 2, 2022. The event will be from 6 to 9 pm and Santa will attend as well. There will be free family-friendly activities such as a Christmas parade, free trackless train rides and 27 foot gingerbread slide.
On December 10, 2022 from 3 to 8 pm there will be a holiday house tour for a $15 donation per ticket or $20 donation if paying that day. The starting point is The Bistro at Vincent’s Ice Cream.
On December 10, 2022from 1 to 7 pm there will be lots of things at this Victorian Christmas event including bonfires with s’mores, ice skating, ice carvers, Buddy the Elf, a Victorian Santa, carolers, blacksmith demonstrations and more.
We have attended their events twice in the past and the kids have loved things such as seeing carolers, getting pictures taken, seeing ice sculptures, going on a trackless train ride and more.
Christmas in Moorestown, NJ 2022
Moorestown is a picturesque downtown with events always happening at the Community Center and along Main Street. Christmas is a great time to visit to also see many wreaths and lights around town as well.
Our family loves to visit Moorestown. Moorestown Mall is always hosting different characters that kids love to visit with and they often have kid crafts and dance parties as well.
Downtown Moorestown is home to the Moorestown Community House which is always having great events. There are often kid crafts, music (such as by DJ Blake) and more. They have a plethora of shops and restaurants. Some of our favorite places to go are La Vita’s for a slice of pizza, Passariello’s for their sandwiches and the Cubby Hole for their breakfast.
The Burlington County Agricultural Center is a breathtaking farm backdrop that is a great place for its markets on various Saturdays. They are a great place to pick up some produce, gifts or other yummy treats.
Holiday events that are part of Moorestown’s Christmas town activities
On December 5, 2022 at 5:30 pm there will be a free event with music, cookies, hot cocoa and Santa coming by on a fire truck. Non-perishable food and toy donations will be collected. See link above for more details.
The Moorestown Lions Club Holiday Parade on December 3, 2022 is a great time to kick off the holiday season.
Join the Moorestown Jewish Association and Rabbi Kahan of Chabad of Camden & Burlington Counties to light the community menorah on December 19, 2022.
The Moorestown Jewish Association will be having a Hanukkah party at the Community House on December 11th from 4 to 6 pm.
On November 19th there will be horse-drawn carriage rides, luminaries, a holiday crafter’s village, music and special offers from shops.
Go to the Moorestown Mall on December 1st from 6 to 8 pm dressed as Santa, an elf or wear an ugly holiday sweater. Get a free drink ticket from Yard House, free goodie bag of surprises and a chance to win a grand prize. There will be DJ music and yummy treats.
On December 7th from 6 to 7 pm people will learn to decorate two holiday-themed cookies with royal icing. Purchase tickets at link above. Tickets are $20 per participant.
On December 3, 2022, from 10 am to 2 pm there will be a Holiday Market at the Burlington County Agricultural Center. Our family always loves going to their Market days and their Holiday one will offer live music, seasonal baked goods and vegetables.
Christmas in Ocean City, NJ 2022
Ocean City is a summer resort town that knows how to have a lot of fun yearround. During the month of December there are weekends full of events, visits with Santa, performances and horse and carriage rides.
Holiday events that are part of Ocean City’s Christmas town activities
Photos with Santa at the Ocean City Music Pier are offered throughout the Christmas season.
On weekends there will be visits with Santa at Soifer Park.
Even the Ocean City Library is getting in on Christmas activities in Ocean City. Join them December 4, 2022 for holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, live caroling, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, and more.
The Ocean City Library is also holding a holiday concert. It’s December 1, 2022 and features the Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra and vocal arrangements by Letrice and Fred Spiewak.
The Chamber of Commerce presents their Third Annual Winterfest By The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, November 12, 2022.
There will be horse and carriage rides on many weekend days. For dates and times visit the link above.
This musical show will be performed on 2 weekends in December. Purchase tickets at the link above.
On November 25th from 2 to 5:30 pm there will be an old-fashioned downtown Christmas. City Hall will be illuminated and Santa will arrive at 5 pm.
On December 2, 2022 at 6 pm there will be a parade on Asbury Avenue starting at 6th street and ending on 12th street.
The 2022 Holiday Train Expo will be on December 3rd and 4, 2022 Ocean City Music Pier with free admission.
Find more Ocean City Events.
Christmas Winter Village in Pitman, NJ 2022
Pitman is busy with various events the whole month of December including a Santa parade, winter village, holiday shopping and a sing along. Be sure to visit some of their shops and see the Hagerty Family’s light display while you are there!
2022 Holiday events that are part of Pitman’s Christmas town activities
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on December 5th until December 21st, Santa can be found in Pitman’s Ballard Park from 6 to 8 pm. Pet night is on December 5th.
On December 3rd, 2022 visit the Winter Village at Pitman from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be vendors and food trucks.
On December 15, 2022, there will be a Holiday Sing Along at the Grove Auditorium.
On November 27, 2022 Pitman will be having a Christmas parade from 5 to 6 pm that will end at Ballard Park. Santa will be there and it will be the opening of Christmas in the Park. For 2022, the Pitman Santa parade will include a “quiet zone” for adults and children who are adverse to loud noises.
The Children’s Theatre will be performing Frosty at the beginning of December and Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town during the second half of the month. For more details and tickets visit the link above.
Christmas in Historic Smithville, NJ 2022
Smithville is a place known for its Christmas and Halloween traditions. It has many shops, cobblestone pathways and beautifully landscaped grounds. There is also the serene Lake Meone with its breathtaking Holiday Light Show.
Holiday events that are part of Historic Smithville’s Christmas town activities
- Holiday Light Show 2022
Over 120 Christmas trees are made out of 50,000 lights. They are constructed so that they float over Lake Meone for a dazzling Christmas tree light show set to music as soon as it turns dark. The show is Thursdays-Sundays from November 24, 2022 to January 6, 2023.
A magical tree talks, there’s Christmas train rides, spins on the carousel and more when you visit Historic Smithville during their holiday weekends.
At this two day event on November 26th and 27th there will be a free musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol from the Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company performed along with a carol sing-a-long on the portable outdoor stage.
All of the restaurants and shops will be open and the Smithville Train and Carousel will be running as well. There is free parking and guests are invited to stay till the evening to see the Holiday Light Show as well from 5:30 to 8:30.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday people can purchase a small s’mores kit to make these delicious desserts at the fire pits at the Greene.
On December 3, 2022 from 6 to 8 pm the shopping hours are extended and treats can be enjoyed while shopping.
This will be on December 10th and 17th at Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern.
For some holiday shopping with friends there will be happy hour specials, refreshments while shopping and extended shop hours until 9 pm on December 9th.
Spend Christmas on the water in Tuckerton, NJ 2022
Last but not least on our list of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey is Tuckerton. Tuckerton is known for its lighthouse, seaport and museum exhibits. While many people visit in the summer few realize that there are still many things to do there other times of the year as well. In 2009 it was named one of the “Top Tri-State Regional Attractions.”
Holiday events that are part of the Tuckerton’s Christmas activities
No charge for this Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 11th from 8 to 11:30 am. Suggested donation of $10 and kids under 12 are free. There will be pancakes, eggs, sausages and pork roll. Bring your camera for photos with Santa. This event is to help families in need.
December 13, 2022, Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting the Seaport to load up their sleigh with donations of new toys, books, and pjs for the Tuckerton Food Pantry. While they are there bring your phone or camera to capture your own selfie with Santa!
Tree lighting event is from 6 to 7:15 pm on November 24, 2022. This will be at Stewart’s Root Beer and The Boardwalk at Lake Pohatcong. The boardwalk will be closed at 5:45 pm. There will be hot chocolate and Christmas carols in the parking lot beforehand. The tree lighting will be at 7 pm.
These are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Guides will talk about holiday traditions and you may see lights on the bay. Bring hot cocoa and a blanket. The price also includes lighthouse admission. For details on dates and times go to the link above.
Our family visited the Seaport last November for a Creek tour and their outdoor scavenger hunt. My kids were captivated by all of the wildlife seen on the boat ride such as seagulls and blue herons. They loved the outdoor playground area, surfboard exhibit, many crafts there, the blacksmith demonstration and doing the outdoor scavenger hunt as well. The Union Market also had outdoor dining with delicious sandwiches.
Take time to visit the holy family and the animals. The walkway starts on the north entrance of our sanctuary to visit the miniature Christmas village, the Christmas tree with trains, and the relaxing sounds of a crackling fireplace. Then continue to the south side of the church to enjoy the nativity and the animals.
Visit Tuckerton Seaport on Saturdays from November 26th to December 17th for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus with your family for $25. This includes admission to the museum holiday displays and make-and-take craft area. Go to the link above for tickets.
Be sure to check out some of these NJ Christmas towns this year. They may be closer to your house than you realize and they all have a lot to offer. Our family makes it a night by bringing along a thermos full of hot cocoa and seeing the best New Jersey Christmas Lights and Holiday Displays nearby. After visiting some of these places you will likely become so enchanted that you will start some new holiday traditions for your own families.
Holiday & Christmas Things to Do in New Jersey with Kids
Updating for 2022.
