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Things to Do in NJ – November 2024

As the year transitions from falling leaves to winter’s chilly breeze, New Jersey has plenty to do. From foodie festivals and football games at MetLife Stadium to seasonal sips and holiday kick-off events. Here we collected some of our favorite things to do in the Garden State. Take your pick.

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at American Dream | November 2 | 12 – 5 pm
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford | Gateway Region
Join in a culture-rich Day of the Dead event featuring dancers, singers, a mariachi band, face painting and more. Also at American Dream: DreamWorks Water Park, the largest indoor water park in North America and Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. 

Go to The Atlantic City Tattoo Expo at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | November 8 – 10
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City | Greater Atlantic City Region
Ink, culture and creativity are the stars of the show at this 3-day extravaganza, which also happens to be one of the longest-running tattoo expos in the United States. 

Hard Rock Hotel

Find your flavor at Jersey Shore Restaurant Week | November 8 – 17
Various locations | Shore Region 
Get a taste of amazing local cuisine in exciting restaurants during the 15th anniversary of this popular NJ event. Savor a three-course prix fixe meal with your choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert at any participating eatery. Yum.

Step up at the RevNJ Racing Series | November 9
839 Ye Greate Street, Greenwich | Southern Shore Region
As we race toward our nation’s 250th anniversary, join us for a 5K and Family Fun Walk, the last leg of this year’s 4-part racing series held at Revolutionary War battlefields and other historic sites throughout NJ. 

Kick off the holidays in Historic Cape May | November 22 – January 5, 2025
Various locations in Cape May | Southern Shore Region
Getting in a holiday mood and wondering what to do? Visit this Victorian seaside oasis for a town-wide winter wonderland featuring candlelight house tours, Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies, jolly trolley rides, Santa sightings and festive décor everywhere you look. 

Congress Hall

Get revved up for Retreat Weekend at Fort Lee Historic Park | November 23 – 24
Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee | Gateway RegionThis historic reenactment is the 248th commemoration of the British invasion of NJ and the start of the Continental Army’s strategic “Retreat to Victory” in 1776. Music, a parade, artillery demos and more. Love NJ’s scenic parks? Check out our Jersey State Parks Passport.

Enjoy Lights on the Lake at Historic Smithville | November 28 – January 6, 2025
1 N. New York Road (Rt. 9) Smithville | Greater Atlantic City Region
Be dazzled as more than 120 Christmas trees constructed from over 50,000 holiday lights magically float on Lake Meone synchronized to popular holiday tunes. Explore Smithville’s charming collection of stores too. 

Historic Smithville

Shop with famous names at The Mills at Jersey Gardens
651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth | Gateway Region
It’s gift-buying time! Get started (or wrap up!) at New Jersey’s largest outlet mall, with more than 200 stores under one roof including Michael Kors, Coach Factory Store, Nike, Kate Spade New York and more.

Sip & sample award-winning Jersey wines
Various locations in NJ | All regions
New Jersey is home to 50+ wineries, from Columbia’s Brook Hollow Winery up north to Cape May Winery & Vineyard down south. Stop by the winery nearest you, or explore New Jersey’s 3-Day Wine Trip to enjoy unique varietals across the great Garden State
Cape May Winery

Cheer on your favorite team at MetLife Stadium
1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford | Gateway Region
Feel fan-tastic as you tackle fall, cheering on your favorite NFL football team at this action-packed stadium. Check the schedule for more upcoming events happening throughout the year too! 

Metlife Stadium

Be moved by music in Jersey
Various locations in NJ | All regions
There are so many places to experience performing arts in New Jersey. Whether you’re into contemporary tunes, classical, jazz, rock or any other music genre, you’ll find some of the best musical events in the Northeast in NJ.

Check here for a current listing of musical events happening near you in November.

Get fresh at a Garden State farm
Various locations in NJ | All regions
Go straight to the source for Thanksgiving dinner this year by stopping by one of Jersey’s many farms. Stock up on pumpkins for pie, grab a jug of fresh apple cider, pick out a farm-raised turkey and enjoy the Garden State’s bountiful harvest. 

Give thanks and dine out
Various locations in NJ | All regions
Pull up a chair at New Jersey’s renowned restaurants and eateries for Thanksgiving Day and any day. From renowned multi-cultural cuisine to classic American fare, it’s one tasty wow after another after another. And in Jersey, when the sun goes down, our nightlife heats up, so check out our entertaining hotspots for after dinner too! 

For more events and things to do in November or any time of year, download our Official Travel Guide (it’s free!). Top Tip: Before you attend your chosen attraction or event, be sure to visit their official website or social media pages for up-to-the-minute details, hours of operation and other need-to-know info.