Toward the end of fall and the beginning of winter, it’s time to start staying cozy with fun indoor activities. Whether you’re looking for things to do with kids or you just need some ideas for hanging out with friends and relatives, here are some exciting things to do in New Jersey once the weather starts getting chilly.
1. Start your holiday shopping.
From luxury brands at shopping malls to discounted designs at outlet malls, New Jersey has plenty of options for getting all your holiday shopping done. Want a truly authentic holiday experience? Stroll a main street in one of New Jersey’s small towns like Boonton or Historic Smithville, where local boutiques and mom-and-pop shops line the streets. Get even more ideas on where to shop in New Jersey.
2. Watch a blockbuster movie.
See the latest hit on the big screen, and get the best movie experience possible when you buy a ticket to one of the many IMAX theaters in New Jersey. Watch a 3D film on the 5.5-story screen at the IMAX Theatre at Tropicana Atlantic City, or be surrounded by the experience at the world’s largest IMAX Dome Theater at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
3. Go on a train ride.
Get in the holiday spirit by hopping aboard a festive train decked out in seasonal decorations. Ride the rails and visit with Santa on Whippany Railway Museum’s Santa Claus Special excursion train or The Polar Express in Phillipsburg.
4. Play at an arcade.
It’s easy to plan an afternoon of indoor fun at one of the many arcades and entertainment centers in New Jersey. Try your hand at more than 200 games at the Silver Ball Museum Arcade in Asbury Park, go for a round of glow-in-the-dark miniature golf at Monster Mini Golf in Eatontown, or shoot some hoops at Jilly’s Arcade in Ocean City.
5. See a theatre production.
Get all dressed up, and experience the magic of theatre with a festive production at one of the many performing arts venues in New Jersey. Marvel at the holiday magic of Miracle on 34th Street The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, catch a performance of The Nutcracker by the American Repertory Ballet or listen to classical favorites presented by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
6. Go for a walk, or do a fun run.
Ready for a break from the indoors? Bundle up and burn off all those Thanksgiving indulgences with the Mercer County Turkey Trot on November 26, 2015 in West Windsor or the Santa Run (which also features a 1K Elf Run for little ones!) on November 22 in Jackson.
7. Go wine tasting.
A number of wineries in New Jersey will have special events throughout the holiday season, so take a trip to a nearby vineyard to enjoy events like the Holiday Weekend Open House at Alba Vineyard in Milford and the Holiday Wine Trail Weekend November 27 – 29, 2015, celebrated at various wineries.
8. See a tree lighting ceremony.
Be dazzled by the sights and lights of the season at a tree lighting ceremony. The historic Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May will host a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 21, 2015, and Santa will arrive in Summit to light the tree on December 4.
9. Do arts and crafts.
Harness your creative energy, and take part in some arts and crafts activities. Bring the kids to Imagine That!!! Children’s Museum in Florham Park for a festive Weekend Craft session, or try the hands-on craft area at the Arts & Crafts Holiday Fair in Kinnelon.
10. Explore a museum.
There’s no shortage of incredible museums in New Jersey, from unique history museums to inspiring art museums and much more. Want the most bang for your buck? Visit the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, featuring four museums in one—including a planetarium.
