Atlantic City Tinseltown Holiday Experience | Throughout December
Various casinos and locations in Atlantic City | Greater Atlantic City Region
Are the Atlantic City casinos more dazzling than ever during the holiday season? You bet they are! Festive tree lightings and glitzy events, holiday shows, pop-up experiences, breathtaking décor, shopping galore and of course oceanfront gaming and dining create the ultimate winter experience. Check the website for event listings and details.
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village | Throughout December
93 Championship Place, Augusta | Skylands Region
Take a merry, one-mile drive through Skylands Stadium, showcasing more than 2 million dazzling lights and twinkling displays as far as the eye can see, all from the comfort of your vehicle. Afterward, kick back and relax by the fire pit and sip some hot cocoa in the Christmas Village. For tickets, dates and details, visit Skyland Stadium’s website.
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium | Throughout December
1 Riverside Drive, Camden | Delaware River Region
Waves of festivity and fun are yours at this annual Christmas-time event at Adventure Aquarium. Have a fin-tastic time watching Scuba Santa in the Ocean Realm, the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree and more than 15,000 aquatic animals including the largest number of sharks in the Northeast. Check the website for ticket information, dates and details.
The Polar Express Train Ride | Various dates throughout December
Whippany Station,1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany | Skylands Region
Get your golden ticket ready! This magical train ride re-creates the wonder and whimsy of The Polar Express children’s story with a cast of talented actors on board, you guessed it! A real train. Enjoy hot chocolate and shortbread served by dancing chefs just like you remember. And of course, a reading of the beloved tale. Visit the website for ticket information and details. Check out the Polar Express Train Ride at Lehigh Junction in Phillipsburg too.
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar | Weekends in December | Fridays 3pm – 8pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12pm – 5pm
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | Grand Arcade of Convention Hall
1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park | Shore Region
Sundays | The Asbury Hotel
210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park | Shore Region
Wrap up your holiday shopping and get into the holiday spirit with this jolly market in always-exciting Asbury Park. Stock up on treasures from countless vendors, tasty treats and handmade gift items you can’t find in stores. There are even two locations so you don’t have to miss a thing.
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village | December 5 – 22
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill | Delaware River Region
What to do in December is never in question at this quaint family favorite located in the ever-so-charming town of Mullica Hill. Enjoy ice skating, carousel rides, games for the kids, fire pits, photos with Santa, vendors, tasty treats and more. Check the website for ticket information and details.
Christmas in Cape May Candlelight House Tours | December 7, 14 & 21
Various locations in the Cape May Historic District | Southern Shore Region
View more than a dozen churches, homes, inns, B&Bs and more decked out in their finest holiday decorations during this self-guided walking tour centered in a ¾-square mile area of Cape May’s Historic District. In fact, the entire town is a Victorian Christmas village with sleigh bells ringing, carolers singing, festive events and Santa sightings through January 5, 2025. Stick around and enjoy.
Salem County Christmas | December 13 – 15 | 4pm –8pm
Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Highway (Rt. 40), Pilesgrove Township | Delaware River Region
This spirited 3-day event in South Jersey promises to be even bigger and better than last year! Stop by with the entire family to enjoy a day (or three!) of food trucks, amazing vendors, selfies with Santa, a winery and brewery, fun NJ things to do for the kids and oh so much more.
Pop Over to Princeton
Various locations in Princeton | Central Jersey Region
This Ivy League town is a flurry of fun all December long. Admire the holiday lights and décor of Palmer Square and find great gifts for everyone on your list, dine at some of the area’s most loved eateries and fill up on holiday cheer there too. Some Princeton events to add to your calendar include the Annual Menorah Lighting at Nassau Inn December 18 at 4:30 pm and Princeton Holiday Trolley Tour December 14 & 15.
Put Your Ugly Sweater to Use
Various locations throughout New Jersey
The more tacky and holiday-esque the sweater, the better at these fun events happening during December including Ugly Sweater Bar Crawls in Jersey City December 14, Hoboken December 14 and Atlantic City December 21. Also check out everybody’s favorite candlemaking oasis, ReWax and UnWine in Jersey City for a one-of-a-kind Ugly Sweater Holiday Party December 21, 6pm – 8pm. Ticket information and details for all these happenings are available online.
Ice Skate in the Garden State
Various ice-skating rinks throughout New Jersey
Bundle up and glide across some of the most scenic and super-fun ice-skating rinks in New Jersey. Whether you’re a pro or just learning, it’s a cherished way to get together with family and friends and slide into upcoming holidays. For our guide to ice-skating rinks in the Garden State, click here.
Experience a Weihnachtsmarkt
Various locales throughout New Jersey
If you have not visited an authentic German Christmas market yet, guide your sleigh to New Jersey for all the greats - stollen, chocolates, gingerbread, nutcrackers, Glühwein mugs and more. Get the inside scoop on Weihnachtsmarkt at the Sussex County Fairgrounds December 6 – 8 and other fantastic holiday markets here. Check out additional jolly events in Jersey too.
Pick the Perfect Pine
Various tree farms throughout New Jersey
Spruce things up this December with a Christmas tree you pick out yourself! Let our handy guide to Christmas tree farms in New Jersey lead the way to the fresh-cut evergreen you’ve been pine-ing for. And plenty of things to do nearby once you find it too!
Make Plans for New Year’s Eve
Various locations throughout New Jersey
Oh what fun you’ll have kicking off 2025 in the Garden State. With exceptional events happening up and down New Jersey, from romantic dinners followed by fireworks to party-all-night countdowns, you’re sure to find the perfect place to raise a glass and celebrate. But plan now. Events fill up quickly. Check here for some of our faves.
For more events and things to do in NJ in December or any time of year, access your free New Jersey Travel Guide. For inspo sent directly to your inbox, sign -up for our e-newsletter. And as always, before you go to your chosen attraction or event, visit their official website or social media pages for up-to-the-minute details, hours and other need-to-know info.
