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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
11/21/25 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for FREE Christmas events in New Jersey? Read on for dozens of great options. 

It's the most wonderful—and expensive—time of the year. While big-budget gifts take a toll on your wallet, our gift to you is this list of holiday events and FREE Christmas activities in New Jersey that don't cost a penny.

In a season when finances may be tight, treat the family to FREE, fun holiday festivities for the kids across New Jersey, including light spectaculars like Lighting Up Nature Drive-Thru and small-town celebrations like Dickens Village. 

Mark your calendars with these 30+ no-cost holiday events that take place nearly every day of the season. For more seasonal fun, don't miss our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for New Jersey Families. 

 

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Meet Santa at Bass Pro Shops for free this December. Photo courtesy of the retailer
Meet Santa at Bass Pro Shops for free this December. Photo courtesy of the retailer

Free Holiday Activities in New Jersey

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange
Select dates through Saturday, January 3, 2026
Take a nighttime stroll through the Turtle Back Zoo to see more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters. Stop by the Touch Tank, Reptile House, train and more.  READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Atlantic City
Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Bass Pro Shops welcomes visitors to make a holiday shopping trip more fun by adding a Santa visit to your outing. Pose for a free photo with Santa in-store. Reservations must be made online. READ MORE

Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

Ocean City
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, November 22-Saturday, December 20, 2025
Start off the holiday season on a scenic horse and carriage ride through downtown Ocean City. The rides are first-come, first-serve. READ MORE

Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

Galloway
Evenings from Thursday, November 27-Sunday, January 4, 2026
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you. READ MORE

Point Pleasant Beach Tree Lighting

Point Pleasant
Friday, November 28, 2025
Santa makes his way to Downtown Point Pleasant, featuring a DJ, horse-and-carriage rides, refreshments, and activities for children. Take your picture with Santa at Ocean County Music. READ MORE

Lilonsky Family Light Show

Smithville
Daily from Friday, November 28-Thursday, January 1, 2026
Drive by this fun, family-run light display. Just sit in your car, tune your radio, and watch as the lights dance to the music. READ MORE

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

Fanwood
Daily from Friday, November 28-Thursday, January 8, 2026
Stroll by Fanwood's Famous Christmas House, which boasts a spectacular 30,000-light display. Monetary donations are accepted to support the NJ Institute for Disabilities.  READ MORE

Strolling Entertainment & Santa in Princeton

Princeton
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, November 29-Sunday, December 21, 2025
Enjoy some extra holiday cheer every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on the Square, featuring carolers, Santa and more entertainment. READ MORE

2025 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

Asbury Park
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Friday, November 28-Sunday, December 21, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit at this festive and fun-filled 2025 Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park, taking place in three locations, boasting holiday music and entertainment, photos with Santa, food & libations, craft workshops, kids activities, festive décor, music, and more. READ MORE

Santa's Tree Lighting Celebration at the Cape May County Zoo

Cape May
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Santa Claus is coming to the Cape May Zoo and bringing plenty of festive holiday cheer. Enjoy live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, bounce house, character appearances, performances and free treats for all. Plus, get a visit with jolly old St. Nick himself. READ MORE

Free Photos with Santa on the Amusement Park Train Ride

Point Pleasant
Saturday, November 29, Sunday, November 30, and Saturday, December 6, 2025
All aboard Jenkinson's train ride for festive photos with Santa. The train remains stationary for photo ops. After your photo, keep the fun going with games and prizes inside Jenkinson’s South Arcade, with exclusive holiday sale items available for purchase. READ MORE

Magical Talking Tree in Historic Smithvillle

Galloway
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Friday, December 5-Sunday, December 21, 2025
The Magical Talking Tree wakes up every weekend to talk to the young and young at heart. READ MORE

Hometown Holiday in Washington Borough

Washington
Friday, December 5, 2025
Hometown Holiday returns to Downtown Washington, kicking off the holiday season. The family fun-filled evening features the annual borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, DJ music, free horse and carriage rides, vendors, selfies with Santa and gifts for every child. READ MORE

Toms River Winter Wonderland Weekend

Toms River
Friday, December 5-Saturday, December 6, 2025
Toms River hosts a weekend of fun to ring in the holiday season. A tree lighting kicks off the weekend and Santa arrives for photo-ops. Shop the Winter Village all weekend long for wares from local vendors, plus enjoy children's activities and music. READ MORE

TD Bank Tree Lighting and Winter Festival

Mount Laurel
Friday, December 5, 2025
Join TD Bank for the magic of the holiday season at its 36th annual Tree Lighting and Winter Festival, featuring free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, tasty treats, festive photo ops, DJ, games, prizes, and more. READ MORE

South Orange Tree Lighting

South Orange
Saturday, December 6, 2025
South Orange kicks off the Hometown Holiday & Tree Lighting Ceremony with a joyful afternoon filled with festive fun for all ages, from Santa photos and kids’ activities to live performances, Holiday Education Station and the beloved community tree lighting. READ MORE

Free Santa Photos at Fortunoff Backyard Store

Paramus
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7, 2025
Stop by Fortunoff Backyard Store for free photos with Santa. Families with children and pets are welcome. The event takes place in two locations. READ MORE

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7, 2025
In December, Terhune Orchards turns into the North Pole with its special Winter Wonderland. Choose the perfect Christmas tree and wreath. Warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate.  S’mores kits are available.  Terhune's own holiday cookie decorating kits are available all season. READ MORE

Dickens Village

Maplewood
Saturdays from December 6-20, 2025
The Dickens Village returns to Maplewood for the holiday season. The Christmas Carol-inspired houses are decorated with fireplaces, stockings, and antique toys. Other activities include horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Holiday Celebration

Scotch Plains
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Alan Augustine Village Green is the place to be for an all-out holiday celebration. Enjoy a petting zoo, vendors, a gingerbread house display, live performances, photos with Santa and the tree lighting at 5pm. READ MORE

A Dream is a Wish Holiday Concert

Seaside Heights
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Come celebrate the holidays with four of your favorite princesses. Join in singing some of your holiday favorites like Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more kid-friendly holiday songs. Free hair braiding and glitter makeup add to the sparkle. READ MORE

Lighting Up Nature Drive-Thru

Beechwood
Friday, December 12-Monday, December 15, 2025
Take an evening drive through the Discovery Play Trail at Jakes Branch County Park, which is adorned with holiday lights.  READ MORE

Free Photos with Santa and The Grinch at Garden State Harley-Davidson

Morris Plains
Saturdays, December 13-Sunday, December 14, 2025
Pose for super-cool photos with Santa and The Grinch on a motorcycle. Donations of new and unwrapped toys support local families in need. READ MORE

Car Menorah Parade in Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties hosts this unique South Jersey celebration of the Festival of Lights. Fire and police department vehicles are on hand to lead the parade of menorah-adorned cars.  READ MORE

Hot Cocoa with Santa at Casino Pier Arcade

Seaside Heights
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Slip into your coziest pajamas and head to the arcade for a magical holiday tradition. Santa and Holiday Stitch are stopping by for photos, festive fun, and free hot cocoa to keep you warm and merry. READ MORE

Chanukah Village Walk in Medford

Medford
Monday, December 15, 2025
Experience Chanukah festivities on a stroll through Medford Village Park. Local vendors serve up latkes and donuts, a photo booth, crafts, music, and a firetruck. Stick around for the Grand Menorah Lighting at 6:15pm. READ MORE

Mill Race Holiday Village

Mount Holly
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Mill Race Village of Mount Holly welcomes holiday shoppers to its outdoor market, featuring local vendors, bakers and crafters for last minute shopping needs. Santa and The Grinch pose for pictures with the kiddos. READ MORE

Celebrate in Summit

Summit
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit in downtown Summit with a celebration featuring live music, horse and carriage rides, live ice carvings, DJ Mr. Socks, and crafts with winter princesses.  READ MORE

Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace

Newark
Saturday, December 20, 2025
This free Newark tradition honors the seven principles of Kwanzaa with joyous programs, including dance classes, storytelling, face painting, craft workshops, a Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony, live performances, and much more. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Bundle up and catch fireworks on the beach of Sea Isle City. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Lilonsky Family Light Show
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
Fortunoff Backyard Store (2 locations)
Alan Augustine Village Green
Downtown Summit
JFK Boulevard Beach

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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