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'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
11/29/24 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey in December? Christmas lights and holiday activities are among our top picks this month. 

The last month of 2024 boasts full-on holiday fun in the Garden State, and we can't wait to see the holiday lights at drive-thrus and walk-throughs like Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo. Santa Claus is also all over town in December– catch him at festive events like his stroll through Chester.

Find more top December fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey, like our guide to the top New Jersey Christmas Towns.

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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Top Things To Do in New Jersey this December with Kids

2025 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

Asbury Park – FREE
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

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium

Camden
Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
One of New Jersey's most unique holiday traditions, Christmas Underwater, returns to Adventure Aquarium. Guests can surf the yuletide and explore a winter waterland filled with holiday d-eel-ights like Scuba Santa, indoor snow flurries, the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree, and many more. READ MORE

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange – FREE
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

Newark Winter Village

Newark – FREE
Wednesdays through Sundays through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Newark Winter Village, a much-loved holiday tradition, returns for the season to transform downtown Newark into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, ice go-karts, games and activities, an open-air holiday marketplace with local vendors, and cozy heated private igloos with hot cocoa and treats. READ MORE

Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

Ocean City – FREE
Saturdays and Sundays through 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

Bergen County Winter Wonderland

Paramus
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Spend the day at Van Saun Park for wintertime fun–including skating, train rides, carousel rides, and much more. New this season is a second ice rink for bumper cars and the Crafts Market Village. READ MORE

Festive Farmyard at Fosterfields

Morristown
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7, 20255
Celebrate the holidays in this fun family event. See the barnyard all decorated for the season, watch live cooking demonstrations in the 1915 farmhouse, create a holiday craft, take a wagon ride and take a picture with Santa. READ MORE

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Terhune Orchards

Princeton – FREE
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

Downtown Red Bank Holiday Trolley

Red Bank – FREE
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 14, 2025
All aboard the downtown Red Bank Holiday Trolley. Take a ride on select December Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy festive tunes, colorful lights and the sights of downtown Red Bank during the most magical time of year. READ MORE

Dickens Village

Maplewood – FREE
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

Lighting Up Nature Drive-Thru

Beechwood – FREE
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

Wildwood Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Wildwood – FREE
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center featuring free admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, a children’s craft-making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and more. 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

Celebrate in Summit

Summit – FREE
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

Car Menorah Parade in Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill – FREE
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

Hammonton New Year's Eve Bash & Giant Blueberry Drop

Hammonton – FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The countdown to the new year is on in Downtown Hammonton. Enjoy fireworks and the famous Giant Blueberry Drop. Music and dancing round out the fun. READ MORE

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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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