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Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
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Houston Fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
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Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
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These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Santa Sightings, Holiday Light Shows, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey

Wave to a swimming Santa at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium
Wave to a swimming Santa at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium
11/21/25 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

It's a merry and bright weekend with the kickoff of favorite seasonal light spectaculars, including the FREE Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, with illuminated winter scenes and animals. Check out the brand new U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms, adorned with illuminated flowers, a drone show and character visits. 

Plus, get ready for Santa's arrival at MarketFair in Princeton and ready for a swim at Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Underwater.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our New Jersey Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events! Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend with Kids

U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms

Cream Ridge
Daily from Friday, November 21-Sunday, January 4
Holland Ridge Farms debuts a magical, walk-through light show, featuring 50,000+ illuminated tulips, millions of twinkling lights, a windmill music and light show, drone show nights, character visits, an igloo snowball pit and much more. READ MORE

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange– FREE
Select dates from Friday, November 21-Saturday, January 3
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

Winter WonderLights 6th Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru

East Brunswick
Daily from Friday, November 21-Sunday, December 28
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 2 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes, with a tunnel of lights and stunning, larger-than-life, holiday-themed displays synchronized to music playing in your car. READ MORE

PANTO’s The Little Mermaid

South Orange
Friday, November 21
Dive into a sea of magic, music, and merriment with Panto’s The Little Mermaid.  Bursting with dazzling visuals, catchy original songs, and laugh-out-loud audience participation, this enchanting adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale turns SOPAC into an under-the-sea playground. where everyone becomes part of the adventure.  READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium

Camden
Daily from Friday, November 21-Wednesday, December 24
One of New Jersey's most unique holiday traditions, Christmas Underwater, is set to return 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

Santa & Friends Arrival at MarketFair

Princeton – FREE
Saturday, November 22
Santa makes his grand arrival at MarketFair, joined by his Brass Band, Mrs. Claus and The Grinch. The fun includes a Santa parade, Mrs. Claus balloon art, face painting, inflatables and more. READ MORE

Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

Ocean City – FREE
Saturday, November 22
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

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Physick Estate

Cape May– FREE
Saturday, November 22
The Physick Estate hosts this festive evening to kick off the holiday season. The fun begins with a concert by The John Walter Community Band, followed by a Physick Estate Open House, and finally Santa's tree lighting.  READ MORE

Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms

Hillsdale
Select dates from Saturday, November 22-Tuesday, December 30
It's that magical time of year when Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights. Take your car on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays. Then, visit Santa, warm up by the fire pit, and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market. READ MORE

Omnium Circus at New Jersey City University Center for the Arts

Jersey City
Sunday, November 23
The circus is coming to Jersey City! Omnium Circus presents world-class multi-generational family entertainment that is comprehensively accessible, ensuring everyone is able to get in on the action. Omnium is a unique mix of award-winning circus artistry, memorable music, side-splitting laughter, and a heartwarming story in their limit-defying and life-affirming spectacle. READ MORE

Swedish Christmas Fair at Commonwealth Club

Upper Montclair
Sunday, November 23
The Swedish Christmas fair has something for everyone; there is a great selection of food items, crafts, and gifts. Swedish handicrafts like handmade Christmas decorations, linen, and wooden items, plus a variety of cheeses, herring, and other Swedish delicacies as well as home baked goods are available to buy. READ MORE

Wicked Sing-A-Long at State Theater New Jersey

New Brunswick
Sunday, November 23
Sing along with your friends and family to the hit movie version of the classic Broadway show Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz. READ MORE
Mohonk Mountain House makes for a great fall day trip. Photo courtesy of Mohonk
Mohonk Mountain House makes for a great fall day trip. Photo courtesy of Mohonk

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:

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The Garden State bursts with cheer this November, and these are the events you should not miss. READ MORE

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We've got dozens of Thanksgiving craft ideas for families. Photo courtesy of Live Craft
We've got dozens of Thanksgiving craft ideas for families. Photo courtesy of Live Craft

More Fun Thanksgiving Things To Do With Kids

25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November 2025 School Holidays

NJ school kids have lots of days off in November, and we've found ways to fill them. READ MORE

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Places featured in this article:

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.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.