34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

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 where finances may be tight, treat the family to FREE and fun holiday festivities for the kids across New Jersey, including light spectaculars such as Lighting Up Nature Drive-Thru and small-town celebrations in areas 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. 

42 Warm and Sunny Family Winter Vacation Ideas in the US and Abroad

Allison Tibaldi's picture Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

Make memories to last a lifetime at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos.

From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly bundling (and unbundling) your kids with layer upon layer, the need to escape grows for many parents as the winter drags on. Even those families who don't live with the finicky four-season cycle might prefer their family vacation with a side of palm trees, rather than fur-trimmed snow boots.

So whether you're seeking to escape the cold or just don't want to spend your holiday season vacation in it, we've rounded up 42 of the best winter vacation ideas in the US and abroad filled with sun, fun, and warmth.

Read on to find great all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and charming cities teeming with culture that will give you a family vacation that’s sunny, not snowy. For even more winter vacation ideas, be sure to check out our Family Travel Destination Guide.

28 Best Things to Do in Orlando December 2024 with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author

As the calendar inches toward Christmas and the holidays, Central Florida is shining with seasonal celebrations to enjoy with your family this December. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Orlando in December!

The theme parks are in full force with lights and festive holiday decor, from SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration to Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays. Christmas parades take place in cities all around Central Florida, including Apopka, St. Cloud, and Winter Park. And don't miss the spectacular ICE! exhibit at Christmas at Gaylord Palms, as well as the enchanting Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Read on for the top events in Orlando and happening around Central Florida this December!

Find more December fun in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Orlando Kids, including festive holiday shows, holiday light drive-thrus and Christmas light shows, and local breakfast with Santa events.

29 Best Things to Do in Atlanta December 2024 with Kids

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Families walk through Margaritaville at Lake Lanier's spectacular light show with festive seasonal music. Photo courtesy of Margaritaville

Christmas lights, Hanukkah celebrations, and holiday activities are in full effect for December, and that's just the beginning of things to do in Atlanta this month! 

December in Atlanta starts with Christmas tree lightings all over town, including those in Sandy Springs, Woodstock, and Brookhaven (where Santa enters on a helicopter)! As December continues, Atlanta families get into the holiday spirit with Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Shows as well as Dazzling Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows. December 25th brings Christmas Day AND the first night of Hanukkah! Families celebrate with lots of events, including Chabad Intown's menorah lightings. After all those holiday gifts are ripped open, families can ring in 2025 with fun, daytime events like the New Year's Eve Bubble Bash at Children's Museum of Atlanta. 

Forget the holiday drama, mama — sign up for our newsletters to make your December run smoothly. 

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