Ring in the Year of the Snake at AAPI New Jersey's Lunar New Year Celebration at the Montclair Art Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

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A visit to the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton makes for a great winter day trip. Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography

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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins

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Get ready to hit the sledding hills in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

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Snow tubers hurtle from top to bottom at exhilarating speeds at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. Photo courtesy of Shawnee Mountain

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Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden

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The Cotsen Children's Library offers free storytimes throughout the week. Photo by Lisa Warden

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Peppa Pig is coming to Legoland New York with an all-new playground opening in 2025. Photo courtesy of Legoland New York

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Disney on Ice presents Frozen and Encanto at the Prudential Center this month. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.

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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.

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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.

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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.

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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.

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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square

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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.

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Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes

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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue

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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.

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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.

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The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in New Jersey

New Jersey Ballet's "The Nutcracker" brings magic to the stage at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. Photo courtesy of the Bergen PAC

11/10/24 - By Michelle Vames

The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are among the seasonal classics to look forward to over the holidays, when New Jersey theaters come alive with dancing sugar plum fairies, singing elves, and more than a few Christmas ghosts.

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you don't have to go to New York City to see a superb production—several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here in New Jersey, including R oxey Ballet and New Jersey Ballet. For a fun twist on the classic, don't miss The Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC.

In fact, there are so many top-notch productions, we couldn't list them all here, so be sure to check out our Activity Calendar for more, and bookmark our Guide to the Holidays in New Jersey for family-friendly Christmas activities all season long.

Editor's note: This article is in the process of getting updated for the 2024 holiday season. Please check back soon for full details.