Biggest and Brightest Tree Lightings in New Jersey

11/24/16 - By Laurie Rein

The holiday season is about to get a lot brighter! New Jersey will be ringing in the holiday season with some big-time fun and festive tree and menorah lighting celebrations. While many towns throughout the state host their own celebratory events, we’ve highlighted some destination lighting spectaculars that pull out all the stops. And best of all, these events are FREE to attend (some may accept donations as noted). 

For more holiday excitement, including breakfasts with Santa and holiday shows, visit our Holiday Guide

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Winter Wonderland 2016Rahway
November 25
Downtown Rahway goes all out every holiday season by transforming the streets into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, Santa pictures, carriage rides, music, and all kinds of family-friendly activities. Wind down the day with the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree at 6 p.m.

2016 Holiday Extravaganza – Sea Isle City
November 25
There’s so much to do at this holiday extravaganza by the sea, including ice skating, music, hot chocolate, a parade, and the mayor’s lighting of the tree. Santa will pop by as well!

Princeton Tree Lighting – Princeton
November 25
Santa will be on hand to help the city light a 65-foot Norwegian spruce with more than 32,000 lights. The festivities start at 5 p.m. and include musical performances by Princeton High School Choir and Bob Denson's Blues. 


Asbury Park tree. Photo by Jackie Scarpari Photo via Instagram.

Annual Boardwalk Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – Asbury Park
November 26
How about an indoor mega-tree lighting? Stop by Asbury Park’s Grand Arcade at Convention Hall for the lighting of the three-story Christmas tree. Festivities include photos with Santa and live musical performances.

Cranbury Christmas Lights 2016 – Cranbury
November 26
Look out Rockefeller Center! This Cranbury property boasts New Jersey’s most lit-up Christmas tree, standing 36 feet tall and bedecked with more than 50,000 dancing lights! (That’s more lights than the Rockefeller Center tree.) Following the lighting, check out a walk-through light display with more than 130,000 lights choreographed to music, which runs on select nights through December 30. Don’t miss this year’s new 7,000-pixel tree. Cash donations for local food banks are appreciated.

Xchange Holiday Lighting – Secaucus
November 27
There are no shortage of activities at this busy holiday party, which features Santa photos, music, inflatables, refreshments, and the lighting of the tree. The evening ends on a dazzling note with a fireworks display.

Long Branch Tree Lighting at Pier Village – Long Branch 
November 27
The festivities take place from 4–6 p.m. and will include ice skating at the brand-new Ice at the Pier, live music by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, and a meet-and-greet with Santa and friends. 

Newport Tree Lighting – Jersey City
December 1
Newport is throwing a tree lighting party with all the trimmings. Visitors will meet Santa and his elves, among other guests. Plus, enjoy a light show, train rides, and free ice skating at Newport Skates, which reopens for the season on this day.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Tree Lighting Ceremony Wildwood
December 2
Celebrate Christmas down the shore at Wildwood’s picturesque Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Enjoy treats, visit with Santa, and tour the lighthouse, then gather round to watch the Lighthouse Christmas Tree illuminate.

Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting – Toms River
December 2
Highlights of this favorite annual event include a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Mrs. Claus, performances by local choruses, bands, and a magician, and the arrival of Santa. Snack on cookies and hot chocolate while you wait to get your picture taken with St. Nick. 

Holiday Nature Craft Show with Tree & Menorah Lighting Mountainside
December 4
Shopping and celebrating are both on tap at Trailside Nature & Science Center’s 33rd annual holiday festival. Visitors can purchase unique and handcrafted gifts, and children will have the chance to visit with Santa. Top off the day with the lighting of Union County’s Christmas tree and menorah. Donations of canned goods and new, unwrapped toys will be accepted.

Hoboken Tree Lighting – Hoboken
December 6
This event, which takes place in front of City Hall at 5 p.m., will feature performers and local school children singing Christmas songs, a visit from the Hoboken Fire Department, and Santa himself. There also will be prizes and giveaways, hot chocolate, and performances by a host of local singers, dancers, and musicians. Elvis the Elf is the host and MC. 

Holiday Lighting Ceremony – Jersey City 
December 8
Jersey City presents its annual Historic Downtown Tree Lighting and Menorah Ceremony at the Pedestrian Mall from 5–6 p.m. Mayor Fulop and Santa will lead the proceedings, and there will be live music by Matty Dee as well as free cookies for the kids.

Top photo: Newport Tree Lighting. Photo courtesy of the organizers.