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New Jersey's Most Offbeat Christmas Activities

1. New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market's Wreck the Halls Holiday Expo – Jackson

Don’t let the name fool you. Under that tough exterior, the New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market is a family-friendly underground arts festival and shopping expo that is inclusive of all (you don’t have to like punk rock to attend).
Why it’s unusual: Self-described as a “no-holds-barred, DIY-fueled celebration of creativity, chaos, and community,” the expo packs in more than 100 vendors, makers, artists, and small businesses from more than 30 states and Canada. NJPRFM prides itself on signing vendors who are offbeat, local, and gritty. Know someone in your family who fits that description? This is the perfect place to pick up their gift!
What visitors can expect: The expo runs Saturday, December 13-Sunday, December 14, from 10am-5pm. Kids ages 10 and under are FREE! Be prepared to see cool, weird stuff, lots of tattoos, and loud music.
Insider tips: Purchase tickets in advance online. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults.

2. Holiday Family Day With Darryl “DMC” McDaniels – Ringoes

It’s not every Christmas that your family can meet with the founder of the legendary hip-hop group, Run DMC, but Old York Winery is making it happen.
Why it’s unusual: Christmas family fun at a winery? Parents enjoy a seasonal menu by Chef Josè, plus wine tasting, while kids cozy up to hear DMC read them a holiday story.
What visitors can expect: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels reads his new holiday children’s book at Old York Winery on Saturday, December 20. Stay for the meet-and-greet and sample DMC’s holiday cookies. Purchase custom-labeled wine bottles for last-minute gifts!
Insider tips: Reservations are encouraged. Book online in advance to save your spot. Select the Classic OYC Experience at checkout. Be sure to play "Christmas in Hollis" for your kids on the ride over!

3. Christmas with the Clydesdales at Willow Grove Farm – Long Valley

Looking for a holiday experience outdoors? Treat the family to a day out at the farm. Willow Grove Farm offers a chance for you to get up close and even ride one of its 30 Clydesdale horses.
Why it’s unusual: The whole family enjoys a unique riding experience with one of the most majestic horse breeds. Clydesdales are known for their docile, gentle, calm demeanor, perfect for children and nervous adults.
What visitors can expect: A $40 general admission ticket to the farm grants admission on weekends from Saturday, December 13-Sunday, December 21. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, a Clydesdale ride, kids' activities and games, and a trip to the Holiday River Trail walk. Warm up next to the fire with a hot beverage, shop for special holiday gifts at the Mistletoe Marketplace, and take pictures with the big man, Santa.
Insider tips: Purchase tickets in advance online. Hours run from 11am-3pm each event day. Be sure to dress for the weather.

4. Candy Cane Hunt at Abma's Farm – Hillsborough

Rumor has it that The Grinch has been stealing the town’s candy cane supply and hiding them in tricky locations. Bring the kids to help collect all the candy canes The Grinch has stolen.
Why it’s unusual: Can’t get enough of that peppermint stuff? You’ve done the Easter egg hunt, now it’s time to start a new tradition—the candy cane hunt!
What visitors can expect: On Saturday, December 13, and Saturday, December 20, from 10am-3pm, candy cane hunters can collect the goodies and return them to the Candy Cane Station for photos with their mischievous green visitor.
Insider tips: Purchase $10 tickets online in advance. Pair this event with a petting zoo ticket for more holiday fun on the farm!

Northlandz dresses up its miniature train wonderland for the holiday season. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

5. Northlandz Miniature Wonderland & Train Museum – Flemington

All aboard! Calling all train enthusiasts, big and small. Northlandz is turning up the Christmas cheer with its vast model railroad displays set against a cozy holiday backdrop.
Why it’s unusual: Northlandz is home to the world’s largest model railroads, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Check out the inside tour featuring more than 80 trains running simultaneously, many with festive holiday themes.
What visitors can expect: Open daily, be sure to hop on the outdoor train (all decked out for the holidays), and travel through 1 mile of forest, into a tunnel, and over several bridges. Hot chocolate and cookies keep the kids warm during the trip.
Insider tips: Purchase indoor and outdoor train ride tickets in advance online. Santa visits every weekend this month.

6. Krampus – Asbury Park

Oh no! A mythological creature is running loose in Asbury Park! Derived from Central European folklore, the Krampus is described as a horned, half-goat, half-demon creature who punishes the naughty while St. Nicholas rewards the nice.
Why it’s unusual: Not your usual cheery, Santa-fueled event, expect to see monsters strolling around town, including the Yeti.
What visitors can expect: Running from Friday, December 5-Sunday, December 7, choose from a variety of events, including the reading of the naughty list, parade of the Krampus, and the Krampus Market.
Insider tip: This event is better suited to older kids! Don’t miss photos with the Krampus at the Paranormal Museum on Friday, December 5, from 6:30-8:30pm.

7. Santa’s Holiday Kick-off Skate in Branch Brook Park – Newark

You’ve heard of ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Why not grab your old roller skates and enjoy a holiday-themed public skate at Branch Brook Roller Rink? Show your kids your moves.
Why it’s unusual: Leave the jackets behind and come indoors for a festive public open skate, where there's no ice in sight!
What visitors can expect: Two sessions are offered on Tuesday, December 23, between 1-3pm and 4-6pm, enjoy thumping DJ beats, colorful lights, and the famous Branch Brook disco ball while you celebrate the school holiday break.
Insider tips: Dress to impress! The most creative holiday-themed outfit wins a prize. Purchase tickets in advance, and sign the waiver here. Admission is $12 for skaters and $5 for spectators.

8. Tinsel Turnpike – Sicklerville

It’s not the holidays without Christmas lights, and Tinsel Turnpike has 8,847,360 of them waiting to lift your family’s holiday spirit.
Why it’s unusual: This one-mile drive-through experience transports you through time with a holly jolly light show set to holiday music.
What visitors can expect: Tune in to your car radio and watch as the animated lights move in sync with Christmas music every day through Sunday, January 4, 2026. This attraction takes 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy.
Insider tips: Purchase tickets in advance here. Pack in the car! One $55 ticket is good for one vehicle with up to eight passengers.

9. Santa’s Pajama Party at the Liberty Science Center – Jersey City

Science lovers will rejoice at this holiday-themed celebration at the Liberty Science Center.
Why it’s unusual: Christmas pajamas and slippers are encouraged!
What visitors can expect: Every Friday and Saturday from 5:30-9:30pm, the legendary Liberty Science Center transforms into Santa’s party spot. Spend the evening sliding around the “sock” skating rink, take a photo with Santa in your PJs, decorate ornaments, peek through telescopes at the chilly night sky, enjoy the “Fire and Ice” science show, and a lot more!
Insider tips: Purchase tickets online in advance. Add-on experiences in the planetarium include “Tis the Season Laser Show,” the “What Santa Sees,” and “Winter Skies Live!” A holiday-themed daytime experience is also available starting at 10am.

Catch Santa in a scuba suit and a decked-out, underwater Christmas tree at the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

10. Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquarium – Camden

Scuba Santa is swimming to town this year! Don’t miss this aquatic homage to Christmas at the Adventure Aquarium.
Why it’s unusual: Kids can wave to Scuba Santa as he swims underwater among the festive holiday decor. Don't miss the largest underwater Christmas tree.
What visitors can expect: Running through Wednesday, December 24, this underwater Christmas wonderland will have kids oohing and aahing at all the special displays and activities. There will be plenty of photo-ops throughout the aquarium, as well as holiday-themed items at the gift shop.
Insider tips: Purchase general admission tickets online in advance.

11. Winter Wonderland Holiday Bazaar & Pet Adoption – Augusta

This event is for pet lovers. Bring your family, including your well-behaved dog, for a day of shopping, holiday cheer, and sweet treats while supporting the animal rescue organization, Eleventh Hour Rescue.
Why it’s unusual: This holiday event has the crafts, treats, and gifts you would expect at a holiday bazaar, but this one is pet-centric. You may even adopt a new furry friend.
What visitors can expect: Held Saturday, December 13, from 10am-4pm, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, visit the adoptable dogs and cats, 60 vendors, and enjoy some food and baked goods, take pictures with Santa and your pet, and participate in the never-disappointing tricky tray.
Insider tips: Admission is $5 per person or $10 for a family of up to five. Buy tickets in advance online for a chance to win the $100 door prize! Please say hi to the adoptable pets; they love it.

12. U-Pick Tulips Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms – Cream Ridge

Move over poinsettias, there’s a new holiday flower in town, and it's shining bright for the Christmas season. At Holland Ridge Farms, tulips are the star of the show in every season, and especially this Christmas. The whole family will fall in love with the field of glowing tulips, drone light shows, and the giant igloo snowball pit with more than 75,000 “snowballs.”
Why it’s unusual: Tulips are not just for springtime. Now in its second year, U-Pick Tulips Winter Wonderland is bigger and better than 2024, with more than 50,000 tulip lights illuminating the landscape to bring Christmas cheer.
What visitors can expect: Running nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026, bring the family to the farm after dark for a dazzling display of Christmas wonder. Don’t miss the iconic windmill that comes to life every 30 minutes with a light show set to songs of the season.
Insider tips: From Thursday, December 18-Friday, December 20, Holland Ridge hosts two drone light shows nightly at 6pm and 8pm. Character meet-and-greets are available every Friday and Saturday. Purchase your tickets in advance online. Dress warm!

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