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Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
10/29/23 - By Laurie Rein

November brings loads of things to do in the Garden State from Princeton to Cape May, as New Jersey gears up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving—and then it's full steam ahead to the holiday season!

If you're hoping for a mellow month following Halloween's sugar high, that's just not going to happen! Holiday performances take the stage and ice this busy month, like Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars and A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. Plus, holiday lights illuminate the season at favorite holiday light shows like the PNC Arts Center Magic of Lights, Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, and Smithville's Holiday Light Show.

Be sure to bookmark these staycation ideas for the plethora of November school holidays ahead. And, as you get ready for Thanksgiving, make reservations at one of these restaurants open on Thanksgiving in NJ, or get ready for Turkey Day with some of our favorite Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.  

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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Walk-through the Wintern Lantern Festival at American Dream Mall. Photo courtesy of the event via Fever
Walk-through the Wintern Lantern Festival at American Dream Mall. Photo courtesy of the event via Fever

Top Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids This November

Circus Vazquez

Woodbridge
Daily through Monday, November 13, 2023
The circus is coming to Woodbridge Center! The big top tent makes its way to Woodbridge with one-of-a-kind performances by an international all-human cast of circus superstars under the circus’ distinctive new blue and white climate-controlled tent in its 54th year. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Sail

Mountainside
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Bring your carved jack-o'-lantern to Echo Lake Park post-Halloween, and enjoy the spectacular view of floating pumpkins. Sign up for one of three sessions. READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars

Newark
Wednesday, November 1-Sunday, November 5, 2023
Experience the magic of Disney in this show, which features favorites like Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, and Aladdin, plus characters from Toy Story, Cars, Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Audiences will also witness the on-ice debut of Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon.  READ MORE

The Polar Express

Whippany
Opens Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express, powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, shortbread, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. READ MORE

Day of the Dead Community Festival

Princeton–FREE
Saturday, November 4, 2023
It's a Day of the Dead celebration in Princeton with strolling mariachis, sugar skull decorating, folk arts and crafts, food and drink, and traditional dance. Learn about this rich cultural holiday at this family-friendly event. READ MORE

Healthy HeARTS Festival

Elmer–FREE
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center hosts Healthy HeARTS Festival, a celebration of arts and wellness to launch their new year-round Environmental Arts and Wellness program. READ MORE

Rock, Gem & Mineral Show

Mountainside–FREE
Saturday, November 4-Sunday, November 5, 2023
Explore minerals, rocks, gems, and fossils at Trailside Nature and Science Center. Over 20 vendors present and sell minerals, rocks, gemstones, and jewelry from around the world. READ MORE

PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights

Holmdel
Opens Friday, November 17, 2023
Take a drive through this spectacular holiday light experience, which uses LED technology and digital animation. Tune your radio into a holiday soundtrack and wind past themed displays like "Christmas Around the World," "Toyland," "Nativity," and more. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Cape May–FREE
Saturday, November 18, 2023
The Physick Estate hosts this festive evening to kick off the holiday season. The fun begins with a concert by The Atlantic Brass Band, followed by a Physick Estate Open House, and finally Santa's tree lighting.  READ MORE

Turkey Trot Family Fun Day

Princeton
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Turkey Trot Family Fun Day features an open gym with a roller coaster, ring toss, tumbling, and much more. READ MORE

Black River & Western Railroad Santa Express

Flemington
Opens Sunday, November 19, 2023
A ride on the Santa Express is the perfect way to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit. This popular annual event features an onboard meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, gifts for children, and photo-ops.  READ MORE

Orchard of Lights

Hillsdale
Opens Wednesday, November 22, 2023
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

Holiday Light Show

Smithville–FREE
Opens Thursday, November 23, 2023
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you. READ MORE

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

Morristown–FREE
Opens Friday, November 24, 2023
Stroll by Fanwood's Famous Christmas House, which boasts a spectacular 30,000-light display. Monetary donations are accepted to support the NJ Institute for Disabilities.  READ MORE

Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru

East Brunswick
Opens Friday, November 24, 2023
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes, with 12 trees, a tunnel of lights, a tribute to first responders, and stunning, larger-than-life, holiday-themed displays synchronized to music playing in your car. READ MORE

B-The Underwater Bubble Show

New Brunswick
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Explore the wondrous underwater world of Bubblelandia as you go on an imaginary journey through the deep blue sea to a world inhabited by incredible creatures. This lavish production features dancers, acrobats, original music, and fantastic bubble effects to create a dreamlike underwater atmosphere. READ MORE

Santa's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Cape May County Zoo

Cape May–FREE
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Santa Claus is coming to the Cape May Zoo and bringing plenty of festive holiday cheer. Enjoy live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, bounce house, character appearances, and free treats for all. Plus, get a visit with jolly old St. Nick himself. READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

Morristown
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Kick off the holiday season with a performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at Mayo Performing Arts Center. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. READ MORE

Santa's Arrival in Morristown

Morristown–FREE
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Santa Claus is coming to Morristown. Visitors can watch Santa light the town green, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and pose for photos at Santa's house. READ MORE

Winter Lantern Festival

East Rutherford
Wednesdays through Sundays until Sunday, December 31, 2023
This dazzling experience at American Dream features over 1000 brilliant Chinese lanterns handcrafted by artisans. Children's activities, including crafts and token rides, round out the fun. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
Mayo Performing Arts Center