Discover deep-sea secrets at Island Beach State Park's Ocean Fun Days festival. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
52 Free and Fun Things To Do in New Jersey May 2024
Pick some delicious, ripe strawberries at Johnson's Corner Farm this spring. Photo courtesy of the farm
Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals in New Jersey
Catch all three seasons of Bluey–plus the show’s biggest episode ever–right now on Disney+.
  VIDEO
Best Bluey Episodes, Themed Snacks and Games for a Memorable Family Night In
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
Step back in time at Field Station: Dinosaurs, New Jersey's dinosaur-themed adventure park. Photo courtesy of the venue
46 Best Things To Do in New Jersey this Spring
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies on Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival
Best Things To Do in New Jersey May 2024 with Kids
Cool off in Lake Marcia after a hike in High Point State Park. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Awesome Swimming Lakes near New Jersey You Need to Discover
Enjoy fun on the farm during Alstede's Easter and Springtime Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
43 Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey this April and May for Families
Enjoy the blooming daffodils at Reeves-Reed Arboretum on a day trip this spring. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
30 Spring Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park is a dream come true for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive
New Jersey boardwalks offer classic summer treats like frozen custard. Photo by Kevin Jarrett via Flickr
Best Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks for Family Fun
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is full of springtime family fun. Video by Andre Sala
  VIDEO
Here's Why the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is a Must-See Spring Event
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Allow yourself to get drawn into the mesmerizing art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on Rainy Days
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
Big-name Broadway shows like &Juliet come at a premium prices, but there are ways to save on Broadway tickets. Photo by Aka NYC.
Discount Broadway Tickets: Six Ways to Save Big on Broadway Shows
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Guests experience the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

30 Free Events for New Jersey Kids in December

Take a peek inside the mini houses at Maplewood's Dickens Village. Photo courtesy of Maplewood Village
Take a peek inside the mini houses at Maplewood's Dickens Village. Photo courtesy of Maplewood Village
12/3/17 - By Laurie Rein

In a month where your wallet is bleeding dry, wouldn’t it be nice to fill your December calendar with free activities? You can!

Inaugurate the holidays at events that don’t cost a penny, such as the Hoboken Christmas Tree Lighting, Seaside Heights Christmas Tree Lighting, and Red Bank Menorah Lighting. Visit Santa for free at Bass Pro Shop’s Free Photos with Santa, Santa’s Family Workshop at Cape May Zoo, and Ridgewood’s Santa in the Park. And keep the kids busy over winter break at free activities like New Year’s Party for Families and Winter Wonderland Dance Camp.

Read on for this month's picks, and don't forget to check out our Event Calendar and December GoList for more free and low-cost fun.

Please note that recurring weekly activities may not take place between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Check the websites for schedules.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Check out the impressive Holiday Model Train Show. Photo courtesy of Barron Arts Center
Check out the impressive Holiday Model Train Show. Photo courtesy of Barron Arts Center

Sunday, December 3 - Saturday, December 9

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Every Day this Month through Dec 24
Bass Pro Shops welcomes visitors to make a holiday shopping trip more fun by adding a Santa visit to your outing. Pose for a free photo with Santa in-store. Reservations must be made online. READ MORE

Holiday Model Train Show

Every Day this Month through Dec 30
Barron Arts Center presents its Annual Holiday Model Train Show, featuring the set up and design of Mike Gelesky. Now in its 31st year, the exhibit enchants visitors of all ages.  READ MORE

An Old-Fashioned Christmas

Every Day this Month
The Carroll Gallery at the Physick Estate becomes a Christmas wonderland this time of year. It's all about the wonder of Christmas morning, with model trains and a Dept. 56 Dickens Village beneath the boughs of a giant tree. Kids can write a letter to Santa and leave it in his special mailbox. READ MORE

Pottery Barn Kids Weekly Storytime - ON HOLD

December 5 – repeats every Tuesday
Pottery Barn Kids stores host a special weekly storytime for children. READ MORE

Miss Barb's Preschool Story and Music Time

December 5 – repeats every Tuesday
This approximately hour-long program features a different theme each week. READ MORE

Hoboken Christmas Tree Lighting

December 5
Meet in front of City Hall for a visit by Santa and Elvis the Elf. Enjoy performances by local school children and other entertainers. READ MORE

Mommy & Me Storytime

December 6 – repeats every Wednesday
Bring your little book lover to Watchung Booksellers for this weekly Mommy & Me program with a literary twist. READ MORE

Penny's Storytime

December 7 – repeats every Thursday
Preschoolers and a parent or guardian are invited each Thursday for stories and songs about city life. READ MORE

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

Seaside Heights Christmas Tree Lighting

December 8
The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony festivities will include the lighting of the tree, light refreshments, and a special appearance by Santa. READ MORE

Santa's Family Workshop

December 9
Getting the perfect Santa photo at the mall can be a tad overwhelming, so why not try something everyone will love? Bring your own camera for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Reptile House, then stick around for additional special events planned throughout the day. READ MORE

Santa Visits Abma's Farm

December 9 – repeats every Saturday
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the farm's greenhouse to greet visitors. Bring your camera for a holiday photograph. READ MORE

Dickens Village

December 9 – repeats every Saturday
The Dickens Village returns to Maplewood for the holiday season. The Christmas Carol-inspired houses are decorated with fireplaces, stockings, and antique toys. Other activities include horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE
Take part in music, dance, and crafts at NJPAC's Kwanzaa Festival. Photo courtesy of NJPAC.
Take part in music, dance, and crafts at NJPAC's Kwanzaa Festival. Photo courtesy of NJPAC.

Sunday, December 10 – Saturday, December 16

Red Bank Menorah Lighting

December 13
Celebrate the Festival of Lights during Red Bank's annual Menorah Lighting. The festive event features local music and a prayer led by Rabbi Harrison, plus donuts, latkes and music. READ MORE

Kwanzaa Family Festival

December 16
Don't miss NJPAC's annual Kwanzaa Family Festival. The fun includes crafts, West African dance and drums, Kwanzaa ceremony and storytelling, arm knitting, snacks, performances and more. READ MORE

Ice Carving Demonstrations

December 16
The amazingly talented ice carvers from Sculpted Ice Works are on hand in Downtown Chester to transform blocks of ice into seasonal works of art.  READ MORE
Join the Moorestown community for the lighting of the lawn menorah. Photo courtesy of The Chabad Center
Join the Moorestown community for the lighting of the lawn menorah. Photo courtesy of The Chabad Center

Sunday, December 17 – Saturday, December 23

10th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration

December 21
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Grow It Green Morristown and your community with an evening at the Early Street Community Garden. Enjoy s’mores and songs by the fire, and renew your spirit with relaxing yoga poses. READ MORE
Meet new friends while dancing and enjoying the holidays. Photo courtesy of Grace Christian Church
Meet new friends while dancing and enjoying the holidays. Photo courtesy of Grace Christian Church

Sunday, December 24 – Sunday, December 31

Sunday Surprise Craft! New Year’s Crowns

December 28
Drop by the library between 1pm and 4pm for a crown-decorating, New Years Eve craft.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: