See the Grinch on stage at the State Theater of New Jersey in New Brunswick. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Elf, The Grinch, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.

Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey

Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival

21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids

Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.

19 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in New Jersey

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NJ Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024

Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm

25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November's School Holidays

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

Best Things to Do in New Jersey November 2024 with Kids

Johnson's Locust Hill Farm is a picture perfect backdrop for a stroll through sunflowers. Photo by Cody Conk

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

Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey

Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Best Farms with Family Entertainment in New Jersey

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

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

The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids

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

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

22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids

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

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive

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

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 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

Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes

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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

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

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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Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey

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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Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ

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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

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

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

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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

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18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids

Check out more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters at Turtle Back Zoo's holiday lights display. Photo courtesy of the zoo

12/1/23 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey in December? Christmas lights and holiday activities are among our top picks this month.

The last month of 2024 boasts full-on holiday fun in the Garden State, and we can't wait to see the holiday lights at drive-thrus and walk-throughs like Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo. Santa Claus is also all over town in December– catch him at festive events like his stroll through Chester.

Find more top December fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey, like our guide to the top New Jersey Christmas Towns.

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

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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.