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12/20/24 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey over Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

It's a holly jolly Christmas weekend, and we've found plenty of fun things to do in New Jersey to celebrate! Kick off the festivities at local celebrations like Celebrate in Summit and Santa Claus in Ridgewood.

The holiday weekend is the perfect time to experience seasonal spectaculars you may have missed, including PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights and the 2024 LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival. Whatever you decide to do, it's sure to be festive and fun! 

More Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids:​

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Things To Do in New Jersey Christmas Weekend with Kids

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

New York, New York
Through Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors of the Paley with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Enjoy free hot chocolate, watch past and present holiday family specials on the big screen, discover the magic of a classic model railroad display, and so much more. READ MORE

2024 LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival - Wonder Journey

Freehold
Select dates through Sunday, January 6, 2025
Step into a world of wonder at the 2024 Holiday Lights Festival, “Wonder Journey,” bringing a dazzling spectacle to Freehold Raceway Mall. This year’s festival transforms the mall’s parking lot into a whimsical adventure, offering visitors a magical journey through iconic moments inspired by the beloved children’s story Alice in Wonderland. READ MORE

Santa Claus in Ridgewood

Ridgewood – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Visit Santa at his house in Memorial Park. Snap some photos while you're there. READ MORE

Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace

Newark – FREE
Saturday, December 21
This free Newark tradition honors the seven principles of Kwanzaa with joyous programs, including dance classes, storytelling, face painting, craft workshops, a Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony, live performances, and much more. READ MORE

Celebrate in Summit

Summit – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Get in the holiday spirit in downtown Summit with a celebration featuring live music, horse and carriage rides, live ice carvings, DJ Mr. Socks, and crafts with winter princesses.  READ MORE

Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint Storytime: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Cedar Grove – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Santa stops by Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint to share the beloved classic, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Bring the family for a cozy morning of festive fun, warm drinks, and holiday cheer, including hot cocoa for the kids and coffee for the adults. READ MORE

Cranford Trolley Rides & Sing Along with Santa

Cranford – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Hop on a free trolley ride in downtown Cranford, and enjoy a sing along with Santa while on board. The trolley leaves every 15 minutes from the town gazebo. READ MORE

Mill Race Holiday Village

Mount Holly – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Mill Race Village of Mount Holly welcomes holiday shoppers to its outdoor market, featuring local vendors, bakers and crafters for last minute shopping needs. Mr. & Mrs. Claus appear from 12-4pm for pictures with the kiddos. READ MORE

Car Menorah Parade in Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill – FREE
Sunday, December 22
Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties hosts this unique South Jersey celebration of the Festival of Lights. Fire and police department vehicles are on hand to lead the parade of menorah-adorned cars.  READ MORE

2024 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

Asbury Park – FREE
Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22
Get in the holiday spirit at this festive and fun filled 2024 Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park. The Bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts" holiday markets held in Germany and showcases handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts. READ MORE

Christmas Eve Sing-A-Long

Princeton – FREE
Tuesday, December 24
Gather around on the Palmer Square Green to sing holiday songs. The Palmer Square Christmas Eve Brass Band leads the festivities, and attendees can expect a special visit from Santa after caroling. READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium

Camden
Daily through Tuesday, December 24
One of New Jersey's most unique holiday traditions, Christmas Underwater, is set to return to Adventure Aquarium. Guests can surf the yuletide and explore a winter waterland filled with holiday d-eel-ights like Scuba Santa, indoor snow flurries, the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree, and many more. READ MORE

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Jackson
Daily through Wednesday, January 1 , 2025(closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, and a little flurry of magic nightly. Visit the North Pole Village, and hop aboard many popular rides.  READ MORE

PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights

Holmdel
Daily through Saturday, January 4, 2025 (open Christmas Day)
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

Bergen County Winter Wonderland

Paramus
Select dates through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Spend the day at Van Saun Park for wintertime fun–including skating, train rides, carousel rides, and much more. New this season is a second ice rink for bumper cars and the Crafts Market Village. READ MORE

Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

Galloway – FREE
Thursdays-Sundays through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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