Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
Check out more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters at Turtle Back Zoo's holiday lights display. Photo courtesy of the zoo
17 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2023 with Kids
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
New Jersey's Best Christmas Light Shows and Holiday Drive-Thrus
Six Flags Holiday in the Park returns for a 2023 run, promising thrilling holiday cheer. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Find the perfect tree at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm in Manalapan. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms in New Jersey
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
Bring your camera for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Abma's Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Where To Take Pictures with Santa in New Jersey
A visit to downtown Summit puts visitors in the holiday spirit with its shops, restaurants, and hidden elves!
Best New Jersey Christmas Towns that Go All-Out for the Holidays
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.
40 Indoor Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey for 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
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
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
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.
The Funplex Amusement Park and Water Park Guide: Family Fun in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel
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 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
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for 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
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Free Fun Things to Do with NJ 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
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
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
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

Hanukkah Celebrations and More Top Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend

Celebrate the start of Hanukkah at Cherry Hill's Car Menorah Parade. Photo courtesy of the Chabad Center
Celebrate the start of Hanukkah at Cherry Hill's Car Menorah Parade. Photo courtesy of the Chabad Center
12/8/23 - By Laurie Rein

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

This merry and bright weekend features Hanukkah celebrations and holiday shopping galore. Ring in the festival of lights at events like Cherry Hill's Car Menorah Parade. Plus, get your holiday shopping on at seasonal markets like the Flounder's Annual Kringle Market in Hillsborough.

Save your pennies for holiday shopping by checking out our roundup of Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Celebrate Christmas at the Wildwoods Convention Center's Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods
Celebrate Christmas at the Wildwoods Convention Center's Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods

Top Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend With Kids

Lighting Up Nature Drive-Thru

Beechwood–FREE
Friday, December 15-Monday, December 18
Take an evening drive through the Discovery Play Trail at Jakes Branch County Park, which is adorned with holiday lights.  READ MORE

Nutcracker Storytime

Madison
Friday, December 15
Stop by the Museum's Winter Wonderland for a special storytime. Young author and ballerina Charlotte Nebres reads from her book Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History.  READ MORE

Holiday Pajama Party at The MindfulNest

North Caldwell
Friday, December 15
Come enjoy the holiday cheer with holiday themed arts and crafts, yoga, games and more. Wear your coziest holiday pjs. READ MORE

Holiday MarketSPACE

Newark–FREE
Thursday, December 14-Friday, December 15
Don’t miss Holiday MarketSPACE, a two-night holiday event tailored towards supporting Newark’s local communities and businesses. This event presented by Equal Space showcases an array of local vendors, specializing in hand-made crafts, fashion, self-care, home decor, and more. READ MORE

Movie Night at Five Star Swim School - Eatontown

Eatontown
Friday, December 15
Join Five Star Swim School for a movie night, featuring the magical world of The Polar Express to the big screen. Bring your kids with their cozy sleeping bags or blankets for a fun night. READ MORE

Frozen Tea Party

Seaside Heights
Saturday, December 16
Join Ice Princess, Ice Queen, Ice Man and their special snowman friend for a holiday tea party in the Pier Grill. The fun includes singing and dancing with the princesses, storytime and photos, plus yummy food and snacks. READ MORE

Santa Visits Cedar Beans

Cedar Grove–FREE
Saturday, December 16
Santa swings by Cedar Beans to share the story of Twas the Night Before Christmas and lead the kids in some holiday tunes.  READ MORE

Atlantic City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Atlantic City
Saturday, December 16
Children are sure to be awestruck by the festive party scene, dancing soldiers, mice, and other toys in this holiday classic. READ MORE

Family Frosty: A Musical Adventure

South Orange
Saturday, December 16
Discover the magic of the season at Frosty: A Musical Adventure, on stage at SOPAC. A young orphan named Billy finds magic in a stolen hat, and when he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life. READ MORE

2023 Metuchen Cookie Walk

Metuchen
Sunday, December 17
The premise of the Metuchen Cookie Walk is simple: bake, buy and give. Local residents bake thousands of homemade cookies that are then sold at the walk. READ MORE

Holiday Party with Santa

Princeton
Sunday, December 17
This annual tradition features heartwarming songs, stories, and activities with Santa and his friends. This is an interactive, up-close-and-personal encounter with Santa Claus. At the end of the party, enjoy some cookies and special treats with Santa. READ MORE

The Nutcracker: National Ballet Theatre of Ukraine

Newark
Sunday, December 17
The Nutcracker returns to NJPAC in a splendid, traditional production starring the acclaimed National Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.  READ MORE

4th Annual Snowfest

Plainsboro–FREE
Sunday, December 10
Meet Santa, the Grinch, and Olaf at Wicoff House Museum's annual winter festival. Enjoy hot chocolate, snow cones, and smores on the museum lawn along with the Plainsboro Police and Fire departments. READ MORE

Car Menorah Parade

Cherry Hill–FREE
Sunday, December 10
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

Chef David Burke & Santa Meet & Greet

Keansburg–FREE
Sunday, December 10
Since Santa's quite busy this time of year, rumor has it that Chef David Burke might be filling in to help the Big Guy bring some holiday cheer to the Bayshore. Join Santa at David Burke's Dixie Lee Bakery for pictures, free hot chocolate and cotton candy. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: