Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Outhouse orchards corn maze
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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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
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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.
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Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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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
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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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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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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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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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Winter Solstice, Gingerbread Wonderland, Santa Visits

Enjoy lots of FREE fun at the Annual Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday at Cattus Island County Park. Photo courtesy of the park
Enjoy lots of FREE fun at the Annual Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday at Cattus Island County Park. Photo courtesy of the park
12/10/19 - By Laurie Rein

Christmas is less than two weeks away! Take a break from the mad rush of holiday preparation, and take in some light and sweet holiday fun. Brilliant holiday displays continue to shine throughout New Jersey, including Jenkinson's Sea of Lights, Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, and Vernon Lights Festival.

Bring the family, and a sweet tooth, to tasty festivities like the Annual Hot Chocolate Hike Weekend, Gingerbread House Workshop, Cookies with Santa, Elsa and Anna, and Grain House Cookies + Kindness Brunch. Still hungry? Load up on breakfast fare with St. Nick over the weekend at Santa brunches. 

Relax at warm, indoor events including Storytime with Mrs. Claus, 2nd Annual Storytime with Santa, and Chanukah Concert and Family Sing-Along. There are plenty of holiday shows and Nutcracker performances taking place over the weekend, too!

Find even more weekend options in our Holiday Guide, including 50+ Awesome Santa Activities in New Jersey. And look to our December GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

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Stay warm and take a drive through the Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show. Photo by Susan Miele
Stay warm and take a drive through the Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show. Photo by Susan Miele

Things To Do All Weekend

Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show

Jenkinson's Sea of Lights

Point Pleasant
This December, join Jenkinson's Aquarium in celebrating its annual Sea of Lights Holiday Festival. Walk through different themed areas of the aquarium at your own pace, complete with festive lights and decorations. READ MORE

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

Annual Hot Chocolate Hike Weekend at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum

Short Hills
Take a break from the holiday rush, and take a guided hike on the Arboretum’s grounds.  Discover who is in the forest as we look for signs of woodland animal friends. Then warm up in the historic Stone House with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. READ MORE

Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Smithville

Galloway – FREE
Stop by the antique arcade every weekend in December where Mrs. Claus will read holiday stories, plus take pictures and chat with the children about the upcoming holiday. READ MORE

The Christmas Express with Santa Claus

Wall Township
Get ready to hop aboard a 35+ year-old holiday tradition. Santa rides the Christmas Express and talks to all the children. READ MORE

62nd Annual Model Railroad Show

North Haledon
All aboard at this annual event which features 1,200 square foot HO layout features steam and diesel locomotives, Thomas and Friends, a Santa Claus Express, numerous freight and passenger trains, rural and urban scenes, and working signals. READ MORE

Bergen County Winter Wonderland

Paramus
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

Gingerbread Wonderland 2019

Morris Township
Get lost in a Gingerbread Wonderland and admire dozens of delicious creations. The magic of gingerbread goes beyond houses; it includes landmarks, trains, planes, animals, and themes varying from family vacations to superheroes. READ MORE

Vernon Lights Festival

Vernon
Vernon will shine even brighter this Fall and Winter with the Vernon Lights Festival. Don’t miss this walk-through wonderland of family fun, with massive lighting displays, a dinosaur kingdom, giant pandas, the million light maze and New Jersey’s largest lantern Christmas tree. READ MORE
Decorate a candy-coated house at the Gingerbread House Workshop on Saturday at Liberty Hall Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Decorate a candy-coated house at the Gingerbread House Workshop on Saturday at Liberty Hall Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Things To Do on Saturday, December 14, 2019

Gingerbread House Workshop

Union
Candy canes, gumdrops, and peppermint, oh my! Children get to decorate a unique gingerbread house, a perfect treat for the start of the holiday season. Materials will be provided, including lots of candy and icing. READ MORE

Holiday Horse & Wagon Rides

Red Bank – FREE
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with a classic horse ride through the Red Bank Business District. READ MORE

Santa Train in Wayne

Wayne
The Tri-State Railway Historical Society hosts its annual holiday train ride. Passengers are treated to musicians playing carols, costumed characters and Santa himself. READ MORE

Cookies with Santa, Elsa, and Anna

Parsippany – FREE
Join The Learning Experience of Parsippany for cookies with Santa, Elsa, and Anna. Have your child's photo taken by a professional in front of a seasonal backdrop. Plus, story time, sing-along, dance-along with the princesses. READ MORE

Dickens Village

Maplewood – FREE
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

Winter Solstice Celebration

Toms River – FREE
Toms River gives winter a warm welcome, with games, live animal talks, horse carriage rides, a visit from Santa, candy cane nature walk, food and campfire storytime. READ MORE
Decorate cookies and give to a good cause at the Grain House Cookies + Kindness brunch. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Decorate cookies and give to a good cause at the Grain House Cookies + Kindness brunch. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Grain House Cookies + Kindness Brunch

Basking Ridge
Come to this annual Cookie Brunch at the Grain House.  First, enjoy your delicious buffet brunch at the Grain House.  Then, cookies and decorating supplies will be provided – you just need to bring your decorating ideas. READ MORE

Chanukah Concert and Family Sing-Along

Emerson – FREE
All are welcome to this Chanukah concert and interactive sing-along. Chanukah refreshments will follow.   READ MORE

2nd Annual Storytime with Santa

Cedar Grove – FREE
Coffee and Santa make for a festive morning at Ol' Cedar Bean. Santa will hang with the kiddies, read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and get everyone into the Holiday Spirit for Christmas Day. READ MORE

Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Mount Laurel
Mrs. Claus visits the farm for cookie decorating, story time and crafts. READ MORE

The Children’s Philharmonic of New Jersey Presents Mozart’s The Magic Flute

Verona
The Children’s Philharmonic of New Jersey continues its 2019-20 season with a performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute at The First Presbyterian Church of Verona. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary
New Jersey Museum of Transportation, Allaire State Park
The First Presbyterian Church of Verona