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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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.
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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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Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
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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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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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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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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Holiday Lights, Friendsgiving, Cirque Christmas

Watch Santa magically light up the park this weekend at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
Watch Santa magically light up the park this weekend at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
11/19/19 - By Laurie Rein

Fill your plate with a taste of Thanksgiving and a sampling of Christmas on this pre-Turkey Day weekend in New Jersey. Get ready for the big day at Alstede's Farm to Table Friendsgiving Feast; celebrate with historical flair at Early 19th Century Thanksgiving; and learn more about our feathered guest of honor at NJ Audubon: Turkey Talk.

Christmas is the air this weekend with rides on the North Pole Express and Polar Express. Turtle Back Zoo debuts its holiday light display, and Holiday Trolley Tours are up and running in Princeton. And don't miss the amazing Magical Cirque Christmas at Mayo Performing Arts Center.

Check out our Holiday Fun Guide for more options, including the Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for NJ Kids. And look to our November GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

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Turtle Back Zoo's FREE Holiday Lights display kicks off this weekend. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Turtle Back Zoo's FREE Holiday Lights display kicks off this weekend. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Things To Do All Weekend

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

Holiday Trolley Tours

Princeton
Make your winter shopping trip to Princeton that much more magical when you plan it around an iconic trolley tour. These darling 1-hour climate controlled trolley tours spotlight everything you always wanted to know about Princeton. READ MORE

The Polar Express on the Morristown & Erie Railway

Whippany
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express, powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, shortbread, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. READ MORE

Christmas Fantasy With Lights at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Help welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Storybook Land through the end of December. Each night at dusk, Santa appears at the chimney and waves his wand, magically lighting up the park. READ MORE

Apple Cidering

Chatham
Here's the perfect fall family tradition. Make delicious, homemade apple cider using an old-fashioned, hand-cranked cider press, and learn fun facts about the amazing apple. READ MORE
A Magical Cirque Christmas comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the production
A Magical Cirque Christmas comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the production

Things To Do on Saturday, November 23, 2019

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Morristown
Mayo Performing Arts Center presents the magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists from around the world, accompanied by live holiday music. READ MORE

3rd Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair with Santa Photos

Woodbridge – FREE
Get ready to shop at Woodbridge Community Choir's Third Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair, supporting the Woodbridge Community Choir. The event will be held in the gymnasium of Woodbridge High School. READ MORE

LEGO Frozen 2 Build Event

Clark and other locations – FREE
Build a Frozen 2 castle to take home at this special Barnes & Noble event.  READ MORE

Farm to Table Friendsgiving Feast at Alstede Farms

Chester
Have fun creating unforgettable memories with your chosen family at a Farm to Table Friendsgiving feast. READ MORE

NJ Audubon: Turkey Talk

Bernardsville
Wild turkeys are beautiful birds. Check out their feathers and hear their calls in an indoor presentation. After a short walk to look for their favorite food, children will create a pine-cone turkey for the holiday table. READ MORE

Things To Do on Sunday, November 24, 2019

Early 19th Century Thanksgiving

Farmingdale – FREE
Step back in time, and celebrate Thanksgiving with the villagers of Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company. READ MORE

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Englewood
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer takes the stage at Bergen PAC. READ MORE

Pet Photos with Santa at Quaker Bridge Mall

Lawrenceville
Bring your furry friends to Quaker Bridge Mall for an exclusive chance to make memories and take festive photos with Santa. READ MORE

New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker

Cape May Courthouse
Nothing says holiday magic better than the classic Nutcracker. New Jersey Ballet has been bringing this production to families for more decades. READ MORE

Feed the Animals

Hamilton – FREE
It’s lunchtime for our education animals. See what it takes to keep them healthy, clean, and fed. We might even enlist some willing hands to help. READ MORE

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