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Veterans Day Weekend 2025 in New Jersey: Best Things To Do with Kids

The Bergen County Zoo's holiday lantern show,
The Bergen County Zoo's holiday lantern show, "Let It Glow," opens this week. Photo courtesy of the zoo
11/7/25 - By Laurie Rein

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

Many New Jersey students are looking forward to a 4-day NJEA Convention, pre-Veterans Day weekend, and we've got plenty of ideas for how to keep kids busy.  

The holiday season is off to a bright and early start with the kickoff of Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular, with larger-than-life glowing animals throughout the Bergen County Zoo. The malls are also gearing up for the holidays, with Westfield Garden State Plaza hosting the Big Santa Lighting and Drone Show.

For more school break fun, check out 25 Things to Do in New Jersey During November 2025 School Holidays, and with the holiday season starting to rev up, check our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:​

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Things To Do in New Jersey this Veterans Day Weekend with Kids

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular

Paramus
Select dates from Thursday, November 6-Sunday, January 11, 2026
The Bergen County Zoo is illuminated with holiday cheer in the evening all season long. Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed, creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Atlantic City – FREE
Daily through Wednesday, December 24
Bass Pro Shops welcomes visitors to make a holiday shopping trip more fun by adding a Santa visit to your outing. Pose for a free photo with Santa in-store. Reservations must be made online. READ MORE

Meet Daniel Tiger at Liberty Science Center

Jersey City
Thursday, November 6-Sunday, November 9
Daniel Tiger stops by the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit on select dates for an up-close-and-personal visit. The exhibit runs through May 2026. READ MORE

Rock, Gem & Mineral Show at Trailside Nature & Science Center

Mountainside – FREE
Saturday, November 8-Sunday, November 9
Explore minerals, rocks, gems, and fossils at Trailside Nature and Science Center. Over 20 vendors present and sell minerals, rocks, gemstones, and jewelry from around the world. Children's activities add to the fun. READ MORE

Westfield Garden State Plaza’s Big Santa Celebration

Paramus – FREE
Saturday, November 8
Westfield Garden State Plaza kicks off the 2025 holiday season with the 8th Annual Big Santa Celebration and annual lighting ceremony. The event also features the Drone Light Show Spectacular, a breathtaking aerial display choreographed to music and lighting up the sky with festive, holiday-themed animations. READ MORE

Riamede Farm's Christmas at the Farm

Chester
Saturday, November 8-Sunday, November 9
Get in the holiday spirit at this 2-day market, featuring over 70 local artisan vendors, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, apple picking, hayrides through the autumn orchard, apple slingshot and food trucks. READ MORE

Kidz Bop Daytime Dance Party at Wellmont Theater

Montclair
Saturday, November 8
Hosted by DJ KB, KIDZ BOP’s brand-new DJ character, this high-energy show brings the biggest KIDZ BOP hits to life for an afternoon of nonstop fun. Enjoy photo ops and interactive moments during the show. READ MORE

The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at State Theatre New Jersey

New Brunswick
Saturday, November 8
The whole family is sure to fall in love with the incredible dogs of The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show. The show features a world-class team of dog trainers and their adopted dogs. READ MORE

Get On Down: Reflections Circus

Trenton
Saturday, November 8
Get on Down: Reflections is an unforgettable night of reflection and celebration at the TCS Factory. Enjoy a high-energy performance showcasing the extraordinary talent of the Trenton Squad and coaches. READ MORE

Maple Morning Breakfast at Alstede Farms

Chester
Sunday, November 9
Celebrate the sweet taste of fall at this Maple Morning Breakfast, a cozy farm-to-table buffet featuring maple-inspired favorites. Begin your morning with a scenic wagon ride around the farm before enjoying a hearty country breakfast in Harvest Hall. READ MORE

Diwali Celebration in South Plainfield

South Plainfield – FREE
Sunday, November 9
Celebrate the festival of lights at South Plainfield Senior Center, featuring performances, crafts and activities, displays and demonstrations, mehndi, snacks and sweets, plus garba and dandiya. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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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