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Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
The Aviation of Fame & Museum of New Jersey - 11:00 AM
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
The Aviation of Fame & Museum of New Jersey - 11:00 AM
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Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
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What's Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey: A List of Awesome Things to Do
Wondering what's open on Christmas Day in New Jersey? We've rounded up a dozen options for you to check out.
Christmas Day is traditionally a homebound holiday, but once all the gifts have been opened and the feast polished off, the kids are still raring to burn off the last of their sugar-plum high. We've searched high and low to find out what’s open on Christmas Day in New Jersey and are happy to report there are quite a few fun finds, including holiday light displays, animal encounters, and more.
Read on for our full list, and don't miss our Holiday Guide for even more festive fun.
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Best Things Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey
1. Enjoy a Holiday Feast
There are several restaurants open on Christmas Day, so take a day off from the kitchen and enjoy a special holiday meal out.
2. Visit the Aquarium
You might not be able to spot a North Pole narwhal, but you’ll still have a blast at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Online reservations are recommended.
3. Go to the Movies
Several family-oriented films coming out this month are worthy of a few hours spent sipping soda and pigging out on popcorn. Wonka is bound to be a fun flick for all ages. Disney has the movie Wish and Dreamworks has Trolls Band Together. Check your local theater listings for showtimes.
4. Go Roller Skating
Prefer to have fun without bundling up? Try roller skating! The Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center in Newark has two sessions for families on Christmas Day.
5. ... Or Bowling
Stay warm indoors and wear cool shoes at a local bowling alley. Some open lanes include AMF Strathmore Lanes in Aberdeen Township, Bowlero in Green Brook, Bowlero Deptford, Bowlero Belleville, and Bowlero Wallington.
RELATED: Best and Brightest Christmas Light Displays on New Jersey Homes
See the trees floating on the lake in a holiday light show at Historic Smithville. Photo courtesy of Historic Smithville
6. See a Holiday Light Show
Looking for something a little more festive? Check out one of the holiday light shows happening on Christmas Day. Head to Smithville for a holiday light show on the water, or book tickets to a drive-thru display like South Jersey's Magic of Lights.
7. Volunteer
Other than singing loud for all to hear, the biggest way to spread Christmas cheer is to volunteer. From food banks to homeless shelters to food and clothing drives, there are so many ways to give back with your family on Christmas Day.
8. Break Out the Board Games
If your kids asked for board games this year, don’t waste any time breaking out those babies for an afternoon of healthy family competition!
RELATED: Top Holiday and Christmas Events in NJ for Kids
Join a reenactment of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. Photo courtesy of Washington Crossing Historic Park
9. Experience a Reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware River on Christmas
Do something patriotic and watch hundreds of costumed reenactors present Washington's famous Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River. The ceremony begins at noon, but arrive early for a viewing spot as this event draws a big crowd.
10. Take a Wintry Walk
Most NJ parks are open until dusk, so whether you venture out early in the morning or decide to play a family round of hide-and-seek later in the day, you can enjoy a bit of fresh air.
11. Go Snow Tubing
If Mother Nature cooperates, head to one of these snow tubing hills near New Jersey for some winter recreation.
This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated.
