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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Light Shows, Tree Lightings, and Santa's Arrival

Spend the day at Van Saun Park and bask in seasonal fun like ice skating. Photo by Kaylen Chiarello Ebner
Spend the day at Van Saun Park and bask in seasonal fun like ice skating. Photo by Kaylen Chiarello Ebner
11/26/24 - By Laurie Rein

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

Thanksgiving has arrived, so gobble up all the fun and festivities this long weekend has to offer. Annual winter festivals kick off the weekend, including Bergen County Winter Wonderland, featuring ice skating, train rides, and bumper cars. Santa makes his grand arrival at tree-lighting celebrations in Red Bank and Point Pleasant Beach.

Check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families for more holiday season happenings this weekend, including Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey.

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

Note: None of these events are taking place on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024 – unless specifically noted.

 

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Things To Do in New Jersey Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 with Kids

Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

Galloway–FREE
Thursdays (inclu. 11/28, Thanksgiving Day)-Sundays through Sunday, January 5
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Day Nature Walk

Kingston–FREE
Thursday, November 28
Before the big meal, get outside for some fresh air and exercise on a nature walk at the Mapleton Preserve. Participants look for nuts, fruits and seeds that turkeys may eat and enjoy the abundance and subtle beauty of late fall. READ MORE

Red Bank Annual Town Lighting & Holiday Express Concert

Red Bank–FREE
Friday, November 29
Red Bank's annual holiday celebration is one not to be missed. Live performances, photo-ops, and refreshments are all part of the fun, followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a fire engine. READ MORE

Bergen County Winter Wonderland

Paramus
Select dates from Friday, November 29-Sunday, January 5
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

Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru

East Brunswick
Daily through Tuesday, December 31
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes, with 12 trees, a tunnel of lights, a tribute to first responders, and stunning, larger-than-life, holiday-themed displays synchronized to music playing in your car. READ MORE

Point Pleasant Beach Tree Lighting

Point Pleasant–FREE
Friday, November 29
Santa makes his way to Downtown Point Pleasant, featuring a DJ, horse-and-carriage rides, refreshments, and activities for children. Take your picture with Santa at Ocean County Music. READ MORE

Collingswood Tree Lighting

Collingswood–FREE
Friday, November 29
Santa descends from atop Borough Hall by way of the Collingswood Fire Dept.’s ladder truck to kick off the official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Choral groups sing as the town tree is lit up with twinkling lights. READ MORE

2024 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

Asbury Park–FREE
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, December 22
Get in the holiday spirit at this festive and fun filled 2024 Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park. The Bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts" holiday markets held in Germany and showcases handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts. READ MORE

Arrival of Santa at iPlay America

Freehold–FREE
Saturday, November 30
Kick off the holiday season and celebrate the arrival of Santa at iPlay America.  This free event includes lots of festive fun and activities, including free photo opportunities with Santa, selfie snapshots, Christmas carols and more. READ MORE

Santa's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Cape May County Zoo

Cape May–FREE
Saturday, November 30
Santa Claus is coming to the Cape May Zoo and bringing plenty of festive holiday cheer. Enjoy live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, bounce house, character appearances, performances and free treats for all. Plus, get a visit with jolly old St. Nick himself. READ MORE

Small Business Christmas at Shoppes at Dragon Village

Bridgeton
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1
Support small and local artisans and craftsmen all in one place. Dragon Village transforms into a Christmas Village to jump start the holiday season. READ MORE

Holiday Market at Grounds for Sculpture

Hamilton
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1
This whimsical holiday shopping experience features over 40 talented artisans of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original art, skincare, gourmet treats, and more. Make a day of it—explore 42 acres of art-filled gardens, stroll through the galleries, and soak in the creative spirit that fills GFS. READ MORE

Totowa and West Paterson Fire Department Holiday Parade

Totowa–FREE
Saturday, November 30
The Totowa Borough Fire Department and the West Paterson Fire Department host the annual Holiday Parade of Lights, which features police vehicles, private business vehicles, and other various emergency service vehicles all decorated in holiday lights. READ MORE

Santa's Arrival in Morristown

Morristown–FREE
Sunday, December 1
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Morristown. Visitors can watch Santa light the town green, with holiday music and crafts, a vintage-style and oversized rocking horse, ice sculpture demonstrations, and free rides around the Green on a miniature electric trail. READ MORE

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