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Santa Sightings, Holiday Farm Fun, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey

Climb aboard a Clydesdale at Willow Grove Farm's Christmas with the Clydesdales event. Photo courtesy of Willow Grove Farm facebook page
Climb aboard a Clydesdale at Willow Grove Farm's Christmas with the Clydesdales event. Photo courtesy of Willow Grove Farm facebook page
12/19/25 - By Laurie Rein

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

We've reached the final weekend before Christmas, so it's a perfect time to grab some last-minute quality time with Santa at events like the Mill Race Holiday Village, where guests can meet Santa and the Grinch while enjoying a bounce house and petting zoo. Or, head to the Liberty Science Center's Santa Pajama Party, which includes a sock skating rink, live entertainment, and a fluffy snowball fight.

Plus, dance classes, storytelling, and a candle lighting ceremony are all part of the fun at Newark's Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace.

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our New Jersey Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even FREE events!

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Top Things To Do in NJ this Weekend with Kids

Santa’s Pajama Party at the Liberty Science Center

Jersey City
Friday, December 19-Saturday, December 20
Put on your PJs and head to the Liberty Science Center for a pajama party with Santa. The fun includes the sock skating rink, a fluffy snowball fight, telescopes, and Imagine Circus' spectacular LED light, hula hoop, and juggling shows. READ MORE

Paris & Pups Holiday Paw-ty at the Paley

Midtown, New York City
Saturday, December 20
A glitterally glamazing day of fun and festivities with Paris & Pups includes an exclusive screening of an unreleased episode of the show, giveaways, crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint Storytime: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Cedar Grove – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Santa stops by Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint to share the beloved classic, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Bring the family for a cozy morning of festive fun, warm drinks, and holiday cheer, including hot cocoa for the kids and coffee for the adults. READ MORE

Santa Claus in Ridgewood

Ridgewood – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Visit Santa at his house in Memorial Park. Snap some photos while you're there. READ MORE

Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace

Newark – FREE
Saturday, December 20
This free Newark tradition honors the seven principles of Kwanzaa with joyous programs, including dance classes, storytelling, face painting, craft workshops, a Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony, live performances, and much more. READ MORE

Celebrate in Summit

Summit – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Get in the holiday spirit in downtown Summit with a celebration featuring live music, horse and carriage rides, live ice carvings, DJ Mr. Socks, and crafts with the winter princesses.  READ MORE

Mill Race Holiday Village

Mount Holly – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Mill Race Village of Mount Holly welcomes holiday shoppers to its outdoor market, featuring local vendors, bakers, and crafters for last-minute shopping needs. Santa and the Grinch pose for pictures. READ MORE

Holiday Family Day with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

Ringoes
Saturday, December 20
While parents enjoy a classic wine-tasting experience, kids can get in the holiday spirit with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, founder of the legendary Run DMC. The fun includes a live reading of McDaniels' new children's book, along with a meet-and-greet, photo-ops with Santa, DMC holiday cookies, and more. READ MORE

Holiday on the Square in Elizabeth

Elizabeth – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Head over to Union Square for pony rides, a petting zoo, vendors, hot chocolate, and more holiday fun. READ MORE

Christmas with the Clydesdales at Willow Grove Farm

Long Valley
Saturday, December 20-Sunday, December 21
At this fifth annual holiday event, farm guests can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, a Clydesdale ride, kids' activities and games, and a trip to the Holiday River Trail walk. READ MORE

Hoboken Holiday Market

Hoboken – FREE
Sunday, December 21
Main Street Pops Holiday Markets presents 75+ local artisans with unique one-of-a-kind treasures from local makers and creators. Plus, enjoy an inflatable village, character selfies, and a singing Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Farm and Walk-Through Light Show

Wall
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, December 28
Allaire Community Farm transforms into a life-sized Christmas village, complete with wagon rides, light displays, indoor and outdoor petting zoos, Santa photos, a model train house, and more. READ MORE

Winery with Music, Firepits, and Mulled Wine at Terhune Orchards

Princeton – FREE
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, March 22
Weekends at Terhune Orchards Winery are all about good vibes, great wine, and plenty of fun. Friends and families can gather to enjoy music, food, and cheer in a cozy fall setting. On sunny days, the historic apple orchard makes the perfect backdrop. READ MORE
Plan a seasonal getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, one of our favorite Christmas towns. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park
Plan a seasonal getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, one of our favorite Christmas towns. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park

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

18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors

From light displays to Santa meet-and-greets, our top NJ events are filled with holiday cheer. READ MORE

Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids

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Check out our mega-list of 100 free things to do with your family in NJ. READ MORE

Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels near NYC that Will Blow Your Mind

If all you want for Christmas is a seasonal getaway, consider this list is our gift to you. READ MORE
The Fanwood's Famous Christmas House is one of the most spectacular seasonal sights in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the family
The Fanwood's Famous Christmas House is one of the most spectacular seasonal sights in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the family

More Fun Holiday Season Things To Do With Kids

New Jersey's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids

These are the best things to do over the holiday break with kids in NJ. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey

Winter is no reason to hibernate–try one of these fun activities in NJ. READ MORE

New Jersey's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

Looking for something new this holiday season? Here are some off-the-beaten path picks. READ MORE

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey 2025

Check out the dazzling holiday light displays at these NJ homes. 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.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.