With one week until Thanksgiving, all things holiday season are in full swing including holiday markets, drive-thru lights and more!
WEEKEND
LSC After Dark: 90s Night
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Thursday
Wear a flannel and find your snap bracelet because this party is going to be “all that.” There will be a ’90s mixtape laser show, free space talk with Professor Charles Liu, and themed food and drinks.
Cinderella
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
Thursday – Sunday
The classic fairytale comes to life on stage.
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood Holiday Market
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, Ridgewood
Friday – Saturday
During opening night on Friday, enjoy a wine and cheese reception. On Saturday, shopping includes a bake sale and other activities.
Princeton Dance Festival
Berlind Theatre, McCarter Theatre Centre, Princeton
Friday – Sunday
Internationally-recognized choreographers created the dances that will be performed by more than 45 Princeton students. The 2 pm show on Sunday is a relaxed performance.
Pacific Southern Railway’s Holiday Train Show
Pacific Southern Railway, Rocky Hill
Saturday – Sunday
Princeton locals James “Murr” Murray, star of Impractical Jokers, and his wife Melyssa Murray, owner of No. 95 Candles, purchased the home earlier this year, and are opening the 5,000-square-foot HO layout to the public. There will be family-friendly activities, light bites and drinks, music, and time to hang out with Murr himself.
FRIDAY
Yesterday: A Tribute to The Beatles
The Newton Theatre, Newton
Endorsed by Sir Paul McCartney, this tribute band has held the longest-running residencies in Las Vegas, Branson, Atlantic City, and Lake Tahoe, and is stopping in NJ along its tour.
MARKETFAIR / Santa & Mrs. Claus
SATURDAY
Santa & Friends Arrival Celebration
MarketFair, Princeton
Santa makes his grand entrance with a parade, live brass band tunes from the Ocean City Stompers, Grinchy and his Silly Bag of Tricks, balloon art by Mrs. Claus, an inflatable gingerbread obstacle course, gingerbread-themed arts & crafts, face painting, and holiday treats. The first 300 kids to check in will get a gift.
Logging & Firewood Cutting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
While farmers use horses to skid saw logs out of the woods and haul firewood to the sap house in preparation for maple sugaring season, you can cut and chop firewood, and split locust logs into fence rails.
Disney Pixar Finding Nemo Kids
Levoy Theatre, Millville
The hit children’s movie is broken down into a 30-minute musical play perfect for young kids.
Cars, Courts & Community
Padel United Sports Club, Creskill
There will be a modern classic car showcase, live DJ, activities for the family, food trucks, vendors, and a food drive for The Center for Food Action.
Wicked Holiday Homecoming
Downtown Metuchen
Kick off the holiday season with a Wicked-themed party in the Plaza. To coincide with the release of the second movie, there will be music from students at Metuchen High School, festive cheer from Rutgers a capella group (RU Deep Treble), photos with friends from OutFront Metuchen, Wicked characters and business specials.
Farmingdale Craft Fair and Xmas Train Show
Farmingdale Elementary School, Farmingdale
Take a break from shopping for holiday gifts, and pop into the school’s library, where the train show will feature a combined fast-track O and S gauge layout, and a G gauge layout with continuously operating trains.
COURTESY NJPAC / Twilight in Concert Tour
SUNDAY
Twilight: In Concert Tour
NJPAC, Newark
As the original film plays on a full-size cinema screen, the live score will be performed live by a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians. Over a thousand twinkling candles will illuminate the stage.
Holiday Flea & Gift Fair
Wayne PAL, Wayne
There will be roughly 75 vendors set up indoors and possibly outdoors so you can start your holiday shopping.
MAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER / Theatre of Light
Theatre of Light: Celestial Winter
Vail Mansion Lawn, Morristown
Start at one of the community crown-making workshops, and sit on the Fire & Ice Throne for a photo. Then, walk through the winter wonderland that has glowing Okamoto Studios ice sculptures, LED-winged dancers, life-sized puppets, the voices of the MPAC Performing Arts Company, the Wish Upon a Star Tree, the high-energy music of DJ Lingo, the rhythm of the Unity Steppers from Morristown Neighborhood House, and the fiery spectacle of a fire dancer.
Último Domingo
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Último Domingo (Last Sunday) is a series that celebrates Latinx culture, and invites bilingual families to experience art together. Walk around the museum’s exhibitions, create your own art, and watch performances. Plus, there will be free snacks.
Wicked Sing-Along
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Sing along with your friends and family to the hit movie version of the classic Broadway show.
MAIKE SCHULZ / Omnium Circus
Omnium Circus
New Jersey City University Center for the Arts, Jersey City
Omnium Circus is also the only circus in the world to be presented bilingually in English and American Sign Language. You’ll see aerial acts, hand balancing, the world’s fastest female juggler, a Guinness World Record-holding crossbow act, a free-standing ladder, contortion, comedy and even a performer who hangs by her hair.
Hungarian Folk Concert and Dance
12 pm at Magyar Reformed Church, New Brunswick
5 pm at Hungarian Scouts House, New Brunswick
The Flaska band from Hungary will put on a concert in the afternoon, followed by a dance house with teaching circles in the evening.
HALEH ERFANI / SWEA New Jersey Swedish Christmas Fair
Swedish Christmas Fair
Commonwealth Club, Upper Montclair
Swedish handicrafts like handmade Christmas decorations and wooden items, plus a variety of cheeses, herring, and other Swedish delicacies will be for sale, in addition to Glögg, a typical Swedish spiced holiday drink. A highlight is the beautiful Lucia pageant and her choir singing.
Jingle Fest Craft Show
Wayne Hills High School, Wayne
More than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors from three states will set up in the gym and café, selling everything from home decor to holiday items, to pet treats to apparel. Santa will be there, too.
ONGOING
LumiNature
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, November 20 – January 3
There will be light tunnels, sculptures, Christmas trees and nature-themed displays throughout the zoo. You can meet Santa and watch performances.
STAFF PHOTO / Holidays at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Holidays at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford
November 21 – December 23
Hop on the Christmas Light Show Hayride, which takes you past The Light Show on the Lake, where thousands of lights are synced to music. Pop by the animal farm, decorate Christmas cookies and roast s’mores by the campfire.
ADVENTURE AQUARIUM / Christmas Underwater
Christmas Underwater
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
November 21 – December 24
See underwater lights, spot Scuba Santa and view the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree while walking across the Shark Bridge and checking out two giant hippos.
STAFF PHOTO / Winter WonderLights
Winter WonderLights
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
November 21 – December 28
Drive through 1.5 million animated lights that are synchronized to music from a local radio station. There are sparkling tunnels, 20-foot Christmas trees, towering 30-foot trees; winter wonderland scenes depicting Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali; and a tribute to first responders and military heroes.
INDIAN ACRES TREE FARM / Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail
Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford
Select dates, November 21 – December 30
Stroll through the woods and pass by snowmen and trees made with upcycled materials from the farm. You’ll see a fairy garden and a secret gnome village. Waddle past Penguin Igloo Town or fly by Birdhouse Row. There will be a tunnel of lights that snows down on you.
PRISCILLA MIKULEWICZ / Holiday Lights at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Holiday Lights
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Select dates, November 21 – January 3
Take a stroll through the zoo at night, which will be lit up by thousands of sparkling lights, plus 50 winter and animal characters. There will be a carousel, touch tank, viewings inside the reptile house, a farm, a pony track, a train and face painting – in addition to meet-and-greets with Santa, ice carving demonstrations, an appearance by the holiday princesses, and photo ops with superheroes and the Grinch. Make an evening of it and rent out an igloo in the picnic area, where you can sit inside a heated tent and have hot chocolate, s’mores and cookies.
STAFF PHOTO / Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
November 21 – January 3
This drive-thru has more than a mile of lights displays. About halfway through your drive, park at the Holiday Village, where you will see Santa, go ice skating, sit down for an outdoor holiday movie, and do arts and crafts.
OLIVIA SAVINO / Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
November 21 – January 4
The walk-through event has more than 50,000 illuminated tulips lighting up the flower fields, a light show from the windmill; illuminated pony rides on the weekends; interactive LED seesaws, swings, spinners and slides; photo ops with Santa inside his workshop; character meet-and-greets with Olaf, Elsa and The Grinch; magical snow flurry stations; “snowball fights” inside a giant igloo snowball pit; and then a special drone show December 18 to 20.
Lightscape
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
November 21 – January 4
For this year’s fifth installation, the glittering winter trail will take you to an enchanted forest filled with art, music and special attractions.
LAURIE CARROZZINO / A Longwood Christmas
A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
November 21 – January 11
Stroll through floating floral designs, marvel at festive trees and step into an extravagant floral shop. Outside, take in stunning light displays and treehouses. There are a half-million lights across hundreds of acres, plus fountain shows.
Operation Slumber: Overnights at the Intrepid
Intrepid Museum, New York City
November 22, and December 6 and 13
Pack a sleeping bag and some snacks because you’ll be spending the night on board the historic aircraft carrier docked in the Hudson River. You’ll take a flashlight tour of the flight deck, go on a simulator ride, build your own boat for the rain gutter regatta, make slime, play with robots, and get a cool patch to take home.
Christmas Village
City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, November 22 – December 24
You’ll feel like you’re in Germany rather than Philly. Traditional wooden booths are set up with vendors selling holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and art. Play around on the Ferris wheel, carousel or kiddie train ride.
DARRYL MORAN / Circle of Trees, Holidays on the Hill
Holidays on the Hill
Chestnut Hill, PA
November 22 – December 25
This neighborhood in Philly gets festive with The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Stag & Doe shopping nights, the annual Circle of Trees celebration at the Woodmere Art Museum, Small Business Saturday promos, Chestnut Hill Community Association’s Annual Holiday Parade, and the association’s Holiday House Tour.
Orchard of Lights
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, November 22 – December 30
Take a ride through 32 acres of holiday lights and then warm up by the fire pit with hot cocoa. There’s a farm market, pictures with Santa, make your own s’mores, and Santa’s singing reindeer.
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, November 22 – January 3
See more than 2 million lights in this drive-thru. In the Christmas Village, take a family photo and stop by the Hot Chocolate Bar and Winter Beer Garden.
Santa Express
Black River and Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, November 23 – December 28
When your kid boards the train, they’ll get a souvenir golden ticket before they meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. At the station stop in Ringoes, have a cookie and hot cocoa before checking out the model train displays.
Holiday Light Show
Shady Brook Farm, Yardley, PA
November 23 – January 5
The farm will be outfitted with 4 million dazzling lights, which you’ll see as you drive through the pathways or aboard the open-air wagon. Plan some time to see Santa’s Village, where there’s a Candy Cane Lane lights walk-thru, fire pits, and a gift shop.
All-Ages Folk Dances
Suzanne Patterson Center, Princeton
2025: November 23
2026: January 25, February 22, March 22, April 19
Open to everyone from age 4 to 104, the options include square dances, contra dances, party games, traditional American dances, and folk dances from around the world. The music will be played by the Mixed Age Dance Band, and you can join the group at a rehearsal before the dancing begins.
Snowland Celebration
Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun, PA
November 24 – January 4
Known mostly for its indoor and outdoor water parks, Snowland takes the resort’s activities to a new level with visits with Santa, the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, Snowland bingo and trivia, competition games, a themed scavenger hunt, and ‘Twas the Night Before Snowland Yoga Tails.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo
Hudson Yards, New York City
November 25 – January 5
More than 2 million twinkling lights (that’s 115 miles!) and 725 evergreen trees set the stage for ice skating, photos with Santa, holiday shopping – and even Santa’s Secret Speakeasy for adults, plus a special menorah lighting.
Disney’s Frozen
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
November 26 – January 11
The beloved movie starring Elsa, Anna and Olaf comes to the main stage. Certain dates will accommodate those needing ASL interpretation, open captioning and autism sensitivities.
Santa Claus Train
Northlandz, Flemington
Select dates, through December
The inside of the mini train museum has a holiday vibe, with snow, presents, lights and Christmas trees filling the displays. Meet Santa when he takes an outdoor train ride with you on the weekends, spreading lots of Christmas cheer.
Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Through December 7
This year’s exhibit honors the Mount family with the theme “50 Years of Terhune Orchards.” Displayed inside the 250-year-old red barn, the art showcases original works inspired by the farm’s landscape, history and community over the past five decades.
Fall Planetarium Shows
Longo Planetarium, County College of Morris, Randolph
Select dates, through December 13
There are three shows to choose from: Cosmic Colors takes you on a journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum; in Messengers of Time and Space, you can get an in-depth look at how large telescopes are mapping the universe and patrolling the sky for supernovas; or take a live tour of the night sky in Starlit Nights. All shows include a tour of the night sky and planets.
Artist Winter Village
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday, through December 21
Four chalets are set up as festive pop-up shops, run by regional artists who made their own textiles, jewelry, candles, children’s wear, pottery, wood, and more.
Christkindlmarkt
PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA
Select dates, through December 21
Known as Christmas City, this market offers handmade works by artists from around the country, live Christmas music sung by carolers, visits with Old St. Nick, and collectibles from Germany.
STAFF PHOTO / Rolling Railway Magical Holiday Express
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
DiDonato Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Select dates, through December 23
Kids can take a train ride through millions of Christmas lights. You’ll stroll through a holiday village, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and visit the toy market. Bowling is included with your ticket.
Santa’s Hideaway Adventure
The Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Through December 24
Santa’s secret hideaway is located at the end of a virtual elevator adventure, which takes you from the AC Boardwalk to the North Pole. After spending 15 minutes snapping photos with Santa, you can snack on hot chocolate and cookies.
Santa’s Christmas Trains
Strasburg Railroad Museum, Ronks, PA
Select dates, through December 24
There’s no shortage of holiday train rides that travel through Amish Country: there’s brunch aboard Santa’s Paradise Express, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” inside the first-class cars, and the Santa Claus Limited that has a visit with the big man himself.
Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square, New York City
Through December 24
NYC’s largest Greenmarket transforms for the holiday season, with 150+ vendors selling gifts and goods for the season. The local restaurants, retailers and entertainers join in as well.
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Untitled Hotel, New York City
Select dates, through December 28
Fans of the self-described Queen of Christmas can write a letter to Mariah, sing along to her holiday hits, sip on Black Irish cocktails and take a photo with an album backdrop.
Santa’s North Pole Express Train Ride
New Hope Railroad, New Hope
Select dates, through December 30
The North Pole Express is pulled by one of the diesel locomotives. Kids will get cookies, listen to music and mail their letters to Santa.
Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Select dates, through November 30
The immersive outdoor experience inspired by the 1993 film takes you to Halloween Town and Christmas Town using music and video projections.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Watermark, 78 South St. at Pier 15, New York
Through December 30
The whimsical waterfront holiday installation has dining, entertainment, Christmas trees, games, activities, heated glasshouses and lights displays, all with breathtaking views of NYC.
STAFF PHOTO / The Village at Anne Ellen
The Village at Anne Ellen
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, through December 30
A hayride brings you to a village of 400,000 lights. Among the new attractions are an ice castle filled with penguins, and a Bear Workshop to make your own teddy bear. Old faves include the life-sized gingerbread house and a post office where you can send letters to Santa.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Select dates, through December 30
After you give your golden ticket to the conductor, you’ll be treated to storytime. After Santa meets your family, there will be caroling and holiday activities on board.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University; professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Santa’s Secret Immersive Holiday Experience
Columbus Circle, New York City
Select dates, through December 31
To get to this speakeasy, you have to follow a winding path through eight immersive holiday installations – from gingerbread girls to rugged lumberjacks to living snowglobes. When you arrive, there will be Christmas-themed cocktails, fine dining, a live band, and a variety show performance.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars
Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA
Select dates, through December 31
The hour-long, outdoor experience uses nature and technology to tell the story of visiting stars descending to Earth before rising again to the night sky; it’s a one-mile pathway of cosmic light and sound.
Christmas Fantasy With Lights
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Select dates, through December 31
Every night at dusk, Santa will wave his magic wand and light up the theme park. You can meet him after, or take Santa’s Fantasy Flight.
Holidays at Fonthill Castle
Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, PA
Select dates, through December 31
This Bucks County tradition transforms Henry Mercer’s historic home, which you can view during a holiday tour, on special Meander Days, or through a magical evening tour.
Pier Village Holiday Events
Pier Village, Long Branch
Select dates, through December
The Jersey Shore gets a touch of the North Pole with Barkfast with Santa and pup photos with Mr. Claus, a gingerbread house making contest for dogs, a Pink Friday Shopping and Food Crawl, and a Christmas tree lighting.
Tinseltown Holiday Experience
Atlantic City
Select dates, through December
Amp up your holiday spirit with a collection of lights displays, tree lightings, the Festival of Trees, the Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village, the Winter Wonderland Parade on the Boardwalk, and holiday theater shows (like The Nutcracker and Christmas in Concert).
Winterfest
Delaware River Waterfront, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through December
At Penn’s Landing there is an NHL-sized ice rink, a Ferris wheel, boardwalk games, fire pits, heated cabins, and a giant Christmas tree.
STAFF PHOTO / Miracle bar at The Bistro at iPlay America
Miracle Bar
Miracle on Centre at Cowan’s Public, 229 Centre St., Nutley
Miracle on Mercer at Franklin Social, 292 Barrow St., Jersey City
Miracle on George Street at Catherine Lombardi’s, 3 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
Miracle on Bloomfield at The Parkside Social, 706 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
Miracle at The Bistro, Inside iPlay America, 108 Schanck Rd., Freehold
Miracle at Avenue, Avenue, Pier Village, 23 Ocean Ave. N., Long Branch
Miracle at Parkside Tavern, Parkside Tavern, 9 Speedwell Ave., Morristown
Through January
While the decor is Instaworthy on its own, the true star of the show is the cocktail menu at each location. Noteworthy drinks at Miracle locations include the Christmapolitan, a twist on the classic made with vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, rosemary, lime and absinthe mist; and for those who have been naughty, there’s the Hot Buttered Rum, served hot. Other deliciously merry cocktails such as Carol Barrell, Snowball Old Fashioned, Koala Kooler and Christmas Cricket are sold in mugs and glasses you can purchase for your at-home Christmas parties.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Through January 1 (closed Dec. 25)
More than 50 local artisans, designers, crafters and jewelers will be set up inside picturesque white wooden booths, adorned with the glow of Moravian stars.
Illumination
Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, PA
Select dates, through January 3
Lehigh Valley shines bright with 1.5 million lights synchronized to music. But that’s not all: there are curling lanes, Santa’s Polar Express, hayrides with Mrs. Claus, a carousel, Nutcracker Suites that include a holiday buffet, and igloos.
Winter Light Spectacular
Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, PA
Select dates, through January 3
This event has 1.2 million sparkling lights and displays placed throughout the zoo. Visitors will find classic holiday scenes, multiple fire pits, hot chocolate and s’mores, performances by different princesses, and photos with Santa.
Koziar’s Christmas Village
Koziar’s Farm, Bernville, PA
Select dates, through January 3
There are more than a million lights that illuminate the property, lining everything from the lake to the barns to the walkways. Walk around at your own pace to see the international Christmas displays, train sets and festive gift shops.
Grinch’s Grotto
Cucina Calandra, Fairfield
Through January 4
Your heart will grow three sizes during lunch, happy hour or dinner when you come to this Grinch-themed pop-up. Specialty cocktails will be made with flavors like cranberry, cinnamon and peppermint.
MSGE / Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Select dates, through January 4
This New York City holiday classic starring the Radio City Rockettes – with their infamous kickline —features The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and a Living Nativity.
Big Apple Circus
Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Through January 4
The beloved circus acts return for 7 weeks, with acrobatics, high-flying stunts and comedic action.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
Through January 4
Chocolate lovers can enjoy their favorite rides, visit with Santa and his nine reindeer, meet Hershey characters dressed in their holiday best, and see more than 5 million sparkling lights.
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Through January 4
Santa’s Grand Illumination kicks off the holiday season, which includes a Hanukkah celebration, Santa’s ‘Twas the Night Celebration on Christmas Eve, a Kwanzaa celebration, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Select dates, through January 4
Millions of lights twinkle and hundreds of illuminated animals sparkle as you walk through six lantern trails. The Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea return, while new this year are snow tube slides, an ice throne and virtual snowball throwing.
Pillsbury Let It Dough Suite
Club Wyndham Midtown 45, New York City
Through January 6
Designed to be a holiday baking escape, you can rent this suite for two or three nights, and be treated to all the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and ready-to-bake cookies you’d like. The room itself features icing-draped walls, a cinnamon roll–inspired bedroom, frosted windows, and the scent of freshly baked cookies throughout. You can also call the Cookie Concierge to have additional baking supplies delivered on demand.
Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through January 11
Seventeen trees and mantels will be decorated and displayed throughout the museum, created by local community groups. Themes include All Aboard to Movie Magic; Family Game Night; A Tribute to Pollinators; and Fruit of the Holiday Spirit.
Let It Glow
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Thursdays-Sundays, through January 11
As you walk through the zoo or ride on the train, you’ll see 30 larger-than-life scenes decorated with animal-themed lanterns.
Holidig Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Diggerland, West Berlin
Select dates, through January 11
Marvel at the lights, holiday displays and tunnels as you drive along 1.25 miles inside America’s only construction-based theme and water parks.
Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Through January 11
Either during the day or on select Holiday Train Nights, catch model trains as they zip through a display of almost 200 replicas of New York landmarks, each re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, pinecones, palm fronds and cinnamon sticks.
Winter at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through February
The heart of Center City comes alive with outdoor ice skating, a topiary garden, the Wintergarden, a chalet-style cabin, charming fire pits, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, and Breakfast with Santa.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, NYC
Through March
The twinkling lights on the magnificent Christmas tree will be lit from December 3 to January 10. View its beauty while you ice skate or chill in a rinkside chalet. See the beautiful golden angel statues in the courtyard, and walk down the block to Saks Fifth Avenue for its holiday lights show on the building’s façade, which returns this season. The twinkling lights on the magnificent Christmas tree will be lit starting December 3. This year, with a ticket to Top of the Rock, you can meet Santa, have a private viewing area of the tree, and then rent a private chalet overlooking the skating rink. December 14 is Tuba Christmas, where musicians from around the country perform.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, New York City
Through March
This Manhattan park is home to the largest free-admission ice skating rink in NYC. Relax rinkside at The Lodge while taking in the splendor of the giant Christmas tree. Shop more than 180 vendors selling gifts from around the world. And check out the bumper cars on ice.
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
SUE The T. Rex Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 25, 2026
The world’s most complete, most well-preserved T. rex skeleton is making a stop at LSC so you can see her bones, hear her growl and smell her breath (seriously!). There will be fossils on display, projection mapping of other prehistoric creatures, and a life-sized fleshed-out replica to show what the creature’s life was like in the Cretaceous era.
Got questions about this weekend’s events?
We pulled together a quick FAQ to help.
Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend (November 21-23, 2025)?
A: This weekend (Nov. 21-23, 2025) features more than 85 family-friendly things to do across New Jersey. Among the biggest highlights on the list: the Pacific Southern Railway’s Holiday Train Show in Rocky Hill, U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland in Cream Ridge, the Omnium Circus in Jersey City, the Grinch’s Grotto in Fairfield, The Village at Anne Ellen in Manalapan and The Polar Express Train Ride in Whippany.
Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
A: Some of the bigger attractions (musicals, outdoor light shows, Santa trains) do require tickets, and popular times can sell out. It’s important to check the event link in our guide for details, times, date, pricing, availability and weather before you head out.
Q: Does the list include both indoor and outdoor events?
A: You’ll find a mix of indoor shows, markets, and museums, along with outdoor winter light displays and festivals.
Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?
A: We include family events happening throughout North, Central, and South Jersey — plus a more events in New York and Pennsylvania.
Q: Where can I find more events near me?
A: This weekend’s roundup is a comprehensive list, but you can also browse more upcoming events on our calendar.
Q: How can I stay updated on more things to do in New Jersey?
A: Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Attractions in NJ, NY and PA
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Christmas Markets In and Around New Jersey to Visit This Season
Your Guide to Holiday Shows in New Jersey