Make magical Christmas memories with your family in New Jersey
New Jersey sparkles with holiday cheer every December.
From Christmas hayrides and festive light shows to Santa meet-and-greets and cozy winter workshops, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or a fun day with friends, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas activities across the Garden State to make your season merry and bright.
Discover holiday magic at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Step into festive fun at Johnson’s Corner Farm, where the Christmas hayride takes you through sparkling lights, orchards, and the Discovery Barnyard.
Kids can feed animals, ride go-karts, and even meet Santa, while adults sip cider and grab fresh treats from the market.
With friendly staff and a warm, welcoming vibe, it’s a must-visit family holiday destination in New Jersey.
Christmas at Johnson’s Corner Farm – FAQs
Does Johnson’s Corner Farm allow dogs? No. Pets (including dogs) are not permitted on the premises.
Can you pick your own produce at Johnson’s Corner Farm? Yes. Johnson’s Corner Farm offers “pick‑your‑own” produce – seasonal crops.
What are Johnson’s Corner Farm ticket prices? Hayride tickets: $7 (weekdays) / $10 (weekends) if reserved online; $8 / $12 for walk‑ins. Discovery Barnyard admission: $12 per child (ages 1–12), $6 for adults (13+).
Enjoy the Lightshow on the Lake
Step into holiday magic at Holiday Light Show on the Lake in Historic Smithville – a sparkling spectacle that’s perfect for families, couples or friends looking for a festive evening out.
As dusk settles, more than 120 Christmas trees made from over 50,000 lights float on Lake Meone, synchronized with holiday music.
Whether you catch it from the lakeside, the bridge, or the village’s cozy shops and restaurants, the show delivers plenty of instagram‑worthy moments.
Lightshow on the Lake – FAQ
What time is the Smithville light show? The Light Show on the Lake at Historic Smithville runs daily from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM during the holiday season.
Mind thrilling adventures at Solve The Room NJ
Bring family & friends to our Toms River NJ escape room for mind thrilling, immersive adventures that challenge your wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
From Pharaoh’s Tomb to Jail Break, each room features clever puzzles, engaging storylines, and our friendly staff ensures a welcoming experience.
It’s a fun, screen-free way to make holiday memories in New Jersey.
Looking for a holiday gift they’ll actually love? Grab our gift certificates, available from $30. Buy online, with instant delivery.
Solve The Room – FAQs
Can you go to the bathroom during an escape room? Yes – Just tell your game master!
How much do escape rooms usually cost? Our escape rooms cost $30 per person – An affordable way to enjoy festive, screen-free fun with family and friends.
Kwanzaa celebrations for the whole family
Step into the spirit of Kwanzaa with family‑friendly celebrations across New Jersey. 🎉
Kwanzaa Family Festival & Marketplace: Held at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, this event offers arts & crafts, storytelling, dance, live music, face‑painting, and a candle‑lighting ceremony inspired by the festival’s seven principles.
For a community‑centered celebration, check the NAACP Metuchen‑Edison‑Piscataway Branch’s NAACP MEAB Annual Kwanzaa Celebration.
A free, indoor family event with performances, local vendors, and a toy‑drive for kids.
These events make “Kwanzaa family‑friendly things to do” meaningful, whether you learn about heritage, enjoy music and crafts, or support community spirit.
Enjoy Candy Canes and Cocktails
Want holiday cheer with a twist of fun?
Head to one of New Jersey’s pop‑up holiday bars like Miracle on Mercer or Cellar 335. The décor is decked out, the drinks are merry, and candy‑cane‑rimmed cocktails and seasonal libations are the norm.
Sip a Snowball Old‑Fashioned or a Christmapolitan, soak up the twinkle lights, and let the festive atmosphere turn a cold winter evening into a warm holiday memory.
If those are packed, check out the holiday lineup at cozy spots in Atlantic City or Montclair for more peppermint martinis, mulled drinks, and cheerful cheer.
Breakfast with Santa for a magical morning
Kick off the holiday season with a festive breakfast treat and a visit from Santa🎅
In Jersey City, enjoy a rooftop holiday breakfast buffet with skyline views and a photo-op with the jolly man himself at Breakfast with Santa at RoofTop at Exchange Place.
Down in Ocean County, head to Breakfast with Santa at the historic Mathis House Victorian Tea Room for a holiday-themed buffet and a Santa appearance.
And in Monmouth County, don’t miss the 2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa (Port Monmouth) on December 7 for a family-friendly meal where Santa greets kids.
Toddler time in a winter wonderland
Step into cozy holiday fun geared toward little ones with “Toddler Time: Winter Wonderland.”
At Toddler Time at Liberty Hall (Union, NJ), toddlers can play with snowflakes, snowmen and snowballs – maybe even make snow angels – followed by hot cocoa and giggles.
For a glowing evening stroll under twinkling lights, head to Winter WonderLights Holiday Light Show (East Brunswick), where festive displays and cheerful holiday vibes make for magical memories.
Cozy up by the fire pit with hot chocolate
On a crisp winter evening in New Jersey, gather around a glowing fire pit at cozy spots like Rat’s Restaurant which heats up its outdoor patio with fire pits and offers winter warmers.
Or at Demarest Farms during their Orchard of Lights event.
Sip rich hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the season’s chill turned warm.
Visit the Animal Farm for a Festive Day
Step into holiday magic at Alstede Farms or Johnson’s Corner Farm for a festive, farm-fresh celebration.
Meet fluffy calves, friendly goats, or even real reindeer.
Enjoy hayrides, cozy fire-pit s’mores, and warm drinks in the farm market.
Many farms run special Christmas events — perfect for kids, teens or families looking for a cheerful, rustic holiday outing.
Family Christmas fun in New Jersey – FAQs
What are the top family-friendly Christmas events in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers plenty of festive activities for families, from Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Christmas hayrides, Smithville’s Holiday Light Show on the Lake, Winter WonderLights in East Brunswick, and Santa’s visits at seasonal breakfasts across the state.
Many towns also host tree-lightings, pop-up markets, and kid-friendly winter festivals throughout December.
How can families enjoy a Christmas hayride at Johnson’s Corner Farm?
Johnson’s Corner Farm runs a Christmas Light Show Hayride that takes families through decorated orchards, sparkling displays, and festive barnyard areas.
Tickets are typically available online and include access to the Discovery Barnyard, animal feeding, and seasonal activities.
Where can children meet Santa in New Jersey during the holiday season?
Kids can meet Santa at several popular spots across New Jersey, including Johnson’s Corner Farm, Ocean County’s Mathis House Victorian Tea Room, and rooftop breakfasts like the event at RoofTop at Exchange Place in Jersey City.
Many malls and local holiday festivals also host Santa meet-and-greets with photo opportunities throughout December.
What are the best places for a holiday light show in New Jersey?
Families can enjoy dazzling light displays at the Holiday Light Show on the Lake in Historic Smithville, Winter WonderLights in East Brunswick, and seasonal events at Demarest Farms.
Each offers large-scale displays, synchronized music, and plenty of festive photo spots, making them great holiday evening outings.
How can families participate in holiday-themed workshops and activities?
New Jersey offers hands-on holiday workshops like gingerbread decorating, craft sessions, and toddler-friendly winter activities.
Venues such as Central Market Cooking School, Liberty Hall’s Toddler Time, and community centers often host seasonal classes throughout December.
These workshops give kids and parents a fun, creative way to celebrate the holidays together.
Enjoy a magical Christmas & New Year holiday in New Jersey
Celebrate the holidays in New Jersey with experiences that delight kids, teens, and adults alike.
From sparkling lights and festive farms to cozy hot chocolate by the fire, there’s no shortage of ways to create lasting memories this season.
Plan your visit today, and let New Jersey’s holiday magic make this Christmas & New Year unforgettable.
