New Jersey comes alive over Christmas weekend, offering residents and visitors alike a variety of festive activities, from dazzling light displays to seasonal performances and outdoor adventures. This holiday season, families can enjoy events stretching from Christmas Day through Sunday, December 28, blending traditional celebrations with unique experiences that highlight the Garden State’s charm.
For Christmas Day itself, many of New Jersey’s premier light shows remain open, providing a perfect way to soak in the holiday spirit while enjoying safe, socially distanced experiences. The Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel invites visitors to drive through over a mile of animated LED displays synced to holiday music, a spectacle running nightly through January 3, 2026. Similarly, Winter WonderLights in East Brunswick features a three-quarter-mile drive adorned with more than two million lights choreographed to festive tunes, open through December 28. Those seeking a free but equally enchanting experience can visit the Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show in Galloway, where more than 120 illuminated Christmas trees float across Lake Meone in harmony with music, delighting visitors nightly through January 6, 2026.
For those wanting a mix of dining and history, New Jersey’s restaurants and historic sites offer special Christmas experiences. The Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn and Orchard Park by David Burke provide holiday menus requiring advance reservations, while history enthusiasts can witness the Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment in Titusville at Washington Crossing State Park, commemorating General George Washington’s daring Delaware River crossing. Outdoor enthusiasts can also participate in the Ho Ho Ho Hike at Batsto Village in Hammonton, a festive morning walk encouraging Santa hats and family camaraderie. Families preferring indoor fun can visit Urban Air Adventure Park in South Hackensack for a lively “Bounce Bash” or enjoy a comedy show at Tropicana Atlantic City, keeping the holiday energy high regardless of the weather.
The weekend following Christmas continues with an abundance of activities tailored to families and holiday enthusiasts. Skylands Stadium in Augusta opens its Light Show & Christmas Village on December 26, featuring a drive-thru light experience alongside seasonal treats like s’mores, a beer garden, and interactive holiday attractions. At Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach, the Seas & Greetings event on December 27 and 28 offers a festive blend of holiday lights, a diving Santa, and a bubble snow show that is sure to captivate children and adults alike. The Antique Toy Train Show at the Museum of American History in Deptford provides a nostalgic glimpse into holiday traditions, while theater-goers can experience Disney’s Frozen at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, a captivating stage adaptation running from Friday through Sunday. The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton also welcomes young creators for free winter break drop-in crafts, including snowflake science projects and constellation lanterns, perfect for educational family fun.
Outdoor holiday experiences continue through the weekend as well. Allaire Community Farm in Wall Township hosts its Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Farm, a festive blend of Christmas village displays, petting zoos, and immersive light walks. For nature lovers, the Evergreen Walk and Craft at Liberty State Park in Jersey City on December 28 offers a seasonal stroll with a pinecone bird feeder craft, merging outdoor activity with holiday creativity. While some attractions, such as Turtle Back Zoo’s holiday lights, are closed on Christmas Day, they remain open for the rest of the weekend, ensuring that families have ample opportunities to enjoy festive entertainment.
Whether visitors are seeking illuminated experiences, historical reenactments, or interactive family activities, New Jersey delivers an extensive holiday lineup to suit every taste. For ongoing details, schedules, and ticketing information for events across the state, fans can explore entertainment coverage, which highlights seasonal attractions and local festivities.
This Christmas weekend, New Jersey offers an expansive palette of activities that bring communities together, celebrate tradition, and create lasting family memories. From glittering lights to hands-on experiences, the Garden State ensures the holiday season is both joyful and unforgettable.
