14 Charming Towns In New Jersey That Will Make Your Christmas Merry And Bright
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Kristen
Author
New Jersey knows how to celebrate Christmas. We’ve got magical events and attractions all across the state, perfect for family fun, time spent with friends, and even a little holiday romance. Whatever you’re looking for this season, the Garden State has got you covered. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. We’ve got a few suggestions for you, starting with some of the most charming Christmas towns in New Jersey.
Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Cape May isn't just a top Christmas destination for New Jerseyans, it brings in visitors from all over. Overflowing with cheer and charm, events and attractions include candlelight tours, authentic Victorian Christmas decorations, An Old-Fashioned Christmas gallery exhibit, a Dickens Christmas Extravaganza, the Cheery Cherry House Christmas Tour, three separate tree lighting ceremonies and plenty more.
You'll find a Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall, complete with vendors, farm-to-table feasts, live choir music, breakfasts with Santa, and train & carousel rides. Cape May MAC will be offering seasonal trolley tours including rides with Santa, the Ghosts of Christmas Past tour, and holiday lights trolley rides. When it comes to theater, you've got options - The Cape May Stage and The East Lynne Theater Company. Events generally begin in late November and run throughout the month of December.
You'll find a Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall, complete with vendors, farm-to-table feasts, live choir music, breakfasts with Santa, and train & carousel rides. Cape May MAC will be offering seasonal trolley tours including rides with Santa, the Ghosts of Christmas Past tour, and holiday lights trolley rides. When it comes to theater, you've got options - The Cape May Stage and The East Lynne Theater Company. Events generally begin in late November and run throughout the month of December.
Red Bank, NJ, USA
The season in Red Bank kicks off in November with the annual Holiday Concert & Town Lighting (it's not just a tree - there are lights all over town). Kids will love the free Santa Express Train Ride & Parade that same day. Winter On Broad Street was another can't-miss event. It is not taking place in 2022, but keep an eye out in future years. In the past, it featured an ice skating rink, a life-size snow globe, a special word scavenger hunt, a holiday bazaar, and more. You'll also want to check out the free horse and wagon rides and plenty of great shows at the Count Basie Center For The Arts. Past shows have included Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony, The Nutcracker, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
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Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423, USA
It's not just the name, Ho-Ho-Kus is home to a host of holiday events. Many will be held at the historic Hermitage (pictured circa 1890) including the annual holiday craft show, Victorian Christmas candlelight tours, a tree lighting with carolers and cocoa, Christmas themed productions, and Santa's Workshop. The workshop will feature visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, holiday tours, tales, and songs.
In addition, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn has hosted a Holiday Family Brunch Buffet in the past. The brunch has featured a chef-manned station serving fresh omelets and roasts, a variety of hot and cold dishes including soups, waffles, pancakes, French toast, salads, eggs benedict, chicken, and pasta. The feast extended to bagels, pastries, muffins, a Viennese dessert table, unlimited mimosas and bloody marys, coffee, tea, and soda. Be sure you check to make sure this special event is still happening every year! If so, you'll enjoy a special visit from Santa and live music while you dine! If you'd like to give back when you dine out, they have also accepted donations of baby wipes, formula, and unopened diapers.
In addition, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn has hosted a Holiday Family Brunch Buffet in the past. The brunch has featured a chef-manned station serving fresh omelets and roasts, a variety of hot and cold dishes including soups, waffles, pancakes, French toast, salads, eggs benedict, chicken, and pasta. The feast extended to bagels, pastries, muffins, a Viennese dessert table, unlimited mimosas and bloody marys, coffee, tea, and soda. Be sure you check to make sure this special event is still happening every year! If so, you'll enjoy a special visit from Santa and live music while you dine! If you'd like to give back when you dine out, they have also accepted donations of baby wipes, formula, and unopened diapers.
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Hammonton, NJ, USA
Hammonton is loads of fun for families! This Christmas town is mostly about the kiddos but offers visitors of all ages a jolly good time. The town's must-see holiday attraction is the DiDonato Family Fun Center. Home to the Magical Express, a ticket will score you a train ride through over 3,000,000 sparkling lights, a meet and greet with Santa and his elves, free photo ops, a Christmas gift, access to the holiday movie tent, and walk-through holiday village, a cookie treat, AND one free game of indoor mini-golf, a round of bowling + shoe rental. WOW! This unforgettable attraction is an incredible place to spend your holiday time.
But the Christmas fun doesn't stop there. You'll also find a holiday tree lighting with carolers and carriage rides, a parade, and a Christmas-themed Third Thursday shopping/dining event. Visitors may also want to check out the Philadelphia Boys Choir caroling at the Kathedral Event Center!
But the Christmas fun doesn't stop there. You'll also find a holiday tree lighting with carolers and carriage rides, a parade, and a Christmas-themed Third Thursday shopping/dining event. Visitors may also want to check out the Philadelphia Boys Choir caroling at the Kathedral Event Center!
Montclair, NJ, USA
There are so many fantastic small businesses in Montclair, making it a perfect shopping destination for unique gifts. Of course, that's only the beginning. I'm always most excited for candlelight tours of the Crane House and historic YWCA, beautifully decorated for the season. There have also been daytime tours, a holiday craft market and children’s activities. History buffs will also appreciate the Van Vleck House, all decked out for the holidays and open to the public for a holiday boutique.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church has hosted a Christmas in Italy event in the past and Montclair Art Museum featured a holiday ceramic sale. There have been several holiday crafting and candy workshops at The Eclectic Chic Boutique and Pinot's Palette offered a variety of Christmas-themed painting workshops. The Commonwealth Club hosted a Swedish Christmas Fair featuring handcrafted Christmas decorations, home‑baked goods, traditional foods, accordion music, a Swedish Café, and Lucia Procession.
I'm not done yet! The Studio Playhouse Tickets are quite reasonably priced, and the performances have always been amazing. Then, there's the Run Santa Run at Brookdale Park, which is always a blast. This family-friendly fun run is led by Santa and comes with cocoa, Santa hats, holiday music, and plenty of prizes. Finally, the Montclair Tree Lighting includes caroling, cocoa, local vendors, ice sculptures, s'mores, and Santa!
St. Luke's Episcopal Church has hosted a Christmas in Italy event in the past and Montclair Art Museum featured a holiday ceramic sale. There have been several holiday crafting and candy workshops at The Eclectic Chic Boutique and Pinot's Palette offered a variety of Christmas-themed painting workshops. The Commonwealth Club hosted a Swedish Christmas Fair featuring handcrafted Christmas decorations, home‑baked goods, traditional foods, accordion music, a Swedish Café, and Lucia Procession.
I'm not done yet! The Studio Playhouse Tickets are quite reasonably priced, and the performances have always been amazing. Then, there's the Run Santa Run at Brookdale Park, which is always a blast. This family-friendly fun run is led by Santa and comes with cocoa, Santa hats, holiday music, and plenty of prizes. Finally, the Montclair Tree Lighting includes caroling, cocoa, local vendors, ice sculptures, s'mores, and Santa!
Lafayette, NJ 07848, USA
The heart of the holiday season here is The Shoppes At Lafayette. You'll find several Christmas events, including sled painting workshops, A Victorian Christmas Affair, and Dog Walk Of The Dead's A Christmas Nightmare. In the past, A Victorian Christmas Affair has included an Ugly Sweater contest, voting for the best dressed storefront, Christmas carols, roasted chestnuts, and plenty of shopping. A Christmas Nightmare has also done great things for charity, including the One Step Closer Animal Rescue. It's included kid/adult/pet photos with Santa J. Skell, unique vendors, antique shopping, pet-friendly shops, free refreshments, and door prizes.
A Victorian Christmas Open House at the Ludlum/Mabee House Museum is always a good time. The festivities have previously included Victorian music, vintage crafting demonstrations, weaving on an antique loom, spinning, a tour of a real summer kitchen, cookies, and a wassail bowl! Nearby attractions include the Lake Mohawk Christmas Market in Sparta and the Christmas Lights Show at Skylands Stadium in Augusta.
A Victorian Christmas Open House at the Ludlum/Mabee House Museum is always a good time. The festivities have previously included Victorian music, vintage crafting demonstrations, weaving on an antique loom, spinning, a tour of a real summer kitchen, cookies, and a wassail bowl! Nearby attractions include the Lake Mohawk Christmas Market in Sparta and the Christmas Lights Show at Skylands Stadium in Augusta.
Collingswood, NJ, USA
I recently wrote an entire article about the magic of Haddonfield during the holidays. Its neighbor, Collingswood, is just as worthy of a Christmastime visit. All of the local businesses are decked out with lights and garland and the town itself puts up over a quarter-million lights. You can enjoy the decorations on a free trolley tour, which is always a special experience. The trolley boards at the corner of Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues. There have also been lots of other fun activities, including caroling, visits from Santa, a tree lighting, and TWO parades.
You'll find the largest holiday parade in South Jersey here, the enchanting Parade of Lights. In the past, there has been a Second Saturday shopping event with art and live entertainment. Check out a fun Christmas-themed show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium.
You'll find the largest holiday parade in South Jersey here, the enchanting Parade of Lights. In the past, there has been a Second Saturday shopping event with art and live entertainment. Check out a fun Christmas-themed show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium.
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Clinton, NJ 08809, USA
The bucolic town of Clinton comes alive with lights during the holiday season. The festivities usually kick off with the Festival of Trees. You'll find a beautiful display of trees and wreaths at the Red Mill Museum, coinciding with their Winter Village event. The village will feature over 40 artisan vendors each day in heated tents. There will also be food trucks and historic tours.
The town itself hosts a tree lighting and parade, Candlelight Night, and a visit from Santa. We also love their Dickens Days Celebration! it takes you back in time to Christmases past. There will be Victorian costumes, horse-drawn carriage rides, classic Christmas carols, street vendors selling sugar plums and roasted chestnuts, and plenty more to enjoy.
The town itself hosts a tree lighting and parade, Candlelight Night, and a visit from Santa. We also love their Dickens Days Celebration! it takes you back in time to Christmases past. There will be Victorian costumes, horse-drawn carriage rides, classic Christmas carols, street vendors selling sugar plums and roasted chestnuts, and plenty more to enjoy.
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Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
Morristown has a lot going on this season, starting with the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green. It kicks off with a tree lighting every year. There is live music, hot cocoa, a miniature train, family-friendly activity tents, and plenty more. One of the best events I experienced here was A Very Merry 19th-Century Christmas. Hosted by the Morris County Historical Society and held at Acorn Hall, this event was an amazing experience and I definitely recommend it! You'll find 19th-Century Christmas fashion on display, Victorian decorations, and exhibits on English Christmas customs.
The Holly Walk includes seven local historic sites, all decked out for the holidays. There will be candle-lit tours, live music, special programming, exhibits, and refreshments. Check dates for when you'll find Holiday CraftMorristown at the Morristown Armory, an artisan craft market featuring 165 makers and craftspeople from across the United States. You'll also enjoy basket weaving and copper-smithing demonstrations as well as a gourmet specialty food boutique.
Then, there's Sing We All Merrily: A Colonial Christmas at Washington’s Headquarters Museum. This free event takes place in mid-December and explores Christmas traditions in early America through English carols, American folk hymns, dance tunes and drinking songs. Quotes from diaries, poems, toasts and wassail recipes will be interspersed with music played on hammered dulcimer and other instruments of the times. Still seeking more Christmas fun? Head to the Mayo Performing Art Center which will be putting on a variety of holiday shows throughout the season.
The Holly Walk includes seven local historic sites, all decked out for the holidays. There will be candle-lit tours, live music, special programming, exhibits, and refreshments. Check dates for when you'll find Holiday CraftMorristown at the Morristown Armory, an artisan craft market featuring 165 makers and craftspeople from across the United States. You'll also enjoy basket weaving and copper-smithing demonstrations as well as a gourmet specialty food boutique.
Then, there's Sing We All Merrily: A Colonial Christmas at Washington’s Headquarters Museum. This free event takes place in mid-December and explores Christmas traditions in early America through English carols, American folk hymns, dance tunes and drinking songs. Quotes from diaries, poems, toasts and wassail recipes will be interspersed with music played on hammered dulcimer and other instruments of the times. Still seeking more Christmas fun? Head to the Mayo Performing Art Center which will be putting on a variety of holiday shows throughout the season.
Woodstown, NJ 08098, USA
Found in the heart of Salem County, Woodstown's best Christmas celebration is Woodstown By Candlelight. This old-fashioned holiday event typically takes place in early December. It starts with a craft show and sale. Beginning in the evenings, you can tour historic local homes and enjoy businesses all decked out for the holidays. There will be strolling carolers, music performances, free wassail and cookies (included with your ticket), and transportation through town available.
you can also enjoy Breakfast With Santa at Friends Village in mid-December, and there has been a Tuba Christmas musical event at Woodstown High School in the past as well. Another can't-miss event is the 3-mile Santa Run/Walk in the week before Christmas. In lieu of a registration fee, participants are encouraged to donate dog/cat food or cat litter for the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. Every 3 pounds of donated goods equals 1 ticket for giveaways sponsored by local businesses!
you can also enjoy Breakfast With Santa at Friends Village in mid-December, and there has been a Tuba Christmas musical event at Woodstown High School in the past as well. Another can't-miss event is the 3-mile Santa Run/Walk in the week before Christmas. In lieu of a registration fee, participants are encouraged to donate dog/cat food or cat litter for the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. Every 3 pounds of donated goods equals 1 ticket for giveaways sponsored by local businesses!
Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
If you're looking for FREE Christmas fun, Somerville is the place to go. The town hosts a Holiday Jubilee at the end of November or the beginning of December each year, sponsored by local businesses and the Downtown Somerville Alliance. You'll find a tree lighting, gingerbread cookies, cocoa, carriage rides, Santa Claus, costumed characters, ice carving, and live music. Many area shops will be offering deals and giveaways. The fun starts in the evenings. You'll also want to check out their Holiday Lights Parade, which is normally at the beginning of December. Prizes will be given out for the best decorated fire and emergency vehicles, personal floats, and best decorated houses/ businesses. Keep your eyes peeled for any holiday art shows this year.
Ringwood, NJ, USA
Ringwood makes this list for two terrific reasons - Ringwood Manor and Skylands Manor. Skylands Manor has hosted some great open houses in the past. In addition to spectacular decorations, you'll find a holiday shop and cafe. The manor has also hosted an evening reception with champagne, light snacks, and tours - reservations are required.
Ringwood Manor will be hosting a Victorian Christmas from the beginning to the middle of December. Take a tour, participate in a festive scavenger hunt, and check out the selection of handmade goods for sale by local crafters. There has also been a holiday fine art and craft sale in the adjacent Carriage Barn Gallery. Another fun event that Ringwood has hosted is a holiday tea & tour. It sells out sometimes, so be sure to check in advance! In case you don't get in this year, you can always try again the following one.
Ringwood Manor will be hosting a Victorian Christmas from the beginning to the middle of December. Take a tour, participate in a festive scavenger hunt, and check out the selection of handmade goods for sale by local crafters. There has also been a holiday fine art and craft sale in the adjacent Carriage Barn Gallery. Another fun event that Ringwood has hosted is a holiday tea & tour. It sells out sometimes, so be sure to check in advance! In case you don't get in this year, you can always try again the following one.
Bordentown, NJ 08505, USA
Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa, and the Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting at the end of November or beginning of December. The fun starts in the early evenings usually. Don't miss the holiday Chocolate Walk either- it's a real gem! Purchase a chocolate passport and stop by participating businesses for delicious chocolate treats. That same day, you can make festive holiday cards at Leaping Dog Art Studios. Last, but not least, there is a holiday train show at Old City Hall throughout December.
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Princeton, NJ, USA
Kick off the Christmas season at the Palmer Square Tree Lighting in Princeton, New Jersey. The 65-foot tree is adorned with over 30,000 lights! There is also excellent live music and a special ballet performance. Following the event, Palmer Square will host holiday entertainment every weekend in December. The town has also offered holiday trolley tours every Saturday and Sunday in late November held on the hour from 11 am through 5 pm.
Head to the Princeton Shopping Center to meet Santa and enjoy free cookies or meet him at the barn in Terhune Orchards. You can also visit farm animals, drink hot cocoa, toast marshmallows by the fire pit, and pick out your Christmas tree.
The Morven Museum will be hosting a variety of holiday craft workshops, tours after dark, a holiday tea party, Festival of Trees charity benefit (tickets for this exclusive event are expensive, but it's worth it for the incredible experience you're sure to have), and Christmas storytime for the kids. Not enough Christmas for you? Check out a Christmas-themed show at the McCarter Theatre.
Head to the Princeton Shopping Center to meet Santa and enjoy free cookies or meet him at the barn in Terhune Orchards. You can also visit farm animals, drink hot cocoa, toast marshmallows by the fire pit, and pick out your Christmas tree.
The Morven Museum will be hosting a variety of holiday craft workshops, tours after dark, a holiday tea party, Festival of Trees charity benefit (tickets for this exclusive event are expensive, but it's worth it for the incredible experience you're sure to have), and Christmas storytime for the kids. Not enough Christmas for you? Check out a Christmas-themed show at the McCarter Theatre.
This list isn’t in any particular order – every town is worth a visit. While the locations featured are among the best of the best when it comes to Christmas celebrations and events in New Jersey, there are so many others that will make the holiday season merrier. Check out Spring Lake, Madison, and Ocean City, for starters and don’t forget to check out my article on Christmas events in Haddonfield, if you’re interested.
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Christmas in New Jersey
Where is the best Christmas tree farm in New Jersey?
If you're looking for a Christmas-themed outing to take with your whole family, why not head to the best Christmas tree farm in New Jersey for a sweet getaway that will make you smile? The Wyckoff Farm in Belvidere is such a fun way to spend time with your loved ones while picking up the tree that will be the background for all of your holiday adventures this year. The family-owned farm has been there since 1839, so you can be certain that the proprietors know exactly what they're doing. They now have over 5,000 trees! You can choose from Concolor Fir, Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Wine Pine, and Fraser Fir. If you want something fun and colorful, you can get a colored tree from the first farm in New Jersey to use the process. While you're here, make sure you check out the cute farm store and pick up some new decorations to bring lots of Christmas cheer to your home.
Where is the best skiing in New Jersey?
When you are in the mood for exciting winter adventures, there's nothing better than exploring the town that features the best skiing in New Jersey: Vernon. Head to Mountain Creek for a truly memorable experience of flying down the snowy hills, during the day or even at night! How often do you get to do something thrilling like ski in the dark? The resorts light up the hill so you'll stay safe while enjoying the kind of excitement you wait all year for. This resort is a great fit for all types of skiers, including those who want to try out tricks. Don't forget to go exploring in the town of Vernon, too. The scenery is stunning and definitely worth seeing up close. Take a lovely walk through the town and take in the natural beauty all around you.
Where are the best winter hikes in New Jersey?
If you have the urge to get outdoors even when it's cold, taking one of the best winter hikes in New Jersey is a fantastic way to do it. The Manasquan Reservoir features several absolutely beautiful trails that are perfect for multiple hiking levels. If you're with your little ones, check out the beautiful Cove Trail, which is only one mile long and features marvelous views of the surrounding wetlands and woodlands. You can also choose from a variety of different trails that are between 0.2 and 5.1 miles long, so no matter what length you're most comfortable walking, you will be able to find it here.