New Jersey is home to a host of charming main roads and bustling downtowns, but certain streets really shine during the holiday season. The following centers of commerce in the Garden State allow you to shop, dine and delight in Christmas festivities.
1. Palmer Square - Princeton
The heart of downtown, Palmer Square is delightful during the holiday season. Shop at higher end chain stores, and local boutiques like The Papery or dine at the historic Yankee Doodle Tap Room - home to the world's largest Norman Rockwell painting. On weekend afternoons, enjoy strolling Santa and musical entertainment.
2. Kings Court/Kings Highway + Surrounding Area - Haddonfield
Enjoy candlelight shopping until December 23rd with stores open until midnight on select dates. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment. While visiting, check out the English Gardener Gift Shop and the British Chip Shop for a unique taste of the U.K.
3. Washington Street - Hoboken
Home to the Cake Boss himself, you know you can find some holiday treats here. The town looks lovely in lights and you can also score some great NYC skyline views along the intersections. Visit on December 6th for the annual tree lighting, offering a wide variety of entertainment. There will even be prizes and giveaways sponsored by CBS FM. Shopping opportunities abound but Hoboken is the place to be when you're hungry - it's home to the most Zagat rated restaurants in New Jersey.
4. Washington Street Mall - Cape May
This shopping area is always a delight but is even more magical when all the stores are decked out for the holiday season. Enjoy holiday hospitality nights in early December and stores like Across The Way, Art Bloc and Between The Lines.
5. Union Street + Surrounding Area - Lambertville
Visit this charming downtown where they light both a Christmas tree and a Menorah. Don't miss the People's Store Antique Center, Bear Apothecary, La Chocolate Box or any of the great restaurants.
6. Main Street - Clinton
The Red Mill is delightful at Christmastime with the Festival of Trees running until December 11th. While visiting, check out Balic of Clinton, The Clinton Fudge Company and more.
7. Broad Street + Surrounding Area - Red Bank
This hip central shore town has so much to offer during the holiday season but the scavenger hunt may just be the best part. Visit over a dozen participating businesses and guess what songs inspired their Christmas displays, then enter to win a Red Bank prize package. Other events include tree and menorah lightings and a variety of live entertainment.
8. Asbury Avenue - Ocean City
Enjoy breakfast with Santa every Saturday and Sunday at a different downtown restaurant, snap shopping selfies and share on social media for local discounts and prize opportunities and enjoy free weekend horse and carriage ride. Visit the wonderful shops and restaurants including Bookateria Two, Sack O' Subs and Ruth's Hallmark.
9. Main Street + Old Chester Road - Chester
This historic little town has a lot going on during the holiday season. Enjoy 12 days of giveaways, outdoor entertainment including carolers, a gift wrapping workshop and ice sculpture carving on December 17th. Businesses to check out include Sweet Spot Bake Shop and The Olive & The Stone.
Where’s your favorite place to shop and dine during the holiday season? For more holiday fun in New Jersey, check out this Winter Wonderland.
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