Tonight we leave behind a year filled with well, let’s just say, a lot. Let’s all collectively let out a big sigh (because we made it through!) - and send some big vibes for a 2026 that brings all the good things we have been waiting for.

For those heading out tonight - stay safe - and for those staying in in your comfiest PJs - I hear you and see you - and am with ya’!

This weekend is another light weekend of events (many of the holiday events are ending this weekend!) - but we know this dry spell won’t last for long! So enjoy the down time and get ready for a fun 2026!

In response to the annual survey many of you took (thank you) - I will be adding in new editions of the newsletter specific to North, South and Central NJ.

The full state edition will still go out on Wednesday and the area specific newsletters will go out on Mondays. Customize your experience using the button below to get the editions you would like!

You can also still take the survey here if you are interested - it really will help me make this the best newsletter in your inbox!

The Smock House is estimated to date back to 1830-1848 and the Smock family resided there in the 1860's according to census records. There was Uriah Smock his wife Catharine Smock - their children Ella, Daniel and Mary. 2 servants also resided in the home. The property dates being even earlier to the Smock family - and transfers of the property dates back to the late 1700's!

The importance of this home lies in the fact that it was one of the original "Marl bed" locations in the area. These Marl beds is where it is said Marlboro, NJ got its name. If you are not aware marl is composed of the remains of prehistoric fish and clams - which are from a period when NJ was actually part of the ocean bed! It was one of our first industries....who knew!

While the house still stands, it has been redesigned to fit in with the “McMansions” that were built around it. I happened to catch it before it underwent the transformation.

Through 1/3/26
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Free
View a collection of beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
Visit Event Website →

Through 01/06/2026
Historic Smithville
Free
Festive lights and Christmas activities in a historic village.
Visit Event Website →

Through 01/11/2026
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
$22 adult, $11 child, under 3 free
A creative holiday lantern event!
Visit Event Website →

Through 01/04/2026
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
$6+, under 3 free
Enjoy Van Saun Park with a winter twist including ice skating, ice bumper cars and more.
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/11/2026
Diggerland, West Berlin
$38 per car
Animated lights through Diggerland will delight kids of all ages.
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/04/2026
Washington
$45+ per car
Over 8,847,360 animated lights, all perfectly synchronized to holiday music you can tune into on your car radio.
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/03/2026
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Free
Over 50 winter and animal characters across the zoo.
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/04/2026
Mulberry Commons, Newark
Open-air festival overlooking beautiful downtown Newark with curbside eats, ice skating, and marketplace.
Visit Event Website →

01/03/2026 - 01/04/2026
Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus
Find the perfect gown, DJ, photographer, reception venue, band, honeymoon destination and more!
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/04/2026
Bubbly Goat Farm, Stockton
$23 per person
Enjoy Christmas vibes on a real goat farm!
Visit Event Website →

1/04/2026  · 9:30am-12pm
Princeton Battlefield, Princeton
$10, under 14 free
Experience the Battle of Princeton from 1777 in this reenactment.
Visit Event Website →

Runs through 01/11/2026
Morven Museum, Princeton
$10-$12, under 6 free
Beautifully decorated holiday trees adorn the Morven Museum.
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/04/2026
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
$20-$30 per family
Unique and interactive light displays (with a floral twist), Santa Claus experience, food trucks, bakery, gift shop, and more!
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/03/2026
PNC Arts Center, Holmdel
$38+ per car
An immersive drive-through Christmas light experience.
Visit Event Website →

01/02/2026 - 01/04/2026
Sheraton Parsippany, Parsippany-Troy Hills
Enjoy over 200 cat breeds! Additional details pending.
Visit Event Website →

Through 1/03/2026
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
$29 per car
Take the entire family on a dazzling mile-long drive-through with over two million lights.
Visit Event Website →

Events you might want to get tickets for in advance for better pricing or to avoid missing out!

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