🌻Things To Do in Jersey 12/5-12/7

Hello neighbors! 👋 We have 300+ new subscribers just this week alone - thanks for spreading some joy my way! It means a lot that you are trusting me with your email - I promise to do my best to make it worth your while.

Now on to the good stuff!

Wander Jersey Holiday Light Guide 🎄

The guide now features over 100 homes of the best light displays across the state! I did my best to validate that every one of them is live this year - if you find one that is not, please let me know!

Visit our Christmas Light Guide to see all the free light shows and find links to the paid light shows.

And - the response to a PDF of the Christmas Lights was strongly a YES! So, here it is for you to download. I really hope you find it helpful - and if you have feedback, I am all ears.

If you have a Christmas light show - or know of one I have missed, please feel free to submit it here. Please share the page if you think it can help others.

Below are some featured events - you can view all NJ events for the upcoming weekend here (this page updates every Monday for the following weekend). As we add more events, the list will get too long to include everything in the newsletter!

Atlantic County

Holiday Village at Sweetwater

11/29 - 12/21
Sweetwater Marina, Sweetwater
$10 per person

Winter walk-through features lights and other festive displays and train ride. Visit Event Website →

Hammonton Winter Fest

12/05 - 12/07
Mt. Carmel Carnival Grounds, Hammonton
Free

Features craft vendors, carolers, food, activities, Grinch run/walk, train rides and more. Please bring non-perishable food items and/or unwrapped toys. Visit Event Website →

Bergen County

Bergen County Winter Wonderland

12/05- 01/04/2026
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
$6+, under 3 free

This community event features winter fun including an ice skating rink. bumper cars on ice, train rides and more. Food trucks are available at certain times too! Visit Event Website →

Holiday Night Market

12/06  · 4-9pm
Fort Lee Commons, Fort Lee
Free

Shop local, connect with makers, and uncover truly special finds for the holidays. Holiday music and decor will deliver a festive atmosphere. Visit Event Website →

Burlington County

Dicken's Festival

12/06 from 4:30-9pm
Medford
Free

Holiday Carolers, food, hot chocolate, magic, comedy, juggling, live performances, artisans and more. Visit Event Website →

Cape May County

Wassail Day

12/06 from 11am-2pm
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May
$10 adult, $5 kids, under 3 free

Celebrate the start of the Village's holiday season with hands-on crafts, live music, and holiday treats. Visit Event Website →

Holiday Train Expo

12/06 - 12/07
Music Pier, Ocean City
Free

The show will feature running displays, model trains of all gauges and vendors selling various scale model trains. Visit Event Website →

Cape May Christmas Candlelight Tours

12/06 - 12/20
Cape May
$45 adult, $30 kids, under 3 free

Take a self-guided stroll along gaslit streets and visit homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels, most within walking distance of each other, to see lovely interiors decorated for the holidays. Visit Event Website →

Cumberland County

Christmas Village

12/06 - 12/07
Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
$5 per car

Dragon village is transformed into Christmas Village where you can enjoy lights, Santa, vendors, and more. Visit Event Website →

Essex County

Newark Winter Village

11/29 - 01/04/2026
Mulberry Commons, Newark

Visit vendors, grab some cocktails or hot cocoa - or get in on the fun with tickets for go-karts or ice skating. Heated private igloos are also available for rent. Advanced reservations required for activities. Visit Event Website →

Gloucester County

Celebration of Lights

12/05 - 12/31  · 5-10pm
Bridgeport Speedway, Swedesboro
$25-$30

Experience the magic of the holiday season from the comfort of your own car at Bridgeport Motorsports Park’s Celebration of Lights! This incredible drive-through light show features twinkling lights, illuminating the park with festive colors and holiday cheer. Visit Event Website →

Mercer County

Winter Wonderland in Hamilton

12/5 - 12/6
Kuser Farm Park, Hamilton
Free

Tour the mansion, see the train display, visit with Santa, enjoy fire pits and more. Visit Event Website →

Christmas on the Farm

12/06 from 10am-4pm
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
Free

Howell Farm features a decorated historic farmhouse and activities for the whole family. Hear the band, do some crafts, visit the animals and get a ride on a horse-drawn 1800s sleigh. Stay for the arrival of Santa by steam engine! Visit Event Website →

Middlesex County

Sports Card Show

12/05
Old Bridge Elks, Old Bridge
$5 per person

Two nights of card show fun. Buy, sell and trade sports cards and Pokémon cards and collectibles. Vendors, giveaways and food will be on hand. Visit Event Website →

Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Jersey Christmas Show

12/03 - 12/21
Arthur Laurents Theater, New Brunswick
$35+

The show features Dickens’ classic tale and gives it a local twist. Expect all the traditional ghosts—Past, Present, and Future—along with plenty of Garden State spirit. Visit Event Website →

Monmouth County

Ocean Grove Victorian House Tour

12/06 from 10am-4pm
Ocean Grove
$40

Self-guided tour that showcases a delightful array of beautifully decorated private homes, charming inns, historic Centennial House, the Historical Society Museum, and even one of Ocean Grove’s iconic tents. Trolley will be available. Visit Event Website →

Santa Express at Pine Creek Railroad

12/06 - 12/21
Allaire State Park, Wall Township
$7

Best to book in advance as this event sells often sells out. Train ride features a tour around Allaire Village with Santa onboard. Visit Event Website →

Holiday Spectacular & Train Display

12/06 & 12/7 (more dates in December too!)
InfoAge Science and History Museum, Wall Township
$12 adults / $8 kids (reduced admission with unwrapped toy donation)

Model trains, holiday magic, and fascinating history at the historic Camp Evans complex. Plus, Santa will be there! Visit Event Website →

Iron in the Pines Vintage Fest

12/06 from 10am-4pm
New Egypt Flea Market, Cream Ridge
Free

The New Egypt Flea Market turns into a vintage wonderland at the Iron in the Pines Festival. Cast iron Kyle, Tom's refined iron and NJ's own Pyrex man will be on hand for some fun. Visit Event Website →

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy

12/04 - 12/05 from 6pm or 8pm
House of Independents, Asbury Park
$55-$65

An immersive experience that will transport you into the chilling tales of The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher. Enjoy 4 expertly crafted cocktails, each paired to enhance the story it accompanies. Visit Event Website →

Morris County

Mistletoe Market

12/06 - 12/07
Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake
Free

Stroll through the Magical Holiday Village provided by Amish Mike, filled with twinkling lights, cozy cabins, and festive charm. Hayrides, Santa, brownie bar, games and more. Visit Event Website →

Jingle Bell Market

12/06 - 12/07
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway
Free

A festive shopping experience featuring local vendors, unique gifts, and holiday treats. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, support small businesses, and get into the holiday spirit. Visit Event Website →

Ocean County

Toms River Winter Wonderland

12/06 from 11am-4pm
Downtown Toms River
Free

Gifts, district businesses, family activities, carols, holiday music, face painting, ornament painting, holiday story time and more! Visit Event Website →

Save Barnegat Bay's Winter Market

12/06 - 12/07
Save Barnegat Bay's EcoCenter, Toms River
Free

15+ local artists and crafters at the Save Barnegat Bay EcoCenter selling beautiful & unique gifts for all your holiday season gift giving needs. Support local artists this season and a local mission! Visit Event Website →

The Affair at Cedar Bridge

12/07 from 10am-4pm
Cedar Bridge Tavern Historical Site, Barnegat
Free

The Affair at Cedar Bridge 1782 will feature period activities, refreshments, music and more. Enjoy period drinks, NJ Fifes and Drums, giant chess and checkers, crafts, tours, music and more. Visit Event Website →

Passaic County

Skylands Manor Holiday Open House

12/4 - 12/7
Ringwood
$12 for adults

opens for self-guided tours so you can enjoy the decor with a theme of "A Wonderful Holiday". The gift shop and cafe will be open during tour hours. Visit Event Website →

Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show

12/07 from 10am-5pm
Wayne Valley High School, Wayne
$3

Over 100 exhibitors with a wonderful variety of arts and crafts will be set up in one huge gym. Visit Event Website →

Somerset County

Holiday Lights Hayride

11/28 - 12/21
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough Twsp.
$15

Norz Hill Farm offers Hayride experiences complete with holiday lights, outdoor interactive displays, a spin by the animals, and perhaps a stop by Santa's cornfield office! Visit Event Website →

Sussex County

German Christmas Market

12/5 - 12/7
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
$10 adults, under 12 free

A nonprofit event that gives back to Sussex County charities. Vendors, activities, and holiday vibes make this event one people wait every year for. Visit Event Website →

Union County

Winter Wonderland & Holiday Village

12/05 (5-9:30pm) - 12/06 (2-9pm)
Town Hall, Union
Free

60+ local artisans, crafters, and food vendors offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and delicious seasonal treats. Activities and engaging entertainment for all ages including Santa’s workshop, ice skating, S’mores, and more. Visit Event Website →

Holiday Model Train Show

12/06 - 12/14
A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center, Union
$5+

Show features over 11,000 square feet of train displays. Layouts will include HO, G and N scale displays. Tickets are sold at the door and proceeds go the the model railroad club. Visit Event Website →

Reeves-Reed Holiday Open House

12/07  from 11am-4pm
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
Free

Discover unique vendors, Santa, crafting, walks, and more. Visit Event Website →

Warren County

Hope Christmas Craft Market

12/06 - 12/07
Hope
$5 per person

Over 200 artisans - a mix of juried and non-juried, photos w/ Santa live music, food & the Czig Meister beer truck. Show is held at six buildings across the town. Free shuttles are available to take you to all the locations. Event runs 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Visit Event Website →

The kids are going to be alright, Ariya proves it! This young lady is hosting her 4th annual “Hot Chocolate for Charity” Fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds she raises at her event will be donated to the Tinton Falls Associated Humane Society. Ariya started this project when she was just 9 years old! Last year she raised over $4,400 for the humane society.

Hot chocolate flavors at her stand include peppermint, salted caramel, gingerbread and of course there will be whipped cream and marshmallows too. Pup cups are also available for free. There are so many activities happening - so be sure to check out the Facebook Event Discussion for details!

Do you have feedback, questions, or a story you want me to share? Just reply to this email—I read every message, and your input helps make this newsletter better.