Looking for something festive to do with the family this month? There are plenty of December festivals in New Jersey to keep you busy; including ice-skating, shopping bazaars (which are perfect for picking up those last-minute gifts!), and historical celebrations.
As if your holiday schedule wasn’t already full, we’ve put together a list of the best December Festivals in NJ!
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a December Festival near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
Where: The Morristown Green, North Park Place, Morristown
When: December 1 to December 22, hours vary
Price: Free admission
Details: Morristown’s annual holiday celebration begins with Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the Green on December 1 at 5:00 pm. Activities vary from weekend to weekend, so be sure to check the website for each day’s agenda. Featured events include photos with Santa Claus, miniature train rides, and ice sculpting demos, as well as gingerbread house making.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Hometown Holiday
Where: Main Street, Hackettstown
When: December 6 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Kick off the holiday season with the 14th annual Hometown Holiday in downtown Hackettstown. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town, then enjoy live music plus a performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at 8:00 pm. Next, grab a treat at the dining tent and stop by the Holiday Shopping Bazaar for the perfect gift. Also, don’t miss the Santa Parade, Tree Lighting, and Santa Selfie Station!
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Central Jersey
Holiday Celebration
Where: Alan M. Augustine Village Green, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains
When: December 8 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Bring a canned food donation and enjoy all the best seasonal fun in downtown Scotch Plains. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, caricatures, and carolers; in addition to painting and cookie decorating. There’s also a petting zoo! Don’t miss visiting with Santa or the tree lighting, either.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Winter Holiday Festival
Where: Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge
When: December 7 & 8 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: The 21st annual Holiday Festival will make you feel as though you’re in a winter wonderland. Kids can take a hayride through the forest to see Santa at his house; or play games and make crafts in his workshop. You can enjoy either the horse show or drill team competition, and peruse the Silent Auction for gifts.
More info: Visit the website.
Jersey Shore
Christkindlmarkt
Where: Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
When: December 6 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, December 7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and December 8 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: $5 admission
Details: Decorate gingerbread houses, enjoy the Festival of Trees, or take a holiday horse wagon ride during Tuckerton Seaport’s Christkindlmarkt. This annual event features a holiday market, a craft fair, food vendors, and children’s rides; as well as live entertainment on the grounds of the historic seaport.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Seaside Heights Santacon
Where: All throughout Seaside Heights
When: December 21 at noon
Price: Donation suggested in order for participation
Details: Throw on that Santa suit and get ready to spread holiday cheer throughout Seaside Heights during Santacon. This year, all net proceeds will again benefit Chive Charities. Participants are asked to bring one unwrapped toy as well as two non-perishable food items for donation to participate. Those who donate $25 receive a commemorative patch, beer mug, and raffle tickets, in addition to entry into the poker run.
More info: Visit the website.
Wildwood’s Family Holiday Celebration
Where: North Wildwood Recreation Center, 900 Central Avenue, North Wildwood
When: December 6, 7 & 14, hours vary
Price: Free admission
Details: The 12th annual Wildwood Family Holiday Celebration starts on December 6 with the Greater Wildwood Jaycees’ Christmas Parade at 6:30 pm, followed by a tree lighting at 7:30 pm. More holiday fun awaits on December 7 with the Winter Festival at Byrne Plaza. The following Saturday is the Holiday Bazaar, an event filled with face painters, holiday shopping, crafts for children, a stocking-making table and holiday movies, in addition to a second tree lighting at 4:30 pm.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Winter in the Pines
Where: Historic Batsto Village, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton
When: December 1 from Noon to 4:00 pm
Price: Free admission, fees for certain activities
Details: Stroll through Historic Batsto Village for its annual holiday gathering. Check out live music, demonstrations, or experience a carriage ride through the village. Guests can also tour the Batsto Mansion in all its holiday splendor and listen to seasonal tunes by local choirs.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
South Jersey
Christmas in Roebling
Where: Roebling Museum, 100 Second Avenue, Roebling
When: December 14 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Visit Roebling Museum to taste cider and donuts with Santa; then enjoy music, crafts, toy-making, and holiday fun galore. Guided Village Walking Tours are also available for a small fee. There is no admission fee to attend, but they do accept donations.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
WinterFest at Cooper River Opening Weekend
Where: Cooper River Park, 5300 North Park Drive, Pennsauken
When: November 29 – December 1, hours vary
Price: Free admission (fee for ice skating)
Details: Cooper River Park is once again transforming into a wintry wonderland for WinterFest; this outdoor extravaganza begins in November and lasts through February. Don’t miss the ice skating, tasty treats and, new this year, arcade games, in the heated, outside tents. They add different events each weekend, so be sure to check the schedule online.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Hero (Top) Photo: © Monkey Business / Adobe Stock
Other Photos (in Order):
Town of Morristown, NJ / Facebook
Scotch Plains Township / Facebook
Santacon Seaside Heights / Facebook
Camden County Government / Facebook
Looking for year-round listings of more great activities? Check out our roundup of New Jersey’s Best Fairs & Festivals.
