The latest update for The Best Holiday Tree Lighting Events in New Jersey is written by Vinny Parisi.
New Jersey kicks off the holiday season with brilliant tree lighting events throughout the state. These celebrations bring on the holiday cheer with fun and free festivities, such as Santa visits, live music, ice skating and carriage rides. From the cities of Northern New Jersey to the towns along the shore, there’s no brighter start to the holidays!
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a Tree Lighting event near you.
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North Jersey
Little Falls Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2021
When: 12/01/2021 at 6:30 PMWhere: Main Street and Wilmore Road, Little Falls
Details: The Little Falls Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on December 1, 2021 from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm. (There is also a rain date set for December 2, in case of bad weather.) The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Little Falls takes place at Memorial park. In addition to the lighting ceremony, a number of other activities will be going on. For instance, guests can expect a visit from Santa, a toy drive, and some snacks. Look for this free-to-attend family event online to learn more.
Town of Newton Tree Lighting & Santa Visit
When: 12/03/2021 at 5:00 PMWhere: 39 Trinity Street, Newton
Details: The Town of Newton is hosting its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on Friday, December 3, 2021. This family friendly holiday event takes place at Newton Town Hall and begins at 5:00 pm. In particular, the tree lighting starts at 5:15 pm. Shortly after, Santa will be visiting for a meet and greet at 5:30 pm. (Kids can also use this time to write letters to Santa and deliver them personally.) This event is open to the general public and free to attend. Visit the Annual Tree Lighting Facebook event to register for attendance (not required) and learn more.
Santa Comes to Wyckoff & Tree Lighting 2021
When: 12/03/2021 at 5:30 PMWhere: 340 Franklin Ave, Wyckoff
Details: The "Santa Comes to Wyckoff and Tree Lighting" event takes place on Friday, December 3, 2021. The holiday fun happens at Town Hall from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm. (However, there is also a rain date set for December 4, in case of bad weather.) Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be traveling by firetruck to greet children and their families. The pair will visit Cedar Hill Plaza, then the Boulder Run Shopping Center before finally arriving at Town Hall. Visit the Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce website to learn more about this event.
Rochelle Park Christmas Tree Lighting 2021
When: 12/03/2021 at 6:00 PMWhere: 151 West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park
Details: The Rochelle Park Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the Rochelle Park Public Library. The ceremony is from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and is presented by Rochelle Park Recreation. During this special holiday event, guests can expect light refreshments, live music, and more. In particular, their will be hot cocoa to enjoy and carriage rides. (The music performers are not yet announced.) Of course, families can expect a visit from Santa as well. Visit the Rochelle Park Christmas Tree Lighting event page on Facebook to learn more.
Modick Park Holiday Market in the Park & Tree Lighting
When: 12/04/2021 at 3:00 PMWhere: 28 Hopatcong Rd, Hopatcong
Details: Modick Park in Hopatcong is hosting a holiday trifecta on December 4, 2021 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. First, there's the Holiday Market in the Park, which consists of local vendors selling unique holiday items and gifts. Then, there's the Santa visit from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm which coincides with the final event; the Hopatcong Tree Lighting at Modick Park to end the night, in cooperation with the Hopatcong Recreation Department. Visit the "Holiday Market in the Park, Santa Visit & Tree Lighting" event page on Facebook to learn more.
Belvidere Christmas Tree Lighting Bake Sale
When: 12/04/2021 at 5:00 PMWhere: 10 Greenwich Street, Belvidere
Details: The town of Belvidere is hosting its Christmas Tree Lighting Bake Sale on Saturday, December 4, 2021. This holiday celebration begins at 5:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm at the Rustic Retail artisan market. According to the event organizers, the bake sale fundraiser is actually to raise money for a local family. In addition to the bake sale, guests can expect hot chocolate, hot dogs, and kids train rides. Families can also expect a visit from Santa. Visit the Christmas Tree Lighting Bake Sale event page on Facebook to learn more.
Central Jersey
Rahway Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland
When: 11/26/2021 at 4:00 PMWhere: 1 City Hall Plaza, Rahway
Details: The Rahway Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland holiday events begin on November 26, 2021. After the Tree Lighting on that date, the Winder Wonderland continues on December 3, 10, and 17; But first, the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 26 takes place from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. These events take place at the Train Station Plaza, The Paseo, the Art Districts Park, and along Cherry Street. Both events are free to attend. Look for this event online to learn more.
Downtown Somerville Holiday Jubilee 2021
When: 12/03/2021 at 5:00 PMWhere: Main St, Somerville
Details: The Annual Downtown Somerville Holiday Jubilee is a one-day event taking place on Friday, December 3, 2021. A wide array of activities will take over Main St and Division St during this family friendly holiday event. The fun happens from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and kicks off with Santa's arrival and the tree lighting. After that, free photos with Santa and free carriage rides continue until 9:00 pm. Visit the Downtown Somerville website to learn more about this event.
Kingwood Township Tree Lighting Ceremony 2021
When: 12/04/2021 at 4:00 PMWhere: 200 Union Rd, Frenchtown
Details: The Kingwood Township Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 4, 2021 at Kingwood Park. The event begins at 4:00 pm, but Santa will arrive at 4:30 pm; then the tree lighting ceremony starts at 5:00 pm. In addition to the ceremony, the Kingwood School Chorus will perform a special concert with holiday songs. Guests can also expect light refreshments as well. This event is sponsored by the Kingwood Township Committee and Parks and Rec. Visit the Kingwood Township website to learn more.
Liberty Tree Lighting at Jacobus Vanderveer House
When: 12/04/2021 at 4:00 PMWhere: 3055 River Rd, Bedminster
Details: The Annual Liberty Tree Lighting Celebration at Jacobus Vanderveer House & Museum takes place on December 4, 2021. The festivities begin at 4:00 pm and go until 7:00 pm. However, the Liberty Tree itself will be lit at 5:00 pm. This event and all related activities will take place outdoors. The tree lighting at Jacobus Vanderveer House & Museum is free to attend and does not require registration. Visit the Jacobus Vanderveer House website to learn more about this special holiday event fit for the whole family.
High Bridge Christmas Tree Lighting 2021
When: 12/04/2021 at 6:00 PMWhere: Main Street, High Bridge
Details: Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the annual High Bridge Christmas Tree Lighting. For 2021, the ceremony takes place on Friday, December 4 at 6:00 pm in Downtown High Bridge on Main Street. This community event is made possible thanks to the High Bridge Business Association as well as local volunteers. In addition to the tree lighting, guests can expect live holiday music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa himself. Visit the High Bridge Christmas Tree Lighting event page on Facebook to learn more.
Scotch Plains Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration
When: 12/05/2021 at 2:00 PMWhere: Park Ave, Scotch Plains
Details: The Scotch Plains Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration takes place on Sunday, December 5, 2021. The event takes place at the Alan Augustine Village Green on Park Avenue from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Guests can expect a variety of activities in addition to the tree lighting perfect for the whole family. For instance, there will be carriage rides, face painting, and more. During the event, kids and adults alike can enjoy hot chocolate. Look for this event online to learn more.
Robbinsville Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting
When: 12/07/2021 at 6:30 PMWhere: 1117 Route 130, Robbinsville
Details: The Robbinsville Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting is an outdoor event takes place on December 7, 2021. Both activities will happen at the Robbinsville Municipal Complex, in the senior center parking lot. This free holiday event is perfect for the whole family, and lasts from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm. In addition to the tree and menorah lighting ceremonies, there will be live holiday music; courtesy of the Robbinsville High School Choir. Visit the Robbinsville Township website to learn more about this event.
Jersey Shore
Wildwood Crest Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
When: 12/01/2021 at 6:00 PMWhere: Park Blvd, Wildwood Crest
Details: The annual Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting takes place on Wednesday December 1, 2021. (In case of bad weather, there is also a rain date scheduled for December 2.) This event is from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sunset Lake along Atlanta Ave and New Jersey Ave. Attendance is free and the holiday tree lighting is open to the public. Visit the Wildwood Crest website to learn more about this event. (Those interested can also contact the Wildwood Crest Recreation Department over the phone to request more info.
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting & Winter Village
When: 12/03/2021 - 12/05/2021 at 5:00 PMWhere: 33 Washington Street, Toms River
Details: This year, the Toms River Tree Lighting & Winter Village takes place from December 3 through the 5, 2021. First, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony is on Friday, December 3 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Then, the Winter Village takes over the Town Hall courtyard on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5. The Winter Village is open from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm both days. The Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District welcomes all ages to this free event. Visit the Downtown Toms River website to learn more about this event.
Borough of Ship Bottom Christmas Tree Lighting 2021
When: 12/03/2021 at 5:30 PMWhere: Shore Avenue, Beach Haven
Details: The Borough of Ship Bottom Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Friday, December 3, 2021. This is also the night before the 42nd annual Christmas Parade, which always follows the tree lighting ceremony. The event takes place at 10th Street and Shore Ave, at the Waterfront Park, and begins at 5:30 pm. Guests can expect hot cocoa and s'mores by the fire; courtesy of the Ship Bottom Fire Company and Long Beach Island PBA. Visit the Borough of Ship Bottom's Christmas Tree Lighting event page on Facebook to learn more.
Christmas at the Mansion in Somers Point
When: 12/04/2021 at 10:00 AMWhere: 1000 Shore Road, Somers Point
Details: Christmas at the Mansion is a special holiday event in Somers Point. The fun takes place for one day only on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Somers Point Mansion; the hours are from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. However, the Christmas tree lighting itself will be at 5:00 pm. Guests can expect local merchants with holiday items and gifts as well as food trucks and other entertainment. Of course, Christmas isn't complete without a visit from Santa, and he'll be on site for photos! Visit the Eventbrite website to register for this free family event and learn more.
Annual Tree Lighting in Downtown Freehold
When: 12/07/2021 at 5:00 PMWhere: Main Street, Freehold
Details: In association with Ray Catena and Ocean First Bank, The Annual Downtown Freehold Tree Lighting is back for 2021. This year, the ceremony takes place on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at the Hall of Records. (However, in case of bad weather, the rain date is Wednesday, December 8.) Guests can expect music, hot cider, and a special guest during the two-hour event; which takes place from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Attendance is free, and takes place entirely outdoors. Visit the Downtown Freehold website to learn more about this event.
America's Keswick 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
When: 12/11/2021 at 7:00 PMWhere: 601 County Road 530, Manchester Township
Details: The second annual Keswick Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on December 11, 2021 at America's Keswick. This event is from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and tickets are on sale now. Admission costs $5 per person, but kids 4 and under attend for free. In addition to the tree lighting, America's Keswick is hosting a number of family-friendly activities during the event. Visit the America's Keswick website to learn more, or visit Eventbrite to purchase tickets.
South Jersey
Boro in Lights Annual Glassboro Tree Lighting
When: 12/03/2021 at 6:00 PMWhere: 1 west High Street , West Glassboro
Details: The town of Glassboro is hosting their annual Boro in Lights Tree Lighting on Friday, December 3, 2021. This event begins at 6:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm. As usual, the Town Square in downtown Glassboro is where the tree lighting takes place. The family friendly night out does not accept any outside vendors, but will offer light snacks and beverages. This year, the event is hosted in partnership with Kingsway Church. Visit the Glassboro website to learn more about this event.
Washington Township Christmas Tree Lighting 2021
When: 12/03/2021 at 6:00 PMWhere: 626 Hurffville - Cross Keys Rd, Sewell
Details: The Washington Township Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Friday, December 3, 2021. This event happens at the Washington Lake Park Ampitheater. The tree lighting ceremony activities begin at 6:00 pm, but the actual lighting itself starts at 7:00 pm. Throughout the evening, guests can expect to see vendors within the Winter Village, and much more. This free family night out also entails meet and greet visits from a couple special guests. Look for the Washington Township Christmas Tree Lighting event online to learn more.
Riverton Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
When: 12/04/2021 at 2:00 PMWhere: Riverton, Riverton
Details: The Riverton Tree Lighting and Christmas Village take places in Downtown Riverton on December 4, 2021. The Christmas Village is open from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm, but the Christmas Tree Lighting is at 7:00 pm; in addition to the lighting, guests can expect a visit from Santa at 7:00 pm as well. This holiday event is possible thanks to the Riverton Economic Improvement Community and the Riverton Improvement Association. Visit the town website to learn more about this event.
Camden's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
When: 12/04/2021 at 4:00 PMWhere: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden
Details: Camden's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration takes place on Saturday, December 4, 2021. The celebration takes place on the Camden Water Front at 2 Aquarium Loop Drive. This free event is fun for the whole family, and features a number of activities including live music; as well as stilt walkers, train rides and, of course, photos with Santa himself! Guests can also look forward to hot cocoa, kids crafts, and more. Visit the Eventbrite website to learn more about this event and register to attend.
Bellmawr Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
When: 12/05/2021 at 6:00 PMWhere: 21 East Browning Road, Bellmawr
Details: The Bellmawr Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting takes place on Sunday, December 5, 2021. The parade begins at 6:00 pm, starting at St. Joachim Church and ending in front of the Borough Hall. Typically, the Bellmawr Christmas Parade only includes emergency vehicles in the show. However, for the first time ever, the 2021 parade is open to all submissions. This means that anyone can register a vehicle, float, or marching unit to participate in the parade. Visit the Bellmawr town website to learn more about this event.
Gloucester Township Tree Lighting Ceremony 2021
When: 12/12/2021 at 4:30 PMWhere: 1261 Chews Landing Rd, Clementon
Details: The Gloucester Township Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 12, 2021. The location for this year's ceremony is the Veterans Park next to the municipal building (1261 Chews Landing Road). The celebration begins at 4:30 pm, with Santa's arrival and the tree lighting taking place around 6:30 pm. In addition to the tree lighting, guests can expect a variety of other activities as well. Visit the Gloucester Township website to learn more about this event.
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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce / Facebook
Palmer Square Princeton / Website
Pier Village / Facebook
Borough of Collingswood / Facebook
