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What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year’s in New Jersey?

Most New Jersey schools are closed for at least a week for winter break, so there's plenty of time to enjoy a day trip or special holiday outing between Christmas and New Year's. My family loves to explore something new and exciting (and revisit an old fave), whether it's visiting an enchanting Christmas town or seeing some holiday lights at the zoo. Be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide for more great ideas.

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in New Jersey

While you may not want to pack the week with too many activities, you'll definitely make the most of the week if you block out a couple of days for certain trips. If your kids love outings with a buddy, reach out early and ask a friend or two to join you for a winter play date. 

For outdoor events, dress for the weather and check holiday hours. About a week in advance, check the weather forecast for snow, and if you're good to drive, buy tickets early.

More Family Holiday Guides for New Jersey

• Best 2025 Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
• 34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids in 2025
• 25 Winter Day Trips in NJ
• 21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids in 2025

Top Family Events and Activities in New Jersey During Winter Break

1. Jurassic Quest – Edison

Get tickets to Jurassic Quest at NJ Convention and Exhibit Center where you can see over 100 life-sized, animatronic dinos roar to life, or enjoy dinosaur-themed rides, shows, and inflatable attractions. The event runs Saturday, December 27 through Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

2. Fireworks at Battleship New Jersey – Camden

Head to Battleship New Jersey on New Year's Eve for fireworks at 6pm. Admission is $10 per person, with food available for purchase. The decks open at 4pm.

3. First Night Morris – Morristown

Tickets for this fantastic New Year's Eve family event include admission to some great music and dance performances plus fun activities like crafts and Legos. There's also a juggler and Dinoman with magic, life-size dinosaurs, and facts.

4. Bergen County Winter Wonderland – Paramus

Visit Van Saun Park from now through Sunday, January 4, 2026 for Winter Wonderland, featuring open-air ice skating, games, train rides, carousel rides, zoo programming, and more.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Spots to Snowboard and Ski in New Jersey

 
Jenkinson's Aquarium has an annual holiday lights spectacular, Sea of Lights. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's

5. Jenkinson's Seas & Greetings – Point Pleasant

The Boardwalk is packed with holiday fun through Sunday, December 28, 2025. Meet Princesses at the Funhouse ($5 admission), see a bubble snow and a magic show on the boardwalk, and check out sea animals and holiday lights at Sea of Lights at the aquarium ($12 admission). You can also go ice skating ($12 admission) through New Year's Eve.

6. Campgaw – Mahwah

Plan a ski trip to a nearby ski resort like Campgaw or try snowboarding.

7. Visit Rockefeller Center – NYC

Take a NJ Transit train or bus to the Big Apple and see the sights.

8. Crystal Springs – Hamburg

Have a little getaway at Crystal Springs Resort, where you can ski, swim, dine, and relax in one place.

9. Six Flags – Jackson

Experience the holiday wonderland at Six Flags with millions of lights and holiday entertainment. And, of course, hop aboard many popular rides.

10. Broadhollow's Barnyard – Boonton

See baby animals and Christmas lights as well as take a train ride at the Barnyard Under the Stars event through Sunday, December 28.

11. Allaire Community Farm – Wall Township

Through December 28, walk through a display with more than 20,000 lights, take a wagon ride, feed animals, and more at this Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration.

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in New Jersey?

12. Magic of Lights – Holmdel

Take a trip the dazzling Magic of Lights exhibit at the PNC Bank Arts Center.

13. Winter Wonderlights – East Brunswick

You can get tickets to this delightful outdoor display through Sunday, December 28.

14. Skylands – Augusta

The Skylands mile-long display of lights will be open through Saturday, January 3, 2026 (though the display is closed New Year's Eve).

15. GLOW – Sicklerville

GLOW is a one-mile display that grew out of an over-the-top home display. This year, it will be glowin' strong until Sunday, January 4, 2026.

RELATED: Best New Jersey Christmas Towns that Go All-Out for the Holidays

The twinkling lights at Turtleback Zoo are a perfect backdrop to family photos. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner 

16. Turtleback Zoo – West Orange

Turtleback Zoo has a fantastic display of evening holiday lights and activities. Check out our review of this FREE event.

17. Let it Glow – Paramus

At Let it Glow in the Bergen County Zoo, see big glowing lanterns in 30+ glowing scenes through Sunday, January 11, 2026.

18. Holland Ridge Farms – Cream Ridge

Through Sunday, January 4, 2026, visitors can stroll through floral-themed holiday lights and themed displays at Holland Ridge Farms, NJ's famous pick-your-own tulip farm.

19. Winter Village – Newark

Newark is hosting a fun winter village with lots of activities through early January.

20. Morven's Festival of Trees – Princeton

Through Sunday, January 11, 2026, visit the Morven Museum to see beautifully decorated trees.

What Indoor Activities Can Families Enjoy Between Christmas and New Year’s in New Jersey?

21. Liberty Science Center – Jersey City

Experience LSC's Holiday Adventure with sock skating, a mini train ride,  and special animals like a penguin and a kangaroo. The regular exhibits and planetarium will be open, too.

22. iPlay America – Freehold

Go on rides, explore the indoor boardwalk, play in Ballocity, or challenge friends to laser tag at iPlay.

23. DreamWorks Indoor Waterpark – Secaucus

Slap on your swimsuits and spend the day at an indoor waterpark like DreamWorks in the American Dream Mall.

24. Adventure Aquarium – Camden

Head to Adventure Aquarium to see Scuba Diving Santa.

25. Baron Arts Center Holiday Model Train Show – Woodbridge

See model trains barreling down the tracks at this FREE show, which runs through Dec. 30.

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in New Jersey?

Yes! Ocean County and Morris County each host great First Night events. Or, catch New Year's Eve fireworks at Battleship NJ and Sea Isle City, or experience the Asteroid Drop dance party at Edelman Fossil Museum. For even more options, check out our list of the Best Things to Do on New Year's Eve with Kids.

FAQ – Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in New Jersey

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in New Jersey?
Check out light displays, special programming at museums like the Liberty Science Center, or an outdoor event like Winter Wonderland in Bergen County or Seas & Greetings.

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in New Jersey?
Absolutely! Many over-the-top house displays stay lit until the new year, so you should definitely make time to see some of NJ's most spectacular neighborhood light displays. Another great event is the FREE Turtleback Zoo light display. The Barron Arts Center Holiday Model Train Show is free, too.

Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?
Visit NJ museums, aquariums, and indoor waterparks during holiday break.

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?
Yes, many major light displays stay open after Christmas until the first few days of January.

Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in New Jersey?
From First Night to fireworks, there are lots of New Year's Eve events that will help you ring in the new year.

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in New Jersey?
Most zoos and museums stay open during Christmas break.