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Santa Sightings, Holiday Light Shows, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey

A live orchestra provides the soundtrack for this Christmas classic on the big screen. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Symphony
A live orchestra provides the soundtrack for this Christmas classic on the big screen. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Symphony
12/3/25 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

On this first weekend of December, local New Jersey towns are getting into the holiday groove with neighborhood celebrations, like Mount Laurel's Tree Lighting and Winter Festival, where kids can enjoy arts and crafts, snap photos with Santa, and nosh on tasty treats. Toms River hosts a Winter Wonderland Weekend, complete with a shoppable village, Santa appearances, and tons of kid-friendly fun. 

Families can embrace the spirit of the season with a pair of fun Christmas concerts. Elf in Concert plays in Newark and Red Bank, while Cherish the Ladies brings A Celtic Christmas to the Union County Performing Arts Center.  

Plus, New Jersey farms boast some holiday fun, including Celebrate the Season at Terhune Orchards and Festive Farmyard at Fosterfields. 

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our New Jersey Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even FREE events! Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for FREE and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

 

 

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Top Things To Do in NJ this Weekend with Kids

Tree Lighting and Winter Festival in Mount Laurel

Mount Laurel – FREE
Friday, December 5
Join TD Bank for the magic of the holiday season at its 36th annual tree lighting and winter festival, featuring free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, tasty treats, festive photo ops, DJ, games, prizes, and more. READ MORE

Gnometown Holiday in Washington Borough

Washington – FREE
Friday, December 5
Gnometown Holiday returns to Downtown Washington, kicking off the holiday season. The family fun-filled evening features the annual borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, DJ music, free horse and carriage rides, vendors, selfies with Santa, and gifts for every child. READ MORE

Toms River Winter Wonderland Weekend

Toms River – FREE
Friday, December 5-Saturday, December 6
Toms River hosts a weekend of fun to ring in the holiday season. A tree lighting kicks off the weekend and Santa arrives for photo-ops. Shop the Winter Village all weekend long for wares from local vendors, plus enjoy children's activities and music. READ MORE

German Christmas Market of New Jersey

Augusta
Friday, December 5-Sunday, December 7
Bring your holiday lists to the German Christmas Market, and peruse vendors of German food, wooden Christmas decor, logo merchandise, and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by the courtyard for a visit. The fun also includes family-friendly activities. READ MORE

Dickens Village in Maplewood

Maplewood – FREE
Opens Saturday, December 6
The Dickens Village returns to Maplewood for the holiday season. The Christmas Carol-inspired houses are decorated with fireplaces, stockings, and antique toys. Other activities include horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

South Orange Tree Lighting

South Orange – FREE
Saturday, December 6
South Orange kicks off its Hometown Holiday and Tree Lighting Ceremony with a joyful afternoon filled with festive fun for all ages, from Santa photos and kids’ activities to live performances, Holiday Education Station, and the beloved community tree lighting. READ MORE

Elf in Concert

Newark and Red Bank
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7
This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert. READ MORE

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Terhune Orchards

Princeton – FREE
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7
In December, Terhune Orchards turns into the North Pole with a special winter wonderland. Choose the perfect Christmas tree and wreath. Warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate or a s’mores kit. Terhune's own holiday cookie decorating kits are available all season. READ MORE

Festive Farmyard at Fosterfields

Morristown
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7
Celebrate the holidays in this fun family event. See the barnyard all decorated for the season, watch live cooking demonstrations in the 1915 farmhouse, create a holiday craft, take a wagon ride, and take a picture with Santa. READ MORE

Free Santa Photos at Fortunoff Backyard Store

Paramus and Totowa – FREE
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7
Stop by Fortunoff Backyard Store for free photos with Santa. Families with children and pets are welcome. The event takes place in two locations. READ MORE

Downtown Red Bank Holiday Trolley

Red Bank – FREE
Weekends from Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 14
All aboard the downtown Red Bank Holiday Trolley. Take a ride on select December weekends. Enjoy festive tunes, colorful lights, and the sights of downtown Red Bank during the most magical time of year. READ MORE

Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas

Rahway
Sunday, December 7
UCPAC welcomes Cherish the Ladies for its Celtic Christmas concert during this special holiday matinee performance. Celebrating an incredible milestone of 40 years, Cherish the Ladies have captured the hearts of audiences around the world with its exhilarating blend of traditional Irish music, breathtaking vocals, and propulsive step dancing. READ MORE

A Dream is a Wish Princess Holiday Concert

Seaside Heights – FREE
Sunday, December 7
Join Casino Pier Arcade for a magical afternoon as four of your favorite princesses take the stage, singing beloved Christmas carols and holiday songs that fill the arcade with cheer. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Holiday Celebration

Scotch Plains – FREE
Sunday, December 7
Alan Augustine Village Green is the place to be for an all-out holiday celebration. Enjoy a petting zoo, vendors, a gingerbread house display, live performances, photos with Santa and the tree lighting at 5pm. READ MORE
Plan a seasonal getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, one of our favorite Christmas towns. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park
Plan a seasonal getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, one of our favorite Christmas towns. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:

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If all you want for Christmas is a seasonal getaway, consider this list is our gift to you. READ MORE
The Fanwood's Famous Christmas House is one of the most spectacular seasonal sights in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the family
The Fanwood's Famous Christmas House is one of the most spectacular seasonal sights in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the family

More Fun Holiday Season Things To Do With Kids

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Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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Read more articles by Laurie Rein.