Things to do during your Christmas vacation in NJ
There are plenty of things to do during your Christmas vacation in NJ, do not miss this opportunity to find out what they are! While you can take your family ice skating, building a snowman, skiing or just spend a nice day outside, the Christmas season is perfect to participate in some of the amazing events during December and January.
Children playing in front of Santa, representing fun things to do during your Christmas vacation in NJ.
Winter holidays are the happiest time of the year for many people. It is the time when all families gather to spend some quality time together. It is the time of the most beautiful festivities, filled with tasty food and drinks. If you are looking for the perfect vacation destination during the winter, one of the best places you can visit is New Jersey. There are plenty of things to do during your Christmas vacation in NJ, so let’s see what are your options!
Pay a visit to Johnson’s Corner Farm
Starting on November 25th and all up to December 23rd, Johnson’s Corner Farm, located at 133 Church Road in Medford, NJ is going to be a place of fun and entertainment.
- Christmas Light Show Hayride – There is a beautiful show presenting thousands of lights.
- Light Show + Discovery Barn and Animal Farm – Entry fee for this phenomenal combo is $9.95 per person.
- Visit with Santa: Santa is looking forward to seeing all the children again this year.
He will be sitting on his Red tractor and greeting all of the children from a safe distance.
Aside from that, you can enjoy the usual winter events, like roasting marshmallows and decorating Christmas cookies.
The Polar Express Ride
Another fantastic train experience is The Polar Express ride. It started on November 16th, but if you haven’t visited it by now, have no fear! The event closes on December 30th, so you have plenty of time to take your family on an amazing winter journey!
The ride starts at Whippany Station, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany. It is a bit pricey since the tickets are $46+ for adults and $41+ for children. However, if your young ones are younger than 2 years, they can take the ride for free!
During the ride, you will enjoy entertainment events while drinking hot chocolate, and eating crunchy cookies. In the end, each participant gets a sleigh bell as a gift to take home! A word of caution, this is a Polar ride, so dress warmly!
This polar ride is just one among many annual holiday events and parties in NJ you can participate in.
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights event
Another free event awaits for all interested in visiting Turtle Back Zoo. The event started on November 22nd, and it ends on December 31st. It is open to all ages! Enjoy in the nighttime buy soma hair products stroll with your loved ones, while watching spectacular winter scenes and animal characters, or ride on a free carousel ride.
Even though the event is free, you can leave donations at the entrance if you wish. You can bring unwrapped toys, non-perishable food products, or winter clothes in good condition.
Winter Wonderland Festivity
If you ask the locals, they will tell you that one of the reasons for living in Bergen County is most definitely the Winter Wonderland event. Head out to Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ, anywhere from November 29th till January 5th. During that time, you can enjoy many events, such as ice skating, kids games and activities, unlimited Express train and Carousel rides, Workshops, Beer garden, food trucks and much more. The schedule is usually packed, so make sure to check for availability before you go.
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration in Newark
There are no winter holidays without a decorated Holiday tree. Do not miss this unique opportunity to come to Newark on December 3rd, and attend a Holliday Tree Lighting Celebration. This entertaining and free event will happen on Prudential Center’s Championship Plaza, 232 Market Street in Newark, NJ.
Bring your kids and take photos with Santa and the Elves, sing along with carolers, or dance to a live DJ performance. Some other activities that will entertain both you and your children are a bouncy house, trackless train, and ice-carving demonstrations.
The Elf on the Shelf – fabulous Christmas musical!
Watching a Christmas musical with your loved ones is an opportunity to enjoy in some music, accompanied by funny stories and children’s laughter. The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Musical is scheduled for December 3rd and 4th, so you have plenty of opportunities to grab a couple of tickets. Price is $35+ per person, but it is worth every penny!
Enjoy in a beautiful story with a friendly Elf on the Shelf named Tater Tot, and rediscover the joy and the spirit of Christmas. This event will be held at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ.
Additionally, if you are interested in more Christmas musicals, do not miss an opportunity to go see the Jersey City Nutcracker.
New Year’s Eve Splash at Camden
We can’t really talk about things to do during your Christmas vacation in NJ without mentioning New Year’s Eve Splash event in Camden. On December 31st, Adventure Aquarium at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden, New Jersey will be host to many families and their friends. A ticket for one adult is $29.99, while kids from 2 to 12 years pay $21.99. The event lasts from 11 AM till 6 PM, so you have plenty of time to get home for the big ball drop over Times Square.
However, while you are there, you can enjoy special events, dance with your friends and Aquarium mascot Gill, and watch a fabulous fireworks display over the Delaware River.
About the Author:
Angie Sims used to work in the traveling industry for 6 years, and now she works in the relocation industry. For the last 3 years, she has been specializing in helping people with their domestic and international relocation. She is also a full-time mom and a part-time blog writer. From her own experiences, she writes about traveling and moving with children on her blog.
Updated December 14th, 2021
