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 for participating 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 – Reserved online tickets:Monday – Thursday: COMBO $15.95/Person
  Friday – Sunday: COMBO $18.95/Person
  In Person tickets (if available):Monday – Thursday: COMBO $17.95/Person
  Friday – Sunday: COMBO $20.95/Person
  Children under 12 months are no charge.
• Visit with Santa: Santa is looking forward to seeing all the children again this year.

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 in November, but if you haven’t visited it by now, have no fear! The event closes on December 30th and trains don’t run on the 31st, 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 start at $55 for adults and $48 for children (coach class, value tickets). You also get tickets for Sensory Friendly rides. 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. A word of caution: this is a Polar ride, so dress warmly!

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 the nighttime stroll with your loved ones while watching spectacular winter scenes and animal characters. This features Santa Visits, Train rides, Carousel rides, a Reptile House, Essex Farm and Pony Rides.

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 7th, and attend a Holliday Tree Lighting Celebration. This entertaining and free event will happen at Military Park, 51 Park Pl, Newark, NJ 07102.

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 carnival games, a live DJ, 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. You have many shows, concerts, orchestras, and musicals, amongst other events, to catch at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ. Check here for more details.

Dive Into Christmas Underwater at Camden

We can’t really talk about things to do during your Christmas vacation in NJ without mentioning Dive Into Christmas Underwater event in Camden. From Nov 23 to Dec 24, 2024, Adventure Aquarium at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden, New Jersey will be host to many families and their friends. ”Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium, presented by Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. Jingle all the wave to see Scuba Santa dive with sharks, sea turtles, and rays, sharing Christmas cheer with all who come to visit. Discover holiday surprises on both land and sea, including the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree and magical snow-like flurries in the Snowtunda.’

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 Nov 26, 2024