Isn’t December a magical time? There are PLENTY of events in New Jersey that will celebrate the season with annual tree lightnings, parades, and festivals that celebrate that and more! All of these events are free unless noted differently!

‘Tis the Season: 30+ New Jersey Christmas Tree Lightings & Holiday Parades for December 2018:

39th Annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade

December 1, 1PM – 3PM

Homemade floats and antique cars welcome, The parade will proceed along Long Beach Boulevard 5th Street to 25th Street

On Long Beach Blvd. from 5th-25th Streets, Ship Bottom, NJ

Mantua Twp’s Annual Winter Festival

December 1, 3PM – 8PM

Annual Tree Lighting, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Fireworks, Rides, Food Trucks & more

Chestnut Branch Park – 545 Main Street, Mantua NJ

West Cape May Christmas Parade

December 1, 5PM (rain date Dec 2)

Start your holiday season with the best Christmas Parade in Cape May County! Over three hours of family fun and entertainment. Parade start time is 5:00PM. Parade starts at the West Cape May Fire Hall, proceeds south on Broadway to West Perry and to the Washington St. Mall, Cape May.

West Cape May, NJ

30th Annual Blackwood Fire Company Christmas Parade

December 1, 6PM – 9PM

It’s the 30th Annual Blackwood Fire Company Christmas Parade! This years theme is “The Night before Christmas”

Blackwood Fire Company, 14 W Central Ave, Blackwood, NJ

Holiday Lighting at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial

December 1, 6PM – 7:30PM

The ceremony includes the lighting of a Christmas tree and Menorah, and a reading about Kwanzaa.

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, 1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel, NJ

Somerville’s Holiday Lights Parade

December 1, 6PM – 10PM

The annual Somerville parade featuring vehicles decked out with lights! Prizes given out for the best decorated fire and emergency vehicles, personal floats vehicle, and best decorated houses and/or businesses along the parade route.

Main St, Somerville, NJ

Spotswood Christmas Tree Lighting

December 1, Dusk

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Spotswood! Held on the first Saturday evening in December at the Spotswood Municipal Building, it features displays and giveaways from local vendors/organizations, holiday music from the students of Spotswood, a salute to our local veterans and the official tree lighting of Spotswood’s Christmas tree.

Spotswood Borough; 77 Summerhill Rd, Spotswood, New Jersey

Burlington City’s Holiday Parade/Tree-Lighting

December 1, 5PM

This Holiday Parade is an annual favorite for years and among the best in the region, featuring almost 60 mins. of decorated floats, musical groups, and other colorful marchers. The parade begins at sundown (approximately 5 pm) on High & Federal and travels through Burlington’s historical downtown with many restaurants and shops to High & Pearl on the Riverfront Promenade, where the Holiday Tree-lighting takes place, followed by cookies and hot chocolate with Santa at the Hope Fire House across the street

High St., Burlington City, NJ

Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting

December 1, 5PM – 7PM

The family-friendly event will take place outside of the hotel at the historic Brighton Park. Admission to the event is free, however guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. The Winter Wonderland event will have a special appearance and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, a hot chocolate station, as well as a cookie decorating station. The Bass Pro Shop of Atlantic City will also be supporting the event by providing additional family-friendly activities aligned with the holiday season. The evening will conclude with the Claridge Hotel’s annual tree lighting ceremony taking place at 7 p.m. featuring a live choir who will be performing leading up to the lighting and assist with the ceremony countdown.

The Claridge Hotel, 123 South Indiana Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ

Long Branch Holiday Celebration 2018

December 1, 5PM – 7PM

Enjoy some Holiday Goodies (cookies & hot cocoa) while listening to the LB Middle School Honors Choir and watching the Tree & Menorah Lighting!

Brought to you by the City of Long Branch, Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, Long Branch Free Public Library and Long Branch Public Schools!

Between City Hall & The Library (328 Broadway), Long Branch, NJ

Dickens Festival + Tree Lighting

December 1, 6PM – 9:30PM

The Medford Sunrise Rotary Club will once again present the popular Dickens Festival and it promises to be a magical time for children and grown-ups alike.This will be the 29th consecutive year that Main Street in Medford will be transformed into a quaint winter wonderland, featuring holiday festivities galore with an old-timey flair. Exciting things get underway at around 6 pm, when a parade heralded by the town crier transports Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf or two to the gazebo in the center of downtown Village (18 N. Main Street). Throughout the evening, there will be food vendors, strolling carolers, musicians, entertainers, ice-sculpting and crafters with unique gifts suitable for everyone on your holiday gift list. Be sure to pick up your annual illuminated glass Christmas ornament from the Medford Sunrise Rotary table, and enjoy freebies and information from various local businesses. There will also be a live Nativity, a Victorian Best Dressed contest, and kid-friendly activities like inflatables and pony rides.

Medford Village – Main Street, Medford, NJ

Downtown Hammonton’s Holiday Tree Lighting

December 1, 6PM – 9PM (Rain Date Dec 2)

Horse and carriage rides, live entertainment, living nativity, Historical Society Museum tours and a visit from Santa to magically light up the Town’s Christmas tree.

Bellevue Ave & Central Ave, Hammmonton, NJ

Christmas Tree Lighting on the Beach!

December 2, 5PM – 8:30PM

Join in on the fun as it’s time to light the Mister C’s Christmas Tree on the Beach!

Ocean Place at Allen Ave, Allenhurst, NJ

99th Annual Crosswicks Christmas Tree Lighting

December 2, 5:30pm

Kick off the holiday season by watching as the Community Christmas Tree is lit on the first Sunday in December! Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and caroling provided by the Girl Scouts, and see Santa as he is escorted by the Union Fire Company to visit the children!

Be part of this treasured tradition that has charmed the community annually since 1919!

480 Main Street, Crosswicks, NJ

Middletown Christmas Tree Lighting

December 2, 5PM

The Middletown Arts Center will be holding a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony with crafts and entertainment on Sunday, December 3rd at the Arts Center on Church St. Along with the tree lighting there will be a special visit from Santa escorted by the Old Village Fire Company, music, crafts, entertainment, 50/50 raffle to benefit the Arts Center, and much more!

Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown, NJ

31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Chester

December 2, 5PM

The tree lighting marks the official start of the holiday season in Chester. Musical Entertainment will be provided by the West Morris Mendham HS Saxophone Quartet, Brass Choir, and chorus beginning at 5:00pm. Santa arrives via firetruck courtesy of the Chester Volunteer Fire Company at approximately 5:20 pm. Children are invited for individual visits with Santa to share their holiday wish lists. All from the community are welcome to join us for this free event.

Gazebo on Main Street in Chester, NJ

Union Beach’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Visit from Santa

December 2, 6PM

Join the Union Beach Recreation Commission for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and visit from the big man himself…SANTA! Ring in the Holiday Season with the best little town in New Jersey as they come together to light the tree, hear the holiday tunes, and welcome Santa Claus!

Scholer Park, Union Beach, NJ

3rd Annual Lighting Ceremony at Liberty Harbor

December 3, 5:30PM – 7:30PM

In addition to the tree lighting, there will be a petting zoo, pony ride, refreshments, and Santa will be stopping by between 6:00 and 7:00!

Liberty Harbor Residences, 333 Grand St, Jersey City, NJ

HDSID Annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting

December 3, 6PM – 7PM

The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District presents its Annual Historic Downtown Tree Lighting and Menorah Ceremony at the Pedestrian Mall on December 3rd at 6:00pm! Please join Mayor Fulop and the HDSID in celebrating the holiday season. Santa will arrive on a fire truck!

Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall, 119-158 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ

Downtown Freehold Christmas Tree Lighting

December 4, 5PM – 7PM

The annual Christmas tree lighting marks Santa’s arrival in the borough! FRESH 102.7 will be here with a prize wheel. The Rock and Roll Choir will perform, Court Jester will be providing hot cider, and Ray Catena Auto group will be helping to transport some of Santa’s elves. We also understand the Freehold Fire Department may stop by with a very special Guest!!

Hall of Records Plaza, 1 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ

Brick Twp’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

December 5, 5:30PM

All residents are invited to help welcome the Christmas season to Brick Township at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event features holiday music, treats and a visit from Santa Claus.

Brick Municipal Building, Brick Twp, NJ

Tom’s River Christmas Tree Lighting

December 7, 5PM – 7PM

Annual Christmas Tree lighting, caroling, live performances, and food trucks!

Town Hall Courtyard, Toms River, NJ

Christmas Tree Lighting at Seaside Heights

December 7, 5PM – 6PM

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Friday at 5pm in the courtyard in front of Borough Hall. Festivities include the lighting of the tree, light refreshments and a very special appearance by Santa!

Courtyard in front of Borough Hall, Seaside Heights, NJ

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Christmas Tree Lighting

December 7, 5:30PM – 7:30PM

Festive ceremony will take place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard. The Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, free tour of lighthouse and Santa Claus!

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, 1st & Central Avenues, North Weldwood, NJ

Belmar Tree Lighting

December 7, 6PM – 8PM

Join Belmar residents at Pyanoe Plaza to light the tree. Santa will visit. There will be fire truck rides and more!

Pyanoe Plaza, Belmar, NJ

Montclair’s Tree Lighting

December 7, 6PM – 8PM

Montclair Center’s Annual Tree Lighting. Music, refreshments and fun to usher in the holiday season.

Church & Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ

Mount Holly Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 7, 6PM – 9PM

The Mount Holly Tree Lighting Celebration will feature a variety of fun, family-friendly activities – all free of charge. Children and adults are invited to enjoy free arts and crafts, and Free Hot Chocolate and Cookies. Children will have an opportunity to visit and sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos. The celebration will also feature live music from 6 to 9 p.m. on the stage and in the street next to the tree. 101.1 More FM will also be onsite playing holiday music for the duration of the celebration.

Downtown Mount Holly, NJ

Washington Township Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 7, 7PM

Free Community Event, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Surprise special guest, Don’t forget your camera, Free Hot Chocolate and Cookies in Heated Tent, Christmas Carols by WTHS Choir

Washington Lake Park Amphitheater; 626 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd, Sewell NJ

2018 Clinton Christmas Parade

December 7, 7PM

The 32nd Annual Clinton Christmas Parade! A night of magic and fun for the whole family!

Downtown Clinton, NJ

More Things to Do This Month!



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