What’s better than Free? Nothing in my opinion…it’s my favorite 4 letter word! There’s plenty of free events going on in New Jersey from now until January 1st including Christmas Lights, Shopping Events, Movie Screenings, Fireworks and more!

For additional New Jersey Winter Events click here.



For more New Jersey adventures, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.

20+ Free NJ Events from Now Until January 1st:

Christmas in the Park

Now – December 22 | 6 PM – 8 PM

Celebrate all things Christmas in Uptown Pitman on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights! During your visit you can shop from local merchants and enjoy their unique window displays and lights. Trolley tours through Pitman will be available, starting and ending at Ballard Park. Make sure you bring your children and grandchildren to visit and take pictures with Santa!

Uptown Pitman, NJ

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

Now – December 31, 5PM – 9PM

About 50 animal and holiday-themed figures will light up the winter night in Turtle Back Zoo and the surrounding Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. Over 100,000 lights will illuminate figures of bears, tigers and elephants, along with holiday lights designed to look like wooden soldiers, stars and winter scenes. Several animal exhibits will be open, including the Sea Lion Sound, Essex Farm, Tam-ring Gibbons Reserve, Tropical Currents Aquarium and the Reptile Building. Myrtle the Turtle, the mascot of Turtle Back Zoo, and several of his winter friends will be on hand to greet visitors at the Zoo. “Selfies” with Santa Claus and a mailbox where children can send letters to Santa Clause at the North Pole will be available each night until December 23rd.

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange NJ

Haddonfield Candlelight Shopping

Now – December 24

On every Friday through December 24, the shops of downtown Haddonfield, NJ offer in-store holiday events as well as holiday entertainment, horse carriage rides, and special visits from Santa Claus.

Downtown Haddonfield, NJ

Christmas in the Country Trail at Four Sisters Winery

Now through December 24, 10AM – 6PM

Visit three of Warren County’s most unique farms all within 4 minutes of each other: Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm, Mackey’s Orchard & Bakery, and Four Sisters Winery. With a $5 minimum purchase at each farm, you will receive a stamp from each farm. At your final stop, you will receive a beautiful pair of Christmas in the Country Trail embossed wine glasses.

783 North Bridgeville Road (County Route 519), Belvidere, NJ

The Craft Farm Christmas Light Show

Now – January 8, 2019

The Craft Farm Christmas Light Show was created to spread the joy and happiness of Christmas through colorful musical displays. The show runs every year between Black Friday and January 8th and features four Christmas season related songs totaling about 16 minutes in length. The show is completely and totally free, and anyone/everyone is invited to come and see it. The music is played over the radio on channel 88.5FM so guests don’t even have to leave the comfort of their vehicles. The show does not run in the rain, but it does run in the snow.

19 Craft Farm Dr, Bridgewater, NJ

Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

Now– January 6, 2019, Dusk

Enjoy popular songs of the Holiday Season synchronized with a dazzling Christmas tree light show sure to get you in the Holiday spirit.

615 East Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ

Holiday Train Show

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through January 6, 4 PM – 8 PM

The Old City Hall Restoration Committee presents the Holiday Train Display! Visit every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December 2018 and on January 4th, 5th, and 6th to see this exciting show!

Old City Hall, Downtown Bordentown, NJ

Holiday Movie Screening: Elf

December 14, 7PM – 9PM

Bring the whole family to a free screening of the Polar Express at the historic Paramount Theatre! Come early to shop and grab a great meal on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.

Paramount Theatre, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten’s Annual Holiday Weihnachtsmarkt

December 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23| Fri 5PM – 9PM. Sat & Sun 12PM – 7PM

The Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten’s annual Holiday Weihnachtsmarkt is back! The Weihnachtsmarkt is a German tradition dating back to the 1300’s where communities would come together to partake in the holiday spirit. Traditionally, food, drinks and shopping are available outdoors. Shoppers can peruse the market at their leisure and enjoy treats and entertainment along the way.

527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

Nacho Muthas Holiday Popup

December 14, 15, 21 & 22, 12PM – 8PM

Nacho Muthas Holiday Popup is a fun foodie market celebrating the holidays. There will be an array of vendors on hand offering local artisan eats & treats including prepared & packaged items — many of which are perfect for holiday gifts! The popup will take place steps from the mall’s East entrance, re-purposing the space formerly housing burger chain Steak ‘n Shake. It is located directly next to clothing & outerwear‎ retailer LL Bean.

Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ

‘Winter Wonderland Run

December 15, Noon

The Highlands Business Partnership’s 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Run will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 12PM. Registration is FREE and begins at 11AM. The event is sponsored by Proving Ground, 56 Shrewsbury Avenue, where the run will begin and end. There will be a post-run celebration with costume contests, music and food and drink specials. We will be collecting toy donations for the Highlands Fire Department Toys For Tots program, and canned goods and non-perishable items for the food pantry. There will be a post-run celebration with costume contests, live music and food and drink specials. Costumes are mandatory! Santas, Elves, Reindeer, Grinches, Ugly sweaters, wear your craziest holiday attire! There will be a costume contest with cash prizes following the run! Categories include Best Family, Best Male, Best Female and Best Child!

Proving Ground, 56 Shrewsbury Avenue, Highlands, NJ

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

December 15, 22 & 23, 11AM – 6PM

Don’t miss the most spectacular holiday market in New Jersey! The Asbury Park Holiday will feature over 200 of the best local and regional artists, vendors, and shops selling the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, foodstuffs, and more. The Asbury Park Bazaar will take place in beautiful and historic Convention Hall, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season. The Bazaar will feature live music and special performances, Photos with Santa Sundays, holiday photo booth, a 30 foot Christmas tree, fireplace lounge, and beautiful holiday decor. On Sundays, bring a toy or gently used coat for the AP Toy & Coat Drive or donate what you can and you will receive a 4×6 print of your Photo with Santa, along with copies of your photos emailed to you. Pets are invited to meet Santa as well! Sponsored by Shoreline Media.

1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

Lights and Carols for a ‘Claus

December 16, 7PM – 8PM

The Iantosca Family invites the community to enjoy their incredible lights display to kick off the holiday season. This event is fun for the whole family and is for a great cLause! In addition to the lights and decorations on the front lawn, Joe and Joanne Iantosca will be joined by Howell HS Rebel Yell and the Rebellettes and most importantly Mr. & Mrs. Claus all the way from the North Pole!

43 Heather Drive, Manalapan, NJ

2018 Holiday Markets At Porta

December 16 & 22, 12PM – 3PM, 12PM – 5PM on the 22nd

2018 Holiday Markets at Porta in Asbury Park! Join Porta for a warm and toasty holiday market season. Shop with 26 local curated farms, food makers and artists.

911 Kingsley St, Asbury Park, NJ

Cost: Free

Morris County Farmer’s Market

December 16, 23, 30

The Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market is produced in partnership with the Foodshed Alliance Farmers’ Access Network and Grow it Green Morristown. The market features local vendors featuring produce, bread, desserts and more!

Alexander Hamilton School, 24 Mills Street, Morristown, NJ

Holly Jolly Trolley

December 17, 4:30PM – 8:30PM

The Barrington Civic Association invites you to join them for free trolley rides around the town! There will be free crafts, hot chocolate, and entertainment for the kids. Water and soft pretzels will be available for purchase. They are accepting non-perishable food items for the Grace Bible food pantry. Any donations are greatly appreciated and benefit the residents of Barrington.

Barrington VFW, Shreve Avenue, Barrington, NJ

2018 Holiday Markets at Bell Works

December 19, 12PM – 6PM

Shop with 40+ local curated farms, food makers and artists. There will also be a coat drive and toy drive each day.

Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd Holmdel, NJ

Third Thursday – Jingle & Mingle

December 20, 6PM – 9PM

Enjoy the glitz, glimmer, and holiday shimmer of the season as Downtown Hammonton lights up with food, art, shopping, music, and more!

Downtown Hammonton, NJ

Christmas at Cowtown

December 22, 8AM – 4PM

Stop by Cowtown for a special Holiday Market on Saturday, December 22nd from 8am to 4pm! There will be hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors selling seasonal goods, toys, clothing, electronics, sports apparel, crafts, vintage and antiques, household goods, and food, just to name a few! Guests can also enjoy special activities planned from 10am to 2pm including visits with Santa, hayrides, barrel train rides, pony rides, bounce houses, and more!

Cowtown Farmer’s Market; 780 Rte 40 Harding Hwy, 08098 Pilesgrove, NJ

Seaside Heights – First Night

December 31, 12PM – 5PM

Enjoy a day filled with entertainment and begin a lasting family tradition. Starting at 12 noon until 5 PM with a Fireworks Display at 5pm.

Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ

Atlantic City New Years Eve Fireworks

December 31, 9PM

The awesome fireworks show is best viewed from the boardwalk outside the casino.The show, designed by Fireworks by Grucci, will be displayed from the beachfront and will include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects including Grucci high aerials and grand illuminations. PS. It is recommended that you get there by 8 pm to avoid the crowds and get a good spot.

Tropicana Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ

First Night Ocean City

December 31, 4PM – 12AM

The non-alcoholic, family friendly event features live entertainment and of course there will be fireworks at midnight shot off from the 5th ave. Beach. Entertainment will be highlighted by The Fabulous Greaseband, a seven-member “Best of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Band.” Their highly entertaining and energetic delivery of the greatest dance songs ever written has kept the group on top for the last 40 years!

Ocean City, NJ

Additional Ideas of Things You Can Do this December!

Like this: Like Loading...