Brrr it’s cold! It’s time to head inside and enjoy craft beer and NJ wine at your local New Jersey vineyard and brewery! From Christmas Events, Murder Mystery Dinners, New Beer Releases and more…there’s plenty to do in December!

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.

15+ NJ Wine & Beer Festivals to Look Forward to in December:

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

Cost: Free

The Referend 2nd Anniversary

December 1, 2PM – 8PM

The Referend is celebrating 2 years of openness on December 1. Celebrate with special drafts, casks, and bottles.

1595 Reed Rd, Unit 2, Pennington, NJ

Cost: Free

4th Annual Lighting of the Leg & Notafingah! Release

December 1, 6PM – 10PM

As the story goes, in December 2005, Northport Hardware decided to put a Leg Lamp in their front window and perform a lighting ceremony. The first year it was informal and only a handful of people were there. The following year, about 20 people turned out , but as word spread, attendance began to boom and it became tradition! Today the event attracts over 1000 people including bagpipers and Rockettes. This event will coincide with Village Idiot’s winter warmer beer release, appropriately named “Notafingah”! All are encouraged to dress-up as your favorite “A Christmas Story” character. Expect to see a the deranged Easter bunny, the old man, Ralphie and Scut Farkus! Of course the night wouldn’t be complete until someone sticks their tongue to the light pole out front as long as it’s cold enough. Notafingah will be tapped 6pm, Lighting of the leg: 7pm

Village Idiot Brewing Company; 42 High St, Mount Holly, NJ

Cost: Free to Attend

Paws & Pinot 2018

December 1 – 16, 12PM – 3PM

Come out and drink wine and help rescue animals at beautiful Willow Creek Farm while listening to the sweet sounds of Nancy Malcun Music. This is a pet friendly multi-rescue event so bring your furry family out for pictures with Santa Paws.

Willow Creek Farm & Winery; 168 Stevens St., West Cape May, NJ

Cost: Free to Attend

Kick Off the Holiday Season Weekend

December 1 & 2, 10AM – 5PM

Enjoy fun for the whole family with wagon rides and more at Terhune Orchards! Choose the perfect Christmas tree and wreath. Start your holiday shopping. Unique selection of gift baskets, with Terhune Orchards fruit, baked goods, and even wine – perfect for anyone on your list! From noon – 3 pm visit with Santa in our barnyard and enjoy a seasonal wagon ride (weather permitting). In the wine tasting room from noon – 5 pm, try award-winning wines and warm up with hot mulled wine. Sample delicious Gift Basket “ingredients” – homemade baked goods, cheeses, apple butter and more. On Sunday enjoy live music from 1 – 4 pm in the winery.

Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ

Cost: Free to Attend

Santa and Mrs Claus December Weekends at Laurita Winery

December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 1PM – 4PM

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be listening to children’s holiday wishes! Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies during the visit. Imagine the look on the children’s faces! Cameras are encouraged to capture these unforgettable memories.

Laurita Winery, New Egypt, NJ

Cost: Free to Attend

Pints, Pups and Pawtraits with Santa

December 2, 1PM – 5PM

PAWTRAITS WITH SANTA at Bradley Brew Project!! Hang around and grab a beer (or two!) with your best furry friend!Meet adoptable dogs from www.Homefreeanimalrescue.com. Proceeds donated to Home Free Animal Rescue.

Bradley Brew Project; 714 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ

Cost: $15 for pet photo with Santa – digital copy only

Uncork Christmas

December 8, 11AM – 6PM

Have you ever wished there was a one-stop shop for all your wine and Christmas tree needs? Attendees will get to enjoy live music, food, and holiday decorations, and of course some wine tasting. There will be a selection of live Christmas trees, and with wine in hand, when you find the one, take it home or they will tag it and have it ready for next-day pick-up at nearby Secluded Acres Farm & Garden Center. Bring the kids for a check-in with Santa so he can get those wish list requests before heading back to the North Pole to finish preparing for his big night (parents, bring your cameras!). Enjoy wine tastings and listen to live music with plenty of holiday tunes. They will also have a selection of wreaths, holiday decorations, gift baskets and more.

Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, 600 S Railroad Ave, Rio Grande, NJ

Cost: Free

Glasstown Brewing’s 5th Annual Adult Ornament Hunt

December 8, 12PM – 4PM

This year Glasstown Brewing is switching things up a little for their 5th annual ornament hunt. You will get 3 raffle tickets for your $5 with the chance to purchase more or hunt for more! All proceeds of the ticket sales will go to a local non profit to help the homeless in Cumberland County called the M25 Initiative & Code Blue! Also, they are collecting hats, gloves, scarves and coats to help the homeless if you would like to bring one with you the day of the event!

10 Peterson Street, Millville, NJ

Cost: $5

6th Annual Sip & Shop “Holiday Love Drive”

December 8 & 9, 11AM – 5PM

SIP & SAMPLE great local wines & sangrias while SHOPPING & SUPPORTING amazing LOCAL CAPE MAY COUNTY small business owners, artists, jewelers, designers, photographers, authors, bakers and hand made gift crafters all while supporting our local food banks for the holidays. Be sure to bring a donation for Toys for Tots, non-perishable food items, and pet food and supplies for local animal shelters to support an INCREDIBLE cause, and get a chance to WIN great prizes from our showcased vendors!

Willow Creek Winery, 168 Stevens St, West Cape May, NJ

Cost:Free to Attend

Rinn Duin Brewing’s Celtic Christmas

December 9, 12PM – 5PM

Rinn Duin is hosting their 4th Annual Celtic Christmas; a celebration of the Christmas season, the community, and helping those less fortunate. Please bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy, to benefit the local food banks and Toys for Tots. A $5 donation will be asked with a food item/toy, and $10 donation will be asked if you forget to stop at the store. All donations will receive a complimentary beer token. Santa will be at the brewery from 1 – 4 pm for photos and shenanigans!

1540 Route 37 W Unit B-5, Toms River, NJ

Cost: Free to Attend…please donate!

Winter Wonderland Holiday Shoppe

December 9, 11AM – 4PM

Holiday Shopping . Wine Tasting. Food and much more!

Brook Hollow Winery, 594 State Route 94, Columbia, NJ

Cost: Free

Murder Mystery Dinner at Four Sisters Winery

December 9, 4pM

It’s not a typical who done it….It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer. Formal wine tasting, buffet style dinner of salad, pasta dinner with meatballs bread and dessert. Dessert wines will be served back in the winery after an educational tour of the wine cellar.

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

Cost: $37.50 per person plus tax. Reservations Required

Common Sense Brewing’s 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Making Event

December 9, 1PM – 5PM

Common Sense Brewing is hosting their 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Making Event! Bring your own kit or purchase your own from the brewery. Fun for the whole family!

102 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ

Cost: Free to Attend

Barefoot Grape Stomp at Four Sisters Winery

December 15, 4PM – 7PM

It’s Stomping Time! Yes, it’s Barefoot Grape Stomping A bit of nostalgia, a tasting of wine, something to do with friends for a special time! Formal wine tasting, Italian spaghetti with meatballs, garden salad, bread, dessert, coffee, tea and sweet tea. An educational wine cellar tour describes the processes of wine making and then off with the shoes and socks for the ever-popular Barefoot Grape Stomping. Complimentary wine glass included $37.00 per person, tax included. Tickets required by calling 908-475-3671.

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

Cost: $37 per person plus tax. Reservations Required

Shore Style Punk Night Christmas Bash

December 22, 7PM – 11PM

A night of punk rock music and craft beer! Featuring Spinal Ramones, Stag Party, Chrome Skulls, School Drugs, and Terminal Freaks.

Asbury Park Brewery; 810 Sewall Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

Cost: $10

Valenzano Winery’s Holly Jolly Weekend

December 22 & 23, 11AM – 4PM

“Cookies, Crafts, & Holiday Cheer – to Help Santa Along this Year!” Join Valenzano for one last stop on your holiday trail. They’ll be decking the halls and prepping the punch for a weekend of fresh baked Christmas sweets, holiday music and an array of artisan vendors who all hope to offer that perfect last minute addition to your list. Admission includes wine tasting, access to the vendors, and an opportunity to grab a table and your favorite bottle of wine and take in the afternoon’s seasonal joy. All tables & seating is first come/first serve – no additional seating or tables will be placed after we have hung our stockings, trimmed our trees, and commenced wassailing.

1090 Route 206, Shamong, NJ

Cost: $10

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