It’s Christmas Weekend and there’s lots of holiday cheer in store! From holiday lights, train shows, last minute shopping events and more…there’s plenty of ways to enjoy this weekend before Santa Claus comes to visit. Here are my Top Ten New Jersey Events for December 21st – 23rd, 2018!

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.

Top Ten New Jersey Events for December 21st – 23rd, 2018:

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

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

Downtown Candlelight Shopping

December 21

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

Cost: Free

Christmas in the Park

December 20 – 22, 6PM – 8PM

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

Cost: Free

Nacho Muthas Holiday Popup

December 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

Cost: Free

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

Cost: Free

Nifty Gifty Saturday

December 22, 10AM – 10PM

Everything sparkles in Downtown Metuchen during the holiday season. They have over 130 shops and restaurants, many of which will be offering special deals to finish your holiday shopping during Nifty Gifty Saturday on December 22nd from 10am to 10pm. There will be plenty of holiday merriment to go around. Santa Claus, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf will be making appearances throughout the day. With that group there is sure to be some shenanigans!

Downtown Metuchen, NJ

Cost: Free to Attend

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

December 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

Cost: Free

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

Ideas of Things You Can Do this December!

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