It’s that time of year in the Garden State, the air is crisp and the holiday season is upon us. Bring your kids to one of New Jersey’s festive holiday events, whether your children are into Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, ho-ho-ho Christmas town parades, meeting Santa Claus or listening to holiday carolers.

Newport Tree Lighting at Newport Town Square
Newport Town Square (100 Town Square Place, Jersey City 
Dec 2. The 30-foot tree lighting will be led by Santa, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, News 12 New Jersey’s Nick Meidanis and help from a Newport child. The event will also include a synchronized light-and-music show, meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free ice skating at Newport Skates, trackless train rides, Victorian Christmas carolers 

Kids Ride Free on NY Waterway Ferries This Holiday 
Nov 16  -  Jan 3
Making NY Waterway the easiest, most family-friendly way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in the Big Apple

Christmas Celebration at Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden
Dec 4 - 31. Feature larger-than-life decorations, twinkling lights, glowing trees, and gently falling snow – not to mention 8,500 super cool animals and two million gallons of fun. Festivities include exciting live shows, daily appearances by Scuba Santa in our Ocean Realm exhibit, character appearances, and more!

The 2015 Deck The Hall - Festival of Trees
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Dec 4 - Jan 2. The 2015 Deck The Hall - Festival of Trees is a season-long charitable event.   Local businesses, organizations, arena partners, and individuals are invited to Deck The Hall by sponsoring a custom-decorated holiday tree to be on.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Prudential Center, Lafayette Street, Newark
Dec 4. This holiday celebration will have Santa, live music performances, a DJ, holiday carolers, games, give-a-ways, a bouncy house, a kiddie train, street hockey and more.  

Christkindlmarkt at Tuckerton Seaport
120 West Main Street ,Tuckerton
Dec 4-5.  This is a European style holiday market outdoors and under huge heated tents.  Craft and gift vendors, fabulous food court, hot Gluhwein, kiddie rides, Santa, rolling chair sleigh rides on the boardwalk, horse and wagon rides, demonstrations, great entertainment and holiday fun! 

Definitely Dickens Strolling Christmas Carolers
Main Street, Chester
Nov 28 – Dec 19.  The festive troubadours will be performing throughout downtown Chester.  Come and see them sing! 

Holiday Events at Camden Children's Garden
3 Riverside Drive, Camden 

  • 5th Annual Camden Holiday Parade 
    Dec 10.  Join us for the 5th Annual Camden Holiday Parade!Enjoy the 5th Annual Camden Holiday Parade from the Parade Grand Stand located in front of Camden Children’s Garden!Park Opens: 6pm / Parade Begins: 6:30pmThis event features festive holiday performances and of course Santa Claus! Round out your visit with a ride on the North Pole Express Train or the Garden Carousel for a small fee.
  • Holiday Enchantment Celebration! 
    Dec 11  - 12.    Join us for our Holiday Enchantment Celebration!This new limited time engagement is a special way to get into the spirit of the season! Enjoy make and take crafts, festive performances, and storytelling. Guests will get a chance to visit with Santa in his workshop and encounter other surprise characters throughout the park. Round out your visit with a ride on the North Pole Express Train, the Garden Carousel, or in our Frozen Bounce Zone for a small fee.

Sculpted Ice Works
Main Street, Chester
Dec 19.    Don't miss this holiday's crystal-clear performance by the amazingly-talented ice carvers from ICE WORKS, who will create dazzling sculpted ice displays of PLAYFUL PENGUINS right in Downtown Chester! 

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
On the Green, Morristown
Nov 29 – Dec 22. The Green in Morristown is transformed into a winter wonderland. A month long celebration every weekend right in the center of Morristown. Kids can enjoy miniature train rides, participate in making a craft, visit with Anna and Elsa, meet Santa Claus or watch an ice sculpture demonstration.