Almost every New Jersey town has its own holiday celebration, some are more spectacular than others. West Orange has an incredible light show at Turtle Back Zoo and Wall offers something similarly spectacular. This list focuses not on singular events, but on specific Christmas villages in NJ with the most magnificent myriad of holiday celebrations. They keep the holiday spirit alive and well with tree lighting, live nativity scenes, parades, historic happenings, and more. Here are the nine best Christmas towns in New Jersey.
- Cape May
Flickr/LeGaulois29 The nation’s first summer resort, Cape May is also a winter wonderland. The charming Victorian homes are splendidly decorated, and visitors can take holiday house tours by candlelight. There are also trolley rides available to see the outdoor displays. Choose from three separate tree lighting ceremonies - Cape May City, Congress Hall, and the Emlen Physick Estate. The historic estate is decked out in Victorian holiday splendor. Other events include breakfasts with Santa, a Christmas bazaar, Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, Crafts at Christmas at Convention Hall, and a whole lot more! You can check out the Cape May Events Calendar for a full list of holiday events on the website. Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
- Historic Smithville (Galloway)
Facebook/Historic Smithville
Facebook/Historic Smithville Besides offering amazing shops for all your holiday needs, Historic Smithville hosts its fantastic Light Show on the Lake. Orchestrated to music, the event is made even more magical by the reflections on the water. The show will be held every evening in December. Holiday train rides will also be given throughout December (weather permitting) and there will be a Magic Talking Tree on select dates! Fun for the whole family, this is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the Historic Smithville website for additional event information, and to plan your next visit to this charming Christmas village in New Jersey. Smithville, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA
- Morristown
Facebook/Morristown Partnership There’s a lot happening here this holiday season, and you won’t be disappointed. Visit the Ford Mansion or Macculloch Hall for a holiday lights tour, head to the Mayo Performing Arts Center to see one of the special holiday performances, and be sure not to miss the Christmas Festival on the Morristown Green. The festival is held on select dates throughout December. Additional events are scattered throughout the month (though are mainly on weekends) and include holiday crafts, performances, visits from Santa, miniature train rides, and ice sculpture demonstrations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be hosting a non-denominational holiday celebration with a live nativity, over 300 nativity displays from around the world, performances by local musicians, and a children’s craft room. Visit the Morristown Partnership website for more information. Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
- Ocean City
Facebook/Ocean City NJ Ocean City is an amazing community year-round, and Ocean City at Christmas is no different. Be sure to check out the festive and fantastical Christmas Parade in the beginning of December, Christmas parades, tree lightings, visit and photos with Santa, FREE horse and carriage rides on weekends, and seasonal performances presented by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. The Flanders Hotel will also host a holiday party in December. Ocean City is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey! Visit the Ocean City NJ website for the calendar of events. Ocean City, NJ, USA
- Chester
Facebook/Alstede Farms The historic village of Chester is full of holiday cheer! Meet Santa on one of the Chester Visits With Santa events, attend the Festival of Trees and the Holiday Parade, or have brunch with Santa at Alstede Farms. There will also be the Strolling Dickens’ Carolers dressed in period costume and plenty of additional holiday events throughout the season. You may also want to peruse the shops at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center for some holiday gifts and see some of the most magnificent holiday window displays. This is one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey! Visit the Historic Chester Business Association website for a calendar of events. Chester, NJ 07930, USA
- Red Bank
Flickr/Jazz Guy This trendy town is offering a wide range of holiday activities including a Christmas scavenger hunt, holiday horse and carriage rides, and carolers in the downtown district. Visit Santa at the Galleria or watch one of many holiday productions at the Count Basie Theatre. Head to the Visit Red Bank website to learn more. Red Bank, NJ, USA
- Princeton
Flickr/Peter Roome Princeton happens to be one of the best places to go if you’re looking for things to do at Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the massive Christmas tree in Palmer Square and be serenaded by strolling carolers. Take a history walking tour through The Historical Society of Princeton and see holiday lights while learning some of the area’s history. Another favorite? Visit the Morven Museum’s Festival of Trees where you can view festively decorated trees and mantles throughout the museum’s galleries. They will be hosting a wreath making workshop on select dates as well. The Holiday Wine Trails Weekend or Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop at Terhune Orchards are a couple of other options. Princeton at Christmas is quite magical! Head to the Visit New Jersey website for more information. Princeton, NJ, USA
- Atlantic City
Flickr/Anthony Quintano The casinos are splendidly decked out with holiday lights, the town itself offers a 30-foot tree to enjoy, and of course we can’t forget the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt at the Tanger Outlets. Boardwalk Hall features its Deck the Hall - Gallery of Trees at which each tree is sponsored and money is raised for a children’s charity. The Quarter at Tropicana puts on an interactive light show set to music, and casinos across the boardwalk will be hosting a variety of holiday concerts. Visit the DO Atlantic City website for more event details. Atlantic City, NJ, USA
- Medford
Photo/Johnson’s Farm The last on our list of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey is Medford. Most of the magic in Medford happens at Johnson’s Corner Farm. Enjoy visits with Santa, a holiday lights hayride, a lovely light show on the lake, roast s’mores, decorate Christmas cookies, and so much more! The town also offers a tree lighting and Dickens Festival in early December. Visit the Johnson’s Corner Farm website for more information. Medford, NJ, USA
There are so many great holiday events in the state, but these Christmas villages in New Jersey are truly filled to the brim with holiday cheer. ‘Tis the season for good cheer, good food, and time with family for the holidays. What is your favorite Christmas town in New Jersey?
Flickr/LeGaulois29
The nation’s first summer resort, Cape May is also a winter wonderland. The charming Victorian homes are splendidly decorated, and visitors can take holiday house tours by candlelight. There are also trolley rides available to see the outdoor displays. Choose from three separate tree lighting ceremonies - Cape May City, Congress Hall, and the Emlen Physick Estate. The historic estate is decked out in Victorian holiday splendor. Other events include breakfasts with Santa, a Christmas bazaar, Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, Crafts at Christmas at Convention Hall, and a whole lot more! You can check out the Cape May Events Calendar for a full list of holiday events on the website.
Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Facebook/Historic Smithville
Besides offering amazing shops for all your holiday needs, Historic Smithville hosts its fantastic Light Show on the Lake. Orchestrated to music, the event is made even more magical by the reflections on the water. The show will be held every evening in December. Holiday train rides will also be given throughout December (weather permitting) and there will be a Magic Talking Tree on select dates! Fun for the whole family, this is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the Historic Smithville website for additional event information, and to plan your next visit to this charming Christmas village in New Jersey.
Smithville, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA
Facebook/Morristown Partnership
There’s a lot happening here this holiday season, and you won’t be disappointed. Visit the Ford Mansion or Macculloch Hall for a holiday lights tour, head to the Mayo Performing Arts Center to see one of the special holiday performances, and be sure not to miss the Christmas Festival on the Morristown Green. The festival is held on select dates throughout December. Additional events are scattered throughout the month (though are mainly on weekends) and include holiday crafts, performances, visits from Santa, miniature train rides, and ice sculpture demonstrations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be hosting a non-denominational holiday celebration with a live nativity, over 300 nativity displays from around the world, performances by local musicians, and a children’s craft room. Visit the Morristown Partnership website for more information.
Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
Facebook/Ocean City NJ
Ocean City is an amazing community year-round, and Ocean City at Christmas is no different. Be sure to check out the festive and fantastical Christmas Parade in the beginning of December, Christmas parades, tree lightings, visit and photos with Santa, FREE horse and carriage rides on weekends, and seasonal performances presented by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. The Flanders Hotel will also host a holiday party in December. Ocean City is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey! Visit the Ocean City NJ website for the calendar of events.
Ocean City, NJ, USA
Facebook/Alstede Farms
The historic village of Chester is full of holiday cheer! Meet Santa on one of the Chester Visits With Santa events, attend the Festival of Trees and the Holiday Parade, or have brunch with Santa at Alstede Farms. There will also be the Strolling Dickens’ Carolers dressed in period costume and plenty of additional holiday events throughout the season. You may also want to peruse the shops at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center for some holiday gifts and see some of the most magnificent holiday window displays. This is one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey! Visit the Historic Chester Business Association website for a calendar of events.
Chester, NJ 07930, USA
Flickr/Jazz Guy
This trendy town is offering a wide range of holiday activities including a Christmas scavenger hunt, holiday horse and carriage rides, and carolers in the downtown district. Visit Santa at the Galleria or watch one of many holiday productions at the Count Basie Theatre. Head to the Visit Red Bank website to learn more.
Red Bank, NJ, USA
Flickr/Peter Roome
Princeton happens to be one of the best places to go if you’re looking for things to do at Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the massive Christmas tree in Palmer Square and be serenaded by strolling carolers. Take a history walking tour through The Historical Society of Princeton and see holiday lights while learning some of the area’s history. Another favorite? Visit the Morven Museum’s Festival of Trees where you can view festively decorated trees and mantles throughout the museum’s galleries. They will be hosting a wreath making workshop on select dates as well. The Holiday Wine Trails Weekend or Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop at Terhune Orchards are a couple of other options. Princeton at Christmas is quite magical! Head to the Visit New Jersey website for more information.
Princeton, NJ, USA
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
The casinos are splendidly decked out with holiday lights, the town itself offers a 30-foot tree to enjoy, and of course we can’t forget the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt at the Tanger Outlets. Boardwalk Hall features its Deck the Hall - Gallery of Trees at which each tree is sponsored and money is raised for a children’s charity. The Quarter at Tropicana puts on an interactive light show set to music, and casinos across the boardwalk will be hosting a variety of holiday concerts. Visit the DO Atlantic City website for more event details.
Atlantic City, NJ, USA
Photo/Johnson’s Farm
The last on our list of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey is Medford. Most of the magic in Medford happens at Johnson’s Corner Farm. Enjoy visits with Santa, a holiday lights hayride, a lovely light show on the lake, roast s’mores, decorate Christmas cookies, and so much more! The town also offers a tree lighting and Dickens Festival in early December. Visit the Johnson’s Corner Farm website for more information.
Medford, NJ, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Towns In New Jersey November 26, 2021 Melissa M. What are the best Christmas light displays in New Jersey? The Garden State is all aglow during the holiday season with plenty of light displays to visit. To make things easy, we compiled a list of some of the best ones we think you may like. Our post, Visit 8 Christmas Light Displays For A Magical Experience, may help you easily plan some of your holiday adventures. Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township is hosting its Christmas Fantasy of Lights. Not only will you get to see over one million lights but the park’s rides will be open! Six Flags in Jackson will have its Holiday in the Park event which features a massive lighted Christmas tree, twinkling lights and displays throughout the park, holiday shows, seasonal food and drink, and a whole lot more! What are the best drive-thru Christmas light displays in New Jersey? Head to Augusta for the Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village where you can drive through over two million lights within a mile. Not only is this one of the best drive-thru light displays in New Jersey but they also have Christmas Village featuring a Ferris wheel, carousel, ice skating rink, a beer garden, and photos with Santa! You can also check out these incredible drive-thru light displays as well. Where can I find the best hot chocolate in New Jersey? Hot chocolate is a delicacy this time of year. Of course, you can always make some at home, but when you’re out and about, why not stop somewhere like Raymond’s with locations in both Ridgewood and Montclair and order a rich Belgian hot chocolate? Serving both classic and vegan hot chocolate, The Bent Spoon in Princeton serves up some of the best in the state. Additionally, you can order one topped with gooey handmade marshmallows. Yum!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Towns In New Jersey
November 26, 2021
Melissa M.
What are the best Christmas light displays in New Jersey? The Garden State is all aglow during the holiday season with plenty of light displays to visit. To make things easy, we compiled a list of some of the best ones we think you may like. Our post, Visit 8 Christmas Light Displays For A Magical Experience, may help you easily plan some of your holiday adventures. Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township is hosting its Christmas Fantasy of Lights. Not only will you get to see over one million lights but the park’s rides will be open! Six Flags in Jackson will have its Holiday in the Park event which features a massive lighted Christmas tree, twinkling lights and displays throughout the park, holiday shows, seasonal food and drink, and a whole lot more! What are the best drive-thru Christmas light displays in New Jersey? Head to Augusta for the Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village where you can drive through over two million lights within a mile. Not only is this one of the best drive-thru light displays in New Jersey but they also have Christmas Village featuring a Ferris wheel, carousel, ice skating rink, a beer garden, and photos with Santa! You can also check out these incredible drive-thru light displays as well. Where can I find the best hot chocolate in New Jersey? Hot chocolate is a delicacy this time of year. Of course, you can always make some at home, but when you’re out and about, why not stop somewhere like Raymond’s with locations in both Ridgewood and Montclair and order a rich Belgian hot chocolate? Serving both classic and vegan hot chocolate, The Bent Spoon in Princeton serves up some of the best in the state. Additionally, you can order one topped with gooey handmade marshmallows. Yum!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Garden State is all aglow during the holiday season with plenty of light displays to visit. To make things easy, we compiled a list of some of the best ones we think you may like. Our post, Visit 8 Christmas Light Displays For A Magical Experience, may help you easily plan some of your holiday adventures. Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township is hosting its Christmas Fantasy of Lights. Not only will you get to see over one million lights but the park’s rides will be open! Six Flags in Jackson will have its Holiday in the Park event which features a massive lighted Christmas tree, twinkling lights and displays throughout the park, holiday shows, seasonal food and drink, and a whole lot more!
What are the best drive-thru Christmas light displays in New Jersey?
Head to Augusta for the Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village where you can drive through over two million lights within a mile. Not only is this one of the best drive-thru light displays in New Jersey but they also have Christmas Village featuring a Ferris wheel, carousel, ice skating rink, a beer garden, and photos with Santa! You can also check out these incredible drive-thru light displays as well.
Where can I find the best hot chocolate in New Jersey?
Hot chocolate is a delicacy this time of year. Of course, you can always make some at home, but when you’re out and about, why not stop somewhere like Raymond’s with locations in both Ridgewood and Montclair and order a rich Belgian hot chocolate? Serving both classic and vegan hot chocolate, The Bent Spoon in Princeton serves up some of the best in the state. Additionally, you can order one topped with gooey handmade marshmallows. Yum!
