Must-Try Culinary Events and Free Activities in New Jersey This January 2025
January can feel like a long, quiet month after the busy holiday season, but not in New Jersey.
Across the state, there are plenty of things to give you an exciting start to the year.
This month, you’ll find food events, such as tastings, brunches, and dessert festivals. Is there a better way to treat yourself?
You can enjoy meals made from local ingredients, sip on fine wine, or even learn to cook something new.
And if you’re keeping an eye on your budget, there are also several free events.
Kids can enjoy craft workshops, families can explore nature and history, and everyone can celebrate the season with festivals and fun.
This guide will show you the best food events and free activities happening throughout the month.
Food Events in North Jersey
North Jersey has some great events this January if you love good food. You can enjoy amazing meals, try new flavors, and have a good time with friends and family.
How good does that sound?
Let’s take a look at what’s happening this month!
Dry Aged Ribeye Tasting
On Monday, January 13, from 7 to 9 PM, head to Yale Terrace Brewery in Cranford for a ribeye-tasting event, and wow, I’d be booking my tickets now if I were you.
But if you miss it, you can catch the same event on Thursday, January 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Flounder Brewing Co. in Hillsborough.
This is a ten-course experience featuring USDA Choice, USDA Prime, and Grass-Fed ribeyes.
It’s a guided event, so you’ll enjoy the best beef cuts and get expert insights and answers to your questions.
Tickets cost $118, but it’s worth every penny for what you’re getting.
Farmers and Makers Brunch
On Sunday, January 12, from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, the Red Horse at Bernards Inn in Bernardsville will host a brunch celebrating local farmers and makers.
This buffet brunch will include a variety of cold and hot dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Tickets are $45, which is affordable for farm-to-table dining in a cozy setting.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Have you ever wanted to solve mysteries over dinner? You’ve probably never thought about it, but if it tickles your fancy, mark Thursday, January 16, on your calendar.
From 7 to 10 PM, Maggiano’s Little Italy in Hackensack will turn into the scene of a murder.
While you enjoy their Italian cuisine, you’ll work with others to solve a fictional murder case.
This is an adults-only event (21 and over), and tickets are $65.
Boozy Brunch
On Sunday, January 19, from 12 to 3:30 PM, Grano Pizzeria and Italian Tavern in Scotch Plains is hosting a brunch event.
The pre-fixe menu includes a range of Italian dishes and a wide selection of drinks.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, hit the dance floor as a live DJ is playing all the bangers you could ever ask for.
Tickets cost $50.
Dessertopia
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Dessertopia on Saturday, January 25, from 11 AM to 7 PM at the Morristown Armory in Morristown.
This dessert extravaganza is heaven in food form: cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and ice cream, along with an adult beverage bar and a DJ.
Best of all, admission is free, though you’ll want to bring money to splurge on all the delicious treats.
Food Events in Central Jersey
Central Jersey is full of food events this January that are perfect for anyone who loves great flavors.
Let’s explore the delicious options happening in Central Jersey this month!
Winter Wonderland
The Asbury Park Hotel will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday, January 11, from 1 to 4 PM.
And the event captures the season’s magic with bites to eat, winter cocktails, and live music.
Tickets cost $75 for adults, $25 for kids aged 11 to 15, and children 10 and under get in free.
Boozy Brunch Bingo
Nip n Tuck Bar in Long Branch is hosting a bingo event with a twist on Sunday, January 19, starting at 11:30 AM.
This is an après-ski-themed event where prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed attendees.
Proceeds from the event will support Asbury Park PAL’s STEM program.
Tickets cost $10, which is an affordable way to have fun while supporting a good cause.
Birdsmouth Pasta Class
If you love cooking or want to learn something new, check out the pasta-making class at Birdsmouth Beer in Oceanport on Thursday, January 30, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM.
You’ll make egg and semolina pasta dough and take home a gnocchi board and the pasta you make in class.
Tickets cost $60.
Food Events in South Jersey
South Jersey has plenty of exciting food events this January to keep your taste buds happy.
Let’s take a look at what South Jersey has to offer this month!
Renault Winery Paint and Sip
Renault Winery and Resort in Egg Harbor is hosting a paint-and-sip event on Friday, January 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Following a guided painting session, you’ll enjoy a curated wine flight and appetizers.
Tickets are $60 and include all the supplies needed to create your masterpiece.
Sampling and Mixology Class
Celebrate the Lunar New Year on Friday, January 24, at Bottled – Wine, Spirits, and Tastings in Atlantic City.
The event starts at 6:30 PM and includes a guided tasting by a Rémy Martin ambassador.
Afterward, you’ll learn to craft sophisticated cocktails in a mixology class.
Tickets cost $75.
South Jersey Muslim Heritage Month Festival
On Saturday, January 25, from 2 to 7 PM, Eden Gardens in Pennsauken is hosting a cultural festival to celebrate Muslim Heritage Month.
Enjoy global cuisine, cultural performances, and art exhibits.
Admission is free, so there’s no better way to experience different cultures without spending a dime.
Free Activities to Enjoy in New Jersey This January 2025
If your New Year’s goal is to save money and still have fun, New Jersey has plenty of free activities this January.
You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy what’s happening across the state.
Let’s check out the best free things to do in New Jersey this January!
JCPenney Kids Zone
On Saturday, January 11, JCPenney stores across New Jersey are hosting their free Kids Zone event.
This is a great chance for kids to get creative with hands-on craft activities, plus the fact each child will receive a lanyard and a collector’s pin as a reward for participating.
If your child attends multiple events and collects six pins, they’ll earn a Project Master Medallion as a special prize.
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather at Historic Longstreet Farm
On Sunday, January 12, from 12 to 3 PM, take a trip to Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel and try some old-fashioned games that were popular in the 1890s.
Two of the featured games are Halma and Basilinda, but you can also play timeless classics like checkers, backgammon, and dominos.
Hot Cocoa at Historic Cedar Bridge
Warm up on Saturday, January 18, from 1 to 4 PM at the Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site in Barnegat.
Learn about the history of this Revolutionary War-era tavern from a friendly guide, who will share fascinating stories about the area.
As you listen, enjoy a free cup of hot cocoa.
It’s a unique and chilled way to spend an afternoon if you enjoy history, that is.
Scotch Plains Fanwood Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
On Monday, January 20, join the Scotch Plains and Fanwood community for their annual Day of Service to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
This event focuses on giving back and bringing people together.
There are many ways to help, including making cards for people in need, donating food to local food banks, and collecting clothing for those less fortunate.
Free Entrance Days in National Parks
On Monday, January 20, all national parks across New Jersey will waive their entrance fees, so everyone has the chance to visit for free.
Explore places like the Delaware Water Gap, known for its beautiful views and outdoor activities, or the Morristown National Historical Park, where you can learn about Revolutionary War history.
Few opportunities exist to enjoy the state’s natural beauty and rich history without spending a dime, so take advantage of this while you can.
Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival
On Saturday, January 25, High Street in Mount Holly will be buzzing with activity for the annual Fire and Ice Festival.
The event features live ice-sculpting demonstrations where artists create amazing works of art from giant blocks of ice.
While you marvel at the sculptures, you can warm up with a bowl of hot chili and enjoy live music in the festive atmosphere.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Vizzio’s Institute of Martial Arts
Celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, January 25, at Vizzio’s Institute of Martial Arts in Fairfield.
This family-friendly event includes traditional Lion Dance performances, which are believed to bring good luck.
There will also be a parade for children and exciting kung-fu demonstrations by the school’s students and instructors.
Rutgers Geological Museum Annual Open House
On Saturday, January 25, from 10 AM to 3 PM, visit the Rutgers Geological Museum in New Brunswick for their 57th Annual Open House.
This year’s theme is New Jersey Geology, so expect lots of interesting facts and activities about the Garden State’s rocks, minerals, and landforms.
There will be hands-on crafts and fun activities for kids, plus a mineral sale for anyone who wants to take home a unique geological souvenir.
Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards
Wrap up the month on Sunday, January 26, at Terhune Orchards in Princeton.
Join the farm’s annual Wassailing the Apple Trees celebration, a British tradition that involves singing and toasting the apple trees to bless them for a good harvest.
You can enjoy a glass of hot cider while participating in this festive event, and past participants have said it’s some of the best cider they’ve ever had.
Yes! No matter where you live in New Jersey—North, Central, or South—this January has so many food events and free activities to enjoy.
You can look forward to tastings, brunches, and dessert festivals—where you’ll count down the days until you can visit them again.
And don’t worry if you’re watching your budget, as there are free events like workshops, festivals, and nature activities perfect for the whole family.
So don’t stay home this month—grab your family, friends, or just yourself, for that matter, and check out all the great events happening across the state.
