It’s that time of year again—when everything feels slightly more magical.
The air is chilly, the lights are twinkling, and the smell of hot cocoa is everywhere.
South Jersey is rolling out the red (and green) carpet for the holiday season, and trust me, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do.
This is the time to make memories with loved ones, and we’ve rounded up the best events to help you do just that.
So grab your coziest sweater, pour yourself a mug of something warm, and get ready to plan your holiday season.
- 13th Annual Winter Wonderland
Where: Congress Hall, Cape May
When: November 29 – December 31
Congress Hall transforms into a winter wonderland with festive activities for all ages.
Hop aboard the Congress Hall Express train, browse the candy cane-striped vendor village for unique Cape May gifts, or ride the charming Congress Hall Carousel.
Santa’s workshop offers crafts and fun for the little ones, while the weekend Breakfast with Santa series is perfect for families.
Don’t miss the twinkling lights and holiday cheer that make this a Cape May tradition.
- The North Pole Experience
Where: Harbaugh Village, Mullica Hill
When: Select dates, December 5-22 (Weekdays: 5-9:30 p.m.; Saturdays: 1-9:30 p.m.; Sundays: 1-8 p.m.)
As you’re looking for Christmas things to do in NJ, Harbaugh Village is somewhere you won’t want to miss.
You can enjoy ice skating, a carousel, and a magical vendor village filled with holiday treats and gifts.
Walk through dazzling light displays, meet Santa in person, and soak in the live holiday music and entertainment.
Tickets are $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children aged 3-12; the activities are sure to bring smiles to everyone.
- Vintner Wonderland
Where: Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City
When: November 29 – January 19
Renault Winery invites you to a holiday celebration like no other!
Ice skate under twinkling lights, sip wine by cozy firepits, and enjoy live music.
Day passes cost $39 per person or $139 for families of four, and they include ice skating, tractor rides, and priority parking.
Additional options like private igloo dining and firepit rentals make this a unique way to celebrate the season.
- Christmas Underwater
Where: Adventure Aquarium, Camden
When: Through December 24
Celebrate Christmas under the sea at Adventure Aquarium!
Watch Scuba Santa swim with sea creatures like sharks, rays, and sea turtles, spreading holiday cheer.
Amazingly, you can see the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree and feel the magic of the Snowtunda, where snow flurries fall indoors.
It’s no secret this event is a holiday favorite, so reservations are highly recommended.
- Cape May’s Tree Lighting & Holiday Tours
Where: Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
When: November 23 – December 31
Cape May’s Emlen Physick Estate is the perfect setting for holiday magic.
Start with the tree lighting ceremony to see the estate sparkle, then take a Candlelight Tour of the beautifully decorated Victorian homes.
The estate’s historical charm, paired with festive lights and décor, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the holidays.
- Night of Lights
Where: Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill
When: Fridays & Saturdays in December, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Creamy Acres Farm transforms into a glowing holiday escape.
Drive through breathtaking light displays, including a massive musical Christmas tree that dances to your favorite carols.
Families can enjoy festive hayrides, stroll through the Barnyard Walk with even more lights, and cozy up by the fire for roasted marshmallows.
Don’t forget to snap a picture with Santa for the ultimate holiday keepsake!
- Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Where: Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township
When: November 16 – December 30 (Opening hours vary; check website for details)
At dusk each evening, Santa waves his wand and magically lights up Storybook Land in a dazzling ceremony.
Explore the park’s enchanting holiday décor, meet favorite characters, and enjoy kid-friendly rides.
It’s a cherished tradition for families in the area, with plenty of photo opportunities to make memories.
- Haddonfield Candlelight Shopping
Where: Downtown Haddonfield
When: Friday nights through December 24, 6-9 p.m.
Step back in time with Haddonfield’s charming candlelight shopping nights.
Browse unique shops along beautifully decorated streets while sipping on warm cocoa.
Carolers provide a festive soundtrack as horse-drawn carriage rides transport you through the glowing downtown.
This cozy event is perfect for picking out holiday gifts or enjoying the season’s magic.
- Holiday Train Show
Where: Old City Hall, Bordentown
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through January 6, 4-8 p.m.
This free show is a delight for train lovers of all ages, and it’s definitely one of the best Christmas events in NJ.
The Old City Hall is packed with intricate holiday train layouts that captivate with their detail and creativity.
Watch the trains zip through snowy villages, tiny tunnels, and sparkling Christmas scenes.
It’s the perfect way to soak up the holiday spirit without spending a dime!
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Battleship
Where: Battleship New Jersey, Camden Waterfront
When: December 31, 6 p.m. (Early Show) & Midnight (Finale)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey with stunning views of fireworks over the Delaware River.
You only have to get a $10 donation, and it gets you deck access, live music, and concessions.
Whether you’re ringing in the new year early or staying for the midnight finale, this unique venue adds a patriotic twist to your celebrations while supporting ongoing ship restoration efforts.
- Soldiers Christmas
Where: Fort Mott, Pennsville
When: December 15, 5-9 p.m.
The next event, Soldiers Christmas, is a truly unique way of celebrating the holidays.
You can step back in time to see how soldiers from different eras celebrated Christmas while away from home.
Uniformed reenactors portray military life from the Roman Empire to the Cold War, complete with lantern tours of the fort.
The museum features fascinating artifacts, such as military-themed Christmas ads and vintage holiday photos, so it’s a festive yet educational experience for history buffs and families.
- Christmas in the Park
Where: Uptown Pitman
When: November 29 – December 22 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 6-8 p.m.)
Uptown Pitman comes alive with holiday cheer during this festive celebration.
Stroll through beautifully lit streets and unique window displays while local shops offer one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
Trolley tours add a nostalgic charm, and Santa himself is on hand to spread joy.
Treat yourself to seasonal goodies like cocoa and cookies as you soak in the small-town holiday magic.
- Night of Lights Drive-Thru
Where: Skylands Stadium, Augusta
When: November 15 – December 31 (Evenings, typically starting at 5 p.m.)
Drive through a mile-long trail filled with over two million twinkling lights, perfectly synchronized to holiday music on your car radio.
The larger-than-life displays include festive tunnels, holiday characters, and dazzling Christmas scenes.
For a bonus, visit the Christmas Village next door for photos with Santa, holiday treats, and more lights!
- The Polar Express Train Ride
Where: Whippany Station or Phillipsburg
When: Select dates through December 23
Bring the beloved Christmas story to life on this magical train ride.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a golden ticket stamped by Santa himself.
With festive music, dancing chefs, and a visit from Santa, this nostalgic journey promises unforgettable memories for the whole family.
- Morven’s Festival of Trees
Where: Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
When: November 20 – January 5
Step into a winter wonderland at Morven Museum, where each room of the historic mansion is adorned with stunning Christmas trees and festive decorations.
Local artists, garden clubs, and businesses create the displays, blending elegance with holiday spirit.
Perfect for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking seasonal inspiration.
- Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Where: Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
When: Select evenings, November 22 – December 31 (5-9 p.m.)
Walk through the Turtle Back Zoo and enjoy more than 50 glowing light displays of animals and winter scenes.
Snap a picture with Santa (on select nights), warm up with hot cocoa, and marvel at the zoo’s festive atmosphere.
Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the zoo’s animal care programs.
- Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express
Where: Tuckahoe or Richland Village
When: Select dates, November 30 – December 23
All aboard the Santa Express!
This vintage train ride is perfect for families.
Ride through the festive countryside decked in holiday lights while enjoying Christmas music and hot cocoa.
Santa visits each car to greet passengers and spread holiday cheer, making this a magical outing for the whole family.
Just don’t forget your camera for Santa selfies!
- Valenzano Winery’s Holly Jolly Weekend
Where: Valenzano Winery, Shamong
When: December 22-23, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Combine last-minute holiday shopping with wine tasting at this festive event.
Valenzano Winery hosts artisan vendors selling unique gifts, seasonal treats, and live music to set the mood.
Admission is $10 and includes wine tasting, so grab a glass and browse for the perfect gifts while enjoying the holiday spirit.
- Holidays in the Wildwoods
Where: Wildwood Boardwalk
When: Weekends, November 23 – December 22
The Wildwoods sparkle with holiday magic!
From festive parades to dazzling light displays along the boardwalk, this seaside celebration is filled with family-friendly fun.
Santa and Mrs. Claus make regular appearances, and there’s plenty of entertainment, treats, and holiday cheer to go around.
- Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House
Where: Fanwood
When: November 29 – January 8
This iconic home in Fanwood shines bright with over 30,000 lights.
Thus, if you’re a fan of elaborate Christmas decorations, it would be a crime to miss out on this display.
The house is free to visit, but donations are encouraged and benefit the NJ Institute for Disabilities.
Swing by for a dose of holiday wonder and to support a great cause.
- Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show
Where: Diggerland, West Berlin
When: November 15 – January 12 (Evenings)
Cruise through a mile-long trail of dazzling holiday lights at Diggerland’s Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show.
Tune into their radio station for synchronized holiday music as you enjoy the magical displays from the comfort of your car.
Then, finish the night with hot cocoa and seasonal snacks from the concessions.
Perfect for families or a cozy date night!
- Christmas at Cowtown
Where: Cowtown, Salem
When: December 22, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get your holiday shopping done at this special Christmas market.
With hundreds of vendors selling seasonal goods, toys, antiques, and unique gifts, there’s something for everyone.
Kids can meet Santa, enjoy pony rides, and hop on hayrides for extra fun.
The festive atmosphere makes it a great way to spend the day.
- DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Where: Hammonton
When: November 16 – December 23 (Select dates)
Step aboard the Magical Holiday Express at DiDonato’s Family Fun Center!
Ride through a tunnel of lights and past millions of sparkling displays.
Afterward, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus’s workshop, decorate cookies, and warm up with hot chocolate.
This family-friendly event is sure to leave everyone smiling.
And there you go—a list full of South Jersey’s best holiday events to make your season extra special.
Don’t let the holidays pass you by—grab your calendar, mark your favorites, and make those memories happen.
Gather your loved ones and head out to explore everything this magical time of year has to offer.
