The holiday season is upon us, and New Jersey is buzzing with excitement! Christmas in NJ is a magical time, filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and endless fun activities for the whole family. Whether you're a native Jerseyite or just visiting, there's no shortage of holiday cheer to get you in the mood. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and let's dive into the top holiday activities to enjoy in the Garden State!
The holiday season is a time for making memories with loved ones, and New Jersey has plenty of opportunities to do just that. From festive train rides to holiday markets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we'll explore the best Christmas activities in NJ, including events, attractions, and traditions that are sure to become new favorites.
Holiday Events in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to a wide range of holiday events that are sure to get you in the festive spirit. Here are some of the top events to check out:
- Six Flags Great Adventure's Holiday in the Park: This annual event transforms the theme park into a winter wonderland, complete with festive lights, decorations, and holiday-themed rides and attractions.
- The Polar Express: Take a magical train ride through the New Jersey countryside, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa himself.
- The Nutcracker: Catch a performance of this classic holiday ballet at one of New Jersey's many theaters, including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
Top Holiday Markets in NJ
Holiday markets are a great way to get into the festive spirit, and New Jersey has plenty to choose from. Here are some of the top holiday markets in the state:
- The Asbury Park Holiday Market: This annual market features over 100 vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, and gourmet foods.
- The Montclair Holiday Market: This market features a wide range of vendors selling everything from jewelry to home decor, as well as plenty of delicious food and drink options.
- The Princeton Holiday Market: This market features a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, and gourmet foods, as well as live music and entertainment.
Christmas Lights and Displays in NJ
New Jersey is home to some of the most impressive Christmas lights and displays in the country. Here are some of the top ones to check out:
- The Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour: Take a self-guided tour of some of Cape May's most beautifully decorated homes, featuring festive lights, decorations, and holiday cheer.
- The Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo: This annual event features over 50,000 lights and 100 displays, including a walk-through tunnel of lights and a holiday-themed carousel.
- The Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show: This drive-through light show features over 1 million lights and 100 displays, including animated displays and holiday-themed music.
Top Christmas Tree Farms in NJ
Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a holiday tradition that many families enjoy. Here are some of the top Christmas tree farms in New Jersey:
- The Christmas Tree Farm at Terhune Orchards: This farm features over 50 acres of Christmas trees, including Fraser Firs, Douglas Firs, and Blue Spruces.
- The Holmdel Christmas Tree Farm: This farm features over 20 acres of Christmas trees, including Fraser Firs, Douglas Firs, and Norway Spruces.
- The Spruce Lake Farm Christmas Tree Farm: This farm features over 15 acres of Christmas trees, including Fraser Firs, Douglas Firs, and Blue Spruces.
Ice Skating Rinks in NJ
Ice skating is a classic holiday activity that's fun for the whole family. Here are some of the top ice skating rinks in New Jersey:
- The Rock Ice Center: This indoor ice rink in Woodbridge features public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and ice skating lessons.
- The Flemington Ice Arena: This outdoor ice rink in Flemington features public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and ice skating lessons.
- The Skylands Ice World: This indoor ice rink in Stockholm features public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and ice skating lessons.
Top Holiday Parades in NJ
Holiday parades are a fun way to get into the festive spirit. Here are some of the top holiday parades in New Jersey:
- The Newark Holiday Parade: This annual parade features festive floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
- The Jersey City Holiday Parade: This annual parade features festive floats, marching bands, and live music.
- The Hoboken Holiday Parade: This annual parade features festive floats, marching bands, and live music.
We hope this article has given you some ideas for fun holiday activities to enjoy in New Jersey. Whether you're looking for festive events, holiday markets, or classic winter activities like ice skating and sledding, there's something for everyone in the Garden State. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and get out there and enjoy the holiday season!
What are some of the top holiday events in New Jersey?
+Some of the top holiday events in New Jersey include Six Flags Great Adventure's Holiday in the Park, The Polar Express, and The Nutcracker.
What are some of the best holiday markets in New Jersey?
+Some of the best holiday markets in New Jersey include The Asbury Park Holiday Market, The Montclair Holiday Market, and The Princeton Holiday Market.
What are some of the top Christmas lights and displays in New Jersey?
+Some of the top Christmas lights and displays in New Jersey include The Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour, The Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo, and The Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show.