The holiday season is a time to create magical memories for your family in a way that can’t be replicated throughout the year. Wether you like dazzling lights, visits with Santa, or hot chocolate and ice skating, maybe even some festive animals, and train rides, there is a variety at our fingertips. There is nothing quite like experiencing the magic of the holidays through our childrens’ eyes. Choose from these Christmas events for kids in NJ, that will be sure to make their eyes, and your hearts, sparkle! I know I’m looking forward to continuing my family’s yearly tradition of getting to as many of these as possible! This year’s goal is to get to Anne Ellen’s village Winter Wonderland checked off of our lists. The drive-through light shows are always a family favorite, as is Turtleback zoo!
8 Christmas Events for Kids in NJ to put on your to-do list this season!
The Polar Express
1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, New Jersey 07981
Possibly one of the most popular Christmas train rides in New Jersey, the Polar Express in Whippany is pure magic. Enjoy a show onboard in your coziest PJs, with a treat of cookies and hot chocolate while the story plays out in front of you. You might even get chosen to participate in the action! Work your way through the classic story with a golden ticket, dancing waiters, and finally, your arrival at Santa over the course of this one hour experience! Tickets sell out quickly and are released in the summer months.
Skylands Light Show & Christmas Village
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Featuring over two million lights over the course of a one mile drive-through, you can also visit with Santa in their Christmas Village, and enjoy seasonal food and beverages, There is also a Winter beer garden for the adults, and a fire-pit for roasting smores. You can visit by purchasing a timed-entry ticket, or an anytime version as well. Free parking, and handicap accessible.
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Light Spectacular
560 Northfield Ave. West Orange, NJ 07052
A classic holiday tradition in North Jersey, the Turtle Back Zoo hosts its Holiday Light Spectacular at FREE admission! They do kindly accept donations of non-perishable food items, lightly used coats, and new toys. The light displays feature over 50 animal themed light sculptures, tunnels, and holiday characters scattered throughout the zoo. Seasonal activities, food stalls, and some kids’ experiences like the train ride, face painting, Grinch weekend, Santa visits, and pony rides are also available! This is a holiday experience that is great for all ages.
Six Flags Holiday In the Park
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
Millions of lights cover this amusement park in an experience you can walk through. Featuring a five story lit tree show, a royal court of Holiday characters, and of course Santa himself, your kiddos will get lost in the magic. Select rides are open, and each unique section of the park has it’s own theme, color palette, scents, and sounds. You can even deliver your letter to Santa, roast marshmallows by the fire, and more!
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
Van Saun County Park’s winter wonderland features an open air ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, and Santa’s North Pole dome! Kids rides, a holiday train, and a variety of food trucks and Beer Garden round out experience for complete family fun. A Winter Wonderland All Access ticket grants admission to the event grounds, is good for the one ice skating session during the time you selected, and one carousel ticket. Or you can opt for general admission without the included skate, or carousel ticket.
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
A functioning 50 acre tree farm during the day, at night it transforms into a walk-through Christmas experience. Featuring thousands of lights, amazing shops with unique holiday decor, and a hayride, there is plenty to see here. A whole host of activities for kids including a life-size gingerbread house, igloo, wall of lights, and a hot chocolate stand are among the many activities and photo ops available. Don’t forget to stop at the post-office to write and deliver your letter to Santa too!
Christmas at the Red Mill in Clinton, NJ
Clinton, NJ
Take a stroll back in time while visiting Clinton, NJ. The entire town looks like a Dickensian village, with a decorated footbridge over the river, carriage rides, and carollers. There is even a little house for Santa to visit with the kiddos. Clinton is often rated as one of the best Christmas towns in NJ. All of it starts in the beginning of December, with a Christmas Village, the annual Christmas parade, and the Festival of Trees hosted by the Red Mill Museum which is on-going for a few weekends in December. You can check their Facebook page for more information about events.
PNC Magic of Lights
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
Another perennial favorite for the holidays in, the Magic of Lights at the PNC Bank Arts center is drive through experience closer to those of you in south Jersey. This location features a Holiday village complete with Santa, an ice skating rink, and a petting zoo. Check their schedule for the most up-to-date information, promotional events, as well as details on their Monday donation discount. The perfect option for when the temps drop and it’s too cold to walk!
Christmas Events for Kids in NJ
Make a list, check it twice, and hit some, or all of these Christmas Events for Kids in NJ, to continue, or make new holiday traditions for your little ones. Have you done any of these yet, if so which one is your absolute favorite? Are there any I’ve missed that you’d like me to add? Let me know in the comments below!
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