Throughout the holiday season, you need a way to welcome in some cheer. By visiting a Christmas village, you will have an immersive way to make holiday memories you can treasure for years to come! As a New Jersey family photographer, I am lucky enough to connect with families all across the state and find out about their favorite places. Here are the Christmas villages in NJ I now always recommend!
Plan A Fun Holiday Adventure To These Wonderful Christmas Villages In NJ
The Village at Anne Ellen
114 Daum Road, Manalapan, New Jersey 07726
The Village at Anne Ellen is an annual NJ Christmas village tradition that brings you a little bit of everything. As you wander along the street, you can stop by stores filled up with gifts for everyone on your list. There is a Christmas tree lot where your family can spend some time selecting the perfect tree for your home. You can stop by and take pictures amidst the lights or see what’s happening inside the gingerbread house. There are hayrides and food trucks as well as Santa’s House, where you might be able to say hello to the jolly man himself!
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, New Jersey 07727
While The Historic Village at Allaire might have existed in NJ for over two centuries, the Christmas Village is fairly new. This display takes place in a village that was once self-sustaining. While I know you’re going to have an unforgettable time, you are also going to get the chance to learn about the area’s rich history throughout your trip. They have regular holiday craft and vendor shops where you can buy personalized gifts for everyone. You can also hear some carolers, try out some Victorian traditions, and say hello to Santa as he passes by!
Cape May
1048 Washington Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204
Cape May draws upon inspiration from Charles Dickens to provide you with an immersive holiday experience. They have a trolley that makes its way up and down streets, offering a ride to anyone who wants to experience a little bit of Christmas magic. Sometimes, you can even find Mrs. Claus onboard, leading the group in stories and songs. They also offer walking tours that let you walk up and down the streets and see the ways people once lived in this town. They even have a mystery story that you can figure out as you move from house to house!
Palmer Square
40 Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08542
Throughout the Christmas season, there’s always something to do at Palmer Square Christmas village in NJ! Starting in early November, they kick off with a lantern walk where you can go on a moonlight walk before warming up with some apple cider. After Thanksgiving, they host a tree-lighting celebration that lets you cuddle in with the people you love. They offer Christmas carols for people of all ages, entertainment, and visits with Santa. Throughout the events, you will be treated to food and drinks that stay true to the holiday theme!
Red Mill Museum Village
56 Main Street, Clinton, New Jersey 08809
Red Mill Museum Village opens up for six days throughout the holiday season. During this time, you will be able to check out over 50 local craft artisans, as well as tons of food trucks and family activities. This event is friendly for every member, including the pups (as long as they’re on a leash, of course!). Museum members will be able to take tours of 12 historic buildings, all of which will be in full holiday mode. They also offer their annual Festival of Trees, which is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Historic Smithville
Smithville, New Jersey
Smithville, NJ truly feels like a Christmas village that is suspended in time. Originally a carriage stop, this town blossomed over the next 50 years, creating a space that is completely idyllic. There are local businesses and an antique carousel that you can check out during your trip. Throughout the Christmas season, they invite you to join in their traditions that you’ll want to repeat again and again. There is a light show, a magic talking tree, an authentic train ride, and an adaptation of A Christmas Carol. They also have events such as girls’ nights and a hospitality night.
Harbaugh Village
126 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, New Jersey 08062
Harbaugh Village has been built completely for the holidays! It opens up each autumn to provide family entertainment unlike any other. Throughout the winter, they light the entire place up with Christmas lights for the North Pole Experience. You can stop in and drink some hot cocoa as you take in the holiday vibes! Your child can write letters to Santa, watch some live entertainment, and go for a carousel ride. Meanwhile, you are going to love the countless photo ops and the vendors’ village. They have multiple packages that let you bring out the whole family and save!
German Christmas Market of New Jersey
37 Plains Road, Augusta, New Jersey 07822
For one weekend only, the Sussex Fairgrounds in Augusta host their German Christmas Market of New Jersey. Throughout this time, they bring in the very best vendors from across the state so you can stock up on some amazing gifts and decorations. Not only are you going to get to shop, but you can also watch some live entertainment! They have pony rides, a petting zoo, and wagon rides. And if you find yourself getting a little hungry, you can head over to the Biergarten for some brats, beer, and other authentic treats. The event happens no matter what the forecast calls for, and kids under the age of 12 can get in for free!
The Entire Family Can Feel The Holiday Spirit At These Exciting Christmas Villages In NJ
If you need the right way to get into the holiday spirit, these are the Christmas villages in NJ for you! Plan your adventure today so you can get ready for the best Christmas ever.
Are you looking for more ways to make some memories this season? Then let’s connect! I am a New Jersey family photographer, and I adore working with families so they can have memories they’ll treasure for years to come. If you think my style might align with yours, let’s have a conversation so you can find out more. Let’s chat soon!
Sofia Ribeiro Photography is a NJ Newborn & Maternity Photographer, serving Union, Morris, Sussex, Bergen, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties in the North and Central New Jersey.
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