Discover the best Christmas towns in New Jersey for a magical holiday experience.
Almost every New Jersey town has its own holiday celebration, some are more spectacular than others. West Orange has an incredible light show at Turtle Back Zoo and Wall offers something similarly spectacular. This list focuses not on singular events, but on specific villages around Christmas in NJ with the most magnificent myriad of holiday celebrations. They keep the holiday spirit alive and well with tree lighting, live nativity scenes, parades, historic happenings, and more. Here are the nine best Christmas towns in New Jersey.
1. Cape May
The nation’s first summer resort, Cape May is also a winter wonderland. The charming Victorian homes are splendidly decorated and visitors can take holiday house tours by candlelight. There are also trolley rides available to see the outdoor displays. Choose from three separate tree lighting ceremonies – Cape May City, Congress Hall, and the Emlen Physick Estate. The historic estate is decked out in Victorian holiday splendor.
Other events include breakfasts with Santa, a Christmas bazaar, Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, Crafts at Christmas at Convention Hall, and a whole lot more! You can check out the Cape May Events Calendar for a full list of holiday events on the Cape May website.
2. Historic Smithville (Galloway)
Besides offering amazing shops for all your holiday needs, Historic Smithville hosts its fantastic Light Show on the Lake. Orchestrated to music, the event is made even more magical by the reflections on the water. The show will be held every evening in December. Holiday train rides will also be given throughout December (weather permitting) and there will be a Magic Talking Tree on select dates! Fun for the whole family, this is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the Historic Smithville website for additional event information, and to plan your next visit to this charming Christmas village in New Jersey.
3. Morristown
There’s a lot happening here this holiday season, and you won’t be disappointed. Visit the Ford Mansion or Macculloch Hall for a tour of some of the most magical holiday lights in NJ, head to the Mayo Performing Arts Center to see one of the special holiday performances, and be sure not to miss the Christmas Festival on the Morristown Green. The festival is held on select dates throughout December. Additional events are scattered throughout the month (though are mainly on weekends) and include holiday crafts, performances, visits from Santa, miniature train rides, and ice sculpture demonstrations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be hosting a non-denominational holiday celebration with a live nativity, over 300 nativity displays from around the world, performances by local musicians, and a children’s craft room. Visit the Morristown Partnership website for more information.
4. Ocean City
Ocean City is an amazing community year-round, and Ocean City at Christmas is no different. Be sure to check out the festive and fantastical Christmas Parade, tree lightings, visits and photos with Santa, FREE horse and carriage rides on weekends, and seasonal performances presented by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. The Flanders Hotel will also host a holiday party in December. Ocean City is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey! Visit the Ocean City official website for the calendar of events.
5. Chester
The historic village of Chester is full of holiday cheer! Meet Santa on one of the Chester Visits With Santa events, attend the Festival of Trees and the Holiday Parade, or have brunch with Santa at Alstede Farms. There will also be the Strolling Dickens’ Carolers dressed in period costumes and plenty of additional holiday events throughout the season. You may also want to peruse the shops at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center for some holiday gifts and see some of the most magnificent holiday window displays. This is one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey! Visit the Historic Chester Business Association website for a calendar of events.
6. Red Bank
This trendy town is offering a wide range of holiday activities including a Christmas scavenger hunt, holiday horse and carriage rides, and carolers in the downtown district. Visit Santa at the Galleria or watch one of many holiday productions at the Count Basie Theatre. Head to the Visit Red Bank website to learn more.
7. Princeton
Princeton happens to be one of the best places to go if you’re looking for things to do at Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the massive Christmas tree in Palmer Square and be serenaded by strolling carolers. Take a history walking tour through The Historical Society of Princeton and see holiday lights while learning some of the area’s history. Another favorite? Visit the Morven Museum’s Festival of Trees where you can view festively decorated trees and mantles throughout the museum’s galleries. They will be hosting a wreath-making workshop on select dates as well. The Holiday Wine Trails Weekend or Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop at Terhune Orchards are a couple of other options. Princeton at Christmas is quite magical! Head to the Visit New Jersey website for more information.
8. Atlantic City
The casinos are splendidly decked out with holiday lights, the town itself offers a 30-foot tree to enjoy, and, of course, we can’t forget the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt at the Tanger Outlets. Boardwalk Hall features its Deck the Hall – Gallery of Trees at which each tree is sponsored and money is raised for a children’s charity. The Quarter at Tropicana puts on an interactive light show set to music, and casinos across the boardwalk will be hosting a variety of holiday concerts. Visit the DO Atlantic City website for more event details.
9. Medford
The last on our list of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey is Medford. Most of the magic in Medford happens at Johnson’s Corner Farm. Enjoy visits with Santa, a holiday lights hayride, a lovely light show on the lake, roast s’mores, decorating Christmas cookies, and so much more! The town also offers a tree lighting and the Dickens Festival, arguably one of the best holiday festivals in NJ, in early December. Visit the Johnson’s Corner Farm website for more information.
There are so many great holiday events in the state, but these Christmas towns in New Jersey are truly filled to the brim with holiday cheer. ‘Tis the season for good cheer, good food, and time with family for the holidays. What is your favorite Christmas town in New Jersey? What are some of your favorite Christmas in New Jersey traditions? Let us know in the comments.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy the best Christmas towns near me is on a road trip. Check out this Christmas road trip itinerary and our list of the best snacks to take along with you!