We are now in the midst of the holiday season. You either love or hate this time of year. Personally, I love Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and all of the fun family and friend traditions and memories they hold. If you are looking for something new to do this month, there are a bunch of different holiday attractions in New Jersey to visit.
Our very own Hawthorne has an annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade. This year it is taking place on Friday, December 6, and while it is for the whole town, younger kids especially enjoy it.
The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the tree lighting at around 6:45 p.m. The parade is produced by the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce and attending the event is a great way to kick off the holiday season with your friends.
Now, from tree lightings to Christmas performances, statewide there are so many different options when it comes to holiday events. Here is a list compiled of unique, fun, family-friendly, highly-rated holiday attractions in New Jersey:
- The Polar Express Train Ride, within the Skylands Region, is an event adored by fans of the original Polar Express movie and children. What’s so amazing about this attraction is that once you are there, all you do is comfortably ride a warm train that is modeled after one of your favorite Christmas movies.
- When you think of Christmas does your mind ever go to aquariums and under the sea adventures? Most people wouldn’t connect the two, but the Adventure Aquarium in Camden has their very own Christmas under the sea event running up until right before Christmas. By going to this aquarium, you can see Scuba Santa, the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, and thousands of fascinating aquatic creatures.
- If you are into classical music and enjoy ballet, NYC and NJ put on some of the best performances of The Nutcracker. You can watch this magical performance presented by different ballet companies, in Morristown, from December 13-26 produced by the New Jersey Ballet company and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, the talented Atlantic City Ballet also has a performance, and it is on December 20 in Millville.
- What about a fun and inclusive festival, celebrating a wider range of holidays? The Festival of Trees at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit is on December 8 this year. Enjoy the many different things to do there like take photos with Santa, participate in arts and crafts and games, listen to stories and music, and purchase goods at the holiday market. This outdoor festival celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and even the Winter Solstice, appealing to more groups than just people who celebrate one of the many holidays.
- Lastly, if you love to shop, especially during the holidays, then here are a few great options for you. For some fantastic festive shopping, go to the Shore Region’s Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, The Asbury Hotel, Nutley Winter Wonderland, Heights Holiday Market, Christmas in Warren, or Holiday Craft in Morristown.
These are only a handful of the many New Jersey holiday festivities open to the public! So, if you are looking to do something fun and festive, consider visiting one of these events!
Happy Holidays!