This Is My New Jersey

The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and people are starting to decorate and hunt for trees. That means there are plenty of great events taking place throughout the state. From drive-through light displays to craft markets, there is something for everyone. Here are a few events coming up this month.

Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village

Growing up, we would all pile in the car and my father would drive us around the area to look at Christmas lights that decorated the homes in my beloved hometown of Belleville. I have no idea if parents still do that, but you can certainly see a great display all in one place. The Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village brings to life a Clark Griswold-level display of over two million dazzling lights, festive displays, and family-friendly attractions that is one mile long. Kids can also take photos with Santa, adults can shop at a festive market filled with unique vendors, and admire holiday displays that add to the winter wonderland. Enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores, ice cream, and other delicious treats. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Christmas in Cape May

One of my favorite places in New Jersey is Cape May. During December, this charming seaside town is transformed into a Dickens-style village complete with garlands of fragrant greens and twinkling gaslights. Wrap yourself in the warmth of holiday spirit and sample a variety of fun tours and events. Different events during Christmas in Cape May take place on a daily basis, including a holiday inn tour, and trolley rides. Your visit isn’t complete without a visit to Cape May’s Victorian House Museum, the 1879 Emlen Physick House, decorated in true Victorian style for their Christmas tour of the home.

The Red Mill

Nestled in Clinton is The Red Mill. A lovely historic spot on the South Branch of the Raritan River, it has served a variety of purposes over its history, but now it serves as a reminder of the area’s past. In December, it hosts multiple events, including its Festival of Trees and several craft markets. The Red Mill’s events page lists everything that is taking place during this special time of year.

Holidays in the Wildwoods

If Cape May is my favorite shore spot in Jersey, then the Wildwoods is my second favorite. There are events taking place throughout the month at Holidays in the Wildwoods, including parades, shopping, and bonfires. Christmastime at the beach sounds pretty good to me!

Turtle Back Zoo

Turtle Back Zoo is a wonderful place that has been educating generations of children and has been a magical place for families since 1963. In September 2006, what started as a 15 acre county zoo was granted accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. This distinct honor places Turtle Back Zoo amongst the elite zoos and aquaria of the United States and means that the zoo adheres to the highest standards for zoos in the country.

Each winter, Turtle Back Zoo transforms into a Holiday Lights Spectacular, the perfect place to spend an evening strolling outdoors through the multitude of light displays. Events include making s’mores, Grinch weekend, as well as time to visit with Santa! While many of the animals are not available for interaction, some areas are still accessible to visitors, including the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and the Farm. Attendees of the Holiday Lights Spectacular are asked to bring a donation of non-perishable food items, new toys, or gently used coats to help those in need during this time of the year.

And there are more holiday events…

These are just a few of the many different events that take place throughout this beloved state during December. Do you have a favorite event? Share it here!