New Jersey combines beautiful shoreline towns, vibrant downtowns, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions—offering endless things to do in New Jersey for travelers and residents alike. Whether you’re planning holiday-season outings or year-round coastal adventures, the Garden State delivers something for every family.
It’s also home to many of the best elementary schools in New Jersey, making it a popular choice for families considering relocation or planning educational trips along with vacations.
New Jersey’s geography is far more diverse than most visitors expect. The world’s first-ever boardwalk was built in Atlantic City in 1870, establishing the state as a pioneer of American seaside entertainment. This boardwalk legacy continues today through New Jersey’s iconic coastal towns. |
🎉 December & January 2025–2026 Events in New Jersey
Here are the upcoming family-friendly events that make winter festive and exciting:
1. Let It Glow: Holiday Lanterns — Bergen County Zoo
✨ A magical lantern walk through the zoo
Enjoy vibrant lantern displays shaped like animals and seasonal scenes — a perfect nighttime family outing.
- Dates: November 6, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Location: Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park, Paramus & River Edge, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.bergencountyzoopark.org
2. Moonpreneur In-Person Workshop
A wonderful learning opportunity for New Jersey kids interested in Robotics, AI, Coding, IoT, and Game Development. This complements academics beautifully — especially for parents looking at the best elementary schools in New Jersey.
- Date: Year-round sessions + December special workshops
- Link: https://moonpreneur.com/home/book-a-free-trial/
You can also find the In-person workshop near you here.
3. Orchard of Lights Drive-Thru — Demarest Farms
🎄 A cozy holiday drive-through experience
Drive through twinkling holiday displays, warm up by fire pits, and enjoy hot chocolate and treats.
- Dates: November 22 – December 30, 2025
- Location: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.demarestfarms.com
4. Skylands Christmas Light Show & Village — Augusta
🌟 One of New Jersey’s biggest holiday traditions
Millions of lights, a festive village, seasonal foods, photos with Santa, and family entertainment.
- Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Location: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.skylandsstadium.com
5. First Night Ocean County — Seaside Heights
🎆 A kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration
Enjoy magic shows, train rides, games, entertainers, and early fireworks — perfect for younger kids.
- Date: December 31, 2025 | 1 PM – 5 PM
- Location: Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.seaside-heightsnj.org
🌤️ Year-Round Attractions & Kid-Friendly Activities
New Jersey’s outdoor and coastal attractions shine in every season. Beyond its iconic shoreline, the state features stunning natural spaces. New Jersey has over 50 state parks and forests covering more than 430,000 acres, making it an incredible destination for families who love outdoor recreation.
6. Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach — Seaside Heights
🎡 Boardwalk fun for every age
Ride classic amusement rides, enjoy arcades, and relax by the beach — a summer favorite for families.
- Location: Seaside Heights, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.casinopiernj.com
7. Van Saun County Park & Zoo — Paramus & River Edge
🦓 A full-day family destination
Features a zoo, playgrounds, carousel, miniature train, picnic areas, and more.
- Location: Van Saun Park, Paramus/River Edge, NJ
- Official Link: https://bergencountynj.gov/bergen-county-department-of-parks/van-saun-county-park
8. Loantaka Brook Reservation — Morris County
🚲 Nature trails for all ages
Offers biking, walking trails, wildlife viewing, and serene outdoor spaces year-round.
- Location: Morris Township, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.morrisparks.net
9. Cape May Historic District
🏖 America’s oldest seaside resort town
Explore Victorian homes, boutique shops, coastal restaurants, and charming family-friendly beaches.
- Location: Cape May, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.capemay.com
10. Winter WonderLights — East Brunswick
✨ An animated light show synchronized to music
Drive through a spectacular seasonal light display with themed scenes and music.
- Season: Holiday months
- Location: East Brunswick, NJ
- Official Link: https://www.winterwonderlights.com
11. New Jersey Folk Festival — North Brunswick
🎶 Cultural celebration & community fun
Drive through a spectacular seasonal light display with themed scenes and music.
- Season: Annually (Late Summer)
- Location: North Brunswick / Rutgers University
- Official Link: https://www.rutgers.edu/events
Enjoy music performances, artisan crafts, cultural displays, and community entertainment.
🌟 Quick and Useful New Jersey Facts
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🎯 Why Visit New Jersey?
From holiday festivals and magical light shows to historic districts, outdoor adventures, and iconic boardwalks, New Jersey offers memorable experiences all year long. Whether you’re planning a coastal trip, exploring charming towns, or discovering areas near the best elementary schools in New Jersey, the Garden State delivers family fun in every season.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
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