Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the charm of the season in Cranford with our comprehensive guide. For longtime residents and new arrivals alike, our guide reveals the holiday spirit of Cranford.
Popular events include the enchanting Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center, where dazzling light displays transform the winter landscape into a sparkling spectacle. Additionally, the German Christmas Market of New Jersey offers an authentic taste of holiday traditions, featuring unique crafts and delicious treats. And you definitely don't want to miss the Holland Ridge Winter Wonderland Market, showcasing local artisans and festive atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Dazzling displays of illuminated tulips and interactive activities.
Holland Ridge Winter Wonderland features over 30,000 illuminated tulips, a holiday makers market, exclusive photo activations, festive food, and Santa's workshop.
Where: Cream Ridge | More Info: Holland Ridge Winter Wonderland Market
Illuminated tulip display with festive activities.
Holland Ridge Farms presents a spectacular holiday event featuring over 30,000 illuminated tulips, a lit windmill, and millions of twinkling lights. Enjoy fresh-cut tulips, U-plant tulip bulbs, cozy fire pits, a gift shop, and a Santa photo experience. The event also includes a winter market, food trucks, bakery treats, and Santa’s workshop with interactive activities for kids.
Where: Cream Ridge | More Info: Holland Ridge Farms Holiday Wonderland
Dazzling drive-through holiday light display with iconic characters.
At PNC Bank Arts Center, Magic of Lights features over a mile of spectacular light displays, including a 32-foot-tall animated Holiday Barbie and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas. The event offers a drive-through experience with various holiday scenes and characters, making it a memorable holiday celebration.
Where: Holmdel | More Info: Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
Dazzling display of handmade Chinese lanterns with live performances.
The Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, live performances, and interactive light displays. Enjoy food, drinks, a gift shop, and live entertainment while exploring the dazzling lantern display.
Where: East Rutherford | More Info: Winter Lantern Festival
Large-scale craft fair with numerous vendors selling unique, handmade items.
The Paramus Thanksgiving Craft Fair at Paramus High School features over 125 vendors showcasing a variety of handcrafted items, including art, crafts, and photography. The event offers a unique shopping experience with a wide range of gifts and seasonal items available.
Where: Paramus | More Info: Paramus Thanksgiving Craft Fair
Largest and most authentic German Christmas Market in New Jersey.
The German Christmas Market of New Jersey is a non-profit event held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, offering a variety of traditional German goods, delicious food, and local artisanal items. It supports local charities and features beautifully decorated trees from local schools.
Where: Augusta | More Info: German Christmas Market of New Jersey
Unique, locally handmade items.
The Rockaway Holiday Craft and Maker Fair at Rockaway Townsquare Mall offers a diverse selection of handmade, unique items including jewelry, handbags, fashion, home decor, pet products, and sweet treats. This event provides a convenient shopping opportunity inside the mall, featuring locally crafted goods.
Where: Rockaway | More Info: Rockaway Holiday Craft and Maker Fair
Unique shopping experience with 175 craft artists.
Holiday Craft Morristown is a unique shopping experience featuring 175 of America's finest craft artists. Find original fashions, accessories, jewelry, functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, fiber, wood, and mixed media. Enjoy handcrafted gourmet specialties and foods. The event is held indoors at the Morristown Armory, offering free parking and a free shuttle service.
Where: Morristown | More Info: Holiday Craft Morristown
Unique pumpkin carvings displayed in a pumpkin-lit garden setting.
Join us at Hanson Park for the Cranford Carve-Out & Parade of Pumpkins, a free event celebrating pumpkin carvings with a parade of lit creations. Hosted by Jersey Central Art Studios and supported by the Cranford Jaycees and Hanson Park Conservancy, this event is open to all ages and features cash awards for the funniest, scariest, and most original carvings.
Where: Cranford | More Info: Cranford Carve-Out & Parade of Pumpkins
Unique blend of Halloween festivities and pumpkin chunking.
The 24th Annual Brian Jenkins Memorial Halloween Parade, Costume Contest, and Pumpkin' Chunkin' will feature a parade through downtown Cranford, a costume contest with awards for various age groups and categories, and a pumpkin chunking event. Judging will take place in the Community Center parking lot, followed by the parade and pumpkin chunking on North Union Avenue, weather permitting.
Where: Cranford | More Info: Cranford Halloween Parade, Costume Contest, & Pumpkin Chunkin’
Family-friendly fitness event supporting charitable causes.
Track Friday is a family-friendly event where fitness meets fundraising. Participants are encouraged to run or walk laps on the track to burn off Thanksgiving calories while supporting charitable causes they care about.
Where: Cranford | More Info: Track Friday
Heated private pods and igloos for dining.
Newark Winter Village is an open-air festival in downtown Newark featuring ice skating, go-karts, a holiday marketplace, and cozy heated private pods and igloos. Enjoy food and hot beverages from local businesses while taking in the beautiful winter scenery.
Where: Newark | More Info: Newark Winter Village