Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your holiday season in East Orange with our detailed event guide. From East Orange natives to holiday tourists, this guide is your key to the city's festive season.
One popular attraction lighting up the skies this winter is the Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center, where dazzling displays create a captivating experience for all ages. The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru features an enchanting, family-friendly journey through a drive-thru light display that transforms the ordinary into a holiday wonderland. And the Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a magical stroll among light displays featuring your favorite animals. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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East Orange Holiday Light Displays
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
- What to Expect
- Dazzling LED light displays and life-sized dinosaurs.
- Description
- At Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center, drive through over a mile of spectacular light displays featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters, including a larger-than-life Holiday Barbie and a supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck.
- Where
- Holmdel | More Info : Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
- What to Expect
- Over 1.5 million lights animated to holiday tunes.
- Description
- Over 1.5 million lights are animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes, creating a spectacular drive-thru experience.
- Where
- East Brunswick | More Info : Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo under the sparkling lights of winter and animal characters. Enjoy activities like face painting, s’mores stations, and photo ops with Santa. The event features various themed weekends and attractions such as the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Farm.
- Where
- West Orange | More Info : Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
- What to Expect
- Guided holiday light tour with festive activities.
- Description
- Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. Warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market. Take pictures with Santa, make your own s’mores, and listen to Santa’s singing reindeer.
- Where
- Hillsdale | More Info : Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
The Village at Anne Ellen Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive nighttime experience with festive displays and charming shops.
- Description
- The Village at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm offers an immersive experience with festive displays, interactive scenes, and charming shops selling Christmas decor, ornaments, and gifts. Visitors can enjoy a serene hayride through illuminated pathways and explore cozy holiday scenes.
- Where
- Manalapan | More Info : The Village at Anne Ellen Christmas
Winter Lantern Festival at American Dream Mall
- What to Expect
- Dazzling display of handmade Chinese lanterns with live entertainment.
- Description
- The Winter Lantern Festival at American Dream Mall features over 1000 handmade Chinese lanterns, live entertainment by the Zigong Acrobatic Group, food, drinks, and a gift shop. Enjoy a variety of toys, games, and memorabilia, as well as live music and circus performances.
- Where
- East Rutherford | More Info : Winter Lantern Festival at American Dream Mall
East Orange Holiday Markets and Shopping
German Christmas Market of New Jersey
- What to Expect
- Authentic German market with traditional food and community fundraising.
- Description
- The German Christmas Market of New Jersey is a non-profit event celebrating the Christmas holiday with local vendors, traditional German food, and festive atmosphere. It raises funds to distribute back into the community, supporting Sussex County charities.
- Where
- Augusta | More Info : German Christmas Market of New Jersey