Last updated: November 11, 2024
Anticipating holiday joy in Garfield? Our guide will lead you to all the festive events! From lifelong residents to holiday visitors, our guide is your ticket to Garfield's festive magic.
One event to explore is the German Christmas Market at Sussex County Fairgrounds, where you can savour traditional treats and discover handmade gifts under twinkling lights. The Winter Lantern Festival enchants visitors with stunning light displays and vibrant installations, creating a whimsical winter wonderland. And the Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a spectacular drive-through light show set against the backdrop of cozy holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Garfield Holiday Light Displays
Winter Lantern Festival
- What to Expect
- Dazzling display of handmade Chinese lanterns with live performances and interactive activities.
- Description
- The Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, live performances, and interactive activities. Each location offers a unique experience with stunning LED light displays, food vendors, and a gift shop. The festival includes live entertainment by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe and various rides and games for kids.
- Where
- East Rutherford | More Info : Winter Lantern Festival
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
- What to Expect
- Guided holiday light tour with Santa and s’mores.
- 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. Activities include taking pictures with Santa, making your own s’mores, and listening to Santa’s singing reindeer.
- Where
- Hillsdale | More Info : Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
South Jersey Holiday Light Show
- What to Expect
- Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with iconic characters and festive scenes.
- Description
- A drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including a larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie display and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
- Where
- Holmdel | More Info : South Jersey Holiday Light Show
Winter Lantern Festival
- What to Expect
- Traditional Chinese lanterns and live circus performances.
- Description
- The Winter Lantern Festival features over 1000 handmade Chinese lanterns, live entertainment, and fun activities for all ages, including a gift shop, rides, and games.
- Where
- East Rutherford | More Info : Winter Lantern Festival
Garfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
German Christmas Market at Sussex County Fairgrounds
- What to Expect
- Authentic German market with community fundraising.
- Description
- The German Christmas Market at Sussex County Fairgrounds is a non-profit event celebrating the Christmas holiday with traditional German food, drinks, and vendors. It raises funds to distribute back into the community, having donated over $620,000 since its inception.
- Where
- Augusta | More Info : German Christmas Market at Sussex County Fairgrounds
Off The Wall Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique artisan-made products and original fine art.
- Description
- The Off the Wall Holiday Market at West Windsor Arts Center features a juried selection of original, affordable art and artisan handcrafted items. Local and regional artists showcase their work in various mediums, including oil paints, acrylics, photography, and mixed media. The market also includes individually curated, handcrafted items such as jewelry, pottery, and home decor. Each purchase supports the artists and the center's mission to cultivate artistic talent.
- Where
- Princeton Junction | More Info : Off The Wall Holiday Market
Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
- What to Expect
- Indoor holiday market with diverse vendor offerings.
- Description
- The Bergenfield High School Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair features approximately 50 vendors selling a variety of items including arts & crafts collectibles, handbags, sports collectibles, jewelry, clothing, gift items, video games, vintage jewelry, gloves & scarves, toys, perfumes, and gently used items. The event is held indoors in the cafeteria and gym, offering a wide range of quality merchandise at bargain prices.
- Where
- Bergenfield | More Info : Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair
Santa Spectacular Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans.
- Description
- The Santa Spectacular Holiday Market is a vibrant gathering where local artisans and makers showcase their unique, handcrafted goods. The event features a diverse array of vendors selling gifts and seasonal items, creating a dynamic shopping experience that fosters community engagement.
- Where
- Hoboken | More Info : Santa Spectacular Holiday Market
Holiday Craft Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique handcrafted items from local vendors.
- Description
- The Hawthorn Woods Holiday Craft Fair offers a wide variety of unique and handcrafted items from local vendors, including home decor, holiday gifts, and specialty foods. Attendees can find the perfect treasure for themselves or anyone on their holiday gift list.
- Where
- Hawthorne | More Info : Holiday Craft Fair
Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with diverse vendors.
- Description
- The Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show features over 300 exhibitors offering a variety of arts, crafts, retail items, and gifts. Enjoy festival foods, outdoor cafes, and live music in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Wayne | More Info : Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
- What to Expect
- Showcasing local artisans in a lively boardwalk atmosphere
- Description
- The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar features local artisans and vendors offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious treats. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant boardwalk, this event brings together the community to celebrate the season with a variety of booths and activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can indulge in local cuisines while browsing the creative works of talented makers.
- Where
- Asbury Park | More Info : Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Garfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
New Jersey Film Festival
- What to Expect
- Hybrid festival with in-person and virtual screenings.
- Description
- The New Jersey Film Festival is a 43rd bi-annual event showcasing a diverse array of independent, classic, international, and experimental films. It features both in-person and virtual screenings, with special guest appearances by film directors, producers, and actors. The festival includes a variety of films, including romance features, documentaries, and short animations, all available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show dates.
- Where
- New Brunswick | More Info : New Jersey Film Festival
Garfield Other Holiday Activities
Hometown Holiday
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with diverse activities.
- Description
- Hometown Holiday is a family-friendly evening featuring the borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on a fire truck, live DJ, free holiday hay rides, vendors, and a Victorian photo booth. Enjoy free kids' crafts, strolling brass band music, and seasonal characters. The event also includes a Menorah Lighting Ceremony and a gingerbread house making contest.
- Where
- Washington Borough | More Info : Hometown Holiday
Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Celebrating diverse holiday traditions with decorated trees.
- Description
- The Festival of Trees at the American Hungarian Foundation features a hybrid exhibit with decorated trees in the AHF gallery and downtown New Brunswick. Local organizations have decorated the trees with handmade ornaments and cultural traditions, showcasing various holiday customs from around the world.
- Where
- New Brunswick | More Info : Festival of Trees
Newark Winter Village
- What to Expect
- Heated private igloos for cozy dining.
- Description
- Newark Winter Village is a stylish open-air festival in downtown Newark featuring ice skating, go-karts, and a marketplace with food and hot beverages from local businesses.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Newark Winter Village
SnowFest
- What to Expect
- Interactive winter celebration with Santa, Grinch, and Olaf.
- Description
- Join us for SnowFest at the Historic Wicoff House Museum, featuring Santa, Grinch, and Olaf, hot chocolate, snowcones, smores, crafts, and a new museum scavenger hunt.
- Where
- Plainsboro | More Info : SnowFest
Newark Winter Village
- What to Expect
- Heated private igloos for cozy dining.
- Description
- Newark Winter Village is a stylish open-air festival in downtown Newark featuring ice skating, go-karts, and a marketplace with local eats and drinks.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Newark Winter Village
Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Celebrating diverse holiday traditions through decorated trees.
- Description
- The Festival of Trees at the American Hungarian Foundation features a hybrid exhibit with decorated trees from various countries and cultures, including local organizations and international representations, with special holiday musical performances and refreshments.
- Where
- New Brunswick | More Info : Festival of Trees