Last updated: November 11, 2024
Ready for a festive adventure in Middletown? Let our guide show you the best holiday events! Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide ensures you experience the holiday charm in Middletown.
Popular Events: One highlight is the Palmer Square Christmas, where twinkling lights and seasonal decorations create a picturesque backdrop for holiday shopping and festivities. Another notable attraction is the Downtown Red Bank Holiday, featuring unique local shops and a vibrant atmosphere that brings the community together. And the Holiday Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it marks the official start of the holiday season in town. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Family-friendly holiday event with Santa, crafts, and classic cartoons.
The Middletown Arts Center Tree Lighting features photos with Santa, crafts, bonfires, classic Christmas cartoons, and an inflatable gingerbread house.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Live music and Santa's visit amidst a beautifully lit tree.
The Palmer Square Christmas Tree Lighting features a giant spruce tree adorned with 32,000 sparkling lights, accompanied by live music performances and a visit from Santa Claus. This family-friendly event is a great way to kick off the holiday season with festive activities and holiday shopping opportunities.
Where: Princeton | More Info: Palmer Square Christmas
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo under the sparkling lights of winter and animal characters. Enjoy seasonal activities like a s’mores station, Grinch weekend, and photos with Santa. Visit the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Farm to see some of the zoo's animals.
Where: West Orange | More Info: Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Spectacular light display with homemade wooden creations and inflatables.
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House features over 30,000 twinkling lights and a light show every evening, with donations accepted for the NJ Institute for Disabilities.
Where: Fanwood | More Info: Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
Holiday market with live entertainment and festive activities.
The Springfield Avenue Gazebo Holiday features live entertainment, visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, crafts for kids, hot chocolate trucks, and over two dozen vendors selling a variety of gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Maplewood | More Info: Springfield Avenue Gazebo Holiday
Personalized letters from Santa Claus.
Middletown Elves collect and deliver letters to Santa, with special mailboxes around town and personalized return letters.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Letters From Santa
Scenic holiday ride with Santa and friends around the Statue of Liberty.
The Santa Ferry Ride is a festive holiday event featuring Santa and friends, presents, entertainment, and a scenic ride around the Statue of Liberty. Ferries depart from SeaStreak's Belford Ferry Terminal, offering a special holiday present to all children and infants.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Santa Ferry 2024
Guided hike through scenic trails during the longest night of the year.
Join us for a Winter Solstice Hike at Poricy Park, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife while hiking roughly 2 miles.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Winter Solstice Hike
Annual Menorah lighting with community crafts.
Celebrate Chanukah with an annual Menorah lighting and crafts at the Middletown Arts Center, featuring a festive atmosphere with goodies and more.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Chanukah Party + Menorah Lighting
Competitive soccer event with a food drive component.
The Turkey Soccer Shootout is a fun event where players of all ages take 5 penalty kicks to score the most points. Participants can enjoy the competition while contributing to a food drive. Winners in each age range receive a frozen turkey, and all participants receive a free turkey stuffie.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Turkey Soccer Shootout
Community-driven events celebrating local heritage.
Downtown Red Bank Holiday features a variety of community events, including historic preservation commissions, Halloween parades, and community engagement meetings, showcasing the borough's rich history and community spirit.
Where: Red Bank | More Info: Downtown Red Bank Holiday
Seasonal activities and educational programs.
The Toms River Library Holiday event features a variety of activities and programs celebrating the season, including storytelling, crafts, and educational sessions.
Where: Toms River | More Info: Toms River Library Holiday
Miniature houses depicting scenes from A Christmas Carol.
Dickens Village in Maplewood brings to life scenes from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in miniature houses at Ricalton Square. The event features horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, music, crafts, caroling, and visits with Santa.
Where: Maplewood | More Info: Maplewood Village Holiday
Interactive holiday games and crafts.
Jenkinson's South Arcade Holiday features a variety of festive activities, including holiday-themed games, crafts, and entertainment for the entire family.
Where: Point Pleasant Beach | More Info: Jenkinson's South Arcade Holiday
Family-friendly Halloween movie night with pre-movie activities.
Riverside Gardens Park hosts a Halloween Movie Night with kids' activities by A Time to Kiln, followed by a movie starting at 6:00 PM.
Where: Red Bank | More Info: Riverside Gardens Park Holiday
Indoor amusement park with diverse rides and attractions.
iPlay America offers a vibrant holiday experience with rides, attractions, and entertainment options for all ages, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Where: Freehold | More Info: iPlay America Holiday
