Newark, NJ, transforms into a festive wonderland with a variety of holiday events that cater to both locals and visitors. Experience the whimsical Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo, where over a million lights illuminate exotic animal shapes, or enjoy a nostalgic journey with Red Bank's Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides through a charming riverside town. For those looking to indulge in shopping, the Hoboken Christmas Market offers unique gifts set against a backdrop of European holiday traditions.
From immersive theater experiences like McCarter Theatre's Winter Wonderland to the historic Ridgewood Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and vibrant markets, Newark's holiday season promises joy and enchantment for everyone.
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The Top Christmas Events in Newark
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center (New York)
What to Expect:
Iconic 75-100 foot Norway Spruce tree lighting ceremony
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands as a towering symbol of holiday cheer in the heart of New York City. This colossal Norway Spruce, typically 75-100 feet tall, illuminates the plaza with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights. Visitors can ice skate on the rink below while admiring the tree's brilliance. The tradition began in 1933 during the Great Depression when workers decorated a small 20-foot tree with strings of cranberries, garlands of paper, and tin cans. Today, the tree-lighting ceremony draws thousands and signals the start of the holiday season in the Big Apple.
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Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
What to Expect:
Miniature NYC landmarks made from natural materials
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden transforms into a miniature Big Apple during the Holiday Train Show. Skilled artisans craft over 175 New York landmarks using bark, leaves, and other natural materials. Model trains zip through the diminutive cityscape, passing familiar sights like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. You can participate in a scavenger hunt to spot hidden details within the intricate displays. This beloved tradition began in 1992 and has grown to become a cherished part of New York's holiday season. The show blends horticulture, architecture, and imagination in a uniquely New York way.
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Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Winter Wonderland at McCarter Theatre (Princeton)
What to Expect:
Interactive theatrical experience with multiple performances
Description:
McCarter Theatre's Winter Wonderland immerses visitors in a multi-faceted holiday experience. This innovative event features a series of short performances scattered throughout the theater complex. As you explore, you'll encounter actors bringing holiday stories to life in unexpected corners. Try your hand at improvisation in one of the interactive workshops offered. The McCarter Theatre, founded in 1930, has a rich history of nurturing new works and artists, including the world premiere of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." Winter Wonderland continues this tradition of artistic innovation, reimagining how audiences engage with live theater during the holiday season.
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Winter Wonderland at McCarter Theatre
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo (West Orange)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays in a zoo setting
Description:
Turtle Back Zoo sparkles with over a million lights during its Holiday Lights Spectacular. Unlike typical light displays, these illuminations take the shape of exotic animals and endangered species, creating a unique blend of conservation education and holiday cheer. Stroll through glowing tunnels of light as the gentle sounds of nighttime animals add to the ambiance. You can warm up with hot cocoa while learning about the zoo's conservation efforts. Established in 1963, Turtle Back Zoo has grown from a small children's zoo to a comprehensive animal conservation center, making this event both entertaining and educational.
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Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes (New York)
What to Expect:
Precision dance routines by the world-famous Rockettes
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular dazzles audiences with the unparalleled precision of the Rockettes. These talented dancers execute their famous eye-high kicks in perfect unison, a feat that has captivated New York since 1933. The show incorporates cutting-edge technology, including a 3D ride through the skies of New York City. Marvel at the iconic "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" routine, virtually unchanged since its debut. The Art Deco splendor of Radio City Music Hall, opened in 1932, provides a fitting backdrop for this quintessential New York holiday experience.
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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Hoboken Christmas Market (Hoboken)
What to Expect:
European-style market with a focus on local artisans
Description:
The Hoboken Christmas Market brings a touch of European holiday tradition to the New Jersey waterfront. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their wares in charming wooden stalls, offering unique gifts not found in typical stores. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts wafts through the air, adding to the Old World atmosphere. You can try your hand at traditional crafts in one of the many workshops offered. Hoboken, known as the birthplace of Frank Sinatra, infuses its rich cultural heritage into this festive event, creating a distinctive blend of European and American holiday traditions.
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Union Square Holiday Market (New York)
What to Expect:
Diverse array of local and international vendors in a historic square
Description:
The Union Square Holiday Market buzzes with activity as over 160 vendors set up shop in the heart of Manhattan. This open-air bazaar showcases a diverse array of goods, from handcrafted jewelry to artisanal foods, reflecting New York's multicultural spirit. Sample international cuisines as you browse the stalls. The market takes place in Union Square, a site steeped in history – it was here that the first Labor Day parade was held in 1882. Today, the market continues the square's tradition as a gathering place for New Yorkers, blending commerce, culture, and community in a vibrant holiday setting.
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Holiday Pop-up Market (Jersey City)
What to Expect:
Rotating selection of vendors and experiences
Description:
The Holiday Pop-Up Market injects a dose of spontaneity into the shopping experience. This dynamic event features a constantly changing roster of vendors, ensuring that each visit offers something new. One day you might find vintage clothing, the next, cutting-edge tech gadgets. Participate in impromptu workshops led by featured artisans. The market embraces the pop-up concept that has become increasingly popular in New York's retail scene, offering a platform for emerging brands and artists to showcase their work. This ever-changing marketplace captures the energy and innovation of New York's creative community.
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Dickens Village (Maplewood)
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era Christmas experience
Description:
Dickens Village transports visitors to the cobblestone streets of 19th-century London. Costumed actors bring characters from Charles Dickens' novels to life, interacting with guests and recreating scenes from beloved stories. The air fills with the sound of carolers singing traditional English Christmas songs. You can learn Victorian-era dances or try your hand at traditional crafts. This immersive experience draws inspiration from Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," which played a significant role in shaping modern Christmas traditions. Dickens Village offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the holidays as they might have been in the author's day.
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Christmas Lanterns and Caroling in Morristown (Morristown)
What to Expect:
Lantern-lit caroling procession through historic sites
Description:
Morristown's Christmas Lanterns and Caroling event illuminates the town's rich history. Participants carry handcrafted lanterns as they process through streets once traversed by George Washington and his troops. The glow of the lanterns casts a warm light on historic buildings as carolers fill the air with traditional songs. You can create your own period-inspired lantern to carry during the procession. This event takes place near Washington's Headquarters, where the General spent two crucial winters during the Revolutionary War. The lantern procession connects participants to Morristown's past while creating new holiday memories.
Website:
Christmas Lanterns and Caroling in Morristown
Red Bank Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides (Red Bank)
What to Expect:
Victorian-style carriage rides through a picturesque downtown
Description:
Red Bank's Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides offer a nostalgic journey through this charming riverside town. Elegant Victorian-style carriages, drawn by magnificent draft horses, clip-clop down streets lined with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The rhythmic sound of hooves on pavement transports riders to a bygone era. You can warm yourself with a cozy blanket as you take in the sights. Red Bank, once a major port for steamboats in the 19th century, showcases its historic architecture during these rides. This event provides a unique perspective on the town's holiday decorations and its rich maritime heritage.
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Red Bank Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides
Ridgewood Annual Holiday Tree Lighting (Ridgewood)
What to Expect:
Community-focused event with a century-old tree
Description:
Ridgewood's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting centers around a majestic evergreen that has stood in Van Neste Square for over 100 years. This living Christmas tree, planted in the early 20th century, serves as a symbol of the town's enduring holiday spirit. Local school choirs perform traditional carols, their voices rising into the crisp winter air. You can join in a community singalong of classic holiday tunes. Ridgewood, known for its well-preserved early 20th-century architecture, provides a picturesque backdrop for this event. The tree lighting brings together generations of residents, connecting the past and present in a celebration of community and tradition.
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Ridgewood Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Metropolitan Opera House Christmas Event (New York)
What to Expect:
World-class opera performances with holiday themes
Description:
The Metropolitan Opera House's Christmas Event elevates holiday music to new heights. Renowned opera singers lend their powerful voices to beloved carols and seasonal classics, filling the opulent auditorium with soaring melodies. The Met's legendary acoustics ensure that every note resonates perfectly. You can marvel at the Swarovski crystal chandeliers as they sparkle in sync with the music. The Metropolitan Opera, founded in 1883, has long been at the forefront of musical innovation. This holiday event continues that tradition, reimagining familiar tunes through the lens of operatic artistry and creating a sophisticated celebration of the season.
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Metropolitan Opera House Christmas Event