Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the joy of the holiday season in Newark! Discover all the festive events with our guide. For Newark residents and newcomers, our guide highlights the top festive activities.
One notable attraction is New Brunswick’s Winter Wonderland, where visitors can stroll through stunning light displays that create a magical atmosphere. Another delightful option is the Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, featuring unique animal-themed decorations that bring the zoo to life after dark. And the Smithville Village’s Holiday Light Show is something you definitely don't want to miss for its charming combination of lights and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Newark Holiday Light Displays
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 and animal characters. Enjoy seasonal activities like s'mores stations and Grinch weekend photos. The event features the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Farm, with all zoo rules applying.
- 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
- At Demarest Farms, experience a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays. Enjoy hot cocoa and treats by the fire pit 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
South Jersey Holiday Light Show
- What to Expect
- Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with life-sized dinosaurs and a Bigfoot Monster Truck.
- Description
- South Jersey Holiday Light Show features over 2 million sparkling lights, including life-sized dinosaurs and a towering Bigfoot Monster Truck, creating a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience.
- Where
- Holmdel | More Info : South Jersey Holiday Light Show
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
- What to Expect
- Diving Santa and holiday character meet and greets.
- Description
- The Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jenkinson’s Aquarium features an array of holiday entertainment, including photos with Santa, Princess Sweets & Treats, Elf Storytime, Snow-Ville Shows, and Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows. The event takes place inside Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Aquarium, offering a variety of activities each night from 4-8 PM.
- Where
- Point Pleasant | More Info : Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Dasher’s Lightshow Newark
- What to Expect
- Drive-through light show synchronized to holiday music broadcasted on your car radio.
- Description
- A spectacular display of lights transforms a local area into a visual delight, featuring numerous illuminated scenes and festive decorations. Families can stroll through the light display, taking in the vibrant colors and creative light installations that celebrate the holiday season. The event creates a joyful atmosphere, inviting attendees to capture treasured memories and enjoy the seasonal charm.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Dasher’s Lightshow Newark
Newark Holiday Markets and Shopping
Back to Nature Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Ecologically friendly shopping experience with local artisans.
- Description
- Back to Nature Christmas Market offers a variety of handmade and eco-friendly gifts, local flowers, and seasonal decorations in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Basking Ridge | More Info : Back to Nature Christmas Market
Newark Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Magical Cirque Christmas
- What to Expect
- World-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists performing to holiday music.
- Description
- A variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music, celebrating the magic of the season with the entire family.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : A Magical Cirque Christmas
Community Day Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Multicultural holiday celebration with live performances and hands-on activities.
- Description
- Celebrate holidays from around the world with seasonal performances and activities, including a cappella singers, step dancing, and gift making. Local vendors will be on hand to fulfill all your holiday shopping needs as you immerse yourself in multicultural joy. Enjoy snow globe making, dreidel activity, and candle making, along with planetarium shows like "Season of Light."
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Community Day Winter Wonderland
Newark Museum of Art Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Multicultural holiday celebration with diverse performances and activities.
- Description
- Celebrate holidays from around the world at the Newark Museum of Art with seasonal performances, activities, and local vendors. Enjoy a capella singing, step dancing, and craft-making, along with food and drinks available for purchase.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Newark Museum of Art Winter Wonderland
Lindsey Stirling - The Snow Waltz Tour
- What to Expect
- A captivating blend of violin performance and dance artistry in a seasonal celebration.
- Description
- This musical performance showcases Lindsey Stirling's remarkable fusion of violin and contemporary dance, set against a backdrop of stunning visuals. The concert highlights original compositions and festive classics, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to the season. Fans can expect an engaging blend of classical instrumentation with modern beats, creating a dynamic and immersive experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Lindsey Stirling - The Snow Waltz Tour
Newark Other Holiday Activities
New Brunswick’s Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Live ice-sculpting and festive activities.
- Description
- New Brunswick’s Winter Wonderland features live ice-sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, and family-friendly activities celebrating the holiday season.
- Where
- New Brunswick | More Info : New Brunswick’s Winter Wonderland
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday carriage rides with hot cocoa.
- Description
- Horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown New Brunswick offer a charming way to explore the holiday season, complete with free hot cocoa.
- Where
- New Brunswick | More Info : Horse Drawn Carriage Rides