Last updated: November 11, 2024
Welcome to your ultimate guide for the holidays in Wayne! Explore the best festive events and attractions. Whether you're here every year or just this once, our guide shows you the holiday wonders of Wayne.
Popular Events: The Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village features a breathtaking display of lights set against a charming village backdrop, perfect for enjoying the festive spirit. Additionally, the Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center captivates visitors with its drive-through experience showcasing stunning illuminated displays. And the Orchard of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a unique blend of nature and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Wayne Holiday Light Displays
Orchard of Lights
- What to Expect
- Guided holiday light tour with Santa and S’mores.
- Description
- Take 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 and make your own S’mores.
- Where
- Hillsdale | More Info : Orchard of Lights
Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- One-mile drive-thru light display with over two million lights.
- Description
- Skylands Stadium's Christmas Light Show & Village features a one-mile drive-thru course with over two million lights, a Christmas Village with holiday vendors, live music, and seasonal food and drink. Visitors can enjoy activities like roasting s'mores, taking photos with Santa, and exploring local artisan shops.
- Where
- Augusta | More Info : Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
- What to Expect
- 30,000-light display with Santa visits.
- Description
- Fanwood's Famous Christmas House features a spectacular 30,000-light display, including decorations on both 83 and 87 Paterson Road. The event is free to view, with donations accepted for the NJ Institute for Disabilities. Santa visits on December 2, providing gifts to all children.
- Where
- Fanwood | More Info : Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
- What to Expect
- Dazzling drive-through holiday light displays with LED technology and festive activities.
- Description
- At Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center, drive through 2.5 miles of spectacular holiday light displays featuring LED technology and digital animations. Enjoy larger-than-life displays of Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas. The event also includes a Toyota Holiday Village with Santa, s’mores, and other festive activities.
- Where
- Holmdel | More Info : Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
- What to Expect
- World-class animated holiday light show with over 1.5 million lights.
- Description
- Over 1.5 million lights are animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes in a spectacular drive-thru display.
- Where
- East Brunswick | More Info : The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru
Wayne Holiday Markets and Shopping
Jingle Jam Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Local vendors selling handmade and unique holiday items.
- Description
- The Jingle Jam Holiday Market at Mount St. Dominic Academy offers a variety of local vendors selling holiday items, crafts, and seasonal delights. Visitors can shop during expanded hours on Friday, December 6, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday, December 7, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The event also features Santa and the MSDA Reindeer.
- Where
- Caldwell | More Info : Jingle Jam Holiday Market
Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade crafts and gifts from local artists.
- Description
- The Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show features over 300 exhibitors offering a diverse array of arts, crafts, retail items, gifts, and festival foods. Enjoy live music and outdoor cafes in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Wayne | More Info : Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show
Holmdel Wednesday Holiday Makers Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans selling handmade goods and seasonal items.
- Description
- The Holmdel Wednesday Holiday Makers Market offers a curated collection of 75 local handmade artists and makers, featuring a vibrant selection of gifts and seasonal items.
- Where
- Holmdel | More Info : Holmdel Wednesday Holiday Makers Market
Holiday Craft Morristown
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade gifts and gourmet specialties.
- Description
- Holiday Craft Morristown is a premier shopping event featuring 165 American independent artists and makers selling unique holiday items. Find original fashions, accessories, jewelry, functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, wood, mixed media, and more. Enjoy handcrafted gourmet specialties and a variety of artisanal foods and beverages.
- Where
- Morristown | More Info : Holiday Craft Morristown
Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Celebration of African culture and community through various activities and live performances.
- Description
- The Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace at NJPAC is a celebration of culture, community, and creative expression. It features holiday-infused activities like dance classes, arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, and a candle lighting ceremony. The event also includes live performances and an expanded Artisan Marketplace with unique items from local crafters and artisans.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace
Happy Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with handmade goods and local vendors.
- Description
- The Happy Holiday Market in Downtown Jersey City features handmade goods, photo booths, sweet treats, rooftop brunch, kids' activities, and hot cocoa. It takes place at the Grove PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, offering a unique shopping experience with over 70 local vendors.
- Where
- Jersey City | More Info : Happy Holiday Market
Wayne Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Train Show and Open House
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of model railroading and educational exhibits.
- Description
- The Model Railroad Club, Inc. presents its annual Holiday Train Show and Open House, featuring scale model railroad displays, interpretive exhibits, and educational displays about railroads and industries in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area. The event is open from 11 AM to 6 PM each day, with admission for adults at $10, seniors at $8, and children at $5.
- Where
- Union | More Info : Holiday Train Show and Open House
Wayne Other Holiday Activities
Newark Winter Village
- What to Expect
- Unique outdoor activities like ice skating and go-karts in a downtown setting.
- Description
- Newark Winter Village is a stylish open-air festival in downtown Newark featuring ice skating, go-karts, and a marketplace with local vendors offering food and hot beverages. Enjoy these activities in cozy heated private pods or igloos.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Newark Winter Village