NEW JERSEY — The Christmas season kicked off in the New York area with Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center Wednesday, one of the most awaited moments for lovers of this period.
Christmas, however, is not experienced only in one magical way to the capital of the worldacross the Hudson River are also various events and venues for people to get into the spirit of the season.
That’s why we want to share some of the experiences you can have in New Jersey where the lights, Christmas music and the magic of the holidays will make you fall in love.
1. Holidays in Drumthwacke
Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy invite people to participate in what they call Holidays in Drumthwacke, a long-standing tradition of open days at the Governor’s Mansion. Visiting and parking are free, but reservations are required.
The Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with six garden clubs throughout New Jersey, decorated each room on the first public floor of the residence using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the historic property’s architecture and décor.
Tours will be self-guided with various docents throughout the residence to answer questions and provide historical information about the property.
Address: 354 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
See here for information on visiting dates and reservations.
2. winter party
winter party here in Diggerland. Every weekend residents can enjoy live music, the Machine Parade, special food, hay rides and lots of fun and games.
3. Bergen County Zoo
The event is organized at the zoo Let It Glow: a spectacular festive lantern. It’s a symphony of bright, vivid colors to tantalize your eyes and dazzle your mind. The giant lanterns have more than 30 hand-made scenes.
Also, people can enjoy a train ride.
Address: Bergen County Zoo 216 Forest Avenue Paramus, NJ 07652
4. Tree Festival the Tree Festival at the Morven Museum
The annual Morven Winter Exhibition has become a must-see Christmas tradition. Visitors appreciate the museum’s elegant galleries, mantels and arcades, artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs and non-profit organizations. The installation is open to the public during normal museum hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Address: Morven Museum and Garden55 Stockton Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
The South Jersey Holiday Light Show or The Southern New Jersey Holiday Light Show
The South Jersey Holiday Light Show™ returns for its third season, bigger and better than ever! With hundreds of dazzling and larger Christmas themed displays to delight the whole family. Guests can pack into their car, pack their favorite snack or beverage, and tune the radio for a synchronized light show as they travel the 1+ mile course through the South Jersey Holiday Light Show™.
For information on locations and prices go here.
5. Bergen County Winter Wonderland / Bergen County Winter Wonderland
A general admission ticket provides access to the Winter Wonderland site for the day and includes 1 carousel ride. All access tickets include site admission for the day, 1 carousel ride, and one ice skating session during the selected time slot.
Address: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
6. Winter WonderLights Drive-Thru
It’s an unforgettable experience at Middlesex County Fairgrounds. Winter WonderLights drive thru has over 1.5 million animated lights set to some of your favorite holiday songs. They have 20 foot Christmas trees, 3 magical tunnels, a tribute to first responders and the US military, and tons of other awesome and bigger Christmas themed displays. Experience ends January 1, 2023.
Address: Earl of Middlesexyes Fair – 655 Cranbury Rd.
7. Turtle Zoo – Spectacular Christmas lights
Visitors will find more than 50 winter and animal characters at the Essex County Turtle Zoo.
In addition to other events, such as a visit from Santa Claus.
Address: 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052
8. Magic of Lights and PNC Bank Arts Center
Magic of Lights is an amazing in-car Christmas lights experience featuring favorite Christmas scenes and seasonal characters using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Magic of Lights is experienced from the comfort and safety of your car as you travel the glittering path of one of New Jersey’s favorite holiday traditions.
Headquarters: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy Holmdel, NJ
