Holly Jolly Happenings

by Carly Murray | Nov 26, 2025
Holly Jolly Happenings
New Jersey is special year-round because it contains all different types of environments in close proximity—and each area’s uniqueness shines during the holiday season as they embrace their distinctive traits. From snow-capped trees in the Pine Barrens, picturesque suburbs and lit-up cities filled with holiday cheer, to fast-paced amusements and icy beaches—the region becomes a whole new wonder to behold during wintertime.

NOW-JAN. 11
Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show

Drive through a course of light displays and tunnels while synchronizing music plays on the radio.
Diggerland USA, 5:30-9:30 p.m., tickets from $37.99, West Berlin, DiggerlandUSA.com

NOW-DEC. 15
Holiday Toy & Food Drive

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Unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations will be accepted at Haddon Township’s Municipal Building, Annex Building and the Westmont Fire House No. 1 to help local families this season.
Haddon Township, ShopHaddon.com

NOW-DEC. 23
Magical Holiday Express

Ride a holiday train ride through a journey of Christmas lights, characters, treats, locations and more. 
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Sun.-Thurs. 4:45-8 p.m. & Fri.-Sat. 4:45-8:45 p.m., $23.20-30.95, Hammonton, DiDonatoFunCenter.com/Magical-Express

NOW-DEC. 23
Holiday Activities

Hop on a musical light show hayride, roast s’mores in a firepit, watch a light show on the lake and more.
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 4:45-8 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.) & 4:45-7 p.m. (Sun.-Thurs.), ticket prices vary by activity, Medford, JohnsonsFarm.com/Holiday-Activities

NOW-DEC. 24
Christmas Underwater

Dive into Christmas at the aquarium, while it showcases a scuba Santa, indoor snow flurries and the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree
Adventure Aquarium, cost included with admission, Camden, AdventureAquarium.com

NOV. 27-JAN. 6
Holiday Light Show

Historic Smithville will once again be the backdrop for an orchestrated holiday celebration of lights, music and Christmas trees.
Historic Smithville, 5:30-8:30 p.m., free, Galloway, HistoricSmithvilleNJ.com

NOV. 28-FEB. 1
The Annual Antique Toy Train Show

With a classic holiday aesthetic, experience vintage trains.
South Jersey Museum of American History, Thurs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $4 (adults) & $3 (children), Deptford, SouthJerseyMuseum.org

NOV. 29
Collingswood Holiday Parade

Get into the spirit of the season while watching various performers and floats travel from Zane Avenue to West Linden Avenue.
Haddon Avenue, 10 a.m., free, Collingswood, Collingswood.com

NOV. 29
Lights on Main

Watch live entertainment, peruse the Twinkle Holiday Shop and ice sculptures, and don’t miss the annual tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.
Main Street, 5-9 p.m., free, Mullica Hill, HarrisonTwp.US

NOV. 29-30
Holiday Dickens Fest

Featuring a musical performance of A Christmas Carol, vendors, a kids’ zone and more, this two-day event offers something for everyone.
Historic Smithville, 1 & 5 p.m. (Sat.) 1 p.m. (Sun.), free, Galloway, HistoricSmithvilleNJ.com

DEC. 2-3
DIY Holiday Ornaments

Kids and teens are invited to create their own unique holiday ornament, with Tuesday’s program designed for ages 6-9 and Wednesday’s for ages 10-12.
Cinnaminson Branch Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m., free, Cinnaminson, BCLS.Lib.NJ.us

DEC. 3
Holiday Toy Drive

Make connections, enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers, and celebrate the season of giving in a drive that benefits the Camden Kroc Center.
King’s Road Brewing Company, 5:30-8:30 p.m., entry cost is one new, unwrapped toy, Haddonfield, KingsRoadBrewing.com

DEC. 4
Mount Laurel Christmas Tree Lighting

This annual event consists of food trucks, activities for kids, vendors, The Grinch and Santa riding a firetruck.
Rancocas Woods Events, 5-8 p.m., free, Mount Laurel,
MountLaurel.com

DEC. 5
Vintner Wonderland Tree Lighting Ceremony

Witness a tree crafted from historic barrels, ice skate, take photos with Santa and browse handmade gift vendors.
Renault Winery, 6-8 p.m., free, Egg Harbor City, RenaultWinery.com

DEC. 5
Boro in Lights

Experience a winter display equipped with selfie stations, food trucks, activities and more.
Glassboro Town Square, 6-9 p.m., free, Glassboro, Glassboro.org

DEC. 5
ATAP Community Service Awards & Kwanzaa Gala

Celebrate Kwanzaa by dressing up, shopping vendors, sipping cocktails and honoring community members and organizations who are making a difference.
The Merion, 6-10 p.m., tickets start at $150, Cinnaminson, ATAPFoundation.org

DEC. 5
Second Annual Krampusnacht

Catch Krampus up close and take photos while listening to bands, browsing vendors, enjoying food and drinks or perhaps joining the Krampus costume contest.
The Union Firehouse, $15 admission, Mount Holly, MainStreetMountHolly.org

DEC. 5
Merchantville Holiday Parade

The annual parade will travel to Chestnut Avenue and will be accompanied by a tree lighting ceremony.
Lexington Avenue & Maple Avenue, 7 p.m., free, Merchantville, MerchantvilleNJ.gov

DEC. 5
Holiday on Haddon + Parade of Lights

A parade of characters, fire trucks, floats and music will be followed by a tree lighting ceremony and photos with Santa.
Haddon Township Municipal Building, 7-9 p.m., free, Haddon Township, ShopHaddon.com

DEC. 5-7
Hammonton Rotary WinterFest

Shop vendors in a heated tent, sip on beer, wine and spirits, eat winter treats like s’mores, bring toys and food to donate, run or walk in the Galloping Grinch 5K and more.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Carnival Grounds, 4-9 p.m. (Fri.), 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sat.) & 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun.), free, Hammonton, HammontonRotary.Wordpress.com

DEC. 5-7
Whitall House Candlelight Tours

Experience a festively decorated, Colonial-era Christmas while taking in local history.
Red Bank Battlefield, 5-8 p.m. (Fri.), 3-8 p.m. (Sat.) & 3-7 p.m. (Sun.), free, National Park, GloucesterCountyNJ.gov

DEC. 6
Winterfest

For the ninth year, Haddon Township will host holiday music, an outdoor market, fun activities, food and more.
Haddon Square, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free, Haddon Township, ShopHaddon.com

DEC. 6
Holiday Parade & Village

The City of Burlington will kick off its 50th holiday parade and host a village with vendors, music, crafts for kids, ice skating, Santa photos and more.
Burlington City River Front Promenade, 3-8 p.m., free, Burlington, BurlingtonNJ.us

DEC. 6
Holiday Light Parade & Festivities on Main Street

Experience a light show on the go at 6 p.m., with hot chocolate stations, Santa photos, a holiday train and other festivities before the parade.
Main Street, 4-7 p.m., free, Evesham Township, Evesham-NJ.org

DEC. 6
Deck the Heights

Festivities include complimentary horse-and-carriage rides, food trucks, shopping, music and other seasonal surprises.
203 W. Atlantic Ave., 4-8 p.m., free, Haddon Heights, HIP4Biz.com

DEC. 6
Dickens Festival

Join the community for music and entertainment, food, local shopping, horse-and-carriage rides and more.
Main Street, 4:30- 9 p.m., free, Medford, MainStreetMedford.com

DEC. 6-7
Christmas Village

Wander through the village transformed into a winter wonderland, meet Santa and shop holiday vendors.
Shoppes at Dragon Village, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., admission is $5 per car, Bridgeton, ShoppesAtDragonVillage.com

DEC. 7
Cherry Hill Winter Festival

Experience the season with vendors selling handmade goods, a beer garden, winter characters, live performances, ice-carving demonstrations and more.
Croft Farm, noon, free admission, Cherry Hill, CHNJ.gov

DEC. 7
Pet Pics With St. Nick

Visit Santa to get a picture of him with your furry friend; pet food and supplies can also be donated on-site.
The Promenade at Sagemore, cost of photo is a donation to the Voorhees Animal Orphanage, Marlton, ThePromenadeNJ.com

DEC. 7
Shadows of the ’60s: A Holiday Tribute to Motown

A tribute to Motown stars including The Supremes, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder.
The Levoy Theatre, 6 p.m., tickets are $45-$65, Millville, Levoy.net

DEC. 10
Chanukah Pre-Celebration

Join the Young Adult Division and the Moorestown Jewish Association for a night of playing golf, socializing and snacking on kosher foods.
Dogleg Golf, 6 p.m., tickets are $10.35, Cinnaminson, JewishSouthJersey.org/YADEvents

DEC. 12-21
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

A classic holiday musical that includes songs such as “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.”
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, times vary, tickets are $30, Pitman, TheBroadwayTheatre.org

DEC. 13
Breakfast with Santa

Join Santa for a breakfast of eggs, pancakes and bacon.
Almonesson Lake Fire Company, seating times from 8:30-10:30 a.m., tickets are $10-$14.64, Deptford, ALFCSantaBreakfast.Eventbrite.com

DEC. 13
Merchantville’s Breakfast with Santa

Join Santa for a pancake breakfast, face painting, crafts and balloon art.
Merchantville Community Center, 9-10:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $3 kids, $7 adults (Merchantville resident) & $5 kids, $10 adults (non-resident), Merchantville, MerchantvilleNJ.gov

DEC. 13
Christmas Petting Zoo & Photos with Santa

Share the holiday cheer with Santa, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits and an alpaca.
Aroma’z Home Flooring & Design, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., free, Cinnaminson, AromazHome.com

DEC. 13
Christmas Village

Delight in a hot-chocolate bar, gingerbread decorating, photo-ops with Santa and more.
Duffield’s Farm, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission; activities are variably priced, Sewell, DuffieldsFarm.com/Christmas-Village

DEC. 13
Songs of the Season: A Festive Evening of Brass & Voice

Take in the sounds of the Greater South Jersey Chorus and the award-winning Atlantic Brass Band.
Pfleeger Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m., tickets are $25 (free for Rowan University students), Glassboro, Rowan.edu/Arts/BoxOffice

DEC. 14
Miracle on Main Street Holiday Market

A shopping extravaganza that hosts food and artisan vendors indoors and outdoors.
The Community House of Moorestown, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, Moorestown, TheCommunityHouse.com

DEC. 14
Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre

Shop 61 artists and makers for the holidays who all have an eccentric twist.
Collingswood Grand Ballroom, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., free, Collingswood, Collingsweird.com

DEC. 14
Car Menorah Parade & Menorah Lighting

Hanukkah cheer will light up the streets as cars are decked out with menorahs, and the night will end with the illumination of an 18-foot-tall menorah, a giant dreidel truck and other Hanukkah surprises.
Chabad Cherry Hill, 3 p.m., free, Cherry Hill, TheChabadCenter.org/Parade

DEC. 14 & 16
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with hot chocolate and cake, winter-themed kids’ activities, a public menorah lighting and more.
Rancocas Woods Events, 5 p.m. (Sun.) & 6 p.m. (Tue.), free, Mount Laurel, MountLaurel.com

DEC. 15
Chanukah Party

Eat a complimentary sufganiyot alongside family fun like a menorah lighting, a story time with Mayor Solano-Ward and a book sale.
Krispy Kreme, 5:30-7 p.m., free, Collingswood, JewishSouthJersey.org/Events

DEC. 15
Gingerbread Decorating Extravaganza

Limited to grades 6-12, decorate a gingerbread house with a team and vote for your favorite.
Cherry Hill Public Library, 6-7:30 p.m., free, Cherry Hill, CHPLNJ.org

DEC. 17
Hanukkah Storytime

Toddlers aged 15 months to 5 years and their parents are invited to sing songs, listen to readings of Hanukkah books, engage in an art project and more.
Willingboro Public Library, 11-11:30 a.m., free, Willingboro, Willingboro.org

DEC. 18
Collingswood Menorah Lighting

A menorah will be lit outdoors and a party will be held inside with music, fun, kosher food, crafts and an LED juggler.
Lumberyard Garden, 6 p.m., free, Collingswood, TheChabadCenter.org

DEC. 20
Chanukah on Ice

This annual ice skating event will feature holiday mascots, latkes and donuts, music, crafts and other family fun.
Igloo Ice Rink, 7:30-9 p.m., tickets are $12 in advance & $15 at the door, Mount Laurel, TheChabadCenter.org/Ice

DEC. 21
Haddonfield Menorah Lighting

The grand menorah lighting will feature entertainment, donuts, crafts and more.
Library Point, 4 p.m., free, Haddonfield, TheChabadCenter.org

DEC. 29
Kwanzaa Crafts

Make a Kwanzaa-themed craft at the Children’s Room with a complimentary snack.
Willingboro Public Library, 3 p.m., free, Willingboro, Willingboro.org

At the Shore:

NOW-DEC. 24
Santa’s Hideaway Adventure

Santa is headed from the Shore to the North Pole, and guests can meet him in this unique elevator experience that results in a photo package perfect for holiday cards.
Ocean Casino Resort, times vary, tickets start at $69.99, Atlantic City, TheOceanAC.com

NOW-DEC. 30
Christmas Fantasy with Lights

The park will light up with over 1 million lights, and its rides and displays are themed for the season.
Storybook Land, times vary, tickets are $38.99, Egg Harbor Township, StorybookLand.com/Christmas

NOV. 21-JAN. 4
Christmas in Cape May

A Dickens-esque Christmas village is back in Cape May, with a jam-packed schedule of events that includes history, festivities, ambience and elegance.
Locations vary across Cape May, times and ticket prices vary, Cape May, CapeMayMAC.org

NOV. 28
Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony

The world-renowned soprano will sing holiday classics and her greatest hits.
Borgata Event Center, 8 p.m., tickets from $79.65, Atlantic City, Borgata.MGMResorts.com

NOV. 28
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire?

Have some family fun surrounded by winter wonderland characters.
2nd & Surf Ave., 4:30-8:30 p.m., donation of $10 for adults & $2 for children 12 & under, Wildwood, WildwoodHoliday.com

NOV. 28-30
Christmas in North Wildwood

Board the snowflake shuttle, join in a scavenger hunt, watch the golf cart parade and more.
North Wildwood, 1-10 p.m., free, Wildwood, NW-BOA.com/Events

NOV. 29
Christmas at the Hangar

Dress for cold weather and delight in photo ops, local vendors, free cookies and hot chocolate, raffles, craft tables, live music and more.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, Cape May, USNASW.org

NOV. 29
Santa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

The celebration includes bounce houses, Santa’s village, strolling musicians, a drone show and more with the tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Cape May County Zoo, 2-6 p.m., free admission, Cape May, CapeMayCountyNJ.gov

NOV. 30 & DEC. 7, 14, 21
Christmas Movie Mornings

Attend screenings of (in order by date): A Christmas Story, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Elf and Polar Express.
BESOUL Studio, 10:30 a.m.-noon, free, Wildwood Crest, WildwoodHoliday.com

DEC. 4
It’s a Shore Holiday

The Atlantic City Ballet performs a revue that encapsulates Christmastime at Radio City Music Hall.
Caesars Atlantic City, 7 p.m., tickets from $61.10, Atlantic City, ACBallet.org

DEC. 5-6
Christmas in the Plaza

The event kicks off with the Greater Wildwood Jaycees’ Christmas Parade and continues with carnival rides, a band, vendors, a tree lighting and more.
Central Avenue & Byrne Plaza, 5-9 p.m. (Fri.) & 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Sat.), free, Wildwood, WildwoodHoliday.com

DEC. 14
The Nutcracker

The timeless Christmas ballet is performed by the Atlantic City Ballet.
Caesars Atlantic City, 5 p.m., tickets from $96, Atlantic City, ACBallet.org

DEC. 6-7
Noyes Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village

Browse craft vendors and the Gingerbread Competition creations themed “famous global monuments.”
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, noon-5 p.m., free, Atlantic City, ArtsGarageAC.com


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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 22, Issue 8 (November 2025)

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Author: Carly Murray

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