The Local Girl 
New Jersey is filled with beautiful towns, a wide array of events to attend, and a plethora of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Among them are Christmas villages + Holiday markets, which help spread the cheer and host fun activities for the season. The Local Girl has compiled a list of Christmas villages + holiday markets to offer warmth, nostalgia, and even a special greeting from Santa. Read on to see which Christmas villages + Holiday markets are being hosted in New Jersey for December 2025.
Cape May
Cape May was voted one of the top ten places to visit during the holiday season. From November 21st through January 1st, Cape May fills its town with glittering lights, festive decor, and a ton of events that will get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you want to take a stroll in town and window shop, see Let’s Catch Santa at the local theater, or have breakfast with Santa, there is something for everyone here in Cape May. Some other seasonal events include a Lamplighter Christmas Walking Town, a visit to the popular Physick Estate, and four different trolley rides. Cape May is also home to many favorite culinary destinations, such as Cold Spring Grange Restaurant, Washington Inn and Wine Bar, and Tisha’s.
Read More: Introducing The Montclair Girl-Curated Holiday Market at Lackawanna Station: Dec 13–14, 20–21st
Chester
The chic and traditional town of Chester displays timeless holiday decorations and has a ton to do this holiday season. The town is lit up with string lights and gorgeous decor, and hosts an annual Christmas tree and Menorah lighting. The Christmas tree lighting will take place on December 7th at Municipal Field Gazebo and includes live music, free refreshments, and special appearances. The Menorah lighting takes place on December 17th at Municipal Field Gazebo. There, one can enjoy live music and entertainment and free refreshments. To learn more about all that Chester has to offer, visit the website.
Highland Park │ 212 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park
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Highland Park kicked off their Owl Holiday Craft Markets on November 29th. All winter long, you can experience the beauty of Highland Park’s Main Street. Not only are the stores decorated with lights, but there is also an outdoor market where you can shop with local vendors. There will be unique, handmade goods from local artisans, decorating contests, letters to Santa, photo booths, live music, free arts and crafts, ornament decorating, and incredible local food. There is even a downtown Menorah lighting on December 14th. These markets are free for the public to attend but you can learn more details here.
Historic Smithville │ Downtown Smithville, Smithville
December in Smithville is a festive winter wonderland. Historic Smithville gives visitors the chance to truly pause and take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of the holiday season with events running all month long. the town is fully decorated with lights and festive decorations, giving visitors the chance to experience the holidays in a unique light. Some events include a Light Show on the Lake, running everyday from November 27th until January 6th, Dickens Fest, Magic Talking Trees,, a Girls Night Out, Breakfast with Santa at Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light, and S’mores on the Green. There really is something for everyone in Smithville. Visit their website to learn more.
Maplewood Dickens Village │ Ricalton Square, Maplewood
Dickens Village, an annual Maplewood holiday tradition, brings life to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This tradition is filled with tiny houses resembling old-fashioned decor, with each house revealing something unique, like fireplaces, stockings hung on the mantel, books, and so much more. Other attractions include Winter Stories for Kids and Families at the Maplewood Memorial Library, visits from Santa, the opportunity to dine with Santa, a Menorah lighting on December 16th at Ricalton Square, horse and wagon rides, and an annual free concert on December 20th. To learn more about these events, click here.
Newark Winter Village │ Downtown Newark
Newark’s Winter Village provides visitors with the ultimate winter experience. This open-air market includes local vendors, great food and drink, cozy igloos or private pods for rent, and so much more. Other activities on offer are ice skating and thrilling ice go-karts, perfect for some friendly competition. You can check out the website to purchase tickets, check skate times, and reserve igloos and pods.
Ocean City
There is no shortage of things to do in New Jersey’s Ocean City. They have events going on all month long for those looking to celebrate the holiday spirit. These events include horse and carriage rides, surprise visits from Santa, holiday photo ops, an incredible holiday train show, and even a giant New Year’s Eve celebration. Not to mention the shops fully decked out with Christmas decor. To find out about more events check out the event calendar.
Princeton
Princeton, known for its elite college, historic town, and Christmas displays. Shops are lined with holiday decor, lights, and strolling musicians. There are holiday trolley tours to take you all around the beautiful city and learn about its history, an annual Festival and Trees at Movern Museum and Garden running until January 11th, a tasty tap room, and even dinner theater showing A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theater. There’s a ton of events happening all winter long. Check out the list of events to find out more.
Red Bank │ Downtown Red Bank, Red Bank
Red Bank was recently voted one of the top ten holiday villages, and it’s easy to see why. Downtown Red Bank offers visitors a wide range of fun holiday activities, a chance to see the decorated shops, visit eateries, and attend some unique, spirited events this winter season. Some upcoming holiday happenings include the Town Lighting featuring Holiday Express, an Elf Scavenger Hunt, a massive giveaway at Toast City Diner, holiday concerts, and a free holiday trolley to take travelers all around town to see it all. The Town Lighting will feature a DJ, hot apple cider, live performances, and the chance to take pictures with the Clauses’. After the lighting, an eccentric parade will begin where all are welcome to watch and participate. Downtown is also offering free parking this holiday season. To learn more about upcoming events in Downtown Red Bank, click here.
Renault Winery Vintner Wonderland │ 72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City
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This winter wonderland is free of charge and offers visitors the chance to ice skate, enjoy delicious food and wine, shop with vendors featuring local businesses, and even listen to live entertainment. Not only is the winery fully decorated for Christmas, but it also includes some special events like breakfast with Santa, a Reindeer 5k run, the barrel Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and stories with Santa, where Santa reads to children. If you’re visiting and plan to stay a while, you can rent out a heated igloo, a cozy and quaint heated cabin, or just hang around by a crackling fire pit. There are photo booths, pictures with Santa, letter writing, and shops for the whole family. While Renault Winery is open year-round, the Vintner Wonderland operates from November 28 through January. Check out the website to learn more.
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland │ 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge
Holland Farms offers visitors the chance to experience New Jersey’s most memorable holiday walk-through event. This expansive holiday village runs from November 21st through January 4th and includes dazzling light displays, shopping for gifts, petting some adorable animals, and enjoying some tasty food and drink. As you’re walking around, you can stop at pop-up kiosks to purchase warm drinks such as hot chocolate, beer, wine, and even cocktails. This village has interactive light displays equipped with millions of lights, light-up tulips, tulips to purchase–yes, even during the winter– drone light shows, music, and special meet-and-greet nights with popular characters. There’s even a light-up seesaw, a giant igloo ball pit, and snow. Be sure to check out the map before you start your journey, this Winter Wonderland is expansive and covers a wide area. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit the website.
The Village at Anne Ellen │ 114 Daum Road, Manalapan
The Village at Anne Ellen will have visitors feeling nostalgic as they are transported back in time. Upon entering, it begins with a hayride that will take you through Christmas tree fields. From there, you can walk along wooded pathways lit up with beautiful light displays. The Village has 30 different attractions for visitors to walk through and experience, including a 4D Magic Sleigh-ride, an ice house, Santa and Mrs. Claus’ house, an old-fashioned candy store that looks right out of a storybook, a maple syrup shack, and so much more. Visit the website to learn more about this timeless Christmas village.
See More: Jersey Shore Holiday Cocktails Guide: Festive Drinks, Pop-Ups + Seasonal Sips
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