Carli Clesmere 
Winter in New Jersey doesn’t have to mean hibernation. When the colder months feel endless, festivals across the Garden State add energy with food vendors, live entertainment, seasonal activities, and reasons to get out. From dessert-focused events to winter festivals, these happenings present a simple way to shake off the winter blues and embrace the season. Read on for festivals and events happening across New Jersey in winter 2026.
Brewsology Beer Fest | 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
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Brewsology Beer Fest takes place on March 14th from 7PM to 11PM at the Liberty Science Center after hours. The event features dozens of local craft breweries and cideries, presenting attendees with a wide variety of beverages to sample. Guests also receive full access to the museum, including exhibits, science demonstrations, and opportunities to meet brewery representatives. This unique combination of craft beer and hands-on learning makes for a memorable evening out.
Read More: 16 Unique Groups + Clubs to Join in Hoboken and Jersey City
Dessertopia | 430 Western Avenue, Morristown
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With the slogan “Life’s Too Short, Make It Sweet,” this event is suitable for those who crave sweets. Dessertopia features an adult beverage bar, dessert drinks, local vendors, a live DJ, face painting, and, most importantly, a wide range of desserts. Dessertopia is on January 24th, 11AM to 6PM.
Fire & Ice Festival (Mount Holly Winter Celebration) | 5 Church Street, Mount Holly
Now in its 33rd year, the Fire & Ice Festival returns to downtown Mount Holly, featuring live ice carving with over a dozen 300-pound ice blocks alongside performers, food vendors, a beer garden, + local shopping throughout the area. Festival highlights include the popular Chili Cook-Off, representing the “Fire,” and the return of expert ice carvers for the “Ice.” The Fire & Ice Festival takes place on January 25th from 10AM to 4PM.
Fly Fishing Show | 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison
The Fly Fishing Show is visiting several towns across the country, including Edison. This three-day event takes place at the New Jersey Convention + Expo Center on January 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Attendees can explore a variety of classes covering all the fishing essentials, attend seminars led by industry experts, and watch live casting demonstrations. Show hours are Friday from 10AM to 6PM, Saturday from 9AM to 5:30PM, and Sunday from 9AM to 4:30PM.
Garden State Comic Winter Fest | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
Fans of comics, video games, and cartoons will not want to miss Winter Fest at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, a weekend packed with vendors, guest artists, and immersive pop culture experiences. Highlights include appearances by Amy Chu, Nick Caponi, Tom Cook, Jan Duursema, Scott Hanna, and more. Attendees can meet artists, explore collectibles, enjoy panels, and dive into the world of comics, gaming, and pop culture. The festival takes place on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 10:30AM to 5PM, and continues on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, from 10:30AM to 3PM.
Garden State Home Show | 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus
The Garden State Home Show is designed for homeowners at every stage of remodeling, landscaping, and decorating. Each event features home improvement and remodeling exhibits, complete with product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes. Many exhibitors provide interactive, visual experiences that inspire creativity and help bring home improvement ideas to life. The Garden State Home Show takes place at the Meadowlands Expo Center on January 24th and 25th, 2026. Event hours are Saturday from 10AM to 8PM and Sunday from 10AM to 5PM.
Jersey City Whiskey Festival | 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City
Whiskey Fest features over 100 styles of whiskey and spirits, ranging from all-American Kentucky bourbons to Mexican tequila, Russian vodka, and more. The event also includes a selection of additional spirits such as gin, vodka, tequila, and other craft offerings. Whiskey Fest takes place on January 31st, 2026, with the tasting session running from 6PM to 9:30PM.
Lambertville + New Hope Winter Festival | 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA + 400 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA
The Lambertville + New Hope Winter Festival offers a weekend of concerts, dancing, and the popular Chili Cook-Off. Attendees can enjoy a concert by Tom Rush on January 30th, a free dance event on January 31st, and taste dozens of chilis at the Cook-Off on February 1st.
Light Of Day Winterfest | Multiple Locations
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Light of Day WinterFest uses the power of music to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. The festival kicks off on January 15th, 2026, at Asbury Lanes, with doors opening at 6:30PM and the show starting at 6:50PM. Additional performances take place throughout the festival in Red Bank, Montclair, New York City, Piermont, New York, and New Hope, Pennsylvania. Events continue through January 24th, with performer schedules varying by location. Attendees are encouraged to check the official website for daily lineups + venue details.
Lunar New Year Spectacular | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
The Lunar New Year Spectacular at American Dream delivers a high-energy celebration filled with cultural performances and seasonal traditions. Attendees can enjoy thundering lion dances, upbeat performances, and captivating demonstrations from top-caliber artists, including Kung Fu showcases. This event offers a lively way to mark the Lunar New Year through music, movement, and cultural expression. The event takes place on February 15th, from 12PM to 6PM.
Mac and Cheese Mayhem | 430 Western Avenue, Morristown
Local chefs and restaurants showcase their take on mac and cheese while competing for the title of best mac in town. This comfort-food-filled, family-friendly festival offers a full day of activities, including live music, local vendors, and hands-on experiences for all ages. The Mac & Cheese Festival takes place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11AM to 6:30PM at the Morristown Armory.
Pier Village Ice Carving Competition | 110 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch
The Ice Carving Competition returns for another year, bringing winter artistry + seasonal fun to the shore. During the event, skilled ice sculptors transform large blocks of ice into detailed works of art, presenting live demonstrations throughout the afternoon. After viewing the ice displays, visitors can stroll through Pier Village to explore local shops, enjoy dining options, and take in live music. Fire pits will be available, creating a cozy setting to relax and enjoy the entertainment by the waterfront. The event takes place on January 17th, from 12PM to 3PM.
See More: 12 Adventurous Activities to Try in New Jersey
Rahway Soup Stroll | Multiple Locations
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Downtown Rahway transforms into a walkable tasting experience during the Soup Stroll, with local restaurants serving complimentary samples of their signature soups. The process is simple. Visit a participating restaurant, request a Soup Stroll sample, and enjoy a free 4-ounce serving before heading to the next stop. Participants can stroll from location to location while sampling a variety of soups throughout the area. The Soup Stroll takes place on January 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st from 1PM to 4PM.
PS: Those who snap a “Souper Selfie” and enter the drawing will have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to a participating restaurant.
Red, White, and Brew Fest | 214 Carnegie Center Drive, Suite 301, Princeton
The 3rd Annual Red, White & Brew Fest returns to CURE Insurance Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Inspired by George Washington’s “small beer,” brewed in the 1750s, this tasting event features over 50 craft beers, wines, and spirits from local and regional producers. General admission runs from 1PM to 5PM, while early admission allows entry at 12PM.
