Things to do with Kids in NJ, Amazing holiday lights and more...

Let's come together and spread much needed joy and happiness throughout New Jersey this holiday season. Thinking of "safer" family friendly things to do? One of the best ways to experience the holidays this year will certainly be outdoors.  Visit one of the many kid friendly holiday light shows or Christmas themed attractions. They will certainly brighten up your day or night! Don't forget to check out your own local NJ town for Christmas decorations and celebrations. Social distancing, face masks, and safety protocols are the new normal this holiday. Dates and times listed below may be subject to change, so always check ahead. For more events, click NJ Kids calendar. 

Here’s our NJ Guide to holiday attractions, but depending on where you are, check these out too:

NYC holiday attractions

PA holiday attractions

What’s happening in NJ:

Christmas Fantasy With Lights At Storybook Land

Now through Dec 2020
Experience the holiday magic at Storybook Land with over one million bright lights. Classic childhood tales come to life among all the holiday decorations. Look for Santa and all his special friends. Check website for festivities, rides & attractions availability. Reservations required so buy your tickets in advance. Face masks are mandatory. 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 609.646.0103

Cape May Zoo Winter Wonderland 2020

Dec 19, 2020 - Jan 3, 2021, 10AM-3:30PM
FREE Admission. The Cape May Zoo is open for fun holiday activities. Enjoy Winter Loving Animals Scavenger Hunt and Christmas decorations. Photo-ops, live music, and lots of fun for the whole family. Face masks required. 707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ.

Christmas Light Show & Village at Skylands Stadium

Now through Jan 3, 2021
Great family friendly attraction. Have fun outdoors, mile long drive thru Skylands light show. Skylands Stadium is transformed into a dazzling array of lights this Christmas. Also enjoy the Outdoor Village and Winter Carnival. Don't forget to buy your tickets. 94 Champion Place, Augusta NJ.

Festival Of Trees At Morven Museum & Garden

Now through Jan 10, 2021
Enjoy the 2020 Festival of Trees, a Winter Wonderland with a musical tour of beautiful decorated & lighted trees and mantels inside the museum. CDC protocols and cleaning guidelines in place. Masks required. Buy your tickets in advance. 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ.

Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Ride

Select dates Nov 27, 2020 - Dec 27, 2020
Listen to ghost tales as you sit on a open air trolley ride through Cape May’s decorated Historic District. See the beautiful lights of downtown Cape May. Advanced tickets recommended. Washington Street Mall Booth, Ocean Street, Cape May NJ.

liberty science center

Holiday Adventure at Liberty Science Center

Nov 27, 2020 - Jan 3, 2021
Enjoy a wonderful kid friendly experience at the Liberty Science Center. Go skate on a Sock Skating Rink, make your way through a Snowflake Maze, show your moves at the Holiday Dance Party and more! New attraction - Laser Wonderland: A Holidays Lights and Music Show synced to popular Christmas songs (additional fee). All guests have to follow COVID-19 protocols. Buy your tickets in advance. 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ.

Holiday Experience at Crystal Springs Resort

Starting Nov 27, 2020
Stay at either Grand Cascades Lodge or Minerals Hotel and enjoy a special holiday experience at Crystal Springs. Make memories on the new ice skating rink. Enjoy Christmas Corner and The Winter Village. See Santa, carriage rides, roast marshmallows, pony rides, holiday photos and more! Book your reservations today. Crystal Springs, located in Sussex County NJ.

Holiday Light Show on the Lake In Historic Smithville

Through Jan 4, 2021
FREE Family friendly holiday light show with over 120 Christmas Trees and 50,000 decorated lights as they magically float on Lake Meone. Orchestrated show of lights and music played across the lake. 615 E. Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ.

Holiday Lights Trolly Ride In Cape May

Nov 27, 2020 - Dec 31, 2020
Cape May is turned into a village of twinkling lights. Take a trolley ride through the Historic District to see beautifully decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions. Buy tickets online. All guests must wear face masks. Washington Street Mall, Cape May, NJ.

magic of lights

Magic of Lights at the PNC Bank Arts Center

Now through Jan 2, 2021
Fun for the whole family while staying safe in your own car. Drive your vehicle through 2.5 miles of themed holiday lights and digital animations. Experience the thrill of the new illuminating Mega Trees inside the Toyota Holiday Village. Over 240 feet of LED lights on Christmas Trees, along with music. This winter wonderland comes alive with The North Pole, elves, Santa and more! Purchase your tickets in advance for a discount. 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ

Six Flags Holiday in the Park Drive-thru Experience

Nov 30, 2020 through Jan 10, 2021
From the comfort of your own vehicle, the whole family can experience millions of festive holiday lights. Drive thru a nighttime spectacular at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson NJ. The park becomes a winter wonderland this time of year with seasonal music and dazzling lights. There will be 12 different areas of the park filled with holiday characters, Christmas decorations, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Holiday Heroes, North Pole theme, Gingerbread Junction, Snowman City, and more! Make reservations and buy tickets in advance, first come first serve. Tickets go on sale Nov 25th.

DiDonato’s Magical Drive

Dec 7, 2020 through Dec 23, 2020, 5PM-10PM
A Christmas drive-thru experience, see millions of Christmas lights. Holiday music, Santa, and more! 1151 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton NJ.

South Jersey Holiday Light Show (at Bridgeport Speedway)

Now through Dec 30, 2020
Spectacular night time drive-thru South Jersey Holiday Light Show. A one mile route featuring holiday themed displays and festive lights. Buy tickets online. 83 Flood Gate Rd, Swedesboro, NJ.

Winter Wonder Lights Spectacular

Now through Jan 3, 2021
Drive-thru a 1/2 mile journey of Winter Wonder Lights. This spectacular show is filled with over 1.5 million animated Christmas lights. Fun for all ages. Tickets available online. 655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ.

Read Guide to NYC Holiday Lights and Christmas Events 2020
Read Things to Do in PA and Philadelphia for Christmas and the Holidays 2020