December in New Jersey is packed with festive energy, winter charm, and plenty of things to do without spending a dime. Whether you’re looking for holiday magic, scenic outdoor adventures, or family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of free activities throughout the Garden State. Here’s your guide to the best free and affordable things to do in New Jersey this December 2025.

Visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops
Make holiday shopping extra festive with a visit from Santa! Pose for a free photo in-store and enjoy goodies for the kids. Weekday visits often include special giveaways.
Details: Reservations required online • Receive a free 4x6 photo • Check Bass Pro Shops website for daily hours Sun, Nov 30, 2025 – Wed, Dec 24, 2025 (repeats daily through December 24, 2025)

TD Bank Mt. Laurel Tree Lighting & Winter Festival
Celebrate the holiday season at TD Bank’s 36th annual Tree Lighting and Winter Festival! Enjoy free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, festive treats, fun photo ops, a DJ, games, prizes, and more. The tree lighting ceremony takes place around 7 PM. Details: Free event • Dec 5, 2025 • 4–8 PM

Toms River Winter Wonderland
Toms River kicks off the holiday season with a festive weekend full of fun! The celebration begins with a tree lighting, followed by a visit from Santa for photo opportunities. Enjoy the Winter Village with local vendors, plus children’s activities and live music throughout the weekend. Details: Free event • Dec 6, 2025

Holiday Gift-Making Featuring OOLY®
Get creative this season with free hands-on holiday crafting. Kids can make unique gifts, design cards and gift bags, and try some of OOLY’s most popular art supplies. Parents can enter to win a $100 Lakeshore E-Gift Card or an OOLY gift basket, and anyone who spends $25+ receives a free Draw ’n Doodle Mini Colored Pencil Set (while supplies last).
Details:Free walk-in event at Lakeshore Learning, Hackensack
December 6th • 11 AM–3 PM
Ages 3+ • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Hammonton Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Hammonton with festive family fun. Explore the Elf Village with live performances and activities, watch Santa light the Town Tree at 7 PM, and visit him afterward at The Bellevue. Enjoy lantern displays throughout downtown and free trolley rides following the ceremony.
Details: Free community event in Downtown Hammonton
December 6th • 6–9 PM

Discovery Play Trail Holiday Lights
Enjoy an evening drive through the Discovery Play Trail at Jakes Branch County Park, decorated with festive holiday lights.
Details: December 12–15 • 6–8 PM

Car Menorah Parade – Cherry Hill
Celebrate the Festival of Lights in South Jersey with a unique parade of menorah-adorned cars, led by local fire and police vehicles. The parade departs from the Chabad Center at 4 PM and concludes at Barclay Shopping Center with a community candle lighting and refreshments.
Details: RSVP required for parade spots
December 14 • 4–5 PM Chabad Center, Cherry Hill

Explore Small-Town Holiday Decorations
In December, New Jersey’s small towns turn into festive, postcard-perfect destinations. Wander through decorated streets, take in twinkling lights, and enjoy the classic holiday charm each community offers.
Best Towns to visit: Lambertville, Frenchtown, Ridgewood, Collingswood

Explore Local Holiday Markets
New Jersey’s holiday markets are filled with festive music, sparkling lights, seasonal décor, and family-friendly activities. Even if you’re just browsing, these markets are a great way to soak in the holiday spirit for free.
Top free-entry markets: Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, Collingswood Holiday Market, Jersey City Grove Street Holiday Market, Morristown Winter Market

Explore Free Museums & Cultural Sites
Several New Jersey museums offer free admission days during the holiday season, making them perfect for indoor activities and learning. Options include: American Museum of Natural History (pay-what-you-wish days), Princeton University Art Museum (always free)

December is one of the best times to explore New Jersey without breaking the bank. Whether you love holiday lights, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or festive markets, this month is full of memorable experiences for families, kids, and couples.

Read more at NJ Kids