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Hanukkah Celebrations and More Top Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend

Celebrate the start of Hanukkah at Cherry Hill's Car Menorah Parade. Photo courtesy of the Chabad Center
Celebrate the start of Hanukkah at Cherry Hill's Car Menorah Parade. Photo courtesy of the Chabad Center
12/8/23 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This merry and bright weekend features Hanukkah celebrations and holiday shopping galore. Ring in the festival of lights at events like Cherry Hill's Car Menorah Parade. Plus, get your holiday shopping on at seasonal markets like the Flounder's Annual Kringle Market in Hillsborough.

Save your pennies for holiday shopping by checking out our roundup of Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

More Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids:​

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Celebrate Christmas at the Wildwoods Convention Center's Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods
Celebrate Christmas at the Wildwoods Convention Center's Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods

Top Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend With Kids

Friday Nights at Dragon Village

Bridgeton–FREE
Fridays through December 22
Merchants make the Shoppes at Dragon Village magical on the first three Fridays in December. The fun includes shopping, storytime, and more. READ MORE

Holiday Dreamland at American Dream

East Rutherford–FREE
Daily through Sunday, December 31
Spend the day at American Dream this holiday season, where there’s a new way to holiday.  Check off your shopping list with over 200 stores, dine at one of the trendy restaurants, and save time to play at DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, and dozens of other attractions. READ MORE

Christmas Train Village

Spring Lake–FREE
Wednesdays through Sundays until Sunday, December 31
Experience a miniature recreation of Spring Lake at this free holiday train display, located in Duggan Hall.  READ MORE

Any Who's Winter Fest

Budd Lake
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Saturday, December 23
Get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Any Who's Winter Fest, where children's tickets ensure unlimited access to three thrilling rides. READ MORE

Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Wildwood–FREE
Saturday, December 9
Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center, featuring free admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, children’s craft making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, storytime with Mrs. Claus and more. READ MORE

Festival of Trees Family Morning and Storytime

Princeton
Saturday, December 9
Bring the whole family for a special holiday morning with Morven’s Festival of Trees and the Princeton Storytelling Circle. The morning begins at 10am. with a self-guided visit to the 2023 Festival of Trees. Then visit the museum’s Stockton Education Center for activities, treats, and storytime with the Princeton Storytelling Circle. READ MORE

Gingerbread Architecture

Princeton–FREE
Saturday, December 9
All are invited to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit, Once Upon New Times: Reimagining Children’s Classics. Come join the fun and build a gingerbread home of your very own.  READ MORE

Flounder's Annual Kringle Market

Hillsborough
Saturdays, December 9 and 16
(Sunday's market has moved to Saturday, December 16 due to weather).Flounder's Kringle Market is back at the picturesque Carriage Farm, featuring hand-picked artisans with the finest crafts. Savor the delightful sounds of Flounder's Brass Band playing nostalgic classics. Mr. & Mrs. Claus stroll through the market before heading to the brewhouse for free pictures. READ MORE

Holiday Papercrafts with BAR

Madison
Saturday, December 9
Make one or make them all. Join METC and the Book Arts Roundtable to create a variety of giftable paper crafts. READ MORE

2023 WINTR Holiday Market

Maplewood–FREE
Saturday, December 9-Sunday, December 10
Get holiday shopping done at this village and makers market with gifts, food, entertainment, and local wares. Don't miss visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus kids' crafts and a hot chocolate truck. READ MORE

Chanukah on Ice

Voorhees
Saturday, December 9
Enjoy an evening on ice, complemented by Jewish music, donuts, hot latkes, crafts, and a 5-foot ice menorah.  READ MORE

PaleyLand Holiday Weekend: Meet Santa, Snoopy, and More!

Midtown Manhattan
Saturday, December 9
Step into the happy hullabaloo of PaleyLand and enter a Peanuts paradise! Capture a picture-perfect moment with Snoopy and scoop up a FREE Snoopy keepsake (while supplies last). Then cozy up for an exclusive screening of the heartwarming new Snoopy holiday special, Happiness Is Holiday Traditions, and craft Snoopy-themed masterpieces at the arts and crafts station.  READ MORE

4th Annual Snowfest

Plainsboro–FREE
Sunday, December 10
Meet Santa, the Grinch, and Olaf at Wicoff House Museum's annual winter festival. Enjoy hot chocolate, snow cones, and smores on the museum lawn along with the Plainsboro Police and Fire departments. READ MORE

Car Menorah Parade

Cherry Hill–FREE
Sunday, December 10
Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties hosts this unique South Jersey celebration of the Festival of Lights. Fire and police department vehicles are on hand to lead the parade of menorah-adorned cars. READ MORE

Chef David Burke & Santa Meet & Greet

Keansburg–FREE
Sunday, December 10
Since Santa's quite busy this time of year, rumor has it that Chef David Burke might be filling in to help the Big Guy bring some holiday cheer to the Bayshore. Join Santa at David Burke's Dixie Lee Bakery for pictures, free hot chocolate and cotton candy. READ MORE

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