{"id":75633,"date":"2026-01-01T16:06:38","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T16:06:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/75633\/"},"modified":"2026-01-01T16:06:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T16:06:38","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-new-jersey-this-weekend-january-2-4-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/75633\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Things to Do in New Jersey This Weekend (January 2-4, 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Happy New Year! We rounded up 50 fun ways to start 2026, including the last of holiday happenings, a visit to the circus, and a train show the kids will love.<\/p>\n

\"\"WINNIE CHUNG \/ LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo\n<\/p>\n

WEEKEND<\/p>\n

LumiNature<\/a>
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday \u2013 Saturday
There will be light tunnels, sculptures, Christmas trees and nature-themed displays throughout the zoo. You can meet Santa and watch performances.<\/p>\n

\"\"BERGEN COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT \/ Ice bumper cars\n<\/p>\n

Bergen County\u2019s Winter Wonderland<\/a>
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Wednesday \u2013 Saturday
Come for ice skating, carnival games, ice carving and a chance to take pictures with Santa at the North Pole. Tickets give you access to the zoo, carousel and train.<\/p>\n

\"\"BIG APPLE CIRCUS \/ Nicolodi Brothers<\/p>\n

Big Apple Circus<\/a>
Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Wednesday \u2013 Saturday
The beloved circus acts return for 7 weeks, with acrobatics, high-flying stunts and comedic action.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms\n<\/p>\n

U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland<\/a>
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Wednesday \u2013 Sunday
The walk-through event has more than 50,000 illuminated tulips lighting up the flower fields, a light show from the windmill; illuminated pony rides on the weekends; interactive LED seesaws, swings, spinners and slides; photo ops with Santa inside his workshop; character meet-and-greets with Olaf, Elsa and The Grinch; magical snow flurry stations; and \u201csnowball fights\u201d inside a giant igloo snowball pit.<\/p>\n

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane<\/a>
Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
Wednesday \u2013 Sunday
Chocolate lovers can enjoy their favorite rides, visit with Santa and his nine reindeer, meet Hershey characters dressed in their holiday best, and see more than 5 million sparkling lights.<\/p>\n

\"\"SESAME PLACE \/ A Very Furry Christmas<\/p>\n

A Very Furry Christmas Celebration<\/a>
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Wednesday \u2013 Sunday
Santa\u2019s Grand Illumination kicks off the holiday season, which includes a Hanukkah celebration, Santa\u2019s \u2018Twas the Night Celebration on Christmas Eve, a Kwanzaa celebration, and New Year\u2019s Eve fireworks.<\/p>\n

\"\"TERRIA CLAY \/ Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights\n<\/p>\n

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights<\/a>
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Wednesday \u2013 Sunday
Millions of lights twinkle and hundreds of illuminated animals sparkle as you walk through six lantern trails. The Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea return, while new this year are snow tube slides, an ice throne and virtual snowball throwing.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ Glow! Light Show\n<\/p>\n

GLOW: Light Show<\/a>
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd., Washington Twp.
Wednesday \u2013 Sunday
The drive-thru experience has 2 million lights over the course of one mile. The displays are synched to music that you broadcast through your car radio. This year\u2019s theme is Tinsel Turnpike, paying homage to all things Jersey.<\/p>\n

\"\"LIZ LIGON \/ Lightscape\n<\/p>\n

Lightscape<\/a>
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
Wednesday \u2013 Sunday
For this year\u2019s fifth installation, the glittering winter trail will take you to an enchanted forest filled with art, music and special attractions.<\/p>\n

Snowland Celebration<\/a>
Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun, PA
Wednesday \u2013 Sunday
Known mostly for its indoor and outdoor water parks, Snowland takes the resort\u2019s activities to a new level with visits with Santa, the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, Snowland bingo and trivia, competition games, a themed scavenger hunt, and \u2018Twas the Night Before Snowland Yoga Tails.<\/p>\n

2026 First Day Hike<\/a>
Forest Resource Education Center, Jackson
Get some fresh air during a brisk, 2.5-mile hike of the Pinelands.<\/p>\n

\"\"LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER \/ Holiday Adventure\n<\/p>\n

Holiday Adventure<\/a>
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Thursday
Christmas meets science along the LSC Winter Train Ride that stops in the Art and Science Pavilion, by sock skating on a synthetic rink, at live science shows and winter animal presentations \u2013 plus during holiday laser shows.<\/p>\n

Ventnor City Polar Plunge and Winter Festival<\/a>
Polar Plunge: Newport Avenue Beach, Ventnor City
Winter Festival: St. James Memorial Hall, Ventnor City
Thursday
Start your afternoon inside the church hall, where there will be inflatable games, music, a chili cookoff, and food and beer specials. Head out to the Atlantic for the plunge. Then, warm up at the afterparty at Ventnor Social.<\/p>\n

\"\"THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF PHILADELPHIA\n<\/p>\n

Kwanzaa<\/a>
The African American Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Thursday\u00a0
Learn about the seven principles of the holiday through music, dance, storytelling, kinara lightings and craft sessions.<\/p>\n

The Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display<\/a>
1600 Block of S. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA
Thursday
Every holiday season, a group of neighbors go all-out with their Christmas decorations, offering a massive lights display that you can view while walking through the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

First Day Walk<\/a>
D&R Canal State Park, Lambertville
Thursday
The New Year\u2019s hike along the canal towpath will be a moderately paced, 2.5-hour hike.<\/p>\n

\"\"MADE IN PHILADELPHIA HOLIDAY MARKET\n<\/p>\n

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market<\/a>
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Thursday
More than 50 local artisans, designers, crafters and jewelers will be set up inside picturesque white wooden booths, adorned with the glow of Moravian stars.<\/p>\n

Marlin Christmas Wonderland\u00a0<\/a>
1326 Laurel Avenue in Sea Girt
Thursday
This year\u2019s over-the-top Christmas display uses projection mapping and a light show to feature scenes from various Christmas movies. Tune your radio to 88.9 FM to hear synchronized music to the lights.<\/p>\n

Check out our list of Polar Bear Plunges<\/a> taking place on New Year\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n

Holiday Bricktacular<\/a>
LEGOLAND New York Resort, Goshen, NY
Thursday \u2013 Saturday
There will be a tree lighting with LEGO Santa, brick-building activities and lots of holiday lights. New this year is Holiday Headquarters in LEGO City, plus decorated Brick Street, Bricktopia, LEGO Ninjago World and MiniLand.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village\n<\/p>\n

Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village<\/a>
Koziar\u2019s Farm, Bernville, PA
Thursday \u2013 Saturday
There are more than a million lights that illuminate the property, lining everything from the lake to the barns to the walkways. Walk around at your own pace to see the international Christmas displays, train sets and festive gift shops.<\/p>\n

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights<\/a>
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
Friday \u2013 Saturday
This impressive neighborhood is lit up with millions of lights, inflatables, displays and activations. Walk along or take a bus tour through the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Holiday Lights<\/a>
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Friday \u2013 Saturday
Take a stroll through the zoo at night, which will be lit up by thousands of sparkling lights, plus 50 winter and animal characters. There will be a carousel, touch tank, viewings inside the reptile house, a farm, a pony track, a train and face painting \u2013 in addition to meet-and-greets with Santa, ice carving demonstrations, an appearance by the holiday princesses, and photo ops with superheroes and the Grinch. Make an evening of it and rent out an igloo in the picnic area, where you can sit inside a heated tent and have hot chocolate, s\u2019mores and cookies.<\/p>\n

Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village<\/a>
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Friday \u2013 Saturday\u00a0
See more than 2 million lights in this drive-thru. In the Christmas Village, take a family photo and stop by the Hot Chocolate Bar and Winter Beer Garden.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ PNC Magic of Lights\n<\/p>\n

Magic of Lights<\/a>
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Friday \u2013 Saturday
This drive-thru has more than a mile of lights displays. About halfway through your drive, park at the Holiday Village, where you will see Santa, go ice skating, sit down for an outdoor holiday movie, and do arts and crafts.<\/p>\n

Illumination<\/a>
Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, PA
Friday \u2013 Saturday
Lehigh Valley shines bright with 1.5 million lights synchronized to music. But that\u2019s not all: there are curling lanes, Santa\u2019s Polar Express, hayrides with Mrs. Claus, a carousel, Nutcracker Suites that include a holiday buffet, and igloos.<\/p>\n

Winter Light Spectacular<\/a>
Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, PA
Friday \u2013 Saturday
This event has 1.2 million sparkling lights and displays placed throughout the zoo. Visitors will find classic holiday scenes, multiple fire pits, hot chocolate and s\u2019mores, performances by different princesses, and photos with Santa.<\/p>\n

\"\"NEWARK WINTER VILLAGE\n<\/p>\n

Newark Winter Village<\/a>
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Friday \u2013 Sunday
The open-air festival in the downtown offers ice skating, go karts, a marketplace, private heated pods and igloos.<\/p>\n

Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend<\/a>
Multiple locations
Saturday \u2013 Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.<\/p>\n

FRIDAY<\/p>\n

Plate Smash & Dessert Par-Tea<\/a>
Jane\u2019s Tea House, Haddon Heights
You\u2019ll be allowed to break plate against a safe, designated surface in a ritual meant to break free from old beliefs and past struggles from the previous year. You\u2019ll start with tea and desserts, then move on to a guided meditation, followed by a candle lighting ritual and then the plate smashing. A tarot\/oracle card reader will be on hand as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"MUSEUM OF EARLY TRADES AND CRAFTS \/ Makerspace Saturdays\n<\/p>\n

SATURDAY<\/p>\n

Makerspace<\/a>
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Kids ages 5 to 12 will use the 3D printer, build with LEGOs, make jewelry, experiment with the marble run, and code robots.<\/p>\n

Youth Birding Hike<\/a>
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Kids ages 10 to 16 will join a group interested in birding, whether they want to get started or find a new species.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY<\/p>\n

Experience the Battle of Princeton<\/a>
Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton
Watch as historical re-enactors depict what an important part of the Revolutionary War was like in New Jersey.<\/p>\n

Parent-Child Pasta Night<\/a>
Kitchen a la Mode, South Orange
Kids ages 7 and up will team up with their parents to make hand-rolled orecchiette pasta, a creamy tomato sauce, and tiramisu featuring marscapone, cocoa and coffee-dipped ladyfingers.<\/p>\n

ONGOING<\/p>\n

Grinch\u2019s Grotto<\/a>
Cucina Calandra, Fairfield
Through January 9
Your heart will grow three sizes during lunch, happy hour or dinner when you come to this Grinch-themed pop-up. Specialty cocktails will be made with flavors like cranberry, cinnamon and peppermint.<\/p>\n

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo<\/a>
Hudson Yards, New York City
Through January 5
More than 2 million twinkling lights (that\u2019s 115 miles!) and 725 evergreen trees set the stage for ice skating, photos with Santa, holiday shopping \u2013 and even Santa\u2019s Secret Speakeasy for adults, plus a special menorah lighting.<\/p>\n

Holiday Light Show<\/a>
Shady Brook Farm, Yardley, PA
Through January 5
The farm will be outfitted with 4 million dazzling lights, which you\u2019ll see as you drive through the pathways or aboard the open-air wagon. Plan some time to see Santa\u2019s Village, where there\u2019s a Candy Cane Lane lights walk-thru, fire pits, and a gift shop.<\/p>\n

\"\"Jonathon Peter Photography \/ Light Show on the Lake\n<\/p>\n

Light Show on the Lake<\/a>
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Through January 5
More than 120 Christmas trees decorated with over 50,000 Christmas lights magically float when darkness falls: a show of lights and music is played across Lake Meone.<\/p>\n

\"\"MSGE \/ Radio City Christmas Spectacular\n<\/p>\n

Radio City Christmas Spectacular<\/a>
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Through January 5
This New York City holiday classic starring the Radio City Rockettes \u2013 with their infamous kickline \u2014features The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and a Living Nativity.<\/p>\n

Frostland Village<\/a>
23 Euclid Ave., Pitman
Through the first week of January
The winner of an episode of 2024\u2019s \u201cThe Great Christmas Light Fight\u201d was chosen for its yard full of restored and hand-painted animatronics, a 35-foot high tree made entirely of blow molds, a full bakery scene, and a hand-built treehouse scene.<\/p>\n

Pillsbury Let It Dough Suite<\/a>
Club Wyndham Midtown 45, New York City
Through January 6
Designed to be a holiday baking escape, you can rent this suite for two or three nights, and be treated to all the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and ready-to-bake cookies you\u2019d like. The room itself features icing-draped walls, a cinnamon roll\u2013inspired bedroom, frosted windows, and the scent of freshly baked cookies throughout. You can also call the Cookie Concierge to have additional baking supplies delivered on demand.<\/p>\n

Fanwood\u2019s Famous Christmas Houses<\/a>
83 and 87 Paterson Rd., Fanwood
Through January 8
Every year, Gregory Roser creates a holiday display with 30,000 sparkling lights. Santa will make a special visit on Dec. 6.\u00a0 Monetary donations are accepted on site to support the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.<\/p>\n

Disney\u2019s Frozen<\/a>
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
Through January 11
The beloved movie starring Elsa, Anna and Olaf comes to the main stage. Certain dates will accommodate those needing ASL interpretation, open captioning and autism sensitivities.<\/p>\n

\"\"MORVEN MUSEUM & GARDEN \/ Festival of Trees\n<\/p>\n

Festival of Trees<\/a>
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays \u2013 Sundays, through January 11
Seventeen trees and mantels will be decorated and displayed throughout the museum, created by local community groups. Themes include All Aboard to Movie Magic; Family Game Night; A Tribute to Pollinators; and Fruit of the Holiday Spirit.<\/p>\n

Let It Glow<\/a>
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Thursdays-Sundays, through January 11
As you walk through the zoo or ride on the train, you\u2019ll see 30 larger-than-life scenes decorated with animal-themed lanterns.<\/p>\n

\"\"DENNIS NIERZWICKI \/ Holidig\n<\/p>\n

Holidig Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show<\/a>
Diggerland, West Berlin
Select dates, through January 11
Marvel at the lights, holiday displays and tunnels as you drive along 1.25 miles inside America\u2019s only construction-based theme and water parks.<\/p>\n

Holiday<\/a> Train Show<\/a>
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Through January 11
Either during the day or on select Holiday Train Nights, catch model trains as they zip through a display of almost 200 replicas of New York landmarks, each re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, pinecones, palm fronds and cinnamon sticks.<\/p>\n

\"\"HANK DAVIS \/ A Longwood Christmas\n<\/p>\n

A Longwood Christmas<\/a>
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through January 11
Stroll through floating floral designs, marvel at festive trees and step into an extravagant floral shop. Outside, take in stunning light displays and treehouses. There are a half-million lights across hundreds of acres, plus fountain shows.<\/p>\n

Vintner Wonderland<\/a>
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Select dates, through January 19
The winery grounds are open to families for ice skating, a holiday market, fire pits and live music. Special events include the Festival of Trees, live music at the rink, Stories with Santa, Cookies & Cocktails and an hors d\u2019oeuvres masterclass.<\/p>\n

\"\"THE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY, DEPTFORD \/ Antique Toy Train Show\n<\/p>\n

Antique Toy Train Show<\/a>
The Museum of American History, Deptford
Thursday to Sunday, through February 1
See toy trains from the 1930s, \u201840s and \u201850s, including Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines. Plasticville buildings from the 1950s will give the platforms a vintage holiday appearance.<\/p>\n

Winter at Dilworth Park<\/a>
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through February
The heart of Center City comes alive with outdoor ice skating, a topiary garden, the Wintergarden, a chalet-style cabin, charming fire pits, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, and Breakfast with Santa.<\/p>\n

The Rink at Rockefeller Center<\/a>
Rockefeller Center, NYC
Through March
Ice skate or chill in a rinkside chalet while looking at the magnificent tree, which stays lit through mid-January.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park<\/a>
Bryant Park, New York City
Through March
This Manhattan park is home to the largest free-admission ice skating rink in NYC. Relax rinkside at The Lodge while taking in the splendor of the giant Christmas tree. Shop more than 180 vendors selling gifts from around the world. And check out the bumper cars on ice.<\/p>\n

Outdoor Winter Wonderland<\/a>
Middletown Sports Camp, Middletown
Through March 8
This will be the place to skate, sip and shop during the holiday season, with its new winter festival that includes festive music, lights and d\u00e9cor; vendors; fire pits; igloos; and the center of it all, the outdoor ice skating rink.<\/p>\n

Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run<\/a>
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the \u201cBorn to Run\u201d album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos \u2013 like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.<\/p>\n

SUE The T. Rex Experience<\/a>
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 25, 2026
The world\u2019s most complete, most well-preserved T. rex skeleton is making a stop at LSC so you can see her bones, hear her growl and smell her breath (seriously!). There will be fossils on display, projection mapping of other prehistoric creatures, and a life-sized fleshed-out replica to show what the creature\u2019s life was like in the Cretaceous era.<\/p>\n

Got questions about this weekend\u2019s events?
We pulled together a quick FAQ to help.<\/p>\n

Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?<\/p>\n

A: Some of the bigger attractions (musicals, outdoor light shows, Santa trains) do require tickets, and popular times can sell out. It\u2019s important to check the event link in our guide for details, times, date, pricing, availability and weather before you head out.<\/p>\n

Q: Does the list include both indoor and outdoor events?<\/p>\n

A: You\u2019ll find a mix of indoor shows, markets, and museums, along with outdoor winter light displays and festivals.<\/p>\n

Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend (January 2-4, 2026)?<\/p>\n

A: This weekend (January 2-4, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include Bergen County\u2019s Winter Wonderland<\/a> at Van Saun County Park in Paramus, Big Apple Circus<\/a> at Lincoln Center in New York, the final weekend of U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland<\/a> at Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, the GLOW: Light Show<\/a> in Washington Twp., Liberty Science Center\u2019s Holiday Adventure<\/a>, and Newark Winter Village<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?<\/p>\n

A: We include family events happening throughout North, Central, and South Jersey, plus\u00a0 more events in New York and Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

Q: Where can I find more events near me?<\/p>\n

A: This weekend\u2019s roundup is a comprehensive list, but you can also browse more upcoming events on our calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Q: How can I stay updated on more things to do in New Jersey?<\/p>\n

A: Sign up for our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Read More:
The Best Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey<\/a><\/p>\n