As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, you and the kids are bound to be seeking out fun family time. New Jersey has a variety of events this winter ranging from holiday tours and breakfasts with Santa Claus to craft workshops and kids activity days. Below, you will find a list of winter events that are sure to be fun for the entire family.
1. Christmas at Allaire!
The Historic Village at Allaire instantly turns into a town of holiday cheer pulled straight from the pages of stories such as Clement Clarke Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas” and Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” You and the family are sure to enjoy the holiday music, crafts, sweets, hot beverages and more at this must see holiday attraction.
Cost: $8-$10
Location: Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township, NJ
Time: 12-5 p.m. on Dec. 12, and Dec. 19
Link for more information: eventbrite links for Dec. 12 and Dec. 19
2. Holiday Wreath Workshop hosted by Amber & Earth at The Asbury Hotel
Get creative and be merry by making your own holiday wreath. This workshop features fresh winter greens and natural decorative elements (dried limes, dried orange slices, ornaments, cinnamon sticks, or pine cones) to add some style to your holiday decor. Complete the piece with a wreath frame and floral wire. Materials are provided but participants are welcome to bring their own bow to suit their personal styles. Snacks and refreshments are provided as well.
Cost: $70
Location: The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 16
Link for more information: eventbrite links for Dec. 16
3. Holiday Baby Yoda & Santa Painting Classes
Your little Star Wars fan will love painting this photo of Grogu — aka Baby Yoda — dressed in holiday garb on a 16x20 canvas. And if you’re a fan of The Mandalorian, you’ll definitely want to hang it up with the rest of your Star Wars memorabilia.
Not a big fan of the galaxy far, far away? Around the Corner Art Center is doing a Santa Claus Paint Night on December 17! Ages 7 and up are welcome to both of these fun evening activities.
Cost: $29
Location: Around the Corner Art Center, 290 Mounts Corner Dr., Freehold, NJ
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 (Baby Yoda); 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 (Santa Claus)
Link for more information: Around the Corner Art Center
4. Community Day: Winter Wonderland
You’ll be walking in a winter wonderland filled with art, food and festive fun. The Newark Museum of Art presents a day filled with hip-hop, dance performances, local vendors and ice skating. The first 300 people will receive a free treat from Tonnie’s Minis.
Cost: Free or donate what you can
Location: Washington Park, 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ
Time: One-hour sessions available 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 11
Link for more information: eventbrite
5. Holiday Wreath Workshop with Snow Valley Farm
Make and design your own holiday wreath and then enjoy food and fun. Stop by for pictures with Santa at the Gallery at Whitesbog or take an easy, child-friendly hike through the Candy Cane Hike on the Trail with volunteer elves. This event is the perfect opportunity for family togetherness this holiday season.
Cost: $40
Location: Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 West Whites Bogs Rd., Browns Mills, NJ
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 11
Link for more information: eventbrite
6. December Craft & Antique Show in Rancocas Woods
Enjoy more than 100 local vendors, live music and more in the Rancocas Woods. This monthly outdoor market features an eclectic mix of local handmade vintage and antique goods. You’ll also be able to jam out to live music from Joshua Holland and Camille Peruto.
Cost: Free
Location: 118 Creek Rd., Mt Laurel, NJ
Time: 3-9 p.m. on Dec. 11
Link for more information: Facebook
7. Allaire Christmas Lantern Tours
Enjoy the rich history of the Historic Village at Allaire via a candle lit lantern stroll. This tour, recommended for children 10 and older, features both standard and VIP options with the latter including an extra 30 minutes of holiday music. You’ll love experiencing the town’s rich history while being guided by a period-dressed interpreter.
Cost: $30-$45
Location: Historic Village at Allaire, Blacksmith Shop, 4263 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township, NJ
Time: 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18
Link for more information: eventbrite links for Dec. 11 and Dec. 18
8. Bring the Outdoors In: Make Your Own Tabletop Tree
Create your own holiday tabletop centerpiece, made with fresh berries, boxwood, pinecones and ribbon. Calgo employee and plant expert Jean Ritota will guide you through the process in making your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Be sure to bring clippers and garden gloves if you have them.
Cost: $49.95
Location: Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Rd., Freehold, NJ
Time: 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Dec. 11
Link for more information: eventbrite
9. Breakfast with Santa
You and the kiddos will have two opportunities to have breakfast with the one-and-only Santa Claus. Head over to Fred and Ethel’s for a morning full of holiday cheer and bring your Christmas lists.
Cost: Call 609-748-8999 or email info@colonialinnsmithville.com to make a reservation
Location: Historic Smithville, 615 E Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18
Link for more information: New Jersey Family
10. Haddon Township Winter Festival 2021
Get into the holiday spirit at this family friendly event. Check out vendors, dance to holiday music, and keep warm at the outdoor firepit. The kids are sure to enjoy the fun activities and receive surprises with a special appearance from Santa Claus.
Cost: Free
Location: Haddon Square, 51 Haddon Ave., Haddon Township, NJ
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 12
Link for more information: Jersey Family Fun
12. Design a Festive Evergreen Arrangement
Add an extra festive touch to your holiday decor with a creation of your own. Calgo Gardens’ Nursery Manager, Taylor Edgington, will guide you through making an arrangement combining a decorative cement planter filled with fragrant winter greens and accessories. Display your masterpieces indoors or outdoors during the holiday season and beyond. Choose from large or medium-sized designs to compliment your decor.
Cost: $39.95 – $56
Location: Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Rd., Freehold, NJ
Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Dec. 12
Link for more information: eventbrite
13. Kids Wing at Monmouth Museum
Increase your child’s curiosity and learning at the Monmouth Museum’s Kids Wing. The venue also includes popular Dorothy V. Morehouse WonderWing and Becker Children's Wing, featuring participatory hands-on activities, educational tours and more. Your kids are sure to find something to tickle their curiosities.
Cost: Free for children under 2 years of age, Brookdale CC Staff, students and military families (with valid ID); $10 for general admission
Location: Monmouth Museum, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on various dates
Link for more information: The Monmouth Moms Network
14. Winter Break Art Camp 2021
Experience five days filled with fun art activities. Attend just one day or attend for the entire week to take home several beautiful pieces of art. Do you have two children who are future artists? Register both of them for a discounted rate. You kiddos will create beautiful acrylic paintings and pencil drawings of winter scenery and/or construct a beautiful sculpture of an adorable penguin, all of which you can display in your home to enhance your holiday decor.
Cost: $39-$350
Location: Around the Corner Art Center, 290 Mounts Corner Dr., Freehold, NJ
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 27-31
Link for more information: Around the Corner Art Center
