Your Guide To

Our Favorite Christmas Events

---

Sparkle. Celebrate. Make Memories.

The best holiday light shows, Christmas markets, train rides, festive downtowns and family traditions in Northern and Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Holiday Fun Close to Home

More Than Just Christmas Lights

The holiday season brings an incredible variety of experiences to our area. Some destinations are filled with millions of sparkling lights, while others recreate the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas with markets, decorated villages, Santa visits, train rides, music, shopping and seasonal food.

Finding the Right Holiday Experience

A perfect Christmas outing might be a walk through a glowing zoo, a drive-through light show with the children, a romantic evening in Bethlehem, a visit to a traditional Christmas village or a full weekend exploring shops and restaurants. These are the events we recommend when considering the complete experience.

Planning for the 2026 season: Some organizers announce exact dates, ticket prices and operating nights during late summer or fall. Always confirm the current schedule and purchase requirements on the official event website before traveling.

Start Here

Find Your Perfect Christmas Outing

Best OverallBethlehem at Christmas

Best NJ Light ShowSkylands Stadium

Best Train ExperienceThe Polar Express

Best Free Family EventTurtle Back Zoo

Best Holiday VillageKoziar's Christmas Village

Best Shopping & DécorPeddler's Village

Best Garden DisplayA Longwood Christmas

Best Downtown TraditionMorristown Green

Worth the Trip

Our Favorite Christmas Events

From beloved local traditions to destination-worthy holiday attractions, these events offer some of the strongest combinations of lights, activities, food, shopping and seasonal atmosphere.

#1

Best Overall Christmas Destination

Christmas in Bethlehem

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Known as Christmas City USA, Bethlehem combines historic streets, holiday markets, carriage rides, seasonal tours, live entertainment, restaurants and beautifully decorated public spaces.

The combination of Christkindlmarkt, Christmas City Village and the walkable downtown makes Bethlehem an excellent choice for couples, families and an entire holiday weekend.

2026 Schedule: Check Official Site

Best For

Weekend TripsMarkets CouplesDining Historic CharmShopping

Explore Bethlehem

#2

Best Drive-Through Light Show in New Jersey

Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village

Augusta, Sussex County, New Jersey

Skylands Stadium creates a large-scale holiday experience with a mile-long drive-through display, millions of lights and a Christmas Village filled with family-friendly attractions and seasonal treats.

It is especially convenient for families who want the comfort of a drive-through show while still having the option to get out and enjoy additional activities afterward.

2026 Details: Verify Dates & Tickets

Best For

FamiliesDrive-Through Lights Young ChildrenSanta Seasonal Treats

Visit Skylands Stadium

#3

Best Christmas Train Experience

The Polar Express Train Ride

Whippany, Morris County, New Jersey

This immersive train ride brings the popular Christmas story to life with costumed characters, music, dancing, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa during the journey.

Tickets often sell quickly, making this one of the holiday experiences families should plan well in advance.

Advance Tickets Strongly Recommended

Best For

ChildrenTrain Lovers Storybook ExperienceSanta Family Tradition

Explore The Polar Express

#4

Best Free Family Holiday Attraction

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey

Turtle Back Zoo becomes a walk-through winter wonderland with glowing animal figures, holiday scenes and sparkling displays throughout the grounds.

The relaxed walking format and traditionally free admission make this an easy choice for families, grandparents and visitors looking for a festive evening without committing to a full-day attraction.

2026 Schedule: Announced Seasonally

Best For

Free FunFamilies Walk-Through LightsAnimals Easy Evening Trip

Visit Turtle Back Zoo

#5

Best Old-Fashioned Christmas Village

Koziar's Christmas Village

Bernville, Berks County, Pennsylvania

Koziar's is a classic Pennsylvania Christmas tradition featuring a glowing countryside property filled with buildings, pathways, miniature scenes, displays, shops and nostalgic holiday decorations.

The 2026 season is scheduled to begin November 7, giving families a long window to enjoy this enduring holiday attraction.

2026 Opening Night: November 7

Best For

TraditionNostalgia Walk-Through DisplaysFamilies Photography

Visit Koziar's

#6

Best Holiday Shopping Village

Peddler's Village Holidays

Lahaska, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Peddler's Village is one of the easiest places to combine impressive Christmas lights with boutique shopping, restaurants, seasonal events and the annual gingerbread display.

Its compact, walkable layout works well for families during the day and couples looking for a festive dinner and evening stroll.

2026 Schedule: Check Seasonal Calendar

Best For

ShoppingDining GingerbreadCouples Family Day Trips

Explore Peddler's Village

#7

Best Botanical Holiday Display

A Longwood Christmas

Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania

Longwood Gardens presents an elegant holiday experience with decorated conservatories, towering trees, horticultural displays, fountains and extensive outdoor lighting.

This is a destination-level Christmas outing that works particularly well for adults, couples, garden lovers and families with older children.

Timed Admission Usually Required

Best For

GardensCouples PhotographyElegant Displays Day Trips

Visit Longwood Gardens

#8

Best Downtown Christmas Tradition

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green

Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey

Downtown Morristown celebrates the season with the lighting of the Green, Santa's arrival, visits in the Santa House, family activities, entertainment and a festive setting surrounded by restaurants and shops.

The walkable downtown makes it easy to pair the festival with dinner, dessert, shopping or an afternoon exploring Morristown.

2026 Kickoff Listed for November 28

Best For

Local TraditionSanta RestaurantsShopping Families

Explore Morristown Events

#9

Best Central Jersey Drive-Through Lights

Magic of Lights

PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, New Jersey

Magic of Lights transforms the arts center grounds into a large drive-through route filled with illuminated holiday scenes, animated displays and themed light tunnels.

It is a convenient option for cold or rainy evenings and is especially appealing for families with small children who prefer to remain in the car.

2026 Dates: Verify Before Traveling

Best For

Drive-ThroughCentral Jersey Young ChildrenCold Nights Family Fun

Visit Magic of Lights

#10

Best Bucks County Light Show

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Shady Brook Farm offers a popular drive-through holiday light show with extensive displays, animated scenes and the option to continue the evening with farm-market treats and seasonal activities.

Its location makes it an easy Pennsylvania outing from Mercer, Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

2026 Dates: Check Official Calendar

Best For

Drive-Through LightsFamilies Farm MarketBucks County Easy Day Trip

Visit Shady Brook Farm

#11

Best Zoo Light Show in Eastern Pennsylvania

Winter Light Spectacular

Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

The Lehigh Valley Zoo's walk-through display combines illuminated pathways, animal-themed scenes, music, seasonal food and family activities.

It is an enjoyable alternative to a traditional drive-through show and can be combined with a holiday visit to Bethlehem or the greater Lehigh Valley.

2026 Schedule: Announced Seasonally

Best For

Walk-Through LightsAnimals FamiliesLehigh Valley Weekend Trips

Visit Lehigh Valley Zoo

#12

Best Event for Christmas Movie Fans

Christmas Con

New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, New Jersey

Christmas Con brings holiday-movie fans together for celebrity appearances, panels, photo opportunities, shopping, festive activities and an atmosphere inspired by the feel-good Christmas films people enjoy throughout the season.

It is a distinctive choice for adults, friends and families who love Hallmark-style holiday entertainment and Christmas collectibles.

December 11–13, 2026

Best For

Movie FansCelebrity Guests ShoppingFriends Indoor Event

Explore Christmas Con

#13

Best Indoor Christmas Display

Festival of Trees

Environmental Education Center, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

This Somerset County tradition fills multiple indoor spaces with decorated trees created around imaginative themes. The setting is warm, easy to navigate and well suited to a relaxed family outing.

It is a particularly good choice for grandparents, young children and anyone looking for an indoor activity during very cold or wet weather.

2026 Dates: Check Somerset County Schedule

Best For

Indoor FunDecorated Trees GrandparentsYoung Children Somerset County

Explore Somerset Holiday Events

Our Short List

Top Five for the Complete Christmas Experience

These destinations offer the strongest overall combination of holiday atmosphere, family activities, lights, shopping, dining and memorable seasonal traditions.

#1

Christmas in Bethlehem

Best overall destination and holiday weekend.

#2

Skylands Stadium

Best full-scale New Jersey light show.

#3

The Polar Express

Best immersive experience for children.

#4

Turtle Back Zoo

Best easy and affordable family evening.

#5

Koziar's Village

Best nostalgic Christmas tradition.

Celebrate the Season

Make Christmas Memories Close to Home

Whether your perfect holiday outing includes millions of lights, a train ride with Santa, a charming Christmas market, a beautifully decorated garden or a festive dinner in a walkable downtown, there is a Christmas experience nearby that fits the tradition you want to create.

Enjoy Every Bite... Every Journey... Courtney & Dillon