Many Central New Jersey communities embrace the holiday spirit with various early winter events. These programs feature traditions that can bring families and communities together. If you’re looking for fun holiday experiences for people of all ages, you don’t have to travel far or stay somewhere overnight for an enjoyable family outing. Here, Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau highlights a few day trip ideas involving regional holiday activities, which can be found in New Brunswick, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides (New Brunswick, NJ)
Take in seasonal decoration displays and scenery with an enjoyable trip through downtown New Brunswick in a wagon driven by Percheron draft horses. Footmen accompany each ride to ensure safety. As the holidays approach, check the schedule and secure tickets quickly because this attraction often sells out!
American Hungarian Foundation’s International Festival of Trees (New Brunswick, NJ)
Historic Smithville Park's Victorian Holiday (Easthampton, NJ)
DiDonato's Rolling Railway Magical Holiday Express (Hammonton, NJ)
Area Light Shows
Experiencing traditional lighting events can help brighten the darkness of early winter at the end of an enjoyable day of family fun. Central New Jersey features several spectacular showcases that may include drive-through viewing opportunities. Some of the iconic area light shows to experience are:
- Winter WonderLights (East Brunswick, NJ): This attraction at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds is New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show, featuring over two million fixtures. Designs like candy canes and snowflakes can help evoke the season’s warmth and memories.
- Orchard of Lights (Hillsdale, NJ): Decorated fields and tunnels are part of this pleasant event at Demarest Farms. Guests can tune their car radio to station 107.9 FM to enhance their experience musically.
- Sea of Lights (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ): On scheduled dates, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk transforms from a popular summer destination to a winter wonderland, featuring a light display at the aquarium. Visitors may also see several wintertime characters or visit Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop for chocolate, fudge, taffy, and other homemade delights.
Visit Central New Jersey During the Holiday Season
These are just a few holiday activities to experience during a day trip to Central New Jersey. Be sure to contact locations to receive up-to-date event schedules and to book tickets. Plan your visit to our area with Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau in New Brunswick, NJ. You can learn about upcoming events by signing up for our email blast. For more information or to begin planning your trip, contact us today.