Things to Do in NJ This Weekend

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in New Jersey? New Jersey Monthly has you covered! Below we highlight recommendations for events across the state, from festivals to concerts to family-friendly events and more.

Want to make the most of the holiday season in New Jersey? Check out our guide to holiday light shows and holiday markets around the state. Looking to get outside this winter? Go ice-skating at an outdoor rink or try cross-country skiing. If cozying up by the fire is more your thing, here are fun indoor activities that’ll keep you toasty all winter long.

Need an escape? We’ve put together a guide to 8 weekend getaways.

And don’t forget to check out our list of the 52 things you must do in New Jersey all year, no matter the season!

Our picks for December 18-22:

Feast of the Seven Fishes

📅: Wednesday, December 18 (5 pm)
📍: Oyster Bay Steak and Seafood, Cape May
ℹ️: Chef Joe Dodds of Oyster Bay and chef Brad Daniels of Tresini are serving up an authentic Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner.
💸: $75

Breakfast with Santa

📅: Saturday, December 21 (9 am-noon)
📍: Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Long Branch
ℹ️: Ocean Place is offering a special breakfast with St. Nick himself. Enjoy a tasty buffet and have your kids share their Christmas wishes with Santa. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas!
💸: $49 for adults; $19 for children (free for ages 6 and under)

Countryside Christmas at the Vineyard

📅: Saturday, December 21-Sunday, December 22 (times vary)
📍: Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
ℹ️: Enjoy festivities such as live music and a fire pit, paired with food available for purchase such as a soup trio, sandwiches and cookies.
💸: Free admission

The Nutcracker

New Jersey Ballet
📅: Select dates through Thursday, December 26 (times vary)
📍: Mayo Performing Arts Center • Morristown
💸: $39+

American Repertory Ballet
📅: Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22
📍: State Theatre New Jersey • New Brunswick
💸: $29+

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol
📅: Select dates through Sunday, December 29 (times vary)
ℹ️: See an adaptation of the holiday classic.
📍: Shakespeare Theatre of NJ • Madison
📍: McCarter Theater Center • Princeton

Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park
📅: At the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall: Fridays (3-8 pm), Saturdays and Sundays (noon-5 pm) through Sunday, December 22; at the Asbury Hotel: Sundays (noon-5 pm) through December 15
ℹ️: Shop for gifts from local and regional makers and small businesses. Food, music and more are also on hand.
💸: Free admission

Old-Fashioned Christmas at Allaire Community Farm
📅: Through Sunday, December 29 (4-8 pm)
📍: 1923 Baileys Corner Road • Wall
ℹ️: This family-friendly event features pictures with Santa, indoor and outdoor petting zoos, a Christmas village display, holiday movies, a model train display and more.
💸: $10 for adults; $6 for kids under 18

Miracle Pop-Up Bar

📅: Through January 1
📍: Franklin Social in Jersey City, Cowan’s Public in Nutley, The Parkside Social in Verona and Gus’s Last Word in Wood-Ridge
ℹ️: Indulge in holiday cocktails and enjoy festive and nostalgic decor at your favorite bars, transformed with holiday cheer.

Find More Events

Want to find even more events? Browse additional events by date and category using our calendar below. And to submit your own event to the calendar, click here.