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.

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 12-15:

‘Twas a Girls’ Night Before Christmas: The Musical
📅: Thursday, December 12 (7:30 pm)
ℹ️: A raucous show featuring classic Christmas songs and contemporary hits.
📍: Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center • Carteret
💸: $45+

Mariah Carey
📅: Friday, December 13 (7:30 pm)
ℹ️: The iconic singer celebrates the 30th anniversary of her platinum album, Merry Christmas, with a holiday spectacle.
📍: Prudential Center • Newark
💸: $39.95+

A Night With Macaulay Culkin and Home Alone
📅: Friday, December 13 (8 pm)
ℹ️: A screening of the nostalgic film Home Alone will be followed by a Q&A with the star himself.
📍: NJPAC • Newark
💸: $39.50+

Sonic Symphony
📅: Saturday, December 14 (8 pm)
ℹ️: Experience the tunes of Sonic the Hedgehog performed live by a full symphony orchestra.
📍: NJPAC • Newark
💸: $49+

Nefesh Mountain
📅: Sunday, December 15 (7:30 pm)
ℹ️: The roots-music ensemble performs on its Love & Light tour.
📍: South Orange Performing Arts Center • South Orange
💸: $25+

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

New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
📅: Friday, December 13-Thursday, December 26 (times vary)
📍: Mayo Performing Arts Center • Morristown
💸: $39+

Atlantic City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
📅: Friday, December 13 (7 pm) & Saturday, December 14 (11 am & 3 pm)
📍: Stockton Performing Arts Center • Galloway

📅: Sunday, December 15 (7 pm)
📍: Caesars • Atlantic City

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s The Nutcracker
📅: Sunday, December 15 (2 & 7 pm)
📍: NJPAC • Newark
💸: $39+

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
📅: Now through 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.