7 Best Christmas Towns in NJ: Where to Find Christmas Towns Near You

New Jersey's Christmas towns always bring the holiday cheer. From Cape May's Victorian elegance to the vibrant spirit of Asbury Park, you'll find festive decorations, lively events, and local treats that capture the season. Each town provides unique festivities and holiday spirit, from tree-lighting ceremonies to cozy gift shops. If you're visiting or living in New Jersey with an affinity for the holidays, be sure to check out each of the state's dynamic Christmas towns this season.

Highlights of NJ's Christmas Towns

• Asbury Park: The town's boardwalk transforms into a winter wonderland with stunning decorations, a Holiday Bazaar, and a Winter Farmers Market.
• Cape May: Known for its Victorian charm, Cape May's festivities include a tree lighting at Congress Hall, a Christmas parade, a holiday trolley, and a winter wonderland setup.
• Morristown: The Christmas Festival at Morristown Green offers Santa visits, crafts, ice sculptures, a tree lighting ceremony, and free parking for easy holiday shopping.
• Princeton: Palmer Square's tree lighting with 32,000 lights kicks off the season; enjoy ice skating, historical trolley tours, and the Festival of Trees.
• Red Bank: Holiday lights and a Town Lighting Concert make Red Bank festive, with music and dance performances at the train station and a menorah lighting event.
• Smithville: Festive activities include holiday train rides, the Magic Talking Tree, Dickens Fest, and "Smores on the Greene" on weekends.
• Summit: A downtown tree lighting, window displays, ice carvings, horse carriage rides, and holiday music fill the streets while the library hosts family events.

Asbury Park

Asbury Park is known for having one of the best beaches on the Jersey Shore, which makes it a must-visit summer destination. But thanks to its holiday events and festive cheer, it's also a must-visit destination during Christmas! This vibrant Monmouth County town features stunning festive decorations, transforming the iconic boardwalk into a winter wonderland. You can stroll along the shore, admiring twinkling lights and holiday displays, creating an enchanting atmosphere perfect for family outings.

The annual Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar highlights the holiday season, showcasing local artisans and vendors. Children can enjoy holiday fun with visits to Santa, and families can give back to the Asbury Park community through their annual Holiday Toy Drive. Additionally, Asbury's Winter Farmers Market is a great way to support local businesses during the holiday season.

Christmas lights at an outdoor mall

Cape May

Cape May, one of the best places to live in New Jersey, transforms into a picturesque holiday haven each year. The town has some of the most sought-after historic homes in Cape May County, and during the holidays, it showcases charming Victorian-era architecture adorned with festive decorations. The town also lights up Congress Hall with its annual Christmas tree ceremony.

In December, you can participate in the West Cape May Christmas Parade, a delightful event that brings the community together and celebrates the holiday spirit. Additionally, holiday trolley rides provide a unique way to experience the town's festive atmosphere. Cape May's Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall features concerts and various activities, such as breakfast with Santa.

Morristown

Morristown, one of the largest communities in Morris County, offers a delightful holiday experience that rivals any Christmas town. Throughout December, the Christmas Festival at Morristown Green features a variety of activities, including visits from Santa, holiday crafts, and ice sculpture demonstrations. The event starts on December 1 with a tree-lighting ceremony, enhancing the holiday atmosphere.

The festival invites visitors to share their holiday memories using #HolidaysinMorristown. Free activities are available, while a $15 fee applies for photos with Santa. Key dates include Santa's arrival and weekends filled with miniature train rides and Santa visits. Free parking at the Ann-Bank Garage makes exploring local businesses for holiday shopping easy, so be sure to stop by Morristown this holiday season.

Christmas in Princeton

Princeton

Princeton's holiday charm captivates visitors with its annual tree lighting ceremony in Palmer Square, which sparkles with 32,000 twinkling lights. This impressive display marks the start of the holiday season in Princeton, drawing visitors downtown for festivities. Some of the top reasons for moving to Princeton, which includes the town's colonial architecture and the prestigious Princeton University, create a picturesque backdrop for the holidays.

During this time, you can enjoy various activities, like ice skating on the eco-friendly synthetic rink in Palmer Square. Families come together to glide across the ice, making lasting memories. Holiday trolley rides offer a unique historical tour of Princeton, while the Morven Museum's Annual Festival of Trees provides a festive atmosphere.

Red Bank

Red Bank is considered one of the best suburbs in New Jersey, offering big-city proximity and a laid-back atmosphere. It also dazzles with beautiful holiday lights and decorated shops, creating a festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. One of the highlights is the 30th annual Town Lighting and Holiday Express Concert, which features live performances and refreshments and draws many visitors each year.

Additionally, the Red Bank Train Station becomes a hub of activity, hosting music and dance performances throughout the holiday season. The annual Menorah lighting event at Riverside Gardens Park adds a unique touch to the celebrations. You can enjoy weekend performances by carolers, choirs, and bands throughout the season in Red Bank.

Smithville

Smithville, a small Atlantic County community in Galloway Township, transforms into the perfect New Jersey Christmas village each December. The holiday train ride provides a whimsical journey filled with charming decorations for just $3.00 per person. Don't miss the Magic Talking Tree, an interactive experience where kids can enjoy holiday storytelling.

Smithville is less than five miles from one of New Jersey's best family resorts: the Seaview Hotel. For those who don't live in the area, spending a weekend at the resort and visiting Smithville is a wonderful holiday tradition. Another great family-friendly event is Dickens Fest, typically held in late November or early December. It features performances that bring the classic holiday spirit alive. For a cozy treat, join Smores on the Greene, available Fridays through Sundays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, weather permitting.

And when the day starts to fade, be prepared to catch the light show on the lake! Glowing Christmas trees float over Lake Meone in an orchestrated dance of light and music, visible from both the village and the bridge.

Summit

Sumit comes alive during the holiday season, hosting an annual tree lighting ceremony in December. As you stroll through the downtown area, you'll find charming shops and restaurants adorned with festive window displays. The town also hosts live ice carvings and horse and carriage rides in Lyric Park.

Residents and visitors can enjoy holiday music wafting through the streets. The Summit Free Public Library organizes special holiday-themed events, making it a perfect spot for children to engage in seasonal activities. This Union County community actively participates in charitable initiatives, such as food drives and toy collections, to support local families in need.

Christmas Tree on the Beach at Sunrise

New Jersey is Filled With Holiday Cheer!

New Jersey's Christmas towns offer a variety of festive experiences, from vibrant events in urban centers to charming festivities in some of the best Jersey Shore towns. Each town presents unique opportunities for holiday celebrations, including tree-lighting ceremonies, parades, and local markets. Whether you're interested in shopping for seasonal gifts or enjoying local treats, these towns provide a cheerful holiday atmosphere.