Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth
40 Things To Do in New Jersey Before School Starts
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
Cascade down the lazy river at Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
41 Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer: Summer Fun Guide
An area of Hooks Creek Lake is sectioned off for swimming. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Best Swimming Lakes in New Jersey You Need To Discover
Visit Crystal Springs Family Water Resort and spend the day swimming and splashing. Photo courtesy of the resort
Best Swimming Pools with Day Passes in New Jersey
The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.
The Funplex Amusement Park and Water Park Guide: Family Fun in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel
Ocean Oasis water park is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Jersey for Family Fun
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette
105 Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids
The Wildwoods boasts 5 miles of beautiful, free beaches. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods
Best Free Beaches on the Jersey Shore for Families
GUIDE
Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide
All aboard for family fun at A Day Out With Thomas. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Railroad Excursions
21 Best Things To Do in New Jersey August 2023 with Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Floating through the water at Morey's Piers is a great way to beat the heat this summer. Photo by David Howarth
Heat Wave Hot List: 27 Cool Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 5,000 square feet of wet-and-wild fun in Ocean City.
Inflatable Water Parks in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins
70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide
Hop on a ride at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Great Amusement Parks in New Jersey for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
40 Indoor Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
The Steel Pier Amusement Park is a family-friendly destination in Atlantic City.
Visiting the Steel Pier with Kids: Guide to this Jersey Shore Amusement Park
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park is a dream come true for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 16 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Free Fun Things to Do with NJ Kids
At Tenafly Nature Center Camp, kids experience the natural world. Photo courtesy of the nature center
Most Affordable Summer Camps in New Jersey for Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Allow yourself to get drawn into the mesmerizing art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
Indoor Activities for Kids: 40 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in NJ
Guests experience the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2022 in New Jersey: Light Shows, Tree Lightings, and Santa's Arrival

Walk through the light tunnel at Skylands Stadium. Photo courtesy of Skylands Stadium
Walk through the light tunnel at Skylands Stadium. Photo courtesy of Skylands Stadium
11/22/22 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Thanksgiving Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

Thanksgiving has arrived, so gobble up all the fun and festivities this long weekend has to offer. Seasonal drive-thru holiday light shows kick off the weekend, including the Skylands Stadium Light Show, Winter WonderLights Drive-thru, and the Holiday Light Show on Lake Meone. Meanwhile, Santa makes his grand arrival at tree-lighting celebrations in Cranford, Princeton, Morristown, and Cape May.

With the holidays just around the corner, the long weekend is the perfect time to peruse Christmas tree farms in New Jersey. Find more holiday fun in our Guide to the Holidays for NJ Families.

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:​

Be sure to click through to each listing for all the details, including recommended ages and times. Check with each venue for its COVID guidelines before heading out to any event.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Santa dives into the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Santa dives into the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Things To Do in New Jersey Thanksgiving Weekend 2022 with Kids

STEM FEST 2022

Paramus–FREE
Daily from Monday, November 21-Saturday, November 26
Closed Thanksgiving
STEM FEST takes place at Arena STEM and features activities like demonstrations, workshops, competitions, prizes, discounts and more.  READ MORE

2022 Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village

Augusta
Select dates from Wednesday, November 23-Friday, December 30
Sussex County’s favorite stadium hosts this dazzling winter wonderland, showcasing a mile-long drive-thru course glittering with displays and an enchanting Christmas Village full of fun activities, delicious treats, memory-making photo ops, and much more. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Day Nature Walk

Kingston–FREE
Thursday, November 24
Before the big meal, get outside for some fresh air and exercise on a nature walk at the Mapleton Preserve. Participants may look for birds and feathers of all kinds, including turkeys, and enjoy the abundance and subtle beauty of late fall. READ MORE

Holiday Light Show on Lake Meone

Smithville–FREE
Opens Thursday, November 24
Watch in wonderment as more than 100 Christmas trees magically float on Historic Smithville Village's Lake Meone. Visit any day of the week between 5:30pm and 8:30pm to catch a choreographed light show synchronized to music. READ MORE

Bergen County Winter Wonderland

Paramus
Opens Friday, November 25
Spend the day at Van Saun Park for wintertime fun including skating, train rides, carousel rides, and much more.  READ MORE

Rahway Winter Wonderland

Rahway–FREE
Friday, November 25
The city of Rahway hosts a pop-up winter celebration, with live music, hot chocolate, ice sculptures, bounce house, and Santa photos.  READ MORE

Santa Lights the Cranford Christmas Tree

Cranford–FREE
Friday, November 25
Santa arrives in Cranford to light the town's Christmas tree. Holiday festivities take place throughout the day, including caroling and Santa photos. READ MORE

Santa's Arrival

Nutley–FREE
Friday, November 25
Each year, Santa arrives by helicopter to greet everyone in the township, an event that has been taking place in Nutley for 60 years! READ MORE

Palmer Square Tree Lighting

Princeton–FREE
Friday, November 25
Princeton's charming Palmer Square gets decked out in its holiday best with a little help from Santa. Jolly old St. Nick is on hand to help flick the switch on the 32,000 lights that illuminate the giant spruce.  READ MORE

Garden State Model Railroad Show

North Haledon
Opens Friday, November 25
The Garden State Model Railway Club now features two large operating layouts with multiple engines running at all times, including steam and diesel locomotives, Thomas & Friends, and freight & passenger trains. READ MORE

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar 2022

Asbury Park–FREE
Opens Friday, November 25
Celebrate the holidays with family and friends at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar 2022. Shop and stroll at two locations on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. The event features music, holiday photo stations, craft workshops, kids activities, and beautiful décor.  READ MORE

Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru

East Brunswick
Opens Friday, November 25
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes, with 12 trees, a tunnel of lights, a tribute to first responders, and stunning, larger-than-life, holiday-themed displays synchronized to music playing in your car. READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquarium

Camden
Opens Friday, November 25
Scuba Santa swims through the Adventure Aquarium alongside sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays during Christmas Underwater. Kids can see the world's tallest underwater Christmas tree amid submerged light displays. READ MORE

Point Pleasant Beach Tree Lighting

Point Pleasant–FREE
Friday, November 25
Santa makes his way to Downtown Point Pleasant, featuring a DJ, horse and carriage rides, refreshments and activities for the children. Take your picture with Santa at Ocean County Music. READ MORE

Newark Winter Village

Newark
Opens Friday, November 25
Newark Winter Village, a much-loved holiday tradition, returns for the season to transform downtown Newark into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, Go-Karts,  games and activities, an open-air holiday marketplace with local vendors, and cozy heated private igloos to enjoy hot cocoa and treats. READ MORE

The Nutcracker

Princeton
Friday, November 25-Saturday, November 26
This beloved production of The Nutcracker tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, traveling through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. READ MORE

Winter Village at The Red Mill

Clinton
Friday, November 25-Sunday,November 27
This three-day outdoor, tented and heated, winter craft market in the heart of Clinton features over 50 local craft artisans, activities, and food trucks each day. This event is dog-friendly for well-behaved pups. READ MORE

Santa's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Cape May County Zoo

Cape May–FREE
Saturday, November 26
Santa Claus is coming to the Cape May Zoo and bringing plenty of festive holiday cheer. Enjoy live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, Polar Express train ride, bounce house, character appearances, and free treats for all. Plus, get a visit with jolly old St. Nick himself. READ MORE

Bloomfield Center Holiday Hunt

Bloomfield–FREE
Saturday, November 26
The Bloomfield business owners and the Bloomfield Center Alliance welcome shoppers to an afternoon of holiday cheer, festive entertainment, giveaways and of course great local shopping. READ MORE

Kid-Friendly Holiday Pop Up

Rutherford–FREE
Saturday, November 26
Come shop with small businesses, and bring the kids for some crafts, face painting, balloon animals and more. Vendors offer food, desserts, jibbitz and a variety of items. READ MORE

Totowa and West Paterson Fire Department Holiday Parade

Totowa–FREE
Saturday, November 26
The Totowa Borough Fire Department and the West Paterson Fire Department are once again hosting the annual Holiday Parade of Lights, featuring fire apparatus, police vehicles, private business vehicles, and other various emergency service vehicles all decorated in holiday lights. READ MORE

Disney Princess: The Concert

Red Bank
Saturday, November 26
A quartet of Broadway and television icons belt out beloved Disney songs on stage at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre. Dress up in your favorite royal attire and sing along! READ MORE

Celebrate the Arrival of Santa at iPlay

Freehold–FREE
Sunday, November 27
Join iPlay for Santa's grand arrival. The fun includes a Santa photo-op, holiday crafts to take home and more. READ MORE

Santa's Arrival in Morristown

Morristown–FREE
Sunday, November 27
Santa Claus is coming to Morristown. Visitors can watch Santa light the town green, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate,  and pose for photos at Santa's house. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Totowa and West Paterson Fire Department Holiday Parade
Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre

About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
Recent Articles By Laurie R:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.