Christmas Markets New Jersey 2025: Must-See Festive Events and Hidden Gems
New Jersey during the holiday season feels like stepping into a postcard. You’ll see streets lit up, stalls stacked high with handmade crafts, and that comforting smell of hot cocoa and roasted nuts swirling through the air.
The holiday market scene here brings together all kinds of people looking for something special—maybe a thoughtful present, a sweet snack, or just a chance to unwind with friends under twinkling lights.
If you’re looking for places where you can get swept up in all things festive, these markets deliver. There’s the old-school charm of German-inspired events, plus modern markets packed with local makers and artisan foods.
No matter where you’re coming from, or if this is your hundredth holiday market or your first, you’re set to find some real magic among the stalls.
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 1) Sussex County’s German Holiday Market at the Fairgrounds
- 3 2) Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
- 4 5) Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
- 5 6) Smithville Holiday Light Show
- 6 7) Princeton Forrestal Village Winter Market 2025
- 7 8) Celebrate the Season at Historic Downtown Smithville Village in 2025
- 8 9) Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village
- 9 Kris Kringle Tips
- 10 10) Cape May Holiday Farmers Market
Find the Best Accommodations
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1) Sussex County’s German Holiday Market at the Fairgrounds
If you want big holiday spirit in northern New Jersey, nothing beats the German Christmas Market at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Every winter, this sprawling event fills Augusta with twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of roasted nuts and sweet pastries drifting through crisp December air.
Bring your shopping list—there are rows and rows of stalls selling crafts, ornaments, wooden toys, fun gifts, warm hats, and handmade scarves. You might spot something for even that hard-to-buy-for uncle.
You’ll find local schools decorate bright, shimmering Christmas trees, and walking the grounds feels like you’re touring a cozy village straight out of a holiday movie. Visitors come from all over, happy to stroll with a fresh pretzel, shop for one-of-a-kind items, and snap photos in front of the trees.
If you want to raise a cup, head over to one of the drink stalls and try glühwein, a traditional German mulled wine served hot. Other warm and cold drinks are available too, whether you like cider, cocoa, or soft drinks.
Parking is free and convenient at the fairgrounds, and the market is easily accessible for families, groups, and people who like to wander with a stroller. The whole event supports local charities, so just by enjoying the festivities you’re helping neighbors in need.
Take a look at the key info for 2025:
| Dates | Time | Location | Costs | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5, 2025 (Friday) | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, NJ | Free Entry | Nearby hotels in Sussex County | German Christmas Market NJ |
| Dec 6, 2025 (Saturday) | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | ||||
| Dec 7, 2025 (Sunday) | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A few quick tips if you go:
- Dress warm—the event is mostly outdoors and New Jersey winters can get brisk.
- Try the glühwein if you’re looking for a German holiday flavor; it’s a highlight and warms you up right away.
- Parking is on-site and free, so you don’t have to stress about finding a spot.
- Wander the market with an open mind—sometimes the most memorable gifts are the ones you don’t plan for.
- If you need a place to stay, look for hotels and inns in Sussex County or nearby towns for a festive weekend getaway.
Check out the official details, dates, and updates on the German Christmas Market of NJ website.
2) Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Step into the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall, and you’re in for a real treat. The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar in 2025 brings a winter vibe with rows of twinkling stalls, inspired by classic German Christmas markets.
Here, you can browse gifts made by local artists, pick up cozy knitwear, or discover funky ornaments you haven’t seen anywhere else. If you’re the type who craves a snack while you shop, good news—there are always plenty of food vendors with warm treats and hot drinks.
The market is not just about shopping. You’ll hear live music floating through the air, and if you bring kids, there are holiday activities to keep them busy.
You might even spot a few Asbury Park restaurants with pop-up booths, serving comfort food or sweets that fit perfectly with the season.
| Dates | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Event Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Every weekend Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025 | Fri–Sun, various | Grand Arcade, Convention Hall | Free entrance | The Asbury Hotel, local B&Bs | Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar |
5) Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Step inside Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey and find yourself in a watery holiday world you won’t find anywhere else.
During Christmas Underwater, you can watch Scuba Santa glide past sea turtles, friendly rays, and even sharks.
Imagine seeing holiday lights and ornaments floating beside 15,000 sea creatures—it turns a simple aquarium visit into a memory.
This isn’t your average holiday outing.
Families fill the halls, wide-eyed at the shimmering underwater decorations.
Kids can jump into hands-on craft stations and see special shows you won’t catch any other time of year.
Snap a selfie with the festive displays or just hang out by the tanks, soaking in the cozy, twinkly vibes.
| 2025 Dates | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 24 – Dec 24, 2025 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm | 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103 | Varies, see site | Hotels in Camden or Philly | Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium |
For more details, you can check out the official Christmas Underwater event page.
6) Smithville Holiday Light Show
If you love holiday decorations, this one’s for you.
The Smithville Holiday Light Show turns Lake Me-one into a glowing stage, with over 120 lit-up Christmas trees floating on the water.
About 50,000 lights move in time to cheerful music, and you’ll see them shimmer across the lake, making for a pretty great photo op.
You can watch the show from different spots, including the bridge and both sides of the lake, so there’s no bad seat.
Admission doesn’t cost anything, and you don’t need to book ahead.
The event goes on every night from mid-November until just after New Year’s.
Plan to get there around sunset and maybe pop into one of Smithville’s 60+ shops or grab dinner before or after.
This village really leans into its festive look—think twinkling lights, wreaths, and colorful displays everywhere you walk.
| Dates | Location | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025 | 615 E. Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Free | Colonial Inn, B&Bs | Smithville Light Show |
For more details, visit the Smithville Holiday Light Show 2025.
7) Princeton Forrestal Village Winter Market 2025
The Princeton Forrestal Village Winter Market stands out as a bright spot for your holiday season.
Rows of local vendors offer everything from just-picked produce to creative, handmade gifts.
If you need a unique present or want to try locally made treats, you’ll find both (and more) here.
Live music fills the air, adding to the festive mood.
Kids can dive into crafty workshops or play winter-themed games while you explore.
It’s lively, but not overwhelming—think fun, not frantic.
Parking is simple and close, so you won’t freeze on the way inside.
The market is easy to reach, making it a great pick for families or anyone looking for a cheerful place to soak up holiday spirit.
Quick Details:
| Dates | Location | Hours | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-17, 2025 | 116 Rockingham Row, Princeton, NJ | 11 am – 5 pm | Free | Local hotels nearby | Winter Market at Princeton Forrestal Village |
8) Celebrate the Season at Historic Downtown Smithville Village in 2025
Bright lights, cobblestone paths, and more than sixty little shops—it’s all here at Historic Downtown Smithville Village’s 2025 Christmas market.
You can wander under sparkling decorations and enjoy the old-fashioned vibe, perfect for snapping photos or finding gifts you won’t see anywhere else.
Local sellers and craft makers set up cozy stalls full of holiday snacks, ornaments, and handmade treasures.
Kids get a special treat with train rides and a fun carousel spinning close to the shops.
If your family wants a classic holiday moment, try the horse and carriage rides—a slow, scenic loop around the glowing village.
The highlight has to be the famous Holiday Light Show on Lake Meone.
Over fifty thousand lights make up more than 120 Christmas trees floating on the water, reflecting off the lake after dark.
Warm up with soup or snacks at one of the village eateries.
Bring friends, bundle up, and take home memories (and maybe a few cookies).
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | 10am – 7pm | E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville | Free to enter | Onsite inns or local hotels | Smithville events |
| Nov 29 – Jan 6, 2026 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm | Lake Meone, Smithville | Free to view | Onsite inns or local hotels | Holiday Light Show |
9) Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village
Event Details
The Grand Illumination Festival at Peddler’s Village is the place for all things Christmas.
From sweet treats like warm apple pies to crisp, fresh apple cider, you can taste fall in every bite.
Local makers set up booths filled with handmade goods, so you can browse crafts, unique gifts, and more while you stroll.
Music and live shows play throughout the day, filling the festival with energy.
Bring your family—this event is friendly for all ages, and you don’t have to worry about the weather.
Rain or shine, the fun continues.
Admission and parking won’t cost a thing.
On Saturday, the shops around Peddler’s Village are open longer than usual, so there’s even more time to explore.
| Dates | Location | Time | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 1-2, 2025 | 2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA 18938 | 11 am – 6 pm | Free admission and parking | Local inns and hotels | Grand Illumination Festival |
Kris Kringle Tips
Dress in warm layers for Christmas markets in New Jersey—think thermal shirts, sweaters, and a cozy coat. Add a hat, gloves, scarf, and comfortable waterproof boots to stay toasty while you stroll outdoors.
10) Cape May Holiday Farmers Market
What You’ll Find at the Market
Step into Cape May’s holiday farmers market and you’ll see a little bit of everything.
Local growers and talented artisans set up shop with fresh fruits, vegetables, and handmade gifts.
Each table has its own unique spin, so you might find festive candles, ornaments, baked treats, and more.
Vendors come from nearby and bring their best seasonal fare.
It’s a great spot for discovering Cape May’s local makers and getting in the spirit.
If you’re planning a holiday getaway, Cape May’s Victorian charm, island holiday weekend celebrations, holiday trolley tours, and famous candlelight house tours make it easy to turn your market trip into a memorable adventure.
| Dates | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026 | 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm | West Cape May Municipal Complex at Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ | Free | Local Inns & Hotels | Cape May Holiday Farmers Market |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.
