Christmas Markets New Jersey 2025: Must-See Festive Events and Hidden Gems
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 41) Red Bank Fresh Sundays Market
- 3 42) Classic Holiday Market at Smithfield Gardens
- 4 43) Festive Polar Express Holiday Train Ride
- 5 44) Eastern State Penitentiary Festive Market
- 6 45) Holiday Magic at Trenton Thunder Stadium
- 7 46) Holiday Inn Express Near Hoboken
- 8 47) Tuckerton Holiday Stroll
- 9 48) Holiday Market Experience at Rutgers Gardens
- 10 49) Hopatcong Holiday Bazaar
- 11 50) Camden Waterfront Holiday Light Festival
Find the Best Accommodations
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41) Red Bank Fresh Sundays Market
Each Sunday, you can enjoy the Red Bank Fresh Sundays Market—a classic weekend choice if local food is your thing. Located in the Galleria Parking Lot at 2 Bridge Avenue, this market comes alive between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.
You’ll find stands brimming with seasonal fruits, crisp vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, and handmade breads that smell amazing. Friendly vendors are always ready to help you find the best picks or answer your questions about what’s in season.
Along with produce, the market is known for one-of-a-kind crafts and tasty snacks from small local makers. Bring some reusable bags and a little patience for the parking—it fills up fast because the market is well-loved.
Arrive early for the best selection. There are plenty of hotels and inns in Red Bank close to the market.
This spot gives you a great way to support local growers and artists, all while stocking up on your favorites for the week. It’s free to enter, so you can browse, taste, and chat without any pressure to buy.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays (June – Oct 2025) | 2 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701 | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | Free | Hotels in Red Bank, NJ | Red Bank Farmers Market |
42) Classic Holiday Market at Smithfield Gardens
Step into Smithfield Gardens and the whole place feels like you walked into a tiny European village. Rows of wooden market stalls greet you, each packed with handmade surprises—think hand-painted ornaments, chunky scarves, and clever crafts you didn’t know you needed.
The air smells like gingerbread and mulled wine. It’s easy to get lost winding between the stands with a hot cider in hand.
There’s always music—sometimes a choir, sometimes classic carols on gentle instruments, and if you’re lucky, Santa might stroll by with a wave. Kids are in for a treat; stations scattered throughout encourage little artists to create their own festive crafts, like take-home ornaments.
The whole event is warm and welcoming, with free admission making it low-pressure fun just to browse or linger.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 1 and December 15, 2025 |
| Times | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Location | Smithfield Gardens, 1234 Oak Lane |
| Cost | Free Admission |
| Where to Stay | Local hotels nearby Smithfield Gardens |
| Website | Smithfield Holiday Market |
43) Festive Polar Express Holiday Train Ride
Climb aboard the Holiday Express Polar Express Train Ride for a fun and cozy trip that brings your favorite Christmas story to life. As the train leaves from Whippany, NJ, you get a front-row seat to all the magic—think twinkling lights, hot cocoa served by singing chefs, and Santa himself handing out holiday cheer.
Kids especially love the chance to listen to the classic story of The Polar Express as the train rolls toward the “North Pole.” Take photos with Santa and the crew in their festive outfits.
Dress in your coziest pajamas for the full Polar Express vibe. This is a great outing whether you’re bringing little ones, friends, or parents who want a dose of nostalgia.
Quick Details:
| Dates (2025) | Location | Start Times | Ticket Prices | Where to Stay | Event Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1 – Dec 30 | 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ | Multiple options | From $19.95 | Local hotels in Whippany and Morristown | Holiday Express Polar Express Train Ride |
44) Eastern State Penitentiary Festive Market
Step into a holiday market with a twist at Eastern State Penitentiary. This fair mixes historic vibes with a cozy seasonal feeling.
Vendors line up inside the massive walls, offering vintage finds and handmade crafts you won’t see at a regular mall. You’ll stroll through booths filled with antique treasures, art from local makers, and goods perfect for unique gifting.
As you wander, the grand stone walls create a dramatic backdrop—equal parts magical and a little spooky, but in the best way. Grab a mug of something hot and sweet, then browse treats, crafts, and special souvenirs.
Local artists show off their original work here, and there’s always something unexpected at each stall.
Event Details—Plan Your Visit:
| Dates | Location | Times | Price | Nearby Hotels | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 6, 2025 | 2201 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free entry | The Windsor Suites, Logan Philadelphia | Eastern State Penitentiary Holiday Market |
45) Holiday Magic at Trenton Thunder Stadium
What Makes This Event Stand Out
Every December, Trenton Thunder Stadium swaps baseballs for cheerful lights and strings of garland. The field gets a complete holiday makeover, making it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a winter festival.
There are rows of stalls stocking everything from handmade ornaments to tasty baked treats and warm drinks. You can sip hot chocolate or apple cider while you shop.
Look for the carousel, which spins under sparkling lights—a favorite for kids and anyone who loves a classic ride. Lace up your skates for some ice skating, or catch a meet-and-greet with Santa himself.
There are crafts corners, games, and lots of photo spots to capture the moment.
Essential Event Information
| 2025 Dates | Time | Location | Cost | Nearby Places to Stay | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1 – 23 | 5 PM – 9 PM | 1 Thunder Rd, Trenton, NJ | Free | Nearby hotels: Marriott Trenton, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn | Trenton Thunder promotional schedule |
This event offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to shop or simply soak up that classic holiday atmosphere, there’s plenty to enjoy.
46) Holiday Inn Express Near Hoboken
If you want easy access to the heart of holiday celebrations, staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jersey City North – Hoboken is a smart move. This hotel keeps you close to popular holiday pop-up markets in Hoboken, where you can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from local makers and try delicious seasonal snacks.
Your stay comes with comfy rooms and cheerful staff. It’s a pleasant place to relax after a day exploring festive shops and sights.
Going to and from the hotel is straightforward since it’s right by the NJ Turnpike and transportation hubs like Newark Penn Station. Catching a train or bus to New York City is hassle-free, so your holiday adventure doesn’t have to stop at the city limits.
The Holiday Inn’s location means you won’t miss any of the sparkle or excitement going on nearby.
Holiday Pop-Up Markets Schedule (2025):
| Dates | Address | Times | Price | Where to Stay | Market Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-7 | 875 NJ-3, Secaucus, NJ 07094 | 11 AM – 4 PM | Free | Holiday Inn Express | Christmas Markets Guide |
| Dec 13-15 | 1401 Adams St, Hoboken, NJ 07030 | 11 AM – 4 PM | Free | Holiday Inn Express | Hoboken Girl Markets |
Enjoy the joy and buzz of the season with a stay that puts you right in the middle of all the holiday happenings.
47) Tuckerton Holiday Stroll
Every December, Tuckerton transforms into a cozy hub of holiday cheer. Take a walk through its lively streets and find handmade gifts from local vendors—ideal for anyone on your holiday shopping list.
If you’re on the lookout for photo ops, plan your visit between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when you can say hello to Santa Claus himself. You can enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage—something about clip-clopping hooves just makes the season feel special.
Stop by the Pineshores Art Association Open House for creative inspiration. Swing into the United Methodist Church for more family activities.
2025 Tuckerton Holiday Stroll Details
| Dates | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 140 E Main St., Tuckerton, NJ | Free | Local inns or hotels | Tuckerton Holiday Walk |
Bring your friends, your family, or just your best holiday sweater. The community vibe and open-air charm make it a low-stress, high-enjoyment kind of day.
48) Holiday Market Experience at Rutgers Gardens
When you want a holiday market that brings together community, good snacks, and creative energy, you should stop by the Christmas Market at Rutgers Gardens. This spot blends cozy vibes with a laid-back afternoon of gift shopping and browsing.
Vendors show up with all sorts of handmade items—think ornaments, art, jewelry, and sweet treats you’ll want to eat before you leave. The market happens outdoors and isn’t bothered by any sort of weather.
Don’t worry about rain; just bring an umbrella and keep going. There’s also local produce to try, so you can grab fresh fruits and veggies while you find the perfect present.
Take a look at the details for planning your visit below:
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Dec 12, 2025 | 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 | Fridays: 11–3 | Free Admission | Local Hotels | Rutgers Gardens Holiday Market |
49) Hopatcong Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect
Step into the Hopatcong Holiday Bazaar and you’ll find over 50 local creators showing off handmade gifts, original crafts, and holiday decorations. The vibe is bright and joyful, with music and tasty snacks filling the air.
It’s a great spot to find something special for family and friends—or just to treat yourself. The event has free entry and keeps things lively with a 50/50 raffle, so you might even walk away with extra shopping cash.
Whether you’re browsing, nibbling on holiday treats, or just soaking up the energy, this bazaar has a lot to offer.
Event Quick Facts
| Date | Time | Location | Admission | Where to Stay | Market Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 16, 2025 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm | Hopatcong, NJ 07843 | Free | Local Hotels | Hopatcong Christmas Bazaar Details |
50) Camden Waterfront Holiday Light Festival
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped inside a snow globe, Camden Waterfront’s festive lights and cheerful crowds will deliver. Here, paths glow with sparkling displays.
Roving bands play classic holiday tunes, and the air smells like sweet cocoa and fresh pastries from local vendors. Bring the family or a group of friends.
Kids can make crafts or skate across the outdoor ice rink, while adults hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts made by area artists. Between the live music and array of snacks, there’s always something to keep your hands (and tastebuds) busy.
Event Details Table:
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | Camden Waterfront, New Jersey | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Wed-Sun | Adults: $10, Kids: $5 | Hotels in Camden & Philadelphia | Find details at Christmas Markets New Jersey 2025: Ultimate Guide to Festive Events |
Wrap up warm, grab a cup of cocoa, and make a memory or two at this bright spot on the Delaware.
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.
