Christmas Markets New Jersey 2025: Must-See Festive Events and Hidden Gems
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 71) Rahway Holiday Art Show
- 3 72) Bayonne Winter Fest
- 4 73) South Orange Holiday Market
- 5 74) Festive Lights and Winter Magic at Turtle Back Zoo 2025
- 6 75) Avon-by-the-Sea Holiday Market
- 7 76) Woodbridge Holiday Walk
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8.1 When Will the Lake Mohawk Holiday Market Happen in 2025?
- 8.2 How Do You Find a List of 2025 Christmas Markets in New Jersey?
- 8.3 Is There a Real German Christmas Market in Jersey or Pennsylvania for 2025?
- 8.4 Which Handmade Items Will Be Sold at Hope NJ’s 2025 Holiday Craft Fair?
- 8.5 What Hours Will Sparta’s Holiday Market Be Open in 2025?
- 8.6 Will Asbury Park Hold a Holiday Market in 2025 and What’s Special There?
Find the Best Accommodations
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71) Rahway Holiday Art Show
If you want to find memorable holiday gifts, the Rahway Holiday Art Show is a perfect pick.
Every corner brings a new discovery, from bright paintings to textured sculptures, and even hand-crafted jewelry.
The historic convention center makes everything feel extra special, with a warm buzz of holiday cheer as you walk through the decorated aisles.
You’ll spot food vendors with German holiday market classics—think warm drinks, sweet bites, and plenty of shopping fuel.
Admission is free, so you can bring your whole crew and spend the day browsing, nibbling, and picking out truly unique presents—while supporting local artists at the same time.
Event Details
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Stay Nearby | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 29 – December 21, 2025 | Historic Convention Center | Sat–Sun | Free | Local hotels | Rahway Holiday Art Show |
72) Bayonne Winter Fest
When you walk into Bayonne Winter Fest, the city feels different—livelier, brighter, and brimming with holiday spirit.
Dozens of creative booths line the streets, filled with hand-crafted ornaments, local art, and one-of-a-kind gifts you’d never find at a big chain store.
Makers and artists from Bayonne and beyond bring their best work, so if you’re hoping to score a present that’s personal and unique, this is your spot.
Feeling hungry? The food vendors don’t disappoint.
You can savor hearty German sausages, pick out a caramel-dipped pastry, or just wrap your hands around a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate.
Trying these treats is part of the fun—and seriously, that hot cocoa becomes your best friend on a cold afternoon.
Music and shows set the tone while you shop, with live bands, carolers, and festive plays happening all day.
There’s something going on in every corner, so you can keep exploring while you hum along.
| Dates (2025) | Location | Times | Entry | Where to Stay | Event Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29 – Dec 21, 2025 | 45th St & John F. Kennedy Blvd, Bayonne, NJ | Sat & Sun, 10-6 | Free | Local hotels, Airbnb | Bayonne Winter Fest information |
73) South Orange Holiday Market
Step into the heart of downtown and experience the South Orange Holiday Market—a favorite for anyone who wants to discover local talent and get in the spirit.
At this open-air event, you’ll find a lively mix of handmade jewelry, cozy apparel, and crafts.
The booths sparkle with unique gift ideas, and you can enjoy the sound of cheerful holiday music as you browse.
Sweet treats are on hand, and entry is free, making it easy to bring friends or family along.
Supporting local makers feels especially good with colorful lights and community fun swirling around you.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2025 | 3 PM – 7 PM | 76 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079 | Free Admission | South Orange Inn | South Orange Holiday Market |
74) Festive Lights and Winter Magic at Turtle Back Zoo 2025
Each winter, Turtle Back Zoo glows with thousands of bright holiday lights.
Walking through the zoo at night, you’ll spot dazzling displays shaped like giraffes, elephants, and more.
It’s a great way to enjoy old favorites—like the carousel and the reptile house—in a totally new light (literally).
Kids can ride the zoo train, visit the touch tank, or stop by to see festive farm animals.
Face painting and a chance to meet Santa make it extra special for younger visitors.
If you’re hoping to snap a picture, there are plenty of photo-ready displays.
Admission is free for everyone, but you’re encouraged to bring canned food or new toys to donate.
Plan for cool weather and lots of walking—some paths go uphill, so sneakers are your friend.
The lights turn on from 5 to 9 p.m., select weekends in November and every night in December (except Christmas Eve and Day).
| 2025 Dates | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22-24, Nov 29-Dec 1, Dec 6-31 (closed Dec 24-25) | 5pm-9pm | 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ | Free (donations encouraged) | Hotels in West Orange | Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo |
75) Avon-by-the-Sea Holiday Market
You’ll notice Avon-by-the-Sea feels extra magical this time of year.
The whole town glows with lights, and a cheerful buzz fills the salty air.
The holiday market here is where you can stroll from booth to booth, checking out creative crafts, handmade ornaments, and gifts you will not see just anywhere.
It’s perfect if you want something special for your family—or yourself.
Treat yourself to sweet pastries or a cup of hot cocoa while live carolers and musicians play.
The sound of music mixes with the ocean breeze, making even winter at the shore feel warm.
Don’t skip the simple pleasure of walking the beach in between shopping sprees.
The views? Stunning, even when it’s cool out.
Bring your crew—there’s entertainment for kids and plenty to eat and see for adults.
Avon-by-the-Sea’s market is small, inviting, and has an easy, hometown feeling you’ll want to come back to every December.
Quick Details:
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 12-14, 2025 | 301 Main St, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ 07717 | 4 PM–9 PM | Free | Local B&Bs, Hotels | Avon by the Sea Holiday Market |
76) Woodbridge Holiday Walk
You’ll find that downtown Woodbridge transforms into a sparkling scene during the Holiday Walk.
Twinkling lights line the streets, and holiday music plays as you explore charming shops with special deals.
Local businesses set out displays where you can hunt for unique gifts or even a little something for yourself.
Stop by the food vendors to taste warm treats like hot cocoa, roasted chestnuts, and classic holiday cookies.
The event feels inviting, with neighbors and families enjoying the festive mood together.
Kids can get excited for a visit from Santa himself—don’t forget your camera for those memorable photos.
If you’re looking to soak up the holiday atmosphere with your friends or family, this walk is a simple way to do it.
You can check out all the details on the Woodbridge Holiday Walk.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 8-10, 2025 | Downtown Woodbridge | 5 PM–9 PM | Free | Local hotels nearby | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-new-jersey-2024-2/16/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will the Lake Mohawk Holiday Market Happen in 2025?
Planning ahead for Lake Mohawk’s market? The 2025 German Christmas Market at Lake Mohawk in Sparta, NJ is expected to take place in early December, often over the first full weekend.
| Date | Time | Location | Entry Fee | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5–7 | Fri 10–9, Sat 10–9, Sun 10–5 | Lake Mohawk Boardwalk, Sparta, NJ | Usually Free | Local Inns or Hotels | German Christmas Market of NJ |
The final dates may be confirmed closer to the season, so it’s smart to check the Lake Mohawk market’s site for updates.
How Do You Find a List of 2025 Christmas Markets in New Jersey?
You can find a round-up of New Jersey’s holiday and Christmas markets through travel websites and local event pages.
VisitNJ keeps an updated directory of Christmas markets and holiday events for 2025.
Popular picks for 2025 include:
- Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market
- Hope Christmas Craft Market
- Markets in Asbury Park and Jersey City
Check for new events as planners announce more dates!
Is There a Real German Christmas Market in Jersey or Pennsylvania for 2025?
Yes—New Jersey’s Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market is one of the state’s best for classic German food, crafts, and family fun.
For a bigger version, the Philadelphia Christmas Village, running November 22 through December 24, 2025, brings more than 100 vendors and German-style stalls to LOVE Park and City Hall.
See details at Christmas Village Philadelphia.
Which Handmade Items Will Be Sold at Hope NJ’s 2025 Holiday Craft Fair?
The Hope Christmas Craft Market is a favorite for handmade gifts, with vendors offering:
- Wooden ornaments and carved toys
- Pottery, candles, and soaps
- Wreaths and holiday decor
- Knitwear and accessories
Expect over 150 vendors in Hope, NJ, each selling unique handmade goods straight from local artisans.
What Hours Will Sparta’s Holiday Market Be Open in 2025?
Sparta’s Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market tends to run:
Friday: 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Exact hours for 2025 will post on the Lake Mohawk Christmas Market website, so check before making plans.
Will Asbury Park Hold a Holiday Market in 2025 and What’s Special There?
Asbury Park usually hosts a lively Christmas and Holiday Market each year at Convention Hall or along the Boardwalk.
Expect:
- Dozens of local artists and indie vendors
- Live music, food trucks, ornament making stations
- Photo ops with Santa and holiday lights
Dates and main attractions will be posted on city event pages.
For a current list, see New Jersey December markets & shopping
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.
