Fun Christmas Attractions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

What are the best Christmas and holiday attractions in New Jersey and beyond? I've got some suggestions for you! The holiday season is upon us, and if you're anything like me, you're itching to do some 'holiday stuff' with your family.  And I'm not talking crafts or baking- I mean, cool trips that you can take for some holiday themed fun! So here are some of my favorite must-visit holiday locations in the tri-state area.  Be sure to scroll down for a full list of even more holiday ideas, too!!

*Freshly updated for 2021!

This post is updated yearly, so feel free to Pin it for later use! If you know of a fun attraction that you want me to add to this list, please leave me a comment in the comments section below!

Jersey Momma Disclaimer:  I know there are hundreds of amazing Christmas and holiday-themed places to visit in and around New Jersey, but I picked some of my favorite, and even some lesser-known attractions. Feel free to message me if you have more ideas that I should add! Post is updated yearly.

Christmas Ice Caverns - Fairfield, NJ
(IMPORTANT:: Christmas Ice Caverns CLOSED in 2018 and as of yet, they have not announced plans to reopen. They had hopes of relocating, but as of 2022, they have not. I left this info here so you can keep an eye out and keep your fingers crossed for an Ice Caverns Christmas miracle!)

If you grew up in Northern New Jersey during the 1970's, then chances are you've been to the Christmas Ice Caverns in Fairfield.  Now part of Jody's Silk Florist (it was formerly known as Fairfield Home and Garden), the Christmas Ice Caverns feature a walk-through animated Christmas display that has been a family classic for decades.  Click here to see photos and read all about one of our favorite family spots during the holidays. You can also see Santa at the ice caverns on certain days of the week!

The Christmas Ice Caverns from The Jersey Momma  - Fairfield, NJ

Making wishes in the fountains at Christmas Ice Caverns - Fairfield, NJ

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo - West Orange, NJ

Take a winter walk through Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County this holiday season! Their Holiday Lights Spectacular offers beautiful lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. There's also a Santa Meet and Greet, ice carving demonstrations, holiday sing alongs with favorite holiday characters and so much more (select dates- be sure to check their website for the latest happenings!). Plus, celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys and gently used coats, too. 

Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show and Winter Village - Sussex County, NJ

Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show and Village features a mile long drive-through course, plus a new and expanded outdoor village and winter carnival. Skylands has worked hard to make this a safe and fun event for all. Visit their website for ticket info and hours.

Magic of Lights - Holmdel, NJ

The holiday drive-through light show is back at PNC Bank Arts Center! Running now through January 2, 2022, Magic of Lights features over a mile of festive and vibrant light displays. Visit their website to purchase tickets and for more details. 

Hershey Sweet Lights and Christmas Candylane - Hershey, PA

If you're willing to take a ride or even spend the night, Hershey's Christmas events are truly memorable and fun. Hershey Sweet Lights is a fantastic drive-through, animated light display (one of the best I've ever seen) and Christmas Candylane is what Hersheypark offers during the holiday season.  You'd be surprised how many rides you can still go on in the winter time! Click here to read my top tips for visiting Christmas Candylane!

For more fun Christmas attractions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, scroll down!

For more ideas on local travel, or other holiday related day trips, check out my travel links page (located in the tabs on my home site).

The list below has been updated to include attractions that are currently open and operating for 2021, into 2022. Please visit each site for specific operating hours.

The Christmas Light Show - Wall Township, NJ (12/11, 12/12)

Festival of Trees - Basking Ridge, NJ 

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium - Camden, NJ

Six Flags Holiday in the Park - Jackson, NJ

LEGOLAND New York Holly Jolly Christmas Sleepover Series - Goshen, NY

Fishmas at SEA LIFE New Jersey - East Rutherford, NJ

Brookhollow's Barnyard Walkthrough Holiday Light Show - Boonton Twsp, NJ

Winterfest at Diggerland USA (and their drive-through holiday light show!) - NJ

Dickens Days and other Holiday Events - Clinton, NJ

Lehigh Valley Zoo Winter Light Spectacular (Pennsylvania)

Christmas at Storybook Land - Egg Harbor Twsp, NJ

Knoebel's Joy Through the Grove (Holiday Light Drive-Through) (PA)

Peddler's Village Christmas Festival (PA) 

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place (PA) (also offering a Holiday Drive-Through event, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa events too!)

Dutch Winter Wonderland - Lancaster, PA

Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience - Easton, PA

A Longwood Gardens Christmas (PA)

Koziar's Christmas Village (PA)

The Holiday Light Show at Shadybrook Farms (PA)

Times Square Church Living Nativity - Mt Arlington, NJ

Dasher's Light Show - Newark, NJ

Anne-Ellen Christmas Tree Farm  and Christmas Village - Manalapan, NJ

A Very Electric Christmas  - State Theater New Jersey (12/1) (if you miss this show, they offer other holiday shows, too!)

A Magical Cirque Christmas - Mayo Performing Arts Center (12/4)