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Cozy Things To Do in New Jersey in Winter 2023

ByKasia Kalemba Hours
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Since I am not a full-time traveler, I always try to find awesome local things to do in between my trips. You guys always seem to enjoy my seasonal guides which get constantly updated as I find new things to do. So following my Summer and Fall guides, I give you the best gathering of things to do in New Jersey this winter! Although this guide is mostly Jersey-based, I threw in a couple of near out of state locations worth the drive 🙂

As you bundle up for the next couple of months as Jersey temperatures drop, don’t miss out on all the cool things you do this winter either.

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Table of Contents show

Christmas Lights

PNC Bank Arts Center Light Show

If you want to drive through tunnels of cool Christmas lights head over to Holmdel to the PNC Bank Arts Center for this awesome Christmas Light display. A weekday ticket costs $30 and a weekend one $35. Note that closer to the holidays the entry line goes on for miles along the parkway.

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PNC Magic Lights Photo Credit: Asbury Park Press & NJ Family

Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms

For a cute farm experience, head over to Demarest Farms in North Jersey. For $35 you can take a 30 minutes ride through the orchard surrounded by cute light displays. Stop by the farm store to pick up some fresh goods but note that it closes at 5 pm so you might miss it with the later light show!

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Photo Credit to Demarest Farms

Skyland’s Stadium Light Show & Village

If you want a one-stop shop for lights and a Christmas village with attractions and vendors, head over to Augusta to Skyland’s Stadium. Entry is timed and costs $29 per vehicle. The drive is a mile long and will take you around 30 minutes.

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Photo Credit Skylands

Dyker Heights

Dyker Heights in a neighborhood in Brooklyn which gets decorated for the holidays by the local residents to something on another level. Although located in Brooklyn, It’s really a quick drive from central Jersey through Staten Island. Located from 11th to 13th Avenues between 83rd to 86th Street.

The area gets crowded so finding parking will be challenging. There are even local tours to take you around but trust me, you probably don’t need one unless you’re very interested in the details. You can easily spend anywhere from 30 minutes to hours walking around this gem of a neighborhood.

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Other Displays:

Holiday Markets & Winter Villages

German Christmas Market

Transport yourself to an awesome European-style Christmas Market in Augusta, NJ. Happening in the first weekend of December, don’t miss this great event. They’ll have many vendors, entertainment, food trucks and of course some nice gluhwein. Too bad it’s only one weekend as it is one of the cutest things to do in New Jersey this winter!

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Photo Credit to Official Website

Peddler’s Village

Although it is located a little past the NJ border in Pennsylvania, Peddler’s Village is one of my favorite places to visit in the winter! The little shops sell everything from small trinkets, to food, to awesome holiday decor. There are a couple of restaurants around too. For the holidays, the whole shopping mall gets lit up and becomes a very magical place. After visiting the Village, stop in New Hope which is a very cute small town nearby!

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Philadelphia Christmas Village

Ok, ok I get it, another PA intruder, but hear me out. This is a super awesome outdoor German-style market. And you can’t convince me to go to NYC’s super-crowded Bryant Park at this time of the year. There are a ton of holiday vendors, a cute beer/wine garden, and tons of delicious food. Don’t forget to walk the surrounding streets too where you can find a merry-go-round and other hidden gems.

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Asbury Park Bazaar

If you’re looking for unique gifts for this holiday season, Asbury Park Bazaar has 5 different locations, Asbury Hotel, Asbury Convention Center, Long Branch, Atlantic City and Atlantic Highlands, all with different dates giving you enough time to check out a couple of them 🙂

Winter Villages

New Jersey Winter Restaurants

New Jersey Breweries

There is something very comforting about a nice winter lager. You know what’s even better? A beer in a heated igloo as the temperatures reach below freezing and the outside is surrounded by fluffy snow. Check out Asbury Biergarten, one of my favorites, Manafirkin or Man Skirt in Hackettstown for their winter igloo setups!

For a full list of my favorite breweries check out my New Jersey Brewery Guide!

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manafirkin beer flight in new jersey

Winter Cozy Restaurants

I love going out to eat during the holidays because of the coziness that the decor brings. Here are some picks for a great holiday ambiance!

  • Rails Steakhouse – Towaco: An upscale steakhouse that is perfect for an evening out in the cold
  • The Ashford – Jersey City: While I wouldn’t call the food extraordinary here, the decor is great!
  • Sorellina – Hoboken: Delicious Italian food among beautiful holiday decor! I’ll take it.
  • Cowan’s Public: Not only is Nutley a great place for date night and Cowan’s is a known place for the holidays because of its cozy decor.
  • HoHoKus Inn: A small local inn with a simple but beautiful holiday atmosphere.
  • Fiorentini in Rutherford: The minimalist aesthetic goes perfectly with Christmas touches!
  • Walpack Inn: Walpack is one of my favorites in North Jersey because of its rustic cabin vibes.
  • Oceanos – Fair Lawn: A nice upscale seafood restaurant with boujee holiday vibes.
  • South House – Jersey City: Another JC spot that transforms into a postcard.
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Winter Activities

Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing

You might not find the best spots in NJ however, a local ski trip is certainly not a bad idea if you don’t want to drive too far. You obviously know Mountain Creek in North Jersey, which has it all. Then you have the smaller Campgaw in Mahwah perfect for beginners or High Point Park for cross-country skiing.

Ice Skating

One of the most fun things to do in New Jersey this winter is a classic, ice skating! Check out Palmer Square in Princeton along with all the town’s stunning decor. Then you have Newport Skates in Jersey City right near the waterfront. The infamous American Dream has a massive indoor rink too. If you want to skate near the shore, check out Pier Village in Long Branch.

The Polar Bear Plunge

Are you brave enough to plunge into the freezing Atlantic in the middle of a New Jersey winter? If so, don’t miss Seaside Heights annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Map for Things To Do in New Jersey Winter

Check out some other off-season guides!

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Kasia is a travel blogger that loves to share her detailed itineraries and travel tips with her community. She's traveled to numerous countries and makes it a priority to explore her home state of New Jersey while still being passionate about her 9-5 career.

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