Although the pandemic is still lingering over our heads, local holiday celebrations from the tri-county region to the Shore are in full swing. While everyone is eager to spread some cheer, please check with event organizers directly for specific information on their COVID-19 protocols.
Now through Dec. 23
Christmas Light Show
Come out to Johnson’s Corner Farm for an eventful night of that includes seasonal hayrides, a light show on the lake, Christmas cookie decorating and much more. You can also meet Santa as he sits atop his large red tractor. This event is reservation only.
Johnson’s Corner Farm, times and prices vary, Medford, JohnsonsFarm.com
Now through Dec. 24
Night of Lights
Who says you can’t stay warm while still enjoying the holiday festivities? Watch from your vehicle as Creamy Acres transforms itself into a Christmas Wonderland with lights galore for the whole family to enjoy.
Creamy Acres Farm, $30, times vary, Mullica Hill, NightOfLightsHayride.com
Now through Dec. 26
Magical Talking Christmas Tree and Christmas Train Ride
A visit to Historic Smithville this holiday season is complete with the chance to have a conversation with the Magical Talking Christmas Tree next to the Smithville Train Station or take a ride on the train as it rolls over decorated tracks.
Noon-6 p.m., $3 for train ride, Smithville, HistoricSmithville.com
Now through Dec. 28
Magical Holiday Express
Hop aboard the train for a ride through a festive holiday light display and get the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus or check out the movie tent and other fun activities for the entire family.
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, 4:45-9:00 p.m., $17.95, Hammonton, DidonatoFunCenter.com
Now through Dec. 30
South Jersey Holiday Lights Show
Named “the best drive-through light show in Southern New Jersey,” this show features dozens lights and holiday-themed displays to be enjoyed as your car makes its way around the winding route.
Bridgeport Speedway, 5-10 p.m., $23, Swedesboro, BridgeportMotorsportsPark.com
Now through Dec. 30
Fantasy With Lights
Santa and his helpers will help bring the spirit of the season to Storybook Land with over 1 million lights on display. In addition to the display, all the theme park’s rides will be open for guests.
Storybook Land, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Egg Harbor Township, $26.95, StorybookLand.com
Now through Jan. 2
Diggerland’s Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Cars will want to tune into the designated radio station so the tunes in the car will match the lights and other holiday displays as you make your way through the procession at this theme park.
Diggerland, 5:30-9:30pm, $32.95, West Berlin, DiggerlandUSA.com
Dec. 10, 17 & 23
Candlelight Shopping
Downtown Haddonfield will once again host candlelight shopping on various days throughout December. Shoppers will be greeted by Santa, carolers and have the chance to take a carriage ride.
Downtown Haddonfield, 6-9 p.m., free, Haddonfield, DowntownHaddonfield.com
Dec. 10-12 & 17-19
Elf The Musical
Based on the hit holiday movie, Buddy the elf comes to life on stage as you follow his journey to figure out his true identity while causing plenty of memorable laughs.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman, times vary, $30, Pitman, TheBroadwayTheatre.org
Dec. 11
Hammonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
This annual Christmas parade offers a little something for everyone including live musical performances and decorating contests.
Downtown Hammonton, 7-9 p.m., free, Hammonton, TownOfHammonton.org
Dec. 11 & 18
The Reindeer Who Stole Christmas
This feel-good story about an outcast reindeer and elf underlines the discovery that the things that make someone different are the same things that make them special.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., $10, Pitman, TheBroadwayTheatre.org
Dec. 12
The Nutcracker
After being shuttered last year due to the pandemic, the New Jersey Ballet will celebrate the production’s 50th anniversary, making it the longest-running original production in the state.
Levoy Theatre, $17-$38, 2 & 6 p.m., Millville, Levoy.net
Dec. 18
Visit Santa and the Alpacas
Morning Glori Farmette will be hosting a special event where you can get your photo taken with Santa aboard his sleigh, feed the alpacas and enjoy games and other experiences—including an appearance by Elsa from Frozen.
Morning Glori Farmette, 10 a.m.-noon, $50-$75, Marlton, MorningGloriFarmette.com
AT THE SHORE
Now through Dec. 18
Ebenezer, A Musical Christmas Carol
The classic Charles Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come comes to the stage at the Surflight.
Surflight Theatre, times vary, Beach Haven, $12-$41, Surflight.org
Now through Dec. 24
Breakfast with Santa
On Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas Eve, guests at Congress Hall can enjoy a special menu complete with holiday-inspired drinks and desserts.
Congress Hall Ballroom, 7:30 a.m.-2p.m., Cape Maym, $16 for children (children under 3 are free) and $28 for adults, CapeResorts.com
Dec. 10-12
Swingin’ Through the Holidays
Head over to Ocean City’s Music Pier to catch a special holiday performance of song and dance that will feature plenty of familiar favorites.
825 Boardwalk, times vary, $15-$18, OceanCityTheatreCompany.com
Dec. 11
Pinch the GrYnch 5K Run and 1.5 Mile Walk
All proceeds from this benefit run will go toward the Lynch Who Stole Christmas from the GrYnch Toy, Coat and Food Drive.
4501 Wildwood Boardwalk, 9-11 a.m., $15-$30, Wildwood, RunSignup.com/PinchTheGrynch
Dec. 11 & 18
Christmas in Cape May
Celebrating its 48th year, Cape May’s annual candlelight house tour returns featuring several homes, bed and breakfasts and inns throughout the town which have been decorated in grand fashion for the holidays.
5:30-8:30 p.m., $30 for children & $45 for adults, Cape May, CapeMayMAC.org
Dec. 17 & 18
Elf the Musical Jr.
This special children’s performance of the beloved holiday film will feature students in 3rd through 8th grades who will take the stage at Ocean City’s Music Pier for three shows over two days.
825 Boardwalk, times vary, $15, Ocean City, OceanCityTheatreCompany.com
Dec. 18
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
This new event hosted by the North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company is packed with plenty of family fun including music and free photo ops with Santa and other winter wonderland characters.
2nd and Surf Ave., 5-9 p.m. (rain date Dec. 19 4:30-8 p.m.), Donation: $10 adults, $2 children ages 12 and under, North Wildwood, WildwoodHoliday.com
Dec. 20
Holiday Lights Walk
Those spending their holidays in Wildwood will want to bundle up and take advantage of this 30-minute trek along Sunset Lake and the surrounding neighborhood.
Rambler Road and New Jersey Avenue, 5:30 p.m. (rain date Dec. 21), free, Wildwood, WildwoodsNJ.com
Dec. 31
First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
Visitors to this Ocean City event will have more than 70 opportunities to catch 30 different shows and activities at 21 venues across town, including entertainment suitable for all ages.
4 p.m., $15 for an all-inclusive button, Ocean City, FirstNightOCNJ.com
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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 18, Issue 8 (November 2021)
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