New Jersey is a tiny state with a little bit of everything, so it's fitting that we have more than a few towns that exemplify that way of life. We really do have it all! Today, we're featuring a town with stunning scenery, enchanting architecture, fantastic restaurants, unique museums, and more. You may have heard of it before, but you should definitely visit during the holiday season.
A perfect day trip destination, Clinton is a tiny little town in Hunterdon County.
The Red Mill is another must-visit museum. The historical village brings the past to life, focusing on the milling industry and how the area has changed over time.
The Red Mill Museum complex is at the epicenter of Clinton's holiday celebration. Visit between now and December 9th for their Celebration of Trees! On December 28th, there will be an 8K Santa Con & Run.
If you're a nature lover, be sure to stop at Spruce Run Recreation Area, in Clinton and Union. There's a sandy beach for summer months and hiking trails that can be enjoyed all year long. During the winter months, many visitors cross-country ski, ice fish, and ice boat at the recreation area.
This wonderful little town is home to less than 3,000 residents but thousands more come to visit. Will you be one? To discover eerie tales about the Red Mill's past, click here.
Almost every New Jersey town has its own holiday celebration, some are more spectacular than others. West Orange has an incredible light show at Turtle Back Zoo and Wall offers something similarly spectacular. This list focuses not on singular events, but on specific villages around Christmas in NJ with the most magnificent myriad of holiday celebrations. They keep the holiday spirit alive and well with tree lighting, live nativity scenes, parades, historic happenings, and more. Here are the nine best Christmas towns in New Jersey.
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1. Cape May
A Christmas tree is illuminated under a gazebo in a town green
The nation's first summer resort, Cape May is also a winter wonderland. The charming Victorian homes are splendidly decorated and visitors can take holiday house tours by candlelight. There are also trolley rides available to see the outdoor displays. Choose from three separate tree lighting ceremonies - Cape May City, Congress Hall, and the Emlen Physick Estate. The historic estate is decked out in Victorian holiday splendor.
Other events include breakfasts with Santa, a Christmas bazaar, Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, Crafts at Christmas at Convention Hall, and a whole lot more! You can check out the Cape May Events Calendar for a full list of holiday events on the Cape May website.
2. Historic Smithville (Galloway)
Town of Smithville in New Jersey is lit up with brightly colored lights for the holidays.
Besides offering amazing shops for all your holiday needs, Historic Smithville hosts its fantastic Light Show on the Lake. Orchestrated to music, the event is made even more magical by the reflections on the water. The show will be held every evening in December. Holiday train rides will also be given throughout December (weather permitting) and there will be a Magic Talking Tree on select dates! Fun for the whole family, this is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the Historic Smithville website for additional event information, and to plan your next visit to this charming Christmas village in New Jersey.
3. Morristown
Christmas tree in town square at night with church and other decorations in background.
There's a lot happening here this holiday season, and you won't be disappointed. Visit the Ford Mansion or Macculloch Hall for a tour of some of the most magical holiday lights in NJ, head to the Mayo Performing Arts Center to see one of the special holiday performances, and be sure not to miss the Christmas Festival on the Morristown Green. The festival is held on select dates throughout December. Additional events are scattered throughout the month (though are mainly on weekends) and include holiday crafts, performances, visits from Santa, miniature train rides, and ice sculpture demonstrations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be hosting a non-denominational holiday celebration with a live nativity, over 300 nativity displays from around the world, performances by local musicians, and a children's craft room. Visit the Morristown Partnership website for more information.
4. Ocean City
Ocean City is an amazing community year-round, and Ocean City at Christmas is no different. Be sure to check out the festive and fantastical Christmas Parade, tree lightings, visits and photos with Santa, FREE horse and carriage rides on weekends, and seasonal performances presented by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. The Flanders Hotel will also host a holiday party in December. Ocean City is one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Jersey! Visit the Ocean City official website for the calendar of events.
5. Chester
The historic village of Chester is full of holiday cheer! Meet Santa on one of the Chester Visits With Santa events, attend the Festival of Trees and the Holiday Parade, or have brunch with Santa at Alstede Farms. There will also be the Strolling Dickens' Carolers dressed in period costumes and plenty of additional holiday events throughout the season. You may also want to peruse the shops at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center for some holiday gifts and see some of the most magnificent holiday window displays. This is one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey! Visit the Historic Chester Business Association website for a calendar of events.
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6. Red Bank
This trendy town is offering a wide range of holiday activities including a Christmas scavenger hunt, holiday horse and carriage rides, and carolers in the downtown district. Visit Santa at the Galleria or watch one of many holiday productions at the Count Basie Theatre. Head to the Visit Red Bank website to learn more.
7. Princeton
“Christmas tree at the town center of Princeton, New Jersey, USA”
Princeton happens to be one of the best places to go if you're looking for things to do at Christmas in New Jersey. Visit the massive Christmas tree in Palmer Square and be serenaded by strolling carolers. Take a history walking tour through The Historical Society of Princeton and see holiday lights while learning some of the area's history. Another favorite? Visit the Morven Museum's Festival of Trees where you can view festively decorated trees and mantles throughout the museum's galleries. They will be hosting a wreath-making workshop on select dates as well. The Holiday Wine Trails Weekend or Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop at Terhune Orchards are a couple of other options. Princeton at Christmas is quite magical! Head to the Visit New Jersey website for more information.
8. Atlantic City
The casinos are splendidly decked out with holiday lights, the town itself offers a 30-foot tree to enjoy, and, of course, we can't forget the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt at the Tanger Outlets. Boardwalk Hall features its Deck the Hall - Gallery of Trees at which each tree is sponsored and money is raised for a children's charity. The Quarter at Tropicana puts on an interactive light show set to music, and casinos across the boardwalk will be hosting a variety of holiday concerts. Visit the DO Atlantic City website for more event details.
9. Medford
The last on our list of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey is Medford. Most of the magic in Medford happens at Johnson's Corner Farm. Enjoy visits with Santa, a holiday lights hayride, a lovely light show on the lake, roast s'mores, decorating Christmas cookies, and so much more! The town also offers a tree lighting and the Dickens Festival, arguably one of the best holiday festivals in NJ, in early December. Visit the Johnson's Corner Farm website for more information.
There are so many great holiday events in the state, but these Christmas towns in New Jersey are truly filled to the brim with holiday cheer. 'Tis the season for good cheer, good food, and time with family for the holidays. What is your favorite Christmas town in New Jersey? What are some of your favorite Christmas in New Jersey traditions? Let us know in the comments.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy the best Christmas towns near me is on a road trip. Check out this Christmas road trip itinerary and our list of the best snacks to take along with you!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
