Complete Guide to a Kid-Friendly Holiday Season in South Jersey 2024
The Holidays are officially around the corner! Whatever you celebrate, this is such a fun time of year for kids! I've spent time compiling a complete guide of all the Holiday events, attractions, activities, and fun options for families with little ones in South Jersey. Please note, this blog post was updated as of 11/1/24. You should always call, check websites or social pages, to confirm all the information is up-to-date prior to your visit!
Please note, due to the sheer quantity of Breakfast with Santa events each year, I have only included events with multiple recurring dates and times in this particular blog post. If a Breakfast with Santa Event only occurs once, you can find it on this separate blog post!
**Events with an asterisk are ongoing and run for multiple weeks.
NOVEMBER
Events held in November or activities that begin in November
Elf on the Shelf Tree Party- Pinspiration Greenwich (NEW)
Multiple events on 11/10 at 11:30am, 11/22 at 6:30pm, and 11/30 at 1:00pm
Details: We have Christmas trees for the people in our homes, but why not our Elves?! Don't they deserve a special tree of their own?! Of course they do!! Join Orange You Crafty at Pinspiration East Greenwich for a magical Christmas craft!! We will be decorating miniature, table top trees for your special Elf! Image how special your Elf is going to feel when they arrive back from the North Pole to see a tree just for them!!!
Each tree will be approximately 18" tall, will have a set of battery operated lights, ornaments, a tree topper (which will look very familiar to your Elf) and a ribbon with your Elf's name! Hot Chocolate and Elf snacks will be served. Our special guest will be..you guessed it! The big guy himself! SANTA!!!!
Cost: $45 per child
Address: Pinspiration: 141 Berkley Road, Suite #8, East Greenwich Township, NJ 0802
Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Diggerland*
Starts Fri. Nov 15, open Wed-Sun during November. Open 7 days a week from Dec. 1 - Jan. 5 (5:30-9:30pm)
Details: Join us for our Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show and experience a light show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! Make Diggerland a family holiday staple!
Cost: $36.99 per vehicle
Address: Diggerland: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Starts Sat. Nov 16, open Sat and Sun during November. Open 7 days a week from Dec. 1-Dec. 23 (Sunday-Thursday 4:45-8pm: Friday-Saturday 4:45-8:45pm)
Details: All Aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express! Perfect for Kids ages 1-92, experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, and so much more!🚂Train ride through millions of Christmas lights.🎅🏻Meet and Greet with Santa and his elves in his Workshop with Free photo op.🤶🏻 Stories, photos, & chats with Mrs. Claus with Free photo op.🎁Present from Santa.⛄️Holiday Movie tent and picture opportunity with everyone's favorite Snowman.🍪Cookie treat to enjoy.❄️Walkthrough Holiday Village.🎳One FREE Game of Bowling & one shoe rental per person.🏬 Toy Market will be on site at their Pop-up Snack & Toy Cottage
Cost: ALL INCLUDED for $19.95 per person Monday - Thursday, $21.95 Friday & Sunday and $26.95 on Saturday *Plus Simpletix Ticketing fee
Address: DiDonato Family Fun Center, 1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy with Lights*
Starts Sat. Nov 16 and runs through Monday. 12/30 (Runs 2-9pm on Sat & Sun in November, and runs 7 days a week from 4-8pm in December
Details: Each operating night at dusk Santa Claus will wave his magic wand and light up Storybook Land with over 1 millions lights for the Holiday Season. This South Jersey spectacle has been a family tradition for over 35 years. Along with being featured on ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight, Storybook Land was honored as #10 in USA Today's Top Ten Theme Park Holiday Events in 2023.
Cost: For a limited time! Tickets are $33.99 + tax per person age 2 years old and up. Ticket includes unlimited rides and attractions, visit with Santa and all holiday festivities. (this price is valid through 11/9 and then will go up)
Address: Storybook Land: 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail at Indian Acres Tree Farm*
Open 11/22-12/30 on Thursday thru Sunday nights (Fri & Sat. 5-9pm, Thurs & Sun. 5-8pm)
Details: Your night begins with a stroll through the woods filled with fun snowmen and trees made with upcycled materials from the farm. You'll pass by illuminated boxes with miniature scenes, including a Fairy Garden! Further down the trail, you might even stumble upon a secret gnome village. The path flows out of the woods and into our Live Christmas Tree fields, where you can waddle past a penguin igloo town, “fly by” Birdhouse Row —but watch out for a runaway toboggan! Make your way into our White Pine field to experience a tunnel of lights snowing down on you. The trail is draped and decorated with tens of thousands of lights and is THE best way to celebrate the season! After experiencing our Winter Wonderland, make sure to stop by the bonfires for some hot chocolate and s’mores! You can even walk through the trail a SECOND time after enjoying the bonfires! Estimated Average Visit: About 1 hour
Cost: $18 Adults Ages 12+, $14 Children Ages 2-11 (1 & Under are Free)
Address: Indian Acres Tree Farm: 111 Tuckerton Rd. Medford, NJ, 08055
Fire & Lights in the Discovery Barnyard & Animal Farm + Christmas Light Show Hayride at Johnson's Corner Farm*
Open 11/22-12/30 on Thursday thru Sunday nights (Fri & Sat. 5-9pm, Thurs & Sun. 5-8pm)
Details: Johnson's Corner Farm offers several different types of Holiday activities this Holiday season. First and foremost, they offer photos and a Visit with Santa 5PM- 9PM M-F, 2-9pm on Saturdays, for No Charge! They also have Gingerbread Man and Cookie Decorating all day... these kits are available in the farm market to take home and decorate.
- Fire and Lights in the Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm: 5-8pm (M-Th, Sun), 5PM-9PM (F & Sat) Featuring our “Light Show on the Lake”.
- Walk through and play in the Discovery barnyard and Animal Farm. Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows!
- Monday – Thursday: $8.95/person, Friday – Sunday: $10.95/person
- Christmas “Light Show” Hayride 5PM-7:30pm (M-Th, Sun) 5PM-8:30PM (F & Sat)
- Bundle up and jump on a “Light Show Hayride” that will take your family around the farm surrounded by a light show set to your family favorite Christmas tunes. View the Farm with Decorated Barns, Tractors and Farm Houses.
- Monday – Thursday: $8.95/person, Friday – Sunday: $10.95/person
- Combo ticket for both: Monday – Thursday: COMBO $15.95/Person, Friday – Sunday: COMBO $18.95/Person
Address: Johnson's Corner Farm: 133 Church Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
GLOW to Bed: Journey through time Christmas Light Show*
Starts 11/28/24 and runs through 1/4/25
Details: GLOW to Bed: The Journey Through Time, is a magical experience that takes visitors on an enchanting adventure. starting with the excitement of Christmas eve, your family will drive through this captivating mile-long display, ultimately ending with the joys of Christmas morning! through a child’s eyes, enjoy the adventure that awaits! Each segment of the journey is illuminated with 8,847,360 animated lights, perfectly synchronized to music that you can tune into on your car radio!
Cost: Prices TBA
Address: Glow at Washington Twp: 217 Berlin - Cross Keys Rd, Sicklerville, NJ 08081
The Christmas Express on Pine Creek Railroad* (NEW)
Starts 11/29/24 and runs through 12/22/24 on mostly Saturdays and Sundays, and Black Friday (check website for specific dates and times)
Details: The Christmas Express at Pine Creek Railroad has been a holiday tradition for more than 40 years. Santa visits and chats with every child on the train during this ride through Allaire State Park. Tickets are currently available, but you must purchase them in person the day of. Train rides begin November 29, with both day and evening rides available. In addition to the train ride, guests can explore the Historic Village at Allaire and celebrate the joys of Christmas past. The Village offers weekend events during the holidays, including Christmas Lantern Tours.
Cost: $7 per rider
Address: The NJ Museum of Transportation: 4265 Atlantic Ave Suite A, Wall Township, 07727
WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River*
Starts 11/29/24 and runs through 2/23/25
Details: WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River Park presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners will open from November 29, 2024 – February 23, 2025 at Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill. WinterFest at Cooper River is operated and maintained by Masso’s Event Rentals.
Cost: Prices TBA
Address: Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill
The Santa Claus Special on the Woodstown Central Railroad*
Held 11/30-12/22 on every Saturday and Sunday though Christmas, also open on Monday, 12/23 (trains leaving every 1 hr 45 mins from 11am-6pm)
Details: Celebrate the yuletide season aboard Woodstown Central Railroad’s annual Santa Claus Special! As you embark on this holiday excursion, guests will climb aboard our beautifully restored 1930s train cars. Once aboard, guests will be taken back in time to a more traditional Christmas experience with our plush seats and holiday decorations adorned throughout.
As your journey begins, Santa will make his way through the train for a memorable visit with each family. As you travel down the tracks, take in the changing winter landscapes of the forests, farmland, and historic small towns of South Jersey. At our South Woodstown Station, guests will be able to enjoy toasty fire pits, can take memorable photos around our beautifully decorated property, and children may even mail their letter to Santa Claus inside our station. Note: They also have a special Candlelight Limited Train Ride on 12/6 and Yuletide Special Event on 12/7
Cost: Starting at $38 for Adults, $28 for Children, and $5 for Toddlers depending on which train car you choose
Address: Woodstown Central Railroad: 650 Alloway-Woodstown Road, Woodstown, NJ
Tractor Parade with Santa & Friends at Coombs Barnyard
Sat. 11/30 at 10am
Details: Join us at 10 am for a Winter Tractor Parade along with a special visit from Santa Claus!! Stay at the farm and enjoy some snacks and crafts for kids and adults. We will also be collecting canned goods to be donated to our local food banks.
Cost: Cost is $10 per car
Address: Coombs Barnyard, 20 Route 77, Elmer NJ 08318
Christmas at the Hangar (NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum)
Sat. 11/30 from 10am-4pm
Details: Please put it on your "To Do" Calendar to join us for this FREE, Festive, Family Event! There will be Unique Photo Ops with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Live Music, Two Food Trucks - Mac's Cafe & On the Way Cafe, Beer & Wine Garden, Local Vendors - Unique Handcrafted Holiday Gifts, Free Hot Chocolate and Cookies, 20% off In Museum Gift Shop, Fire Trucks, Raffle Baskets, Craft Tables for Kids, Gift Wrapping Table (Donation Requested). Dress for an outdoor event and bring the friendly leashed pets!
Cost: FREE Event, but donations appreciated
Address: Coombs Barnyard, 20 Route 77, Elmer NJ 08318
A Historic Christmas at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm* (NEW)
Held 11/30-12/22 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-5pm
Details: Our Historic Christmas begins on November 30th and will be taking place Saturday & Sundays through December 22nd where guests can shop our Holiday Market with additional activities including cookie decorating, crafts for kids, story time & meet and greets with our miniature ponies. Guests will be able to explore our historic spaces and take the perfect family photo. Enjoy fire pits, s’mores and hot beverages from our café. Tomasello Winery’s tasting room outlet in our farm market will be open for tastings & bottle purchases.
Address: Johnson's Locust Hall Farm: 2691 Monmouth Rd, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Breakfast with Santa at Johnson’s Corner Farm*
Held 11/30-12/22 every Saturday and Sunday though Christmas (Seatings at 9:30am and 12pm)
Details: The Johnsons welcome Santa Clause back for another season of festive holiday fun and memories! That's right! Santa will be having breakfast with us every Saturday & Sunday again this year! Reservations are required. What's included: Enjoy a family style breakfast along with story time and a personal with Santa. Seating at 9:30am and 12pm. Each seating will last 90 mins.
Cost: $45.00 per person, children under 24 months are free
Address: Johnson's Corner Farm: 133 Church Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
DECEMBER
Events held in December or activities that begin in December
Jingle Jam Session with Music Together CMA*
Three-week series runs Dec 1-21 (different days/times offered based on your schedule)
Details: This three week session has a holiday, winter, celebration vibe but still includes all of the things you love in our regular classes including songs, chants, fingerplay, parachute, bubbles and the classes are taught by teachers you know and love. Designed for children 0-6 years old with locations in Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Medford.
Cost: $65 for 3 week series or $44 for 2 week series
Address: Locations in Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Medford.
North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village*
Starts Thurs. 12/5 and runs through Sun. 12/22 (Thurs. and Fri. 5-9:30pm, Sat. 1-9:30pm, and Sun. 1-8pm)
Details: Come on out to Harbaugh Village for holiday light displays, reindeer food in the reindeer stable (with Elf staff), craft hand-written letters to Santa in the Christmas trolley, enjoy live entertainment, exclusive Holiday photo Opportunities, carousel rides, Boardwalk & Sports Games, a vendor village, and more! Enjoy a Santa Meet/Greet & Free Photo at George’s House. (Pictures must be taken with your own phone or camera) Must bring a toy to George’s House or make a monetary donation to George’s House. To learn more about our charity, please visit www.georgeshouse.org.
Additionally enjoy Stories with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM before Christmas at George’s House. Bring your kids to Harbaugh Village to hear Santa read a classic Christmas story while enjoying milk and cookies in George’s House. Kids will also receive a special prize from Santa, which includes a Christmas craft! After story time concludes, your children are welcome to talk with Santa and take pictures as well! This experience is an additional $10 per child.
Cost: Kids $14.95, Adults $19.95, Family 4-Pack $60, Stories with Santa is an extra $10 per child.
Address: Harbaugh Village: 126 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Breakfast with Santa at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm*
Held select Saturdays & Sundays in December; Sat. 12/7, Sun. 12/8, Sat. 12/14, and Sun. 12/15 from 9am-12pm
Details: Breakfast with Santa at Locust Hall Farm is a magical experience that shouldn’t be missed! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a delicious breakfast by Toscano’s while immersing yourself in the holiday spirit. The morning is full of festive activities, including writing letters to Santa, meeting and greeting with the man in red himself, taking photos with Santa, and shopping the holiday market
Cost: $70.00 Adult, $40.00 2-13 Child, *Under 1 is free & Does not need a ticket
Address: Johnson's Locust Hall Farm: 2691 Monmouth Rd, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Build Your Own Gingerbread House at the Pop Shop (NEW)
Held Fri. 12/13 from 6-9pm
Details: Join us in some holiday fun! Build your own Gingerbread House at The Pop Shop! Sing along to your favorite Holiday music while enjoying a night of: Building your Gingerbread House (all supplies included). Buffet Dinner, Hot Chocolate Bar, Selfie Photo Booth
Cost: $50 per person
Address: The Pop Shop: 729 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Santa at the Sanctuary at Freedom Farm Animal Rescue
Sat. 12/14 from 10am-4pm
Details: Join us for our Holiday Fundraiser event Saturday December 14th from 10am-4pm and YOU are all invited! Our sanctuary will turn into a Christmas wonderland for the day! Come take pictures with Santa and meet our rescued residents, take a hayride tour, walk our sprawling 43 acre sanctuary, and go home with some Freedom Farm Animal Rescue merch! Although we are an animal sanctuary we ask you to please leave your fur-babies at home!
Cost: There is no admission fee to visit the sanctuary, however, donations are greatly appreciated to help us continue to do what we do!
Address: Freedom Farm Animal Rescue: 229 Newport Rd, Cedarville NJ 08311
Christmas Village at Duffield's Farm
Sat. 12/14 from 11am-4pm
Details: Enjoy this Christmas Season with the whole family! Plenty of A La Carte activities to enjoy including…Gingerbread Decorating, Hot Chocolate Bar, Santa Meet & Greet, Horse & Carriage Rides and more!! Santa will be available for photo ops: 11:00 - 2:00, Food Trucks and Craft Vendors will be here as well to cater to your Christmas vibes. Washington Township High School Chorale will be singing Christmas Carols 12:00-1:00
Cost: There is no admission fee, but individual activities will have their own costs.
Address: Duffield's Farm Market: 280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
The Grinch at the Pop Shop (NEW)
Held Sun. 12/15 at 9am, 11am, and 1pm
Details: Brunch with the Grinch! Oh Joy! It's a visit with the Grinch! It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...means a little bit more. Tickets include a special holiday themed buffet, dessert, tax AND gratuity.
PLUS, a visit with The Grinch himself!
Cost: $35 per person
Address: The Pop Shop: 729 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108