The Newark, NJ area has 7 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on November 20 to New Jersey Ballet's The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony in Morristown, which runs through December 27. 5 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in New Jersey, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 7 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Newark, NJ for 2026, in Newark, West Orange, Morristown and Princeton
- First: Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, November 20. Runs latest: Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, through December 31
- 5 are free, including Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo, Meet & Greet with Santa at Turtle Back Zoo and Princess Holiday Sing-Along at Turtle Back Zoo
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Newark
1 confirmed event for kids in Newark, soonest first.
Holiday story timeFree
Community Day: Winter Wonderland
- When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 5 pm
- Where: The Newark Museum of Art, Newark
- Cost: Free, registration required
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Winter Wonderland returns to the Newark Museum of Art on Saturday, December 12, from 12 to 5 pm. The free community day celebrates winter holidays from around the world with seasonal performances, arts and crafts, storytelling, and more.
The schedule includes a holiday a cappella performance by the Choral Art Society of New Jersey at 12:30 pm, live balloon making at 1:30 pm, and a one hour theatrical performance by Teatro SEA at 3 pm, with a special holiday performance to be announced at 4 pm. Families can enjoy free hot chocolate, browse a holiday market, bring toys for the community toy drive, take guided tours of the decorated Ballantine House, and catch planetarium shows. Admission is free, but registration is required, so sign up on the museum's event page before you go.
Parent tip: Register in advance on the museum's page. Bring a toy for the community toy drive if you can.
- Host
- The Newark Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
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Christmas events for kids in West Orange
4 confirmed events for kids in West Orange, soonest first.
Holiday lightsFree
Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo
- When: Fri November 20, Fri November 27 and Fri December 4, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
- Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
- Cost: Free, no reservations needed
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Holiday Lights at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange invites families to take a winter stroll under the lights of more than fifty winter and animal characters. It runs from 5 to 9 pm on the weekends of November 20 to 22 and November 27 to 29, then nightly from December 4 through December 31, closed on December 24 and 25. Zoo members get a preview night on November 19.
Admission is free and reservations are not required. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, new toys, or gently used coats for donation. Paid extras include a carousel, pony track, face painting, gift shop, and food such as s'mores, kettle corn, hot cocoa, zeppole, and holiday treats. The touch tank, reptile house, farm, and train are listed too. Visitors age 17 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone, and no pets are allowed.
Parent tip: Bring donations if you can. No pets, and under 18s need a chaperone.
- Host
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052 (near Newark)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday lightsFree
Meet & Greet with Santa at Turtle Back Zoo
- When: Fri November 20, Sat November 21, Sun November 22, Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sun November 29, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Wed December 16, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22 and Wed December 23, 2026, 5 to 8:30 pm
- Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
- Cost: Free (professional photos optional for purchase)
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
During Holiday Lights, Santa takes visitors at the gazebo at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange from 5 to 8:30 pm, though lines may close earlier. The meet and greet is free, and families may take their own photos. Professional photos are available to purchase on site, and no appointments are necessary.
Santa is there Friday through Sunday on November 20 to 22, November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, and December 11 to 13, and nightly from December 16 through December 23. The visit is part of the zoo's after dark holiday lights display, which is free to enter, so families can see Santa and then walk through the light displays. Dress warmly, since most of the zoo is outdoors, and expect a line on weekend evenings. Visitors age 17 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone.
Parent tip: Lines may close before 8:30 pm on busy nights. Arrive early.
- Host
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052 (near Newark)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday lightsFree
Princess Holiday Sing-Along at Turtle Back Zoo
- When: Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Fri December 11 and Sat December 12, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
- Cost: Free with zoo admission, which is free during Holiday Lights
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
During Holiday Lights, the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo hosts a Princess Holiday Appearance in the picnic area. Popular princess characters lead a sing-along that mixes holiday songs with princess songs, with performances at 6:30 and 7:30 pm.
The sing-alongs take place on Friday, December 4, Saturday, December 5, Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12. Admission to the zoo during Holiday Lights is free and no reservations are needed. The zoo notes that these princess sing-alongs are available only on the listed dates, so plan your trip around them. A separate Perfect Princess Parties double night with a superhero is listed for Monday, December 21. Dress warmly, since the picnic area is outdoors.
Parent tip: Choose one of the two show times and arrive a few minutes early for a good spot.
- Host
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052 (near Newark)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday lightsFree
Don't Be A Grinch Weekend at Turtle Back Zoo
- When: Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
- Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
- Cost: Free with zoo admission, which is free during Holiday Lights
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo adds a Don't Be A Grinch Weekend to its Holiday Lights season. On Friday, December 18, Saturday, December 19, and Sunday, December 20, the Grinch holds a meet and greet in the picnic area.
The appearances take place during the zoo's evening Holiday Lights hours of 5 to 9 pm, when admission is free and no reservations are required. The zoo does not list exact appearance times, so ask staff when you arrive. Families can combine the Grinch with the light displays, a visit with Santa at the gazebo, and the zoo's food stands. Because it is an evening outdoor event, dress warmly. All zoo rules apply, including no pets and a chaperone for visitors age 17 and under.
Parent tip: Exact appearance times are not listed, so ask at the entrance.
- Host
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052 (near Newark)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas events for kids in Morristown
1 confirmed event for kids in Morristown, soonest first.
Holiday show
New Jersey Ballet's The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony
- When: Fri December 11 (7:30 pm), Sat December 12 (1 to 6 pm), Sun December 13 (1 to 6 pm), Fri December 18 (7:30 pm), Sat December 19 (1 to 6 pm), Sun December 20 (1 to 6 pm), Thu December 24 (1 pm), Sat December 26 (1 to 6 pm) and Sun December 27 (1 to 6 pm), 2026
- Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
- Cost: Ticketed, see the event page
Details, tips and host
New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker is described as the longest running original professional production in the state, first staged in 1971. At Mayo Performing Arts Center the dancers are joined by the New Jersey Symphony, and the production features special effects, costumes and the Tchaikovsky score.
There are fifteen performances. Weekend shows are at 1 pm and 6 pm on December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, with Friday evening shows at 7:30 pm on December 11 and 18 and a 1 pm show on Thursday, December 24. Tickets are sold through the Mayo box office or online.
Parent tip: Afternoon shows on weekends are easiest for young children. For questions, call the Mayo box office at 973-539-8008.
- Host
- New Jersey Symphony (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960 (near Newark)
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas events for kids in Princeton
1 confirmed event for kids in Princeton, soonest first.
Holiday show
A Christmas Carol
- When: Tuesday, December 8, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (see the box office for show times)
- Where: McCarter Theatre Center, Matthews Theatre, Princeton
- Cost: Ticketed, see the event page
- Ages: Recommended for ages 5 and up
Details, tips and host
McCarter Theatre presents Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol in the Matthews Theatre, adapted and directed by Lauren Keating. Cameron Knight returns in the role of Scrooge, and the production includes music and stage magic.
Performances run from December 8 through December 27. The theater recommends the show for ages 5 and up. Every person, including children of any age, needs an individual ticket to enter the auditorium, and infants in arms or in strollers or carriers are not admitted. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 pm and can be reached at 609-258-2787.
Parent tip: Plan a ticket for each child, since lap seating is not allowed. Check the page or call the box office for exact show times.
- Host
- McCarter Theatre Center (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- McCarter Theatre Center, Matthews Theatre, 91 University Pl, Princeton, NJ 08540 (near Newark)
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our New Jersey Christmas train rides page.
Newark, NJ Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 7 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Newark, West Orange, Morristown and Princeton
- Season
- November 20 to December 31, 2026
- Free events
- 5
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, holiday show and holiday story time
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Newark, NJ Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on November 20; the last runs to December 27. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Meet & Greet with Santa at Turtle Back ZooWest Orange · Nov 20 to Dec 23
- Holiday Lights at Turtle Back ZooWest Orange · Nov 20 to Dec 31
- Princess Holiday Sing-Along at Turtle Back ZooWest Orange · Dec 4 to Dec 12
- A Christmas CarolPrinceton · Dec 8 to Dec 27
- New Jersey Ballet's The Nutcracker with New Jersey SymphonyMorristown · Dec 11 to Dec 27
- Community Day: Winter WonderlandNewark · Dec 12
- Don't Be A Grinch Weekend at Turtle Back ZooWest Orange · Dec 18 to Dec 20
Looking further afield? Our New Jersey Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Atlantic City, Barnegat, Brick, Vineland and Toms River. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Newark, NJ
In Newark, Christmas is a neighborhood affair. The city lights its big tree at City Hall, and then each of its five wards holds a tree lighting of its own, with Santa, carols and hot cocoa.
How Newark celebrates
Newark's biggest Christmas moment is the mayor's annual tree lighting at City Hall, which reached its 38th edition in 2023. The celebration does not stop there. Every ward holds its own: the East Ward has Santa escorted into town by the fire and police departments, the Central Ward lights a tree on Springfield Avenue with carols from Arts High School students, the South Ward hosts a Winter Wonderland Festival on Bergen Street, the West Ward decorates the Central Avenue Green, and the North Ward holds a Parade of Lights. Downtown Newark has also lit its own tree, with its 10th annual lighting in 2023.
Christmas last year in Newark
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Mayor Ras Baraka and city leaders lit the City Hall tree at 4 p.m. A seven-year-old Quitman Street School student read her own poem, the Newark Men's Chorus The Brotherhood sang Silent Night, and the cast of the community musical City of Hope performed. Santa Claus appeared too. In the North Ward, a holiday parade left Elwood Park on December 12 and ended with a tree lighting at Common Thread Park. The South Ward held its Winter Wonderland Festival on December 13, with toy and coat giveaways. Downtown Newark for the Holidays ran from November 29 to January 4.
Fun facts about Christmas in Newark
Newark's public Christmas trees go back more than a century. A Star-Ledger headline from December 31, 1913 announced that the city's New Year celebration would be held at the Christmas tree in Military Park. A downtown tree lighting in 2016 featured a 40-foot tree at Prudential Center, after about 3,000 people came the year before. Kids could meet Santa, ride a trackless train and play carnival games. At the 2023 downtown lighting, families could try ice skating and warm up with hot cocoa from food trucks. Newark Winter Village returned to Mulberry Commons in 2025 with bumper cars and heated igloos.
Traditions today
- Mayor's tree lighting at City Hall: A yearly ceremony in front of City Hall with student speakers, choirs and Santa, which reached its 38th edition in 2023.
- Ward tree lightings: Each of Newark's five wards holds its own tree lighting, from Springfield Avenue in the Central Ward to Bergen Street in the South Ward.
- North Ward Parade of Lights: A holiday parade with floats designed by local students that ends with a tree lighting at Common Thread Park.
- South Ward Winter Wonderland Festival: A Bergen Street festival with a tree lighting, entertainment and toy and coat giveaways.
- Downtown tree lighting and Winter Village: Downtown Newark lights its own tree and opens ice skating and a holiday marketplace for the season.
- Santa escorted by firefighters: In the East Ward, the fire and police departments bring Santa into town for photos and caroling.
A fact for kids
In Newark, every neighborhood gets its own Christmas tree lighting. There are five wards, so Santa has a lot of trees to visit!
Questions about Christmas in Newark, NJ
What is the biggest Christmas tradition in Newark?
The mayor's annual tree lighting at City Hall is Newark's best-known Christmas tradition. It reached its 38th edition in 2023, and it features student speakers, choirs, hot chocolate and Santa. After it, each ward holds a tree lighting of its own, so the season stretches across the whole city.
How long has Newark had a City Hall tree lighting?
The City Hall tree lighting reached its 38th annual edition in 2023, so it has run for close to four decades. The sources do not give the first year. In 2025 it took place on December 10, with a children's poem, a men's chorus and Santa Claus.
What happened at the Newark tree lighting last year?
On December 10, 2025, Mayor Ras Baraka and city leaders lit the tree at City Hall. A seven-year-old student read her own poem, The Brotherhood men's chorus sang Silent Night, and the cast of City of Hope performed a song from their holiday musical. Santa Claus joined the celebration too.
Does every Newark neighborhood have its own tree lighting?
Yes. Each of Newark's five wards hosts its own holiday event, from a parade in the North Ward to a Winter Wonderland Festival on Bergen Street in the South Ward. The East Ward has Santa escorted by firefighters, and the West Ward decorates the Central Avenue Green with a big tree.
What is the Newark North Ward holiday parade?
It is a parade of lights with floats designed by local students. In 2025 it started at Elwood Park on Friday, December 12 and ended with a tree lighting at Common Thread Park, across from The North Ward Center. Past celebrations have also included photos with Santa and hot chocolate.
What is the South Ward Winter Wonderland Festival?
It is a yearly festival on Bergen Street in Newark's South Ward with a tree lighting, seasonal treats, crafts and live entertainment. In 2025 it ran from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, and past festivals have included toy and coat giveaways for local families.
Who brings Santa to the East Ward tree lighting?
In Newark's East Ward, the East Newark Fire and Police Departments escort Santa into town for the annual Holi-day Tree Lighting. Kids can have their photo taken with him and sing along with local carolers, and the evening is a good way to see how each ward celebrates in its own style.
What is the Central Ward tree lighting on Springfield Avenue?
It is a neighborhood tree lighting on Springfield Avenue held with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Newark Ironbound. Guests get hot cocoa and listen to carols sung by students from Arts High School. Our Newark Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's details.
Is there a downtown tree lighting in Newark?
Yes. The Newark Downtown District holds its own tree lighting, which reached its 10th annual edition in 2023. It is paired with Newark Winter Village, which brings ice skating and a holiday marketplace downtown. See our Newark Christmas events guide on this page for this season's confirmed dates.
What is Newark Winter Village?
Newark Winter Village is a seasonal pop-up that opened with the downtown tree lighting in 2023 and returned to Mulberry Commons in 2025. It offers ice skating, a Holiday Marketplace with dozens of local vendors, bumper cars and heated igloos. Our Newark Christmas events guide on this page lists current details.
How big was the downtown Newark Christmas tree in 2016?
The downtown Newark tree in 2016 stood 40 feet tall at Prudential Center's Championship Plaza. The lighting came with a free concert, a synthetic ice rink, a trackless train and photos with Santa. Organizers noted that about 3,000 people had attended the previous year's event.
Did Newark have a Christmas tree in Military Park long ago?
Yes. A Star-Ledger headline from December 31, 1913 said the city's New Year celebration would be held at the Christmas tree in Military Park. It shows that Newark has gathered around a public holiday tree for more than a century, though the full article text was not available to us.
How can I explain Newark's ward tree lightings to my child?
Tell your child that Newark is one big city made of five neighborhoods called wards, and each one lights its own Christmas tree. Santa visits many of them, and neighbors share hot cocoa, carols and cookies. Kids enjoy counting how many trees they have seen and picking a favorite.
What food and drinks are part of Newark tree lightings?
Hot chocolate is the classic treat at Newark tree lightings. The City Hall ceremony in 2023 served it, the Central Ward lighting offers hot cocoa and the North Ward celebration often has hot chocolate and treats at Common Thread Park. Downtown, food trucks join the fun at the Winter Village.
Does Newark have a Christmas parade?
Yes. The North Ward's Holiday Parade of Lights is the best-known parade, with floats designed by local students. In 2025 it ran on Friday, December 12 and finished at Common Thread Park with a tree lighting. For this season's confirmed route and times, see our Newark Christmas events guide on this page.
Where can kids go ice skating at Christmas in Newark?
Newark Winter Village has been the city's holiday skating spot, with a rink downtown that opens alongside the tree lighting. In 2025 it ran at Mulberry Commons from November 29 through January 4, with Learn to Skate sessions on Saturday mornings. Our Newark Christmas events guide on this page has the latest details.
Can kids meet Santa in Newark?
Yes, in several places. Santa joined the City Hall ceremony in 2025, rides in with firefighters in the East Ward and appears at the North Ward celebration. Winter Village also offers Santa photos on select weekends. Check our Newark Christmas events guide on this page for this season's schedule.
Why is Christmas in Newark so neighborhood based?
Newark is divided into five wards, and each ward hosts its own holiday event. That means the celebration happens close to home, with local students singing and local groups like the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club helping out. The result is a season of many small celebrations alongside the big City Hall lighting.
Who performs at Newark tree lightings?
Local students and community groups perform. In 2025 a men's chorus called The Brotherhood sang Silent Night and the cast of City of Hope performed, while Arts High School students sing carols at the Central Ward lighting. In 2016, the downtown event even featured a free R&B concert.
What is new at Newark Winter Village in 2025?
New in 2025 were upgraded igloos for couples and groups, adult beverage options, and weekend live music and DJs, including collaborations with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Wednesdays were Community Days with discounted admission for Newark residents. Entry is free, but skating and igloos need reservations.
Sources
- Newark holiday tree lighting event will return for 2025, Patch
- Newark to host 38th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Dec. 5 at city hall, Jersey Bee
- Holidays around the wards, Destination Newark
- Tree lighting ceremony, Winter Village kick off holiday festivities in Newark, News 12 New Jersey
- Downtown annual tree lighting celebration and concert, City of Newark
- Downtown Newark for the Holidays spotlights Winter Village, ROI-NJ
- 2025 holiday events in Newark: parade, tree lighting, festival, Patch
- City Is Ready To Greet New Year (The Star-Ledger, Dec. 31, 1913), Ukrainian History and Education Center
- Downtown Newark transforms into a winter wonderland, New Jersey Stage
Newark, NJ Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Newark, NJ this year?
We confirmed 7 for the 2026 season, and 5 of them are free. Good places to start: Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange (Nov 20 to Dec 31), Community Day: Winter Wonderland (Dec 12) and A Christmas Carol in Princeton (Dec 8 to Dec 27). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Newark, NJ?
Yes, 5 of the 7. Two worth planning around: Meet & Greet with Santa at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange (Nov 20 to Dec 23) and Princess Holiday Sing-Along at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange (Dec 4 to Dec 12). Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in Newark, NJ?
Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Are there Christmas story times for kids in Newark, NJ?
Yes. Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.
Is anything on for kids in Newark, NJ on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes, three events run on Christmas Eve or later. Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange runs through Dec 31 and A Christmas Carol in Princeton runs through Dec 27.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 3 of the 7 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Newark, NJ?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Newark, NJ Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.