Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend: November 28-November 30
New Jersey comes alive with festive spirit this Thanksgiving weekend.
New Jersey comes alive with festive spirit this Thanksgiving weekend. From the Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting in Princeton to Historic Smithville's Dickens Fest and Christmas at the Hangar in Cape May, communities across the state will celebrate the season with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting
- What: Community start to the holiday season
- When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: On the Green at Palmer Square, 40 Nassau St., Princeton
- Cost: Free
The Palmer Square Annual Tree Lighting returns to Princeton, bringing a joyful start to the holiday season. Guests can enjoy live music from Epic Soul and the Princeton High School Choir, a dazzling ice carving demonstration, and the energetic sounds of Dueling Pianos. The evening builds to the grand tree lighting, filling the square with festive cheer, sparkling lights, and a touch of magic. Santa may also make a surprise visit to delight guests of all ages.
Historic Smithville's Dickens Fest
- What: A festive outdoor celebration of Dickensian holiday magic
- When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the Holiday Light Show each evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Historic Smithville, 15 E. Moss Mill Road, Smithville
- Cost: Free
Historic Smithville's Dickens Fest brings the magic of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to life with a free, family-friendly outdoor musical performed by the Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company and local community actors. Visitors can enjoy festive sing-alongs, explore more than 50 specialty shops, dine at historic restaurants, and take rides on the Smithville Train and Carousel. As evening sets in, the celebrations will conclude with the remarkable Holiday Lights Show, featuring 120 lighted, floating trees on Lake Meone that dance in sync to wonderful Christmas music.
Christmas at the Hangar
- What: A historic hangar transformed into a holiday wonderland
- When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May
- Cost: Free admission, but some activities may have an associated fee
Join the festive fun at Christmas at the Hangar hosted by the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, where a WWII-era aircraft hangar transforms into a holiday wonderland. This free event features live music, a visit from Santa, artisan vendors, crafts for children, free hot cocoa and cookies, and photo ops in a uniquely historic setting.
Other Events
New Jersey's weekend lineup shines with variety, from dazzling light displays and rock shows to laugh-out-loud comedy. Whether you're in the mood for holiday magic, live music, or stand-up entertainment, there's something to keep every night bright and full of energy:
- Magic of Lights: Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at PNC Bank Arts Center, 16 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel
- Spinestock 5: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Debonair Music Hall, 1409 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck
- Tammy Pescatelli: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Bananas Comedy Club, Renaissance Hotel, 801 Rutherford Ave., Rutherford
