14 Winter Festive Activities in Essex County

The first cold day of the season arrived quietly. A soft chill wrapped the neighborhood, and the familiar sparkle of winter lights began to glow across front porches. Families wandered outdoors with warm drinks, ready to find moments that felt cheerful and shared. This is the feeling that guides every winter adventure, inviting parents and kids to discover events that bring joy to the colder months. Many families who search for kids classes in Jersey City also look for winter experiences nearby. Essex County fills the season with celebrations that feel welcoming, cozy and memorable.

Below are 14 winter festive activities that make Essex County shine.

1. The Ballantine House Holiday Installation

Location: Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102
Date: November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Time:

More info: newarkmuseumart.org
Prices:

Details:

Visitors walk through rooms filled with vintage holiday charm. Stepping into The Ballantine House is like time travel. The holiday installation offers a fascinating look at how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century, complete with period decorations. This activity combines history and holiday cheer, offering an educational yet festive outing that provides wonderful context for today's traditions.

2. Montclair Holiday Flea Market 

Location: 1 Lackawanna Plaza Montclair, NJ, 07042

Date: Nov 29 - Dec 28, 2025

Time: 11am-6pm

More info: montclairflea.com/events/

Details:

The Montclair Holiday Flea Market provides a unique, sheltered environment for holiday shopping, supporting local artisans and small businesses. This activity, conducted by the Montclair Flea organization, is important for finding distinctive, non-commercial gifts, fostering an appreciation for handmade crafts and local entrepreneurship that is often missing from major retail experiences. It is particularly useful for parents looking for unique kids classes or craft vendors. The indoor setting ensures a comfortable experience regardless of the winter weather.

3. Seton Hall’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Location: Seton Hall University, 400 S Orange Ave, South Orange Village, NJ, 07079

Date: Tue, Dec 2, 2025

Time: 6 pm

More info: patch.com/new-jersey/southorange/calendar/event

Details:

The annual tree lighting is a classic, large-scale community gathering that signifies the start of the holiday season, often conducted by Seton Hall University. This specific activity brings a sense of grand tradition and shared public joy, offering live performances and treats like hot cocoa to create a festive atmosphere that is accessible to everyone in the South Orange and wider Essex County area. It's a wonderful, free way to enjoy the festive spirit with neighbors. For families in the area, it's a staple of the holiday calendar.

4. Verona's 28th Annual Fair in the Square

Location: The Civic Center (town hall), 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona NJ

Date: Saturday Dec. 6, 2025

Time: 12pm-5pm

Email: [email protected]

More info: web.facebook.com/photo?

Details:

This long-running annual activity is the definitive community celebration in Verona, offering a comprehensive afternoon of traditional holiday fun for all ages. It is primarily conducted by the township and its local merchants, combining the joy of meeting Santa with local entertainment and the excitement of a tree lighting ceremony, which is a perfect festive conclusion to a weekend outing. The blend of food, vendors, and performances makes it a one-stop destination for family fun, saving families from having to travel to multiple locations in Essex County.

5. Maplewood Dickens Village

Location: Ricalton Square Maplewood, NJ

Date & Time

Opening Day: Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival
December 6 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Horse and Wagon Rides & Petting Farm Day 

December 13 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Horse and Wagon Rides Day

December 20 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Phone: 973-762-4556

Email: [email protected]

More info: maplewoodvillagenj.com/dickens-village

Details:

Maplewood Dickens Village offers a charming, multi-weekend holiday experience that immerses visitors in a quaint, historic atmosphere, creating a true sense of place and tradition. This popular activity is conducted by the Maplewood Village Alliance and includes unique offerings like petting farms and horse-drawn wagon rides. It is essential for families looking for diverse, continuous holiday engagement beyond just a single day, and the opening day tree lighting is an especially memorable experience for children across Essex County.

6. Kids Christmas Cookie Class

Location: Waffles and Dreams, 653 US-46, Fairfield, NJ 07004

Date: Dec 6 and 13, 2025

Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (EST)

Phone: 973-888-9233

More info: allevents.in/fairfield/kids-christmas-cookie-class

Details:

A cookie decorating class is a perfect hands-on culinary adventure. It allows children to work creatively and results in a tasty treat to take home. Parents who have explored various kids classes know that these types of themed workshops are ideal for short bursts of focused fun and skill-building.

7. Elf Storytime at MBC

Location: Montclair Book Center 221 Glenridge Ave. Montclair NJ, 07042

Date: Saturday, Dec 06, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Phone: 973-783-3630

Email: [email protected]

More info: montclairbookcenter.com

Details:

Storytime at an independent bookstore is a cozy, low-key way to spend an afternoon. This festive reading, featuring a North Pole guest, encourages literacy and imagination. It’s a great example of an engaging, free community event that parents are always on the lookout for, especially those who struggle to find enriching kids classes or drop-in activities. Children can gather for warm and whimsical tales that spark imagination. It is a relaxed, festive afternoon perfect for young readers.

8. Essex County Holiday House Tour

Location: Montclair History Center, 110 Orange Road Montclair, NJ, 07042
Date and Time:

More info: montclairhistory.org
Details:

Families wander at their own pace through a historic home filled with seasonal charm. It feels like a step back in time, with decorations that tell stories of winter celebrations long ago. This historic house tour offers a peek into the holiday's past within a beautifully preserved landmark. Wandering through the decorated rooms provides a peaceful and visually stunning experience, perfect for adults and older children interested in architecture and local heritage. It’s a quintessential holiday outing.

9. Sensory and Autism Friendly Santa Event

Location: 198 Bellevue Avenue Montclair, NJ 07043

Date: Saturday December 6, 2025

Time: 10am-3:30pm

More info: Eventbrite link
Details:

This thoughtful event ensures that all children can experience the joy of meeting Santa in a calm, welcoming, and judgment-free environment. By offering a sensory-friendly setting with reserved slots, it addresses a crucial need for many families, making a holiday milestone accessible to everyone. This welcoming Santa experience is created with care and calmness. Every child receives space and time to enjoy their moment in a supportive setting.

10. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Play

Location: Lacordaire Academy, 155 Lorraine Ave. Montclair, NJ 07043

Date: Thursday December 11, 2025

Time: 7-8:30pm

More info: ticketleap.events/tickets/lacordaire-academy 

Details:

Attending this play is an excellent way to introduce children to the magic of live theater outside of the major metropolitan venues. The activity, a production of a widely loved and humorous holiday story, provides valuable cultural exposure and supports local students or community arts programs, offering a more intimate setting than larger commercial shows. This type of activity is often conducted by local schools or community drama groups, making it a truly neighborhood event. It encourages appreciation for storytelling and dramatic arts.

11. Elf Trivia

Location: 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange NJ 07052

Date: Thursday December 11, 2025

Time: 6:30pm to 8pm EST

More info: eventbrite.com/e/elf-trivia-tickets 

Details:

This activity is a fantastic way to engage older children and teens in a festive, intellectually stimulating environment that encourages teamwork and friendly competition. Unlike passive entertainment, Elf Trivia requires recall and collaboration, making a simple movie night into a fun mental workout that is often conducted by local restaurants or community event organizers. This gives parents an excellent option for evening fun when they are running out of ideas, and it is a unique offering in Essex County. It serves as a great social gathering and memory-building event.

12. Ally’s Elves

Location: Verona Community Center, Ballroom 880 Bloomfield Ave Verona, NJ

Date: December 13, 2025

Time: 11am-3pm

More info: cornerstonemontclair.com
Details:

Ally’s Elves is an excellent way to teach children the importance of giving back. This activity encourages creative expression through art and crafts, all while instilling a strong sense of community and empathy by crafting heartfelt messages for local seniors. It’s a free, drop-in activity that fosters kindness. This meaningful event lets families brighten someone else’s holiday through thoughtful handmade cards.

13. The Nutcracker

Location: 1 E Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States

Date and Time:

More info: web.facebook.com/events/montclair-state-university 

Details:

 A timeless holiday tradition, seeing The Nutcracker is a rite of passage for many families. The beautiful costumes, enchanting music, and classical ballet of this performance in Montclair provide a dose of cultural enrichment and pure seasonal splendor. It’s an elegant, exciting evening event that truly captures the spirit of the season. This elegant performance brings the beloved winter tale to life with music, movement and magical staging.

14. Disney on Ice Mickey’s Search Party

Location: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St. Newark, NJ 07102 
Date and Time:

More info: prucenter.com/disney-on-ice
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This spectacular ice show brings the magic of Disney right to Newark. Families can settle into this colorful performance where every glide connects to a magical story. The incredible skill of figure skaters, combined with the iconic characters, makes this an unforgettable experience for the whole family. It offers a wonderful break from the cold and is a fantastic way to introduce children to the performing arts in an exciting format, a memorable outing that kids of all ages look forward to.

Plan Your Season of Wonder

The holiday season in Essex County, New Jersey, is a delightful mix of classic holiday cheer and local community engagement. From theatrical performances in Montclair to unique community service activities in Verona, there is an abundance of activities to keep children entertained and learning.

Finding the perfect balance of festive outings and enriching extracurriculars can be simplified. Wondrfly provides the resources for parents who are looking for extracurricular activities for their kids, helping you discover and book the best seasonal fun and ongoing kids classes in Jersey City to make this winter break the most joyful and productive one yet.

For more inspiration and helpful resources for parents, Wondrfly is here to guide you every step of the way.