A NEW JERSEY With towns and communities hosting a range of seasonal markets and fairs this weekend that provide one-of-a-kind gifts, locally crafted goods, and family-friendly activities, holiday cheer is spreading throughout the Garden State.
Rahway is hosting two days of festive fun at the Downtown Rahway Holiday Markets. The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall Plaza on Friday marked the beginning of the festival, which also featured family-friendly attractions including bumper cars, face painting, and bounce houses. A parade and the Shop Rahway Pop-Up Market, which featured handcrafted products from regional craftsmen, were part of the celebrations. Additional shopping options will be available on Saturday at the Cherry Street Market & Pop-Ups, and youngsters with special needs can have a sensory-friendly Santa encounter at the Rahway Recreation Center.
Inspired by the traditional Weihnachtsmarkts in Germany, Asbury Park is staging its well-liked Holiday Bazaar once more. The event, which was named the greatest holiday market in New Jersey by Food & Wine, includes festive food and drink, Santa photographs, artisan crafts, and seasonal music. From Friday through Sunday, the major bazaar is held in the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall. On Sunday, there is also an event at The Asbury Hotel.
The historic Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton is being transformed into a Christmas paradise with the Winter Village and Festival of Trees. In addition to perusing more than 40 artisan booths and taking in the holiday lights and décor throughout the grounds, guests can examine decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces that are up for raffle.
Other noteworthy occasions are Christmas at the Hangar in Cape May, which is held at the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, and the Off the Wall Holiday Market in Princeton Junction, which features handcrafted goods and fine art. The latter provides live music, kid-friendly craft stalls, Santa photo opportunities, and Christmas delights like complimentary hot chocolate. A carefully chosen collection of 75 local artists and artisans will be on display at the Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market in Holmdel, offering a wide variety of one-of-a-kind presents.
The Grounds For Sculpture Artisan Holiday Market in Hamilton features more than 40 artists offering handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and gourmet delicacies for visitors looking for an immersive experience. In addition, visitors may take in the 42-acre sculpture park, eat at the acclaimed Rat’s Restaurant, and sip on seasonal fare and beverages.
Other holiday shopping options include the Montclair Flea Holiday Market, which offers handcrafted and vintage items, and the Bergenfield High School Holiday Flea Market, which offers reasonably priced crafts, collectibles, and stocking stuffers. The AWA Pawliday Winter Wonderland, a fun event that honors the Animal Welfare Association and celebrates the season with pets, is another reason for families to visit Voorhees.
The Monmouth Moms Holiday Fair at Bell Works will be Holmdel’s next big event on Sunday. Santa photographs, live music, face painting, and more than 80 holiday vendors are all part of this family-friendly event. To help the Friends of JJ organization, guests are urged to donate toys and gift cards.
This weekend’s holiday festivities in New Jersey, which range from lively artisan markets to welcoming community fairs, have something to offer everyone. It’s the perfect opportunity to support small businesses and embrace the spirit of the season.
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