NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Downtown New Brunswick has transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season, offering a month-long lineup of festive events and activities from December 1 through December 31.
The holiday season kicked off with the “Miracle on George Street” on November 24, and the celebration continues with the dazzling Holiday Tree Lighting on December 1. Visitors can enjoy an array of attractions, including musical performances, ice skating, and a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, bringing holiday cheer to all ages.
Key highlights include “A Magical Cirque Christmas,” a dazzling production blending circus artistry with holiday spirit, and the Festival of Trees, showcasing beautifully decorated displays. Families can embrace the magic of the season with horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, and classic holiday performances such as “The Nutcracker.”
For music lovers, the lineup includes “SoulTown to Motown,” along with rock-inspired holiday shows, while comedy fans can enjoy the laughter-filled Holiday Comedy Jam! As the year comes to a close, New Brunswick will ring in the New Year with “Salute to Vienna” and other celebratory events on New Year’s Eve.
With something for everyone, New Brunswick’s Winter Wonderland promises a memorable holiday experience throughout December. Event costs vary, and visitors are encouraged to check the downtown website for specific details and ticketing information.
FULL SCHEDULE:
- STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY HOLIDAY DRIVE – NOV. 23D – DEC. 22ND
- VIRTUAL TOY DRIVE BENEFITING THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT PETER’S – NOV. 26TH – DEC. 24TH
- JACK DANIEL’S BARREL TREE (OPERATION RIDE HOME) – NOV. 29-DEC. 31ST
- GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST – DEC. 3RD-DEC. 31ST
- HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING – DEC. 5TH
- BOBBY WILSON “MR. ENTERTAINMENT” AND THE CHICLETTES –DEC. 5TH
- NGXB (CLASSICAL CROSSOVER PIANIST) – DEC. 5TH
- AN EVENING WITH CHEVY CHASE & NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION – DEC. 5TH
- ICE SKATING AT MONUMENT SQUARE PARK – DEC. 5TH, 6TH & 7TH
- OPEN-AIR CINEMA AT MONUMENT SQUARE PARK – DEC. 5TH, 6TH, & 7TH
- AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FOUNDATION’S 36TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES – DEC. 7TH
- HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH EVAN HOFER AND KATEY MACMULLEN! – DEC. 7TH
- SEASONAL TRADITIONS HOLIDAY PROGRAM – DEC. 7TH
- THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT WITH NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY – DEC. 8TH
- MERCADO ESPERANZA HOLIDAY MARKET & CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING – DEC. 8TH
- HOLIDAY SPIRITS – DEC. 10TH
- A VERY MERRY BRUNSWICK – DEC. 13TH
- CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND – DEC. 14TH
- HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES – DEC. 14TH, 15TH, 17TH, 19TH & 21ST
- HUNGARIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET – DEC. 14TH
- RUTGERS BIG CHILL 5K – DEC. 14TH
- ANNUAL HOLIDAY COMEDY JAM – DEC. 18TH
- THE NUTCRACKER–DEC. 20TH, 21ST & 22ND
- SALVATION ARMY NEW BRUNSWICK – TBD
- COMMUNITY KWANZAA CELEBRATION – DEC. 19TH
- SELFIES WITH SANTA – DEC. 21ST
- KEN KRANTZ’ CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR – DEC. 26TH
- SALUTE TO VIENNA NEW YEAR’S CONCERT – DEC. 31ST
- NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS & PARTIES – DEC. 31ST
- NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA – DEC. 31ST
- AMBOY BANK FOOD DRIVE – UNTIL DEC. 31ST