Once Thanksgiving wraps up, New Jersey pretty much jumps straight into Christmas mode. Towns start holding their tree lightings, and most of them come with music, Santa and small activities for families. Here are 21 Christmas tree lighting events happening across the Garden State.

Woodbridge Winterfest & Light Parade

Woodbridge hosts a holiday stroll, a light parade for kids and lots of vendors before the tree lighting. Santa also makes an appearance.
Date & Time: November 29, 4 p.m. (tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: Woodbridge, NJ

Westfield Christmas Tree Lighting

Westfield lights its tree with carolers, music and a visit from Santa. Many families stop to take pictures on the lawn.
Date & Time: November 29, 5–7 p.m.
Location: Westfield, NJ

Cape May County Zoo Tree Lighting

The Cape May County Zoo has characters, music and activities all afternoon. The tree lights at 5 p.m., and a drone show ends the night.
Date & Time: November 29, 2–6 p.m. (tree lighting at 5 p.m.)
Location: Cape May Court House, NJ

Bordentown City Christmas Tree Lighting

Bordentown has student performances and Santa arriving on a fire truck. After the tree lights, children can take pictures with Santa at Old City Hall.
Date & Time: November 29, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Location: Bordentown, NJ

Morristown Christmas Tree Lighting

Santa arrives at the Green to start Morristown’s holiday festival. There are carolers, ice sculpting and the lighting of the big tree.
Date & Time: November 29, 5 p.m.
Location: Morristown, NJ

Metuchen Winter Festival Parade & Tree Lighting

Metuchen’s parade goes through downtown and ends with the tree lighting on the plaza. Families stay afterward for photos with Santa.
Date & Time: November 30, parade at 4 p.m.; tree lighting immediately after
Location: Metuchen, NJ

Dover Christmas Tree Lighting

Dover lights its community tree at JFK Park with music, activities and a visit from Santa.
Date & Time: December 1, 7 p.m.
Location: Dover, NJ

Somerville Holiday Tree Lighting

Somerville fills Division Street with music, in-store events and trolley rides. The Sharpe Family Singers perform before the tree lights.
Date & Time: December 1, 5 p.m.
Location: Somerville, NJ

Howell Christmas Tree Lighting

Howell’s event includes student performances, games, inflatables and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Date & Time: December 2, 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Howell Township, NJ

Aberdeen Christmas Tree Lighting

Aberdeen offers wagon rides, character visits and crafts before the tree lighting. Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos.
Date & Time: December 3, 6–8:30 p.m.
Location: Aberdeen Township, NJ

Asbury Park Christmas Tree Lighting

Asbury Park lights its tree in Fireman’s Park with music, treats and a visit from Santa.
Date & Time: December 5, 5 p.m.
Location: Asbury Park, NJ

Ridgewood Christmas Tree Lighting

Ridgewood has live performers and kids’ activities leading up to the tree lighting at 6:45 p.m. Many families arrive early for the fun.
Date & Time: December 5, 6–9 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:45 p.m.)
Location: Ridgewood, NJ

Toms River Christmas Tree Lighting

Toms River hosts live entertainment, children’s activities and Santa’s visit before the tree lights on Washington Street.
Date & Time: December 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Toms River, NJ

Union Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting

Union turns Town Hall into a Winter Wonderland with vendors, entertainment and kids’ activities. The tree lights during the evening program.
Date & Time: December 5, 5–9:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 7:15 p.m.)
Location: Union Township, NJ

Eatontown Christmas Tree Lighting

Eatontown holds its annual tree lighting at Borough Hall with photos with Santa and family activities.
Date & Time: December 5, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Eatontown, NJ

Westwood Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting

Westwood’s holiday parade steps off at 6 p.m. and is followed by the town’s tree lighting, carolers and a visit from Santa.
Date & Time: December 6, parade at 6 p.m.; tree lighting follows
Location: Downtown Westwood, NJ

Long Branch City Hall Tree Lighting

Long Branch hosts student performances, Santa visits and refreshments before the tree lights outside City Hall.
Date & Time: December 6, 5 p.m.
Location: Long Branch, NJ

Upper Montclair Tree Lighting

St. James Church hosts the Upper Montclair tree lighting with performances, kids’ crafts and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Date & Time: December 7, 5–7 p.m.
Location: Montclair, NJ

Hoboken Christmas Tree Lighting

Hoboken lights its city tree on the 11th Street island with performances, holiday treats and community activities.
Date & Time: December 11, 5–6:30 p.m.
Location:  Hoboken, NJ

Gloucester Township Christmas Village & Tree Lighting

Veterans Park has a holiday market with food trucks, live music and Santa photos. The tree lights at 6:30 p.m.
Date & Time: December 13, activities from 3 p.m.; tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Gloucester Township, NJ

Wildwood Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting

Wildwood’s Convention Center has crafts, performances and activities all day, ending with the tree lighting at 4 p.m.
Date & Time: December 13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (tree lighting at 4 p.m.)
Location: Wildwood, NJ