The 10 Best Holiday Events for Seniors in New Jersey

The 10 Best Holiday Events for Seniors in New Jersey

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and making cherished memories with loved ones. For older adults in senior living, getting out and celebrating the holidays with family and friends can help combat loneliness and isolation that may set in during the winter months.

At My Living Choice, we understand the importance of finding seniors the right home that suits their lifestyle and interests, including having the ability to visit with family and explore their new community. If you or a loved one is residing in an Allendale nursing home, take advantage of the many exciting holiday events happening in New Jersey this month.

Create lasting moments of happiness and connection this holiday season by exploring free activities, drive-through light shows, and holiday fun for the whole family!

Free Activities

Horse and Carriage Rides in Ocean City:

For a touch of nostalgia and charm, Ocean City offers free horse and carriage rides on Saturdays through December 23. Seniors and their families can take a leisurely ride through the festively decorated streets and relish the holiday atmosphere. The rides are first-come, first-serve and are offered between 12-3 p.m.

Holiday Light Show in Smithville:

Smithville offers a free holiday light show that's perfect for an evening outing with family. In addition to watching a magical display of over 100 Christmas trees floating on Lake Meone, families can enjoy a wide variety of shops, eateries, a carousel ride, and even a train ride. Smithville’s holiday light show occurs between 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through January 6, 2024.

Drive-Thru Displays

Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland in West Berlin:

Running until January 1, 2024, the Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland is a magical experience that seniors and their families can enjoy from the comfort of their cars. With dazzling lights, festive music, and enchanting displays, this 1-mile drive-thru course is a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Diggerland’s holiday drive-thru display is available on select dates from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $34.95 and can be purchased online.

Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru in East Brunswick:

Seniors can experience the Winter WonderLights drive-thru light display in East Brunswick daily through December 31 for only $30 per car. It's a mesmerizing journey through a world of holiday magic that's sure to delight all ages.

Enjoy more than 1.5 million lights synchronized to holiday music favorites playing in your car. Bundle up, stock up on snacks, and experience larger than life holiday displays during this half-mile long drive. Winter WonderLights is open seven days a week from 5:30-10:00 p.m.

PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights in Holmdel:

With daily displays until December 30, the PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights is an extravagant light show that will leave everyone in awe. Seniors can enjoy the enchanting drive-through experience complete with LED technology and digital animation which is sure to ignite the holiday spirit.

The Magic of Lights display is open Sunday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m. Prices start at $20.

Orchard of Lights in Hillsdale:

Running on select dates through December 29, the Orchard of Lights in Hillsdale is a hidden gem just a few miles away for those staying in an Allendale nursing home. Seniors can take a leisurely stroll through 32 acres of this magical orchard adorned with thousands of twinkling holiday lights. 

After exploring the orchard, have some hot cocoa and sweet treats in the on-site market and enjoy holiday fun such as taking pictures with Santa, listening to singing reindeer, and making s’mores. Tickets are $35 per car and must be booked online.

Skylands Stadium Light Show and Christmas Village in Augusta:

Through December 30, Skylands Stadium presents a breathtaking light show and dazzling Christmas village. In addition to a mile-long drive-thru course featuring a winter wonderland of glittering displays, seniors and their families can enjoy fun activities, savor seasonal treats, take memory-making photos, and much more.

The Skylands Stadium Light Show and Christmas Village is open on select dates from 5-10 p.m. with tickets starting at $29.

Family Fun for All Ages

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express in Hammonton:

Until December 23, DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express offers a delightful journey filled with holiday cheer. Seniors and their families can hop on a train ride through millions of brilliant lights and enjoy the scenic views, meet Santa and his elves, and explore his workshop. 

In addition to photo ops and meet and greets with Santa, guests can enjoy stories and photos with Mrs. Claus, stop by the holiday movie tent, and savor delicious holiday treats. It's an ideal event for creating cherished family memories.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! For an additional fee, families can add on a game of bowling. The Magic Holiday Express is available on select dates from 4:45-9:00 p.m. and costs $19.95 ($24.95 on Saturdays).

Morven's Festival of Trees in Princeton:

Morven's Festival of Trees runs until January 7, 2024, and it's a must-visit for seniors who appreciate art and history. Stroll through the beautifully decorated museum and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Morven’s annual winter exhibition, Festival of Trees, has become a must-see holiday tradition. Come enjoy the museum’s elegant galleries, mantels, and porches artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and nonprofit organizations. 10:00am to 4:00pm ET Age: All. Price: $10; free up to 6. 

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House in Fanwood:

Running daily through January 8, 2024, Fanwood's Famous Christmas House is a New Jersey treasure. This spectacular display includes a 30,000-light display, contributing to a festive holiday experience. The display lights up daily from dusk until 10 p.m.

While the display is free, monetary donations are accepted to support the NJ Institute for Disabilities. Give back this holiday season by supporting a great cause while sharing a family trip to Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House. Donations may be deposited in the dropbox by the display or online at www.njid.org

Find Senior Living that Makes Sense

These ten holiday events across New Jersey provide the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories and sharing moments of joy with loved ones. Enjoy the festivities and make this holiday season a truly special one for your senior loved ones.

At My Living Choice, we believe that seniors should have the opportunity to embrace the holiday season with their families. When looking for an Allendale nursing home, it’s important to find a community with services that are important to you, such as opportunities for loved ones to visit, exciting community activities, and outings to local events.

Are you ready to find a senior living community that makes sense for you? Reach out today to start your search

  • Senior Activities,
  • December 01, 2023
  • By Admin