Holiday Parades, Festivities Begin: Events This Weekend Around NJ

NEW JERSEY — Looking for something fun to do in New Jersey this weekend with family, or to get you moving after all that Thanksgiving dinner? The calendar is packed with local events on this last weekend in November, as we head into the 2023 holiday season.

Here's a look at what Patch found on the events calendar around the Garden State this Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 25 and 26).

The Gingerbread House Contest in Highland Park is going on Saturday — if you didn't plan to enter, you can still vote on which home architects and decorators crafted the best gingerbread structure. In-person voting starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. during the Highland Park Night Owl Market, featuring artisan gifts and live music from 4-8 p.m. (Read more on Patch.)

Woodbridge Township's Winterfest and Light Parade are this Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. with the light parade at 6 p.m. There will also be an artisan ornament giveaway from 4-6 at Gallery on Main, and plenty of holiday vendors and kids' crafts along with Christmas carols and a visit from Santa Claus himself. (Read more on Patch.)

Hayrides, storytelling, a trackless train, food and drink, and general cheer are coming to a park in Bergen County this weekend. The Ridgewood Guild's free "Winterfest" is Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., also featuring music, ice sculptures, and storytelling. (Read more on Patch.)

It's time to hit the rink in South Jersey - WinterFest Ice Skating returns this weekend at Cooper River Park in Camden County, running through Feb. 25. The rink's park location is near the corner of Cuthbert Boulevard and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill, and you can rent skates to glide on the ice. (Read more on Patch.)

A winter wonderland awaits, as the Morristown Green Christmas Festival begins with Santa's arrival on Sunday at 5 p.m. For over a century, generations of residents and visitors have come to the heart of downtown Morristown to experience the magic of the holiday season. This year, residents should look for a new centerpiece tree on the Green, and the Santa House has also been refurbished for the holidays. (Read more on Patch.)