The skeletons have gone back to their coffins in the basement, and high notes of Mariah Carey and twinkle lights have begun popping up on every street corner to help usher in the holiday spirit. But there’s nothing to get in the candy cane feels like a jolly old outing. Lucky for us, some of the most unique holiday destinations and activities happen right here in New Jersey. Whether you’re looking to time travel to Christmas Past in Cape May, scare yourself off the naughty list at the Krampus Festival, or speed along on the Polar Express, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas activities and destinations in New Jersey for you and yours to enjoy this holiday season. Read on to learn more about Christmas-themed activities in New Jersey.

A Christmas Carol | 91 University Place, Princeton + 36 Madison Avenue, Madison + 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

December 4th-29th

It’s all your favorite characters: Scrooge, Marley, Tiny Tim, and the Ghost of Christmas Future…okay, maybe not him. Either way, we love to catch Charles Dickens’ timeless classic this time of year to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Joel McKinnon Miller returns to the McCarter Theater Center from December 10th-29th to reprise his role of Ebenezer Scrooge as he leads audiences on a journey through Christmas past, present, and future. The Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey is also performing the play at the F.M. Kirby Theater in Madison from December 4th-29th. Or for a unique twist on the tale, the State Theater of New Jersey presents The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert on December 8th with a screening of the movie The Muppet Christmas Carol starring Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, with the New Jersey Symphony playing the score live.

Read More: New Holiday Pop-Up Shop, From Italy, With Love, Opens in Montclair

Christmas Markets | Various Locations

All throughout New Jersey, Christmas markets and holiday pop-ups are making their annual appearances. From a traditional Dickens Village to Montclair’s Holiday Flea Market and Miracles on quite a few different streets, peruse the stalls to find that perfect gift or warm up with a glass of mulled wine and cheery carols. Sometimes we just need a bit of that holiday spirit to lift our mood. Check out The Montclair Girl’s roundup here to plan your holiday market outing.

Krampus Asbury Park Festival | 600 Block of Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park

December 6th-8th | 1PM-8PM

Photo Credit: Krampus Asbury Park Festival

It’s the Christmas festival for everyone on the Naughty List. Hailing from Alpine folklore, Krampus is the creepy sidekick to St. Nick, who takes care of all the kids who didn’t make it on the Nice List — by dragging them into the woods and eating them (no wonder German kids are so well-behaved). The Paranormal Books + Curiosities shop in Asbury Park has been hosting the Krampus Asbury Park Festival for the past nine years with a weekend full of festivities and frightful fun, including parades, gingerbread house contests, Krampus caroling, mask-making, a reading of the Naughty List (you can nominate your friend to be on the list here), and even a Lauf. What’s a Lauf, you say? It’s when the Krampuses are set loose to chase the kids, and the winner is determined by your screams. Don’t worry, it’s family-friendly, and no children have been eaten by a Krampus. Yet.

The Polar Express | Whippany Station, 1 Railroad Plaza, Hanover

Through December 30th

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride (@thepolarexpresswhippany)

 

All aboard! Inspired by the classic Christmas book, passengers aboard the Polar Express are in for a magical ride when they step onto the train at Whippany Station. Prepare to be delighted by a cast of festive actors, sing Christmas carols, drink hot chocolate, dine on Walker’s Shortbread served by dancing chefs, listen to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story, and meet Santa Claus, who boards the train to give the First Gift of Christmas and meet families. It’s a heartwarming ride and a memorable way to ring in the holidays. Pajamas are highly encouraged.

 

The Nutcracker | 91 University Place, Princeton + 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood + 100 South Street, Morristown

November 29th-December 26th

Is it even Christmas if you don’t attend at least one performance of The Nutcracker ballet? New Jersey certainly doesn’t think so, as there is more than one ballet troupe providing Jersey audiences with a jubilant display of sugar plum fairies, mouse kings, and nightgown-clad Claras. Head to Princeton to see the American Repertory Ballet and over 100 children from the Princeton Ballet School dance a spectacle at the Matthews Theater (of the McCarter Theatre Center) from November 29th-December 1st. The New Jersey Ballet also takes on Tchaikowsky’s classic tale at the Bergen Performing Arts Center on December 7th + 8th. Then, they team up with the New Jersey Symphony in Morristown at the Mayo Performing Arts Center from December 13th-26th. 

Storybook Land | 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township

November 16th-December 30th

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Family-run and operated since 1955, Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township is practically a South Jersey heritage site, but it is Christmas time that truly brings out the fairytale of Storybook Land. With over one million twinkle lights, the park ignites into ‘A Christmas Fantasy with Lights’ with a wave of Santa’s wand at dusk. Kids young and old can visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause, take a ride on Santa’s flying sleigh, and experience the magic and wonder of the holiday season. Limited event tickets are available online only.

A Victorian Christmas | Washington Street, Cape May

Starts November 23rd

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Visitors can step back in time and immerse themselves in a Victorian Christmas in Cape May, where parlor games were all the rage, and no tea room was complete without some homemade Pfefferneusse cookies. The town transforms into a vintage winter wonderland of time gone by with festive decorations and lights all around the historic homes and hotels. Catch the tree lighting ceremony, and Christmas Parade, take a Christmas-themed trolley ride, shop in the outdoor village, or have breakfast with Santa Clause (who has been known to pop into the shops to visit before Christmas). It’s the most wonderful time of the year to find yourself in the Gilded Age. You can find the schedule of events here.

See More: These Hoboken + Jersey City Restaurants Have the Best Holiday Decor

Drive-Thru Light Displays | 94 Championship Place, Augusta + 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick

November 29th-December 29th

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Guests can stay cozy in their cars while taking in dazzling Christmas light shows around New Jersey that we are sure can be seen from outer space. Head over to Skyland Stadium in Augusta to drive a mile through over two million lights of festive wonder. Make a day of it and park at the Christmas Village, where you’ll be able to find bonfires to make s’mores, live music, a Winter Beer Garden, and the big man himself. Winter Wonder Lights’ also hosts an impressive display of 1.5 million animated lights timed and choreographed to a jolly soundtrack of all your holiday favorites. Renowned as New Jersey’s largest holiday light show, you’ll be awed by the tunnel of lights, sparkling snowflakes, and twinkling stars.