January’s here, and winter’s officially dug in—but honestly, there’s no reason to stay cooped up. New Jersey’s full of things to do, whether you want to keep warm inside or embrace the crisp weather. There’s a little something for every budget, mood, or schedule, and you won’t have to drive for hours either.
Here’s a quick look at what’s worth your time across the state between January 18 and 24, 2026. You’ll see hands-on stuff, cultural stops, and easy outings, plus enough context to help you pick what fits your week—or what you’d rather skip.
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1) Attend the Annual Super Pet Expo with pet demos and photo-ops
Spend a day indoors at the Annual Super Pet Expo at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. This event draws pet lovers from all over and leans toward interactive activities, not just browsing vendor booths.
The 25th anniversary runs January 9–11, 2026, with live pet demos, breed meet-and-greets, and play zones. Watch trained dogs show off, check out grooming up close, and snap photos with animals that don’t mind crowds. Here’s some coverage about the Super Pet Expo returning to Edison.
You can bring your own pet if they’re chill around noise and crowds. The expo gets packed midday, so maybe aim for off-peak hours if your animal’s a bit sensitive.
Tickets depend on age and when you buy, with online discounts for multi-day passes. Details are here: Super Pet Expo ticket info for Edison, NJ.
2) Explore the Winter Farmers Market at the local community center
If you want to shop local but stay warm, check out a winter farmers market. Many Jersey towns run these in community centers or municipal halls, so you don’t have to freeze while you browse.
You’ll see seasonal produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and shelf-stable stuff like honey or jam. Fewer vendors than in summer, but it’s all about the essentials.
Markets like the Hunterdon Community Farmers Market show how winter shopping still supports local farms and small food businesses. This example of a New Jersey winter farmers market gives you an idea of what’s out there.
Plan for shorter hours and earlier sellouts—bread and eggs go fast. Parking’s usually easy, and crowds don’t get wild, so it’s a pretty relaxed stop during winter.
3) Visit Grounds For Sculpture for outdoor art and trails
Take a quiet stroll among massive sculptures at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. The park mixes outdoor art with winding paths, so you can wander or linger wherever you want.
January’s usually less crowded, which is nice if you like space to yourself. Bundle up—it’s mostly outside, and windy days can feel sharp. Some indoor spots offer a break if you need to warm up.
You’ll need to book timed tickets ahead, and entry caps mean you’ll have to pick a slot. It keeps things calm, but you can’t just show up on a whim. Double-check your entry time before you go.
Trails are flat and easy, so just wear comfy shoes. If you get hungry, there are places nearby for lunch or an early bite.
4) Experience the Ice Festival at Crystal Springs Resort
Spend a winter afternoon at Crystal Springs Resort’s Ice Festival, usually set for January. The festival’s all about outdoor ice displays and cold-weather fun, with Sussex County’s mountains as the backdrop.
You’ll see ice sculptures, fire pits, and lots of open-air hangouts. Walk at your own pace, but watch your footing—some spots get slick or uneven.
If you’re staying overnight, many guest activities come with your booking. Crystal Springs Resort lists included guest activities, but some events and food tastings cost extra.
Families find the vibe easygoing, even on busier weekends. Couples often pair the festival with a meal or spa visit to warm up.
Dress in layers, and try to stick to daylight hours—temps drop off fast after sunset.
5) Tour the Liberty Science Center’s latest interactive exhibits
Spend a few hours at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, where new hands-on exhibits focus on how we sense and react to the world. You can play with sound, color, and scent—plenty to keep you moving and curious.
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This week’s a good pick because Liberty Science Center just added new interactive exhibits that build on sensory and environmental themes. Adults and older kids will probably get the most out of it, but younger ones can enjoy it too with a bit of help.
Check out both the rotating and permanent displays listed on Liberty Science Center’s exhibitions page. Weekends and school breaks get busy, especially after lunch, so mornings are calmer.
6) Enjoy live jazz at the South Orange Performing Arts Center
Catch some live jazz at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, a solid spot for intimate shows in North Jersey. It’s right by the train station, so getting there from Manhattan or nearby towns is a breeze.
SOPAC’s Jazz in the Loft series happens in a cozy upstairs room with limited seats. You’re close to the musicians, which makes for a focused, personal show. The room can get snug if it’s sold out, so check the SOPAC event calendar for details.
The series brings in regional and international artists, mostly small groups or soloists—think subtle, not loud. The Jazz in the Loft series page has the latest lineup.
Arrive early if you want your pick of seats or time for a drink. Shows run about 90 minutes, so you won’t be out late.
7) Attend a craft beer tasting at a Newark brewery
Spend a chilly afternoon trying small-batch beers at one of Newark’s local breweries. The city’s got a tight but interesting scene, from crisp lagers to bold hoppy ales. Here’s a guide to Newark’s craft brewery scene.
Most tastings happen in casual taprooms, not fancy tasting rooms. Order a flight at the bar, grab a seat, and chat with staff who actually know their stuff. It’s low-key and friendly.
Some breweries are in industrial neighborhoods, so think about your ride ahead of time. Winter weekends can mean shorter hours, especially if the weather’s rough.
Need help picking a spot? This list of Newark’s best breweries gives you the rundown. Match your stop to what you like, and don’t feel rushed.
8) Go on a guided historic walking tour of Princeton
Explore Princeton on foot with a guided tour that digs into local history, architecture, and the university’s impact. Several groups run these year-round, including the Historical Society of Princeton, which covers downtown and campus highlights.
Tours are about 60 to 90 minutes, moving at a comfortable pace. Guides focus on real stories and how the town grew up around the university.
Dress for the weather—January’s cold, and sidewalks can get windy. Group sizes stay small, so booking ahead is smart. Tickets usually go up a few weeks before tour dates.
If you want a more visitor-friendly, story-driven tour, Princeton Tour Company’s walking tour is another good option. These are great for first-timers and don’t assume you already know the area.
9) Explore the indoor Butterfly Pavilion at the Cape May County Park
Warm up this January inside the Butterfly Pavilion at Cape May County Park. The climate-controlled pavilion lets you walk among butterflies and see each stage of their life cycle.
The pavilion sits inside Cape May County Park Central, which also has walking trails and the county zoo—so you can mix a short indoor visit with some time outside if the weather’s okay.
The space isn’t huge, which makes it manageable for families and newcomers. It’s quiet and educational, not a big touristy spot.
Check hours before you go—winter can mean limited times or closures for maintenance or extreme cold.
If you’re after a mellow, nature-focused stop, this fits right into a slower-paced Cape May trip.
10) Attend a theater production at Paper Mill Playhouse
Catch a professional musical or play at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, known for big productions and standout casts. Lots of shows try out here before heading to bigger markets, so you’ll usually see something polished—without the New York crowds.
Find the current lineup and times on the official Paper Mill Playhouse website. Shows run several days a week, and matinees are a solid option if you want to go during the day.
Need accessibility info? The Paper Mill Playhouse events calendar has details. They offer open-captioned and ASL-interpreted performances pretty regularly.
Millburn’s on NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex Line, so you don’t need a car. Parking fills up fast on weekends, so get there early if you’re driving.
Travel Tips for Visiting New Jersey in January
Traveling in Jersey in January means dealing with cold, short days, and some winter quirks. Packing smart, checking transit, and knowing local rules will save you hassle.
Weather Expectations and What to Pack
Expect temps from 25°F to 40°F—colder inland, a bit milder by the coast. Snow and ice come and go, and sidewalks or parking lots can get messy.
Go for layers, not just one heavy coat. You’ll bounce between heated buildings and the outdoors all day.
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Insulated waterproof boots | Snowmelt and salt make things wet and slippery |
| Medium-weight winter coat | Heavy parkas get too hot inside |
| Hat, gloves, scarf | Wind cuts more than you’d think |
| Casual traction cleats | Handy after snow or freezing rain |
Skip the fancy shoes. Downtowns clear snow fast, but neighborhoods can lag.
Transportation and Getting Around
NJ Transit trains and buses cover most big towns—Newark, Hoboken, Jersey City, Princeton. Bad weather can mess with schedules, so check before you head out.
If you’re renting a car, pick one with all-season tires and budget extra time for parking. Towns call snow emergencies that can mean towing if you park on the street.
A few driving tips:
- Fill up before storms—some gas stations close early
- Keep a scraper and windshield fluid handy
- Slow down on the Parkway and Turnpike if it’s icy
Ride-shares run statewide, but surge pricing kicks in during storms or busy nights.
Local Regulations and Seasonal Considerations
Each town has its own snow emergency rules—many ban overnight street parking during storms, even if it’s not snowing at the moment.
State parks stay open, but some facilities close for winter. Double-check trail and restroom access before heading to the beach or woods. Shore towns are quiet, and boardwalk businesses often have limited hours.
Alcohol sales follow strict hours—most stores stop selling by 10 p.m., and Sunday mornings can be restricted in some areas.
When planning indoor stops, stick to places with winter hours posted on tourism sites like Things to Do in New Jersey in January. Schedules change a lot after the holidays.
Making the Most of New Jersey Events
Planning your arrival, meals, and reservations with local quirks in mind can really save you time (and maybe your sanity). Venues across New Jersey are all over the map in terms of layout and crowd flow, so even small tweaks to your timing can make a big difference.
Best Times to Arrive at Popular Venues
If you show up before the posted start time—especially at theaters, concert halls, or those chilly winter festivals—you’ll have a smoother time. Parking disappears in a blink around coastal towns and historic downtowns, even in the dead of winter.
Recommended arrival windows
| Venue type | Arrive early |
|---|---|
| Mid-size theaters | 30–45 minutes |
| Arenas and large concerts | 60–75 minutes |
| Indoor festivals | 30 minutes |
| Outdoor events | 20–30 minutes |
In places like Newark, Princeton, and Montclair, weeknight events usually kick off right on schedule. But weekends? Expect delays from lines and security checks. It’s always worth double-checking the Official New Jersey events calendar for last-minute changes or entry cutoffs.
Dining Nearby Event Locations
Try to eat before or after the event, not while everyone’s funneling in. Restaurants close to venues get slammed about an hour before showtime and again once crowds spill out.
In downtown spots, booking a table ahead helps, or you can wander a block or two away for a better shot at a quick meal. Hoboken and Asbury Park, for example, have tight dining districts—so a short walk can mean less waiting. If you’re curious about restaurants linked to current happenings, Things to Do in NJ This Weekend has some handy lists.
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Matinee crowd? Late lunch is your friend. For evening shows, grabbing dinner between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. usually means you’ll dodge the rush.
Navigating Crowds and Reservations
Grab your tickets early for limited-capacity events—workshops, comedy nights, and family programs tend to sell out fast, sometimes even in the dead of winter. Digital tickets make life easier and help you skip those annoying will-call lines. If you’re worried about spotty cell service, just take a screenshot of your ticket. Feeling spontaneous? You can always check New Jersey events on Eventbrite for last-minute openings or cancellations.
Saturday evenings usually draw bigger crowds, while Sunday afternoons feel a bit quieter. If you care about snagging decent seats or making a quick exit, picking an off-peak time might just save you some hassle.
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Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
