New Jersey’s got a full week of local flavor, seasonal activities, and cultural events—plenty of variety, honestly. You’ll find everything from coastal festivals to small-town markets that blend food, art, and community. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening across the Garden State between November 16 and 22, 2025, so you can sketch out your week (or just wing it).
There’s something for quiet afternoons and lively nights, whether you’re drawn to local traditions or just want to try something off the beaten path. Each pick connects you to a different slice of Jersey life—from city corners to wide-open parks. The idea? Help you get the most out of your time here, with some practical, firsthand suggestions.
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1) Attend the Fall Food and Wine Festival at the Jersey Shore
Spend a crisp November afternoon sampling local wines and seasonal dishes at the Fall Food and Wine Festival along the Jersey Shore. Regional wineries like Valenzano and Tomasello pour tastings that go great with small bites from local chefs.
Crowds thin out this late in the season, so it’s easier to chat with winemakers and vendors. The pace feels relaxed, a nice change from the summer rush, and you actually get to savor each tasting.
The festival usually lands in scenic parks like Berkeley Township’s Veterans Park, so you get ocean air and open views while you wander. APP.com’s weekend guide has more on the bigger fall lineup across the Shore.
If you’re after a quieter vibe, show up early before the main crowd. Don’t forget a jacket—the breeze off the water isn’t shy. Food and wine fans will find this festival a solid, no-fuss way to experience New Jersey’s late-autumn flavors.
2) Visit the seasonal holiday markets in Morristown
Kick off the holiday season at the Morristown Christmas Market, held in early December on the Morristown Green. Local vendors set up with handmade crafts, food, and small gifts, creating a mellow shopping scene. There’s live music and community events that bring everyone together.
If you’re after a quieter stroll, check out the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green. The lights and seasonal decorations give it a cozy feel without the big-city crowds. It’s got that small-town charm and a focus on tradition.
Morristown sits in a central spot, so you can mix in nearby winter attractions. Maybe grab a bite at a local spot or swing by other New Jersey holiday markets for more festive finds. Each market has its own twist, from classic crafts to unique regional snacks.
3) Explore the cider-making demonstration in Sussex County
Try out traditional cider-making at the Historic Longstreet Farm. Staff and volunteers show you how apples turn into fresh cider with old-school equipment. It’s a look at how local farms used to turn fall harvests into something special.
They’ll share stories about cider’s history in New Jersey and how it fit into early farm life. You’ll pick up details about apple varieties, preservation tricks, and the 19th-century tools they used. It’s a hands-on way to see the region’s agricultural roots.
Usually, you get to taste the cider right after it’s pressed—expect a simple, honest flavor that reflects the local apples. The farm’s setting, with its barns and folks in period clothes, adds a nice touch.
If you’re into local food scenes, take some extra time to check out Sussex County’s small orchards and cider houses. Some make hard cider with regional apples, keeping the tradition alive.
4) Enjoy live Beatles tribute concerts in Asbury Park
Catch a bit of music nostalgia at the Beatles-themed Everything Fab Four Fest in Asbury Park. Held at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, the event dives into the band’s Rubber Soul era with live shows, talks, and memorabilia. Details on the lineup are at APP.com’s event coverage.
Venues like the Stone Pony and Wonder Bar host tribute acts that pull in locals and visitors alike. Check the Asbury Park event calendar for up-to-date show times and tickets.
Expect a laid-back crowd and a breezy boardwalk vibe. Parking can fill up fast on weekends, so it’s smart to arrive early or use a public lot. The area’s restaurants and bars make it easy to grab dinner before or after the show—never a bad call.
5) Tour the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton
Wander through more than 400 sculptures across 42 acres at the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. The park weaves art into the landscape, giving you space to stroll among big installations, trees, ponds, and seasonal gardens.
Once the site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds and Trenton Speedway, it now mixes indoor galleries with changing outdoor exhibits. You’ll see works by both up-and-coming and established artists, all out in the open air.
The park runs Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Adult admission is usually $25, with breaks for seniors, students, and military—recent listings have the details.
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You might want to tack on a visit to nearby Princeton for food or a place to stay; local travel guides have suggestions. Give yourself at least two hours to wander—rushing through kind of misses the point.
6) Experience the NJ Craft Beer Festival in Newark
Sample a broad lineup of local brews at the NJ Craft Beer Festival in Newark. Breweries from all over the state pour seasonal lagers, IPAs, and small-batch ales. It’s a good way to meet brewers and see what’s brewing in North Jersey’s craft scene.
The vibe is easygoing, with live music and simple food pairings that let the beer shine. Many folks look forward to sampling limited releases that rarely leave taprooms. You can take your time or jump into short guided tastings that break down different styles and flavors.
This festival is part of a bigger network of beer events—check the New Jersey Craft Beer calendar and New Jersey Beer Festivals Events Calendar for more.
If you’d rather keep things small, try a Newark craft brewery scene crawl. Each stop has its own style, from classic pale ales to offbeat blends. Newark’s beer culture is straightforward, social, and honestly more about quality than flash.
7) Take a family day at Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park in Jersey City has enough to fill a day, no problem. Stretching along the Hudson, it gives you clear views of Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Open lawns and paved paths make it easy to get around on foot or bike.
A lot of families start at the Liberty Science Center, a hands-on museum with plenty of interactive exhibits. Since it’s right inside the park, you can mix indoor learning with time outside. Kids can bounce between playgrounds, picnic spots, and shaded trails—no need to leave the grounds.
History buffs should check out the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, a quiet spot honoring New Jersey residents. The waterfront also has ferries to Liberty and Ellis Islands, so it’s a handy base for sightseeing.
For more on what’s happening, guides like New Jersey’s Liberty State Park: A Perfect Family Day Trip and 10 Things To Do at Liberty State Park cover the mix of open space, history, and those skyline views.
8) Attend the Winter Arts and Crafts Fair in Princeton
Check out local talent at Princeton’s Winter Arts and Crafts Fair, held at Hinds Plaza next to the public library. It runs Thursday through Sunday, November 13–16, with longer hours on the weekend. Entry’s free, so it’s an easy add-on to your plans.
Browse handmade gifts, art, and seasonal crafts from regional makers. Most vendors work out of small studios around Jersey, so you get their work without the gallery markup. There are pop-up chalets and booths, and new artists show up each day.
The fair is part of the Princeton Winter Village, which brings together artisans, food vendors, and families. Warm drinks and snacks make it comfortable to linger, even if it’s chilly out.
Want to see who’s selling or check the hours? The Artist Winter Village Week 1 event page has you covered. It’s a relaxed, walkable event—perfect for a weekend stroll.
9) Join the Thanksgiving-themed cooking classes in Hoboken
Pick up some seasonal kitchen skills with a Thanksgiving-themed cooking class in Hoboken. Workshops usually focus on pies, roasted sides, and sauces for the holiday table. One example: the Thanksgiving pie-baking class, where you’ll learn to make dough from scratch and decorate pies without too much fuss.
Looking for a broader experience? Hudson Table runs hands-on classes led by trained chefs. Cook with others, prep multi-course dishes, and watch demos in a real kitchen. It’s social but stays practical—great if you like learning by doing.
Classes last a few hours and welcome everyone from beginners to seasoned home cooks. Most provide all the ingredients and gear, so just show up and dive in.
Parking in Hoboken can be tricky, so it’s smart to arrive early or take public transit. Whether you go solo or with friends, these classes offer a useful, low-pressure way to get ready for Thanksgiving—and maybe pick up a new favorite recipe.
10) Explore the historic Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse sits at New Jersey’s southern tip inside Cape May Point State Park. Built in 1859, it’s still an active aid to navigation and a big piece of local maritime history. The tower rises 157 feet, giving you wide views of the Atlantic and Delaware Bay.
Climb the 199 steps to the top—the staircase is narrow but solid, and the view’s worth every step. On clear days, you can spot beaches, wetlands, and even ships passing by.
The park around the lighthouse has walking trails and birdwatching spots. A lot of visitors pair the lighthouse with time at the beach or a quick stop in downtown Cape May for food or shopping.
Curious about the backstory? Cape May Lighthouse covers the history and visitor tips. It’s wild to think the Army Corps of Engineers started building it back in 1857, and it’s still drawing travelers today.
Planning Your Visit to New Jersey
Mid-November in New Jersey means cooler air, lighter crowds, and a blend of city and coastal experiences. Be ready for shifting temps, pick reliable ways to get around, and don’t miss out on dining spots that show off the state’s food scene.
Weather Considerations for November
November rolls in with crisp air and noticeably shorter days. Daytime highs usually sit between 45°F and 58°F (7°C to 14°C), but nights? They often drop into the 30s. If you’re sticking to the coast—say, Atlantic City—you’ll find it a touch warmer than places like Morristown or Princeton.
You’ll want to pack layers: a light sweater, a medium jacket, and definitely waterproof shoes. About a third of the month brings rain, so an umbrella’s a smart call. Snow isn’t common, but northern counties might see a dusting now and then.
Thinking about outdoor plans—maybe Liberty State Park or a hike at the Delaware Water Gap? Start early to make the most of the daylight. This week, sunset sneaks up at 4:40 p.m.. Curious about what’s happening nearby? Take a look at the New Jersey Events Calendar.
Transportation Tips
Getting around New Jersey is pretty straightforward, thanks to a solid transit network. NJ Transit trains and buses connect cities like Newark, Hoboken, and Trenton with New York and Philly. Grab digital tickets on the NJ Transit app—it beats waiting in line at the station.
If you want to see smaller towns or the coastline, driving gives you the freedom to roam. Highways mostly use E-ZPass for tolls, so renting a car with a transponder is just easier. In November, beach town parking gets a lot simpler, though some meters still run.
For quick trips, rideshares and local taxis fill in the gaps between train stops and hotels. Flying in? Newark Liberty International Airport links directly to New York Penn Station and downtown Newark by rail. Need more ideas for places to check out? Here’s Tripadvisor’s list of top New Jersey attractions.
Local Dining Recommendations
Jersey’s food scene is all over the map—in a good way. You’ll spot Italian delis, Korean barbecue, Portuguese seafood joints, and those classic diners, sometimes just minutes apart.
If you’re hungry in the morning, grab a Taylor ham (pork roll) sandwich. Along the shore, it’s all about boardwalk-style pizza or fresh seafood. Up north in places like Montclair or Jersey City, restaurants lean into farm-to-table menus and pour some seriously good coffee.
Diners are still the go-to for affordable meals, and plenty stay open all night. Down in South Jersey, you’ll taste Philadelphia’s influence—cheesesteaks and soft pretzels pop up everywhere. Interested in food festivals or seasonal eats? Check New Jersey Monthly’s event guide.
Making the Most of Your Week
You’ll see more of New Jersey if you plan around your timing, family needs, and what you want to spend. A balanced schedule lets you explore without feeling rushed—or broke.
How to Prioritize Events
Jot down the stuff that actually excites you—food festivals, art shows, street markets, whatever. Reliable listings like the New Jersey Events Calendar or New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s weekend guide help you double-check dates and places.
Try using a quick priority chart to sort your plans:
| Priority | Event Type | Location | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | Must-see or limited-time event | Nearby | 2–3 hours |
| Medium | Ongoing attraction | Moderate travel | 1–2 hours |
| Low | Optional stop | Farther away | Flexible |
Map out routes between stops so you’re not stuck in traffic all day. Northern Jersey roads get jammed on weekends, so early starts help. Leave one day open—you’ll want wiggle room for weather or just to take a breather.
Family-Friendly Options
Families have it pretty good here. Zoos, science centers, and farms keep kids entertained and busy. The Best Fall Day Trips in New Jersey list has parks and sculpture gardens that work for mixed ages.
Bring snacks and extra layers—November weather flips fast. Look for places with bathrooms, stroller access, and food nearby. Towns like Princeton and Red Bank blend walkable downtowns with playgrounds or museums, so you can fill a whole day without much hassle.
If you’re eyeing a festival, check if there’s a family zone or early entry. Late-night concerts or packed wine tastings? Probably skip those with little ones in tow.
Budgeting for Activities
Set a daily spending range before you even leave home—think tickets, parking, meals, souvenirs, the whole deal. You might stumble across free or cheap stuff on VisitNJ.org’s event listings; they’ve got community fairs, outdoor markets, and who knows what else.
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Bring some cash, just in case. A lot of small vendors still don’t take cards, and parking in beach towns or old downtowns? That’ll often run you $10–$20, so don’t let it catch you off guard.
If you’re hitting a few museums or attractions, group passes can save you a bit. Sometimes you’ll get a discount if you go during off-peak hours, too. I find it helps to jot down what I’m spending in a note app—nothing fancy, but it keeps things in check without sucking the fun out of the trip.
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