Plan a weekend getaway this holiday season with these charming New Jersey destinations; offering holiday light shows, some of the best holiday shopping around, and unique accommodations, from Victorian-style bed and breakfasts to budget-friendly lodging.
NORTH
Hamburg
Enjoy peaceful views of snow-dusted mountains when you spend a weekend in scenic Hamburg. Take your pick from luxurious resorts like Grand Cascades Lodge, or opt for a quaint bed and breakfast experience at Alpine Haus Bed & Breakfast Inn in nearby Vernon Township. Spend the day in the great outdoors snowshoeing, ice skating or skiing. Or stay cozy indoors with a spa treatment at Reflections Spa and do some wine tasting at Cava Winery & Vineyards. Once the sun goes down, take your loved ones to the Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show in nearby Augusta, where more than 2 million glittering holiday lights will marvel and delight.
West Orange
Filled with local history and country charm, West Orange is an ideal escape for a relaxing holiday retreat. Book a room at The Wilshire Grand Hotel for a luxery hotel experience. During the day, visit Thomas Edison National Historical Park, where you can not only see where Thomas Edison created many of his ingenious inventions, but you can enjoy the annual “Holidays at Glenmont,” when Thomas Edison’s stately mansion will be decorated in glorious 1800s-style holiday décor. At night, don’t miss the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
CENTRAL
Princeton
Home to Princeton University since 1756, this historic college town offers a charming holiday escape. Stay at quaint bed and breakfasts such as Inn at Glencairn. Stroll through the tree-lined streets of Palmer Square to do some holiday shopping, and take part in annual holiday traditions, such as watching the American Repertory Ballet perform The Nutcracker at McCarter Theatre Center. For a spectacular light show, drive over to nearby Cranbury to watch the famous Cranbury Christmas Lights Display, featuring a 3-hour long light and music show held throughout the holiday season.
Jackson
Plan a weekend getaway for the whole family in Jackson. Let the kids loose at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great America, where they can ride roller coasters, meet Santa and see holiday lights at night. While the kids are playing, take advantage of great deals on your holiday shopping when you stock up on gifts at more than 70 stores at Jackson Premium Outlets. For accommodations, take your pick from budget-friendly hotels in nearby towns, such as Comfort Inn in Manchester and Howard Johnson Hotel in Toms River.
SOUTH
Smithville/Galloway
Revel in small town charm at Historic Smithville and the Village Greene in Galloway. Stay at The Colonial Inn at Historic Smithville to enjoy a welcoming bed-and-breakfast experience. Walk along the quaint cobblestone streets to do your holiday shopping at more than 40 unique stores and boutiques, and stop into the mom-and-pop eateries, cafes and bars to relax. At night, enjoy the Holiday Light Show, boasting more than 120 decorated Christmas trees floating on Lake Meone that feature a choreographed light show set to music.
Cape May
During the holiday season, the historic town of Cape May transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with Tree Lighting, Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, Christmas Candlelight House Tours and much more. Relax in a charming, elegantly appointed bed-and-breakfast, such as Wilbraham Mansion, offering a complete range of spa services. During the day, go holiday shopping along Washington Street Mall, which is decorated in Christmas splendor, and during the evening, indulge in fine dining at restaurants such as gourmet bistro Black Duck on Sunset in nearby West Cape May
