For those tasked with making their family’s holiday magic, the calendar can fill up fast with festive outings, shopping trips, crafts and baking, tree lightings, parades, gift wrapping and more. By the time you catch your breath, the month has already flown by. But sometimes all it takes is showing up to something simple and seasonal, and the magic meets you there.
So whether you’re hoping to pack in as much merriment as possible or carve out space for new memories, these events and experiences are sure to bring holiday wonder. And who knows? You may even discover a new tradition along the way.
Experience a Christmas classic
Few places feel more magical during the holidays than Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township. For nearly 40 years, the theme park’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights has been a beloved tradition for many and was ranked number 10 in USA Today’s Top Ten Theme Park Holiday Events in 2023. Families can enjoy rides or visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their cozy home before Christmas Day. At dusk, Santa waves his magic wand to light up the park with more than 1 million lights — a display that has been featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”
A special event ticket is required and must be purchased online; tickets are not sold at the gate. Admission is required for all guests ages 2 and up and includes all rides, attractions, light shows and visits with Santa. Tickets are $38.99. The park is open most of the month except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though some dates are already sold out. For tickets and hours, visit storybookland.com.
Be dazzled by sugar plum fairies
Introduce little ones to the magic of ballet with the Atlantic City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The timeless story follows a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve and finds herself swept into an imaginative world of sweets and snowflakes.
Performances will be held at several locations, including Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as Caesars Atlantic City on Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. For more show times, locations, and ticket information, visit acballet.org/nutcracker.
Explore festive Smithville
During the holidays, Historic Smithville is brimming with charm, offering cozy shops and plenty of festive touches. Families can catch the Holiday Light Show on the Lake nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. through Jan. 6, 2026, featuring over 120 lit Christmas trees on the lake. Children can also take a spin on the carousel or hop aboard the Christmas train.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December, visitors can also make s’mores around the campfire on the Greene for a fee from 5 to 8 p.m. Or simply grab a hot cocoa and browse for locally produced gifts. For details, visit historicsmithville.com.
Hop on the Santa Express
Climb aboard the historic Seashore Lines for a festive train ride with Santa Claus that feels straight out of a storybook. The Santa Express runs every weekend and select weekdays until Christmas, with rides lasting about 85 minutes round-trip.
Santa, his helpers and onboard entertainment make the ride memorable for all ages. Riders can board at either Richland Village Station or Tuckahoe Station, with ticket options that include first class, coach class, private family suites and more. Some rides are sold out. For schedules and tickets, visit seashorelines.org.
Have a bite with the big guy
If your little one wants some face time with Santa, several spots are offering meals and treats with the big guy this month.
Mini Minds Playtime in Galloway will host Breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 14. Tickets are $35 per child and include a buffet-style breakfast, four hours of open play, a gift bag, a Santa meet-and-greet and more. Breakfast buffet tickets for adults are $25. Reservations are required. For more information, visit minimindsplaytime.com.
The Kindly Co. in Linwood will host its Pizza with Santa event on Dec. 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. for children ages 0 to 6. Families can enjoy holiday-themed sensory play, crafts and a photo with Santa. Tickets are $49 per child, with a sibling discount available. For more information, visit thekindlycoplay.com.
Families can also visit Electric Donuts in Northfield to enjoy a warm donut, story time with Santa and an hour of open play in the play cafe. Story time with Santa will be held on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, with two sessions each day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, which covers one child and one adult, with a sibling discount available. To make a reservation and purchase tickets, visit electricdonutsplaycafe.com.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
