Clinton is the place to be in Hunterdon County the weekend after Thanksgiving. Dickens Days, held Nov. 28–30, transforms the town into a Victorian-style holiday destination featuring horse-and-carriage rides, caroling, storytelling and a Santa’s Workshop hosted by the Guild of Clinton on the terrace of the Hunterdon Art Museum.
On Nov. 28, stick around for the Community Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Dora Restaurant’s patio and get into the holiday spirit with caroling by the Methodist Church choir and Santa’s arrival by firetruck. Father Christmas will be roaming the streets all weekend—so tell the children to behave. If you miss this St. Nick, come back for “Santa Comes to Town” on Dec. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m.
On Dec. 5, grab some hot cocoa and a prime sidewalk spot to watch up to 30 local floats, performers, bands and community groups ring in the season at the 39th Annual Guild of Clinton Christmas Parade. Need more parades? The Hunterdon County Holiday Parade takes place Dec. 6 in Flemington. Arrive early for in-store events and the Stangl Holiday Market, plus performances along Main Street before the parade.
Kick off your holiday shopping at the Winter Village at the Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton (Nov. 28–30 and Dec. 6–7). Sample treats from food trucks as you browse creative offerings from about 50 curated artisans and marvel at the concurrent Festival of Trees. The trees—decorated by community members, businesses and clubs—adorn the grounds through Jan. 1. Vote for your favorite. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Find more one-of-a-kind gifts Dec. 6 in Flemington at the Christmas Craft Fair at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, featuring more than 70 artisans selling crafts, jewelry and decorative art, plus carolers and a food court.
Stroll downtown Clinton Dec. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. amid flickering luminaries during the annual Candle Light Night, and return Dec. 19–20 for “The Clinton Nutcracker,” performed by Hunterdon Hills Ballet at Clinton Township Middle School.
Santa sightings abound this season. From Nov. 23 to Dec. 28, hop aboard the Black River & Western Railroad’s Santa Express in Flemington to join Santa and Mrs. Claus on a 25-minute ride through the Hunterdon County countryside to Ringoes. At Ringoes Station, enjoy cookies, cocoa, festive photo ops and a museum featuring railroad memorabilia and operating model trains before returning to Flemington. Children receive a handcrafted sleigh bell and a gold souvenir ticket. Bring a letter to drop in Santa’s mailbox at the station.
Amid the decadence of the season, register for the Lebanon Borough New Year’s 5K Run to start 2026 on the right foot. The flat run and walk begin at 10 a.m. and take participants through town, ending with a post-race celebration at Sunken Silo Brew Works. Cheers to that.
Not all events were available at press time. Check with your town for tree lightings and other community events, which are often listed closer to the date.