Great Visits to Get You in the Holiday Spirit in New Jersey!

With the holiday season approaching fast, the following New Jersey tried and true attractions will be sure to get you in the holiday mood. I picked three magical traditions that my family enjoys in and around Central New Jersey.

The Polar Express Train Ride

100 Elizabeth Street

Phillipsburg, NJ

877-train-ride

Approximately a 40 minute drive from Central Jersey the Polar Express train ride offers a unique experience representing a great recollection of the Polar Express story by Chris Van Allsburg. The train departs weekends in December from the Lehigh Junction station located in the Historic Main Street area of Phillipsburg, New Jersey. The actual is a vintage steam locomotive and it is filled with holiday decorations and lights. As you ride, you will listen to the story of the Polar Express as children receive hot chocolate and cookies and a visit from Santa who gives all the children a special bell to ring in the holiday spirit. There are also surprise visits from the characters of the movie and sing alongs including the very popular 'Hot Chocolate' song from the movie. Kids and parents are encouraged to wear their PJs for the trip. If you lucky you might have the weather cooperate so that you can experience some light snow fall like my family did. It is a great way to get both the children and parents into the holiday spirit.

Trips run:

November 28th & 29th, December 5th & 6th, December 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th.

Trips leave:

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00PM & 8:00 PM on Sat and 2:00PM 4:00PM and 6:00PM on Sunday!

PNC Arts Center Holiday Spectacular

PNC Arts Center
Holmdel, NJ
732-203-2500

Located off the Garden State Parkway, Exit 116, you don't even have to get out of the car if you don't want to, this three and half mile drive includes a galaxy of lighted displays which takes about two months to set up. There is also a special radio station that you tune to and listen to favorite Christmas Carols. If you choose to get out of your car you can take a special train ride through all the displays and you can visit the Holiday Village for refreshments, an ice rink, more decorations and perhaps a visit from Santa. A favorite among my family.

The Light Spectacular usually runs from the end of November through January 2'nd. Park hours are Sunday through Thursday 5pm to 9:30 PM, Friday through Saturday 5pm through 10:30 PM.

Holiday Festival of Lights at Camden Children's Garden

3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
856-365-8733

Every Friday and Saturday evenings in December, 2009 through Jan 2, 2010, from 5:30 until 8 PM you can walk through the four acres of gardens and enjoy Christmas lights and animated scenes. You can also visit butterflies in the butterfly house, meet Santa and his elves and learn about Three Kings Day. You can also see a model train exhibit or ride a train for an additional fee.

The Polar Express Train Ride
http://www.877trainride.com/polarexpress.htm

Holiday Festival of Lights at Camden Children's Garden

http://www.camdenchildrensgarden.org/events.html