The 7 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in New Jersey

Although New Jersey is known as “The Garden State,” it thrives in the winter months, even when the gardens are covered in snow. With many small towns nestled in the mountains or home to cozy breweries, inviting cafes and historic inns, the state has a lot to offer during the coldest time of year. Whether you prefer sipping wine by the cozy fireplace or enjoying a day of skiing on the snowy slopes, these seven cities offer a winter vacation that will lift your spirits and banish the winter blues.

Cape May

Cape May is located on the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula and is extremely popular with tourists in the summer. However, in the winter months it transforms into a winter wonderland full of festive activities. The Grand Hotel of Cape May decorates its building and lawns with Christmas lights, Congress Hall sets up a seasonal carousel, and the Enchanted Vendor Village in front of Congress Hall on the Lawn is a great place to shop for holiday gifts.

Other events during the season include the West Cape May Christmas Parade, the Christmas Candlelight House Tour and the Breakfast with Santa Series. Cape May’s cozy taverns, bars and restaurants are the perfect place to beat the cold. The Ebbitt Room is just one option. Located in Cape May’s historic district, it offers farm-to-table fare. If you’re looking for a Victorian-style bed and breakfast near the coast, consider staying at the year-round Beauclaires Bed & Breakfast Inn.

Vernon

Located in the heart of the Kittatinny Mountains, Vernon has world-class slopes for skiing and snowboarding, making it a popular winter destination. With 167 acres and seven lifts, Mountain Creek Resort is the largest ski area in New Jersey and attracts countless skiers, snowboarders and snowtubers every year.

Visitors can also stay at the Grand Cascades Lodge, which offers incredible views of snow-capped mountains and is located on three world-class golf courses, ideal for avid golfers. For a warm and soothing spa vacation, visitors can indulge in massages or facials at Crystal Springs Resort and Spa, which also offers day spa specials for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Allentown

Allentown is a charming town to visit during the winter months. It has a historic district with 225 homes listed on state and national historic registers. In late December, the city hosts a reenactment of the Battles of Trenton, a pivotal battle in the Revolutionary War, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this piece of history. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will also perform nearby, where visitors can enjoy performances of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and Handel’s “Messiah.”

The Horse Park of New Jersey offers a unique experience in Allentown, hosting events such as barrel racing, turkey trotting and the annual reindeer run. This festive event is open to all horse and donkey drivers and includes a festive ride through the park and a bowling course. Just a short drive away, visitors can stay on the banks of the Delaware River at the Lily Inn Bed and Breakfast, a historic brick building that is over 300 years old and offers six uniquely decorated rooms.

Lambertville

The Victorian and Federal-style homes that line the streets of Lambertville create a quaint and romantic atmosphere, especially during the winter months. Located on popular Bridge Street, Lambertville House was built in the early 19th century and is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. The luxurious rooms offer a historical touch and some even have cozy fireplaces that create the perfect atmosphere.

After a day of exploring Lambertville’s vibrant art scene—home to galleries like Haas Gallery, Highlands Art Gallery, and Ten One Gallery—you can relax with a book from Panoply Books, a charming bookstore nearby Enjoy fireplace in Lambertville house. After a fresh snowfall in Lambertville, renting snowshoes or cross-country skis is a great way to explore the scenic trail along the Delaware River.

Frenchtown

During the coldest months, some enjoy the snow outdoors, while others prefer to stay indoors and avoid the cold and wet climate. If you’re in the latter group, Frenchtown — named one of America’s 10 Best Small Towns for Shopping by USA Today — is the perfect spot for a winter weekend getaway.

Stop by one of Frenchtown’s antique shops, such as the Merge Gallery, which combines art and antiques, or explore the many art galleries, including the SFA Gallery, with contemporary works, and Frenchtown Pottery, known for its handmade ceramics. Just a short drive away, visitors can ring in the holiday season by attending a nearby Christmas parade in Clinton or Hunterdon, both held in early December. Would you like to spend the night? A classic accommodation option in the city, the National Hotel was built in 1850 and features a popular restaurant serving innovative Asian cuisine.

Haddonfield

Haddonfield is home to charming coffeehouses, wineries and breweries perfect for cozying up in the coldest months of the north. In the heart of downtown, visitors can start their day with a steaming cup of coffee at Saxby’s, a revered local favorite. Later, guests can enjoy an intimate tasting room experience at William Heritage Winery, tasting a selection of wines or selecting a bottle to enjoy.

Those who prefer craft beers can grab a pint at Kings Road Brewery, the first brewery in Haddonfield. Visitors looking to exercise or celebrate the season can take advantage of Haddonfield’s Winter Festival, which features ice skating on the Cooper River, from November 29, 2024 to February 23, 2025. In the nearby town of Pitman, visitors to nearby Haddonfield can stay at The Inn on Holly, a charming two-story Victorian home built in 1906. The inn offers a delicious breakfast each morning, served either in the elegant dining room or on the patio’s wraparound porch .

Cranbury

Cranbury is a lesser-known town in New Jersey, nestled in the agricultural meadows and scenic forests of Middlesex County. Village Park, located on the north shore of Brainerd Lake, becomes a popular sledding destination in the winter months, attracting both locals and visitors to the slopes of Dirt Mountain.

Those interested in Cranbury’s history can visit the Elizabeth M. Wagner History Center, open to the public Thursday morning, to explore the city’s written, visual and oral records, as well as its historical artifacts. For a hearty meal, the Cranbury Inn is a popular dining destination, offering fine dining in a historic setting in a century-old building. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Cranbury, visitors can reach the Chateau Grand Hotel, an elegant French-American-style hotel with luxurious rooms, an on-site restaurant, bar and spa.

Final thoughts

Anyone who lives in the northern United States knows how challenging the winter darkness can be. However, there’s no reason to just sit at home all winter, because there’s plenty of fun to be had in many of New Jersey’s small and cozy towns. So pack your weekend bag, shake off the winter chill and get ready for an adventure – no matter how cold it gets.