7 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in New Jersey

Though New Jersey is famously known as "The Garden State," it thrives in the winter months, even if its gardens are blanketed in snow. With many small towns nestled in the mountains or home to cozy breweries, inviting coffee shops, and historic inns, the state offers plenty to enjoy during the coldest time of year. Whether you prefer sipping wine by a cozy fireplace or hitting the snowy slopes for a day of skiing, these seven towns offer a winter vacation that will lift your spirits and chase away the winter blues.

Cape May

Situated on the southern tip of the Cape May peninsula, Cape May is extremely popular with tourists in the summer. However, it turns into a winter wonderland in the winter months, abundant in festive activities. Cape May’s Grand Hotel covers 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 Christmas gifts.

Other events throughout the season include the West Cape May Christmas Parade, Christmas Candlelight House Tour, and Breakfast with Santa Series. The cozy taverns, bars, and restaurants in Cape May are the perfect place to pass the cold. The Ebbitt Room is just one option, located in Cape May’s historic district offering farm-to-table meals. For a Victorian-style bed and breakfast near the waterfront, consider spending the night at Beauclaires Bed & Breakfast Inn, open year-round.

Vernon

Sitting in the heart of the Kittatinny Mountains, Vernon has prime slopes for skiing and snowboarding, making it a favorite winter spot. Spanning 167 acres and featuring 7 lifts, Mountain Creek Resort is New Jersey’s largest ski resort and attracts countless skiers, snowboarders, and snowtubers each year.

Visitors can also stay at Grand Cascades Lodge, which boasts incredible snow-capped mountain views and is situated along three premier golf courses, perfect for avid golfers. For a warm and soothing spa retreat, 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 in the winter months, boasting a historic district with 225 homes listed on state and national historic registries. At the end of December, the town puts on 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 will be performing nearby as well, where visitors can appreciate performances of The Muppet Christmas Carol and Handel’s Messiah.

The Horse Park of New Jersey offers a unique experience in Allentown, hosting events like barrel races, turkey trots, and the annual reindeer run. Open to all horse and donkey drivers, this festive event includes a holiday-themed drive through the park and a cone course. Just a short drive away, visitors can stay along the banks of the Delaware River at the Lily Inn Bed and Breakfast, a historic brick building over 300 years old, offering six uniquely decorated rooms.

Lambertville

The Victorian houses and Federal-style homes lining Lambertville’s streets create a picturesque and romantic setting, particularly in the winter months. Lambertville House, located on the beloved Bridge Street, was built in the early 1800s and is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. Its luxurious rooms offer a historic touch, with some even featuring cozy fireplaces to set the perfect ambiance.

After a day of exploring Lambertville’s lively art scene—home to galleries like Haas Gallery, Highlands Art Gallery, and Ten One Gallery—you can unwind with a book from Panoply Books, a charming bookstore nearby, and enjoy it by the fire at the Lambertville House. After 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 embrace the outdoors to enjoy the snow, while others prefer to stay cozy indoors, avoiding the cold and wet climate. If you’re in the latter group, Frenchtown—named one of "America's Top 10 Best Small Towns for Shopping" by USA Today—is the perfect spot for a winter weekend getaway.

Pop into one of Frenchtown’s antique shops, like Merge Gallery, which combines art and antiques, or explore its many art galleries, including SFA Gallery, featuring contemporary works, and Frenchtown Pottery, known for its handcrafted ceramics. A short drive away, visitors can ring in the holiday season by attending a nearby Christmas Parade in either Clinton or Hunterdon, both taking place near the beginning of December. Looking to spend the night? The National Hotel is a classic lodging option in town, built in 1850, and features a popular restaurant serving innovative Asian cuisine.

Haddonfield

Haddonfield is home to charming coffee houses, wineries, and breweries, perfect for staying warm during the coldest months of the North. In the heart of downtown, visitors can kick off their day with a steaming cup of coffee at Saxby’s, a highly rated local favorite. Later, at William Heritage Winery, guests can enjoy an intimate tasting room experience, sampling a flight of wines or selecting a bottle to savor.

Those who prefer craft beers can grab a pint at Kings Road Brewery, the first brewery to arrive in Haddonfield. Visitors who want to get some exercise or celebrate the season can take advantage of Haddonfield’s Winterfest, which features ice skating at Cooper River, from November 29, 2024, to February 23, 2025. In the nearby town of Pitman, visitors can stay close to Haddonfield 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 wraparound porch.

Cranbury

Cranbury is a lesser-known New Jersey town, located in the agricultural meadows and scenic woodlands of Middlesex County. Village Park, located along the northern shore of Brainerd Lake, becomes a popular sledding destination in the winter months, drawing 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 on Thursday mornings, where they can explore the town’s written, visual, and oral records, as well as its historical artifacts. For a hearty meal, The Cranbury Inn is a popular dining spot, offering fine cuisine in a historic setting, with a building that dates back centuries. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Cranbury, visitors can reach the Chateau Grand Hotel, an elegant French-American style hotel offering luxurious rooms, an on-site restaurant, bar, and spa.

Final Thoughts

Anyone who lives in the northern United States knows how challenging the winter gloom can be. However, there is no reason to simply sit at home the entire winter season, when there is 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.