Quirky Christmas: Off the Beaten Path Holiday Events in NJ and PA

Getting tired of your regular Christmas haunts? There are plenty of holiday events for New Jersey kiddos, but sometimes parents need to throw something new into the mix to keep these kids on their toes. Read on below to score major holiday bonus points with your family with a few off the beaten path Christmas day trips out of state and some little known Jersey-strong indoor holiday display favorites. Quirky is cool this Christmas.

Christmas Ice Caverns and Christmas Shoppe (Fairfield, NJ)
Located inside Jody's Silk Florist and Patio Center in Wayne, the Ice Caverns are New Jersey's largest walkthrough animated Christmas display. A steal at only $2.50 per person! Santa pictures with North Jersey's #1 Santa are available as well. I went every year as a kid and now I bring my kids. The "cheese factor" is a good 10 out of 10, but its quintessential New Jersey Christmas decor. They update the caverns every year and the gift shoppe has the most beautiful gifts and thousands of ornaments. Entertain the kids while you shop for last minute gifts? What could be better? Check out their Facebook page for special visitors such as Frosty the snowman, hours, and specials

Twinkle Town and Little Houses at Willow Run Garden Center (Cresskill, NJ)
Willow Run was always a favorite of my family growing up. Similar to the Christmas Ice Caverns, it is an animated walk through Christmas display, but they also have tiny houses you can explore, animals to pet and feed, and a huge assortment of Christmas decorations. It is free and a great way to entertain little ones when it is too cold and windy to play outside. Twinkletown and the Little House are open through December 24th.

Koziar's Christmas Village (Bernville, PA)
Imagine your child's excitement as you drive into a valley aglow with over 500,000 Christmas lights! Koziar's Christmas Village is worthy of a December day trip. Located about an hour and a half west of New Jersey. Koziar's is a recipient of the best Christmas Display in the World with over 50 buildings and structures lit with beautiful themed displays such as Christmas Under the Sea, Santa's Toy Shop, Santa's Post Office plus fresh baked goods and pictures with the big guy himself on Santa Claus Lane. Dress warmly as some attractions are outdoors and bring your camera. Check out their website for bus trip arrangements. Adults - $9.00 Children ages 4-10- $7.00 Under 3 year - FREE

The Real Santa Experience (Easton, PA)
Have you ever gotten the whole fam dressed and ready for a pic with Santa, arrived at the mall and met with either an hour long line or a sign that reads "Santa is feeding the reindeer and will be right back"? That will not happen at the Real Santa Experience! Come see the REAL Mr. and Mrs. Santa A. Claus at Elaine Zelker Photography Studio in Easton, PA. This is no ordinary Santa Claus; he's the REAL DEAL...as seen in Hallmark Ads, Coca-Cola Ads, The Mall of America and more.  Attend one of the Open Session days, or book one of the "Milk & Cookie" or "Story Time" Sessions. Private 20-min sessions can also be arranged. Pets welcomed as well! Like The Real Santa Experience on Facebook for more information. For pricing contact Elaine@ElaineZelkerPhotography.com. 908-872-0987

Magical Fireside Christmas at the Pocono Manor Inn  (Pocono Manor, PA)
Craving some down home Christmas magic in the mountains? Check out the Magical Fireside Christmas!  Feel the magic of Christmas and awaken your senses with the sweet smell of roasting marshmallows, warmth of the fire and aspectacular display of lights adorning the grounds and buildings.  Enjoy live animal displays, horse drawn carriage and train rides, story-telling, visit with Santa and more.  The cost is $5 per person and admission includes the free activities and five activity tickets for optional activities.  Additional activity tickets are available for purchase.  Turn this trip into an overnight at the Pocono Manor Inn and get turndown service from an elf and a gift from Santa! Magical Fireside Christmas runs Fridays from 4-9pm and Saturdays from noon-8pm, until December 22.

photo credit: garlandcannon (on hiatus) via photopin cc