Things To Do This Weekend in New Jersey: January 2-4
The new year begins with a festive mix of entertainment across New Jersey. From the glowing drive-through spectacle of Magic Of Lights to big laughs with Kevin Farley, along with…

Actor Kevin P. Farley.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesThe new year begins with a festive mix of entertainment across New Jersey. From the glowing drive-through spectacle of Magic Of Lights to big laughs with Kevin Farley, along with the intimate sounds of the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series, the weekend offers creative and crowd-pleasing ways to ease into the new year.
Magic Of Lights: Drive-Through Holiday Lights Experience
- What: Drive through dazzling holiday light displays
- When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, and Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel
- Cost: Tickets start at $37
Magic of Lights is a festive, drive-through holiday lights experience that transforms familiar roadways into a glowing winter wonderland. Visitors will have a memorable family holiday experience as they drive through illuminated tunnels, larger-than-life holiday displays, and multi-colored LEDs synchronized with the music of the season. This event was designed for all ages, allowing families to celebrate the holiday season from the comfort of their vehicles.
Kevin Farley
- What: A night of laughs with Kevin Farley
- When: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Bananas Comedy Club, Renaissance Hotel, 801 Rutherford Ave., Rutherford
- Cost: General admission flash sale $13; General admission $33.99; Reserved $45.99
Veteran comedian and actor Kevin Farley's upbeat, high-energy style has made him a popular entertainer over his decades-long career. Trained at Second City, he went on to appear in films such as "Black Sheep" and "The Waterboy," along with roles in "An American Carol "and "White Knight." Farley has guest-starred on shows including "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Drunk History," hosts the podcast "Kevin Farley on the Road," and continues performing stand-up comedy nationwide.
Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series Presents Joe Cirotti Trio and Rees Shad
- What: Energetic acoustic folk fusion sounds
- When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
- Cost: General admission $20; Member discount $15; 12 and under are free
The Folk Project presents an intimate evening of live music featuring the Joe Cirotti Trio and Rees Shad. The Joe Cirotti Trio will perform a spirited collection of acoustic music, blending bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, and blues. Rees Shad will accompany them with poignant, engaging songs that illustrate the storylines he creates through music. The Folk Project's performances are part of its long-standing tradition of supporting community through shared music and acoustic artistry, with events that appeal to both folk music lovers and casual listeners.
Other Events
This weekend offers a cozy mix of live music and laid-back seasonal vibes across the area. From intimate concert settings to creative showcases and relaxed sounds, these events invite audiences to slow down, listen in, and enjoy the start of the new year:
- Swingin' Tern presents Bob Isaacs & Co. with Raven & Goose: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St., Chatham
- The Flip Side: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Road, Madison
- Winery Weekend Music Series with Firepits & Mulled Wine: Saturday, Jan. 3, and Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
More To Explore Next Week
Weeknights across New Jersey offer plenty of ways to stay entertained once the workday winds down. From live music and comedy to family-friendly creative outlets, these weekday events keep the evenings lively:
- Noel Sagerman Trio plus jam session: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Brightside Tavern, 141 Bright St., Jersey City
- Kid's Bingo Night: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (recurring event) at Trenton Free Public Library, Children's Room (Lower Level), 120 Academy St., Trenton
- Comedy Show with Don Jamieson: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club, 518 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach
- Teen Art Hour: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton




