10 Winter Events To Beat Cabin Fever In New Jersey

Now that the holidays are no longer competing for New Jerseyans’ time, cabin fever may have started to set in.

It’s a perfect time to take in a concert or show, layer up and embrace the outdoors, or check out a local festival.

We’ve rounded up 10 winter events from around New Jersey, including concerts, a sports card convention, a chili cook-off, a festival and more.

Are you planning an event this winter? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are our picks (some events may require tickets or registration):

Soup-R-Bowl Of Chili Cook-Off

• Date: Jan. 31
• Location: Lakehurst Community Center (207 Center Street, Lakehurst)
• Details: Join the Borough of Lakehurst Historical Society for its annual Soup-R-Bowl of Chili Challenge from 3-6 p.m. Local organizations will enter their best chili and soup recipes in the competition to raise funds for the historical society. Admission is $5 with a gift auction and 50/50 raffle scheduled during the event.

Winter Train Show

• Date: Jan. 31 & Feb. 1
• Location: Ted Blum 4-H Center (310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater)
• Details: See over 1,000 feet of track with more than 30 unique displays and visit participating craft and train vendors. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for kids, and those under two-years-old are free.

NJ Sports Card Convention

• Dates: Feb. 6-7
• Location: iPlay America (104 Schanck Road, Freehold)
• Details: Check out collectibles, novelties, sports card memorabilia and more from experienced card collectors and dealers at the NJ Sports Card Convention. Tickets required.

Valentine’s Sweet Stroll

• Date: Feb. 7
• Location: Downtown Red Bank
• Details: Get ready for Valentine’s Day with an afternoon of sweet treats and experiences in Downtown Red Bank.

Nine Inch Nails

• Date: Feb. 14
• Location: Prudential Center (25 Lafayette Street, Newark)
• Details: Nine Inch Nails will be at the Prudential Center for their Peel It Back Tour 2026 with Boys Noize. Tickets required.

Dancing With The Stars Live

• Date: Feb. 14
• Location: NJ Performing Arts Center (1 Center Street, Newark)
• Details: See breathtaking performances of “Dancing with the Stars” featuring special guest co-hosts Danielle Fishel and Andy Richter with special guest star Alix Earle. Tickets required.

Lunar New Year Celebration

• Date: Feb. 19
• Location: Reeves-Reed Arboretum (165 Hobart Ave., Summit)
• Details: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with crafts, music and more at this Lunar New Year Celebration. Children 5-10 years old can be dropped off or attend with a parent/guardian, while children 3-5 years old should attend with a parent/guardian.

RENT In Concert

• Date: Feb. 19
• Location: State Theatre New Jersey (15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick)
• Details: See an ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists come together to share the iconic music of RENT like never before. This symphonic take on Jonathan Larson’s beloved musical includes the full score of the show. Tickets required.

Asbury Park Music Awards

• Date: Feb. 20
• Location: The Stone Pony (913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park)
• Details: The Asbury Park Music Awards will return in February, reigniting a long-standing tradition of celebrating the artists who keep the Asbury Park music scene alive. Tickets required.

Maple Sugar Festival

• Date: March 7
• Location: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (247 Southern Blvd., Chatham)
• Details: Join the Morris County Park Commission for its annual Maple Sugar Festival, where they celebrate all things maple sugar. Preregistration is encouraged but not required.