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Amid the holiday season, filled with dazzling light shows and must-do events, it’s often nice to be reminded of the magic in the spirit of giving and Harbaugh Village in Mullica Hill is a shining example of the seasonal axiom that it’s better to give than to receive.
What started as one of South Jersey’s over-the-top holiday houses has expanded into a year-round charity, whose mission is to bring joy to the community with on-site activations, which fuel a deeper love of giving back to those in need.
Read on for details on our visit to Harbaugh Village and how you can join its mission while making a little holiday magic in the process. Find more ways to give back, including local toy drives in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities in New Jersey.
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What is Harbaugh Village?
This beautifully created village tucked away in Mullica Hill is packed with family-friendly attractions, which change with the season. Currently, a general admission ticket grants access to seasonal photo-ops, live music, rides, boardwalk games, and twinkling holiday light displays, plus The North Pole Experience—more on this below.
History of Harbaugh Village
The brainchild of Steve Harbaugh, it all began very simply. In 2018, Harbaugh mounted his first Christmas display fit for Christmas Vacation, with a Griswold-esque decorated house. In true Griswold fashion, that wasn’t enough: Harbaugh added characters, and even Cousin Eddie’s RV the following year. Here, its charitable mission began: Harbaugh asked visitors to donate to a toy drive in an effort to fill the RV with gifts. Nearly 5,000 were collected in 2019 alone! In 2020, the pile of presents grew to 12,000 toys and miles of traffic lined up to see the house, spawning Harbaugh’s idea to build an entire village dedicated to the affair and the establishment of George’s House, a nonprofit arm to organize and distribute the annual toy collection. The charity also works to provide transitional housing for local families in need.
RELATED: What’s Open on Christmas Day: 12 Things To Do in New Jersey
Shop at charming stores during your visit to Harbaugh Village.
The North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village
Following a successful holiday season debut in 2021, The North Pole Experience returns to Harbaugh Village this holiday season. Running through the end of December, guests can visit Santa daily in his workshop, spend time writing letters to him, and make reindeer food with his elves. Of course, mom and dad will want to capture that picture-perfect Santa visit with a snapshot on their phone or camera.
While you’re there, explore the rest of the fun in the 40-acre village, including a la cart activities like ice skating, private fire pits or dining igloos for rental, shopping from local vendors, noshing on food truck fare, and visiting the sweet shop.
The North Pole Experience is included in the general admission fee of $19.95, though kids under age 2 are FREE and all proceeds go directly to George’s House.
More Things To Do at Harbaugh Village
While the holiday season is the seemingly high time at this South Jersey attraction, it’s really an all-season affair with special events like a Magic Pumpkin Patch in the fall, and fun one-off activities like a touch-a-truck event last July.
Looking for a fun setting for your child’s next milestone celebration? Harbaugh Village even hosts birthday parties, which include three hours worth of fun from skating to carousel rides, and games.
Of course, no matter the timing of your visit, be sure to stop by the replica Griswold house for a fun photo!
RELATED: Pictures with Santa Claus in New Jersey
Visit after dark to see pretty photo-ops stretching into the distance.
Know Before You Go to Harbaugh Village
- Timed-entry tickets are required and can be booked online in advance.
- Tickets are non-refundable. If inclement weather forces the village to close, guests will be contacted to arrange an alternate time to visit.
- No outside food or drink is permitted.
- Some attractions, like the sweets shop, ice-skating, igloo rental, and fire-pit rental are not included in general admission.
- Dress for the weather! This is a mostly outdoor adventure!
Unless noted, photos courtesy of Harbaugh Village
