Our Guide To Holiday Activities and Events In & Around Jersey City
The season of happiness, delicious foods, cozy fires, snowy days, and family are upon us! Invite your family for a breakfast and picture with Santa in Jersey City! There are plenty of events in Jersey City that truly bring out the holiday cheer for you and your loved ones to enjoy! Please check out our guide to Holiday activities and events in & around Jersey City, and check out their website to plan it better.
Hoboken Community Holiday Market and Tree Lighting
Join the City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) to start the holiday season with festive events and local shopping! Here’s what’s coming up:
Hoboken Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec. 7,11 AM–5 PM at the Damon Murray Community Gym (605 Jackson St.). Enjoy kids’ activities, crafters, vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden for adults.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5 PM at 11th & Washington Street, Hoboken. Enjoy the festive entertainment, live performances, hot cocoa, baked goods, and a visit from Santa. Donate toys, non-perishables, and hygiene items to support local families in need.
Menorah Lighting
Scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Hoboken City Hall, this features the annual gelt drop with the Hoboken Fire Department. Stay tuned for more details.
Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting
Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall, Jersey City
Tuesday, December 3, 6 PM – 8 PM
Smile Preschool + Nursery & HDSID invites you to our Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting event! This is a free event with Family Fun & Caroling. bounce House for the kids, hot chocolate to keep you warm. The lighting ceremony will be conducted by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop!
Register in advance to receive a gift! Click the link in their bio.
This is sponsored by Whole Spectrum Autism and Historic Downtown Jersey City Special Improvement District.
&Co North’s Holiday Market
220 9th St., 2nd floor, Jersey City
Dec 6, 2024, 5 pm – 9 pm
Get into the holiday spirit with us at &CO North’s Holiday Market. With 20+ Local Vendors, festive Treats and Holiday Drinks, Tarot Reading, Portrait Drawing and more, this will be a fun-filled Holiday Market.
French-American Holiday Market
85 W Demarest Ave. Englewood, NJ
December 7th, 11 am to 6 pm
Get ready to experience the magic of a French holiday tradition in Englewood. Join the French American Academy of Englewood for the 1st Annual French-American Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7th, 11 am to 6 pm. Indulge in delicious French treats, discover beautiful crafts, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment while supporting local businesses.
Happy Holiday Market
December 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd, 12-6pm
Make your season merry, bright, and beautifully handmade at the Happy Holiday Market hosted by HDSID. Shop locally, support gifted artists, and unwrap the joy of handmade goods.
December 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd, 12-6pm
The locations are – Grove St PATH Plaza and Rooftop at the Ashford (145 Newark Ave). This event features 135 unique vendors, Bounce House Fun, a Gift bagging service at the Ashford Rooftop (while supplies last), a Photobooth, Rooftop Brunch, and holiday drinks at the Ashford. This is free to attend.
Winter Market at Journal Square
Magnolia Landing
Dec 5, 2024, 3 pm – 8 pm
Come with family and friends for this Winter Market presented by Journal Square SID and KRE. Have fun with crafts and activities for the kids, dancing to your favorite holiday jams, writing a letter to Santa, snapping pics with his sleigh, sipping on hot cocoa, and shopping ‘til you drop at their local vendor booths. And the best part is the tree lighting at 5 PM.
Heights Holiday Market
Riverview-Fisk Park
December 7, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm
There will be local vendors, festive food, free Holiday photo booth, live music, family photos with Santa, s’mores hot cocoa and more!
Riverview Neighborhood Association will be hosting the Heights Holiday Market. It is back for the third year in a row. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7, 2024. Calling local businesses and vendors since vendor applications are now open. More details here.
Winter Wonderland Group Art Show
128 Winfield Ave., Jersey City
Winter Wonderland Group Art Show celebrates with winter and holiday-themed art, music, toy drive, collection box, neighborhood raffle, and refreshments. It will take place on December 6 and 7, 2024, 5 pm – 8 pm
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
McGinley Square Plaza, Jersey City
Their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:30 pm to 7 pm. It will be a night of lights, cheer, and holiday spirit for the whole family.
HFA Holiday Party
The Hoboken Biergarten
Brought to you by Hoboken Family Alliance, this holiday party will include crafts, sbacks and music for the kids. There will be light snacks for adults as well. The Hoboken Biergarten bar will be open to adults for the purchase of food and beverages.
The BeLa Block Party
Monitor and Maple Streets, Jersey City
Come, and have fun at the Bergen-Lafayette Block Party with live music, delicious eats from local food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere to celebrate an amazing community. All proceeds go to support New City Kids, making a positive impact right here in Jersey City. November 23rd from 1 PM to 10 PM at Monitor and Maple Streets
Holiday Party
Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne St. Jersey City
Come with family and friends to enjoy this holiday party with snacks and light bites, a cash bar, live entertainment, and a DJ. It is free to attend.
South House Holiday Market and Toy Drive
South House, 149 Newark Ave. Jersey City
This will take place on Dec 7, 2024, between 1 and 5 pm. There will be vendors offering many giftable options, vintage and local handmade. Come and support local businesses while enjoying the sounds of DJ Monte! Bring new unwrapped gifts for donation for those in need and get a complimentary Mimosa voucher with any donation.
Bethune Center Holiday Market
140 Martin Luther King Dr. Jersey City
Visit the Bethune Center Holiday Market on November 15th from 6 PM to 9 PM for unique gifts, and festive treats, and to celebrate the season with the community.
Historic Downtown, Jersey City Lighting Ceremony
Newark Ave Pedestrian Mall
HDSID (Historic Downtown Special Improvement District) is celebrating the holidays with its annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 3, 2024. Including Gifts from Santa + Cookies + Hot Chocolate and more! This will be held on Dec 3, 2024, 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
Be Fort Lee Holiday Night Market
229 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ
Come join the fun with family and friends at the inaugural Be Fort Lee Holiday Night Market in partnership with Main Street Pops. This could be your one-stop destination for holiday cheer and unique gifts. There will be live music, delicious seasonal food, and drink options for everyone.
Cordero PTA Holiday Market
158 Erie Street, JC – Gym
The PTA is happy to announce the Holiday Market will be happening Tuesday, December 10 from 5:30-7:30! All items sold will be under $15 dollars, there will be a bounce house, Photo Booth and food available for sale. If you are a small business and want to become a vendor at this market, check here.
Holiday Parade at Queens Center
Queens Center,
90-15 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373
Enjoy a dazzling Holiday Parade welcoming Santa to Queens Center. Join Santa and his friends as they parade around the mall marking the beginning of this festive season. The parade will start on Level 3, in front of The Fix at 1 pm.
Chanukah Concert at Green Acres Mall
Green Acres Mall, NY – 11581
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a live Chanukah concert featuring Aryeh Kunstler. A wonderful event for families to enjoy music and holiday cheer together. This will take place on December 21, 2024, 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
Green Acres Mall – Annual Tree Lighting Event
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Green Acres Mall Center Court
Join the festive evening with Santa as they light up the holiday tree, with live music, a quartet of Dickens-themed carolers, and holiday treats. Enjoy the entertainment, free giveaways & dance
The Shops at Atlas Park – Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
The Shops at Atlas Park Center Court
Don’t miss the annual tree lighting celebration with Santa’s arrival, live DJ, holiday giveaways, and festive treats. This magical evening is the perfect way to ring in the season!
There are so many options when it comes to Holiday Lights To See In and Around Jersey City. Check out other events and activities that you can indulge in this holiday season.
2023 events
Watch The Jersey City Nutcracker
329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ, 07302
December 8th to 23rd, 2023
Set to Tchaikovsky’s renowned orchestral score, Jersey City Nutcracker tells the story of two children’s city adventures, following them through fantasy, adversity, and celebration, with lessons about friendship and community.Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, this adaption of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic is performed by a stand-out cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance joined by youth and adults from the community; familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, and Drosselmeyer – all with a Jersey City twist! Set against jaw-dropping animated video projections by Laia Cabrera and Isabelle Duverger, youth and adults alike are touched by this tale of Holiday spirit. Plus: surprise guest performers make unforgettable cameo appearances; stay tuned!Get your tickets HERE.
The Little Play Co
1400 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Thursday, December 14th, available 2 times during the day, at 10am or 4pm
How is it even possible that it is time for our 5th annual Gingerbread House Party, where happiness is homemade! $75 per child and 30 minutes of PLAY from 10:00-10:30am or 4:00-4:30pm. Gingerbread decorating will start promptly at 10:30am or 4:30pm. Gingerbread houses are pre-assembled and all sweets will be provided. Register online.
Christmas Tree Lighting
St Pauls The Apostile Church – 14 Greenville Avenue, Jersey City, NJ, 07305
Saturday, December 16th
Joy us for some joyful Christmas music, hot chocolate, family and friends to get in the Christmas Spirit. We will be lighting our two tall pine trees next to the church.
Winter Wonderland
453 MLK Drive, Jersey City, NJ, 07304
December 16th 2023, from 5 to 9pm
The Carrington Village Winter Wonderland is BACK!!!Join us for a Fun, Free and a Fantastic time with the family event. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, this event is perfect for everyone. Bring the kids out to our winter wonderland and lights. Christmas treats, hot cocoa, crafts and pictures with Santa.We can’t wait to see you!
Hoboken’s Jingle Bell 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
100 Sinatra Drive South,Hoboken, NJ US 07030
December 16, 2023 at 9am
Run along Hoboken’s picturesque waterfront with priceless views of the Manhattan Skyline. All participants will get officially timed results (age group awards), receive a complete Santa suit, professional photos, music on course, hot chocolate, mini subs from Jersey Mikes Hoboken, and more! Details here. Join early to get the best rate.
Ferris Triangle Park
Sunday December 17th, from 3 to 5pm
With our pleasure we announce our annual tree lighting, Come enjoy hot cocoa with your friends and neighbors and design your own fun ornament and craft with our awesome artists Christine and Gina! All are welcome to bring their own ornament or decoration for the tree, planted in honor of Natasha, to symbolize our togetherness in the community. She would be so happy to see many old and new faces there to celebrate. We will have the Park looking it’s holiday best so Please come rain (hopefully NOT) or shine!
Holiday Caroling
Lincoln Park North – Corner of West Side and Gautier
December 17th from 5 to 7pm
Miracle on Mercer
Nov. 9th to Jan.1st. 2024
Enjoy a full Christmas cocktail and food experience at The Franklin Social. Book your table today. (Franklin Social is temporarily closed)
West Side Santa
Friday Dec 22nd
Santa Claus is coming to town! December 23rd procession begins at 4:30 pm and ends at Lincoln Park by the gazebo/ fountain! Santa will be posing with kids and families in the gazebo 🎄🤍 Will have crafts and treats for kids ! Check the route here.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s winter wonderland. Enjoy New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink. The European inspired open-air market, Holiday Shops by Urbanspace Markets, features artisans from New York and around the world. Located along Bryant Park’s allées, plazas, and terraces, the Shops are housed in custom-designed, “jewel box” kiosks. Enjoy local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts from around the world.
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
November 17, 2023 — January 7, 2024
Stop by the Bronx Zoo for a family holiday festival. During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration includes festive entertainment, seasonal treats, the Holiday Train, and classic holiday music. The walk-through experience is a beloved tradition, enchanting and fun for all ages.
Lumino City Festival
Various Locations
Lumino City Festival features all-new light art installations spanning several acres! Each of the three parks illuminates the night with beautiful sculptures inspired by nature, history, and magic! The inspiration behind Lumino City Festival comes from the combination of the traditional art of Chinese lantern festivals with modern design and unique storytelling. It is also home to the world’s most skilled lantern artists and hosts an annual lantern festival that attracts more than two million people.
Luminaries At Brookfield Place
Brighten up the holidays with Brookfield Place! Luminaries, designed by the LAB at Rockwell Group, is inspired by the season’s sharing, giving, and community traditions. The installation features a canopy of colorful lights from hundreds of lanterns suspended among the palms. In addition, touchless wishing stations on the ground allow visitors to send a motion-activated wish to the canopy of lanterns above, prompting a magical display of lights and colors.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Tree will be lit daily from 5am-12am until January 13th at 10:00pm. On Christmas Day, the Tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 5am to 9pm.
The holidays in NYC begin at Rockefeller Center. Whether it’s a visit to the iconic Christmas Tree, a skate on the ice at The Rink, seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, or exploring attractions and fun things, there’s a magic here that can’t be denied. And it’s a holiday tradition you’ll want to make your own.
The Polar Express
Nov. 24,25,26 Dec. 1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,1
All Aboard The Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions operated by the non-profit New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society. Families have been traveling to ride this special edition of The Polar Express from all over the world. Inspired by the run-away hit movie produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family ride The Polar Express.
Experience the joy of singing songs with our roaming hobos, be amazed at our Juggling Chef, and make your wishes in person to Santa himself! The Polar Express in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, is sure to become an annual holiday tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas.
North Pole Express by TopView
All aboard! Grab your North Pole Express tickets and join us for a magical trip to the “North Pole” this holiday season. No more hassles of going out of town, the North Pole Express by TopView departs right in the center of NYC – Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy Christmas carols, storytelling, sweet treats such as hot chocolate and cookies during the ride, and more. The top deck of a double-decker bus gives you views above the crowd, showing you views of NYC you’ve never seen before. This polar express NYC is undoubtedly an experience that can’t be missed.
NYC: Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Experience the annual Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. Enjoy Santa Claus, Toy Soldiers, a Nativity scene, famous NY department store windows, Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and more.
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
November 17, 2023 – January 15, 2024 from 10 am to 6 pm
The Holiday Train Show returns bigger than ever with more trains and an all-new, outdoor train display. Start on the lawn to capture your perfect holiday photos at our outdoor mountainscapes and then watch trains zip past nearly 200 iconic New York landmarks under the warmth of the Conservatory. After dark, join us for NYBG GLOW and discover the beauty of our landscape and historic buildings, illuminated across the grounds. And don’t miss the return of our fan-favorite Bar Car Nights, 21-and-over evenings featuring the Holiday Train Show and curated cocktails. These special evenings feature music, experiences, food, and more—making for the ultimate night out this season.
Updated Nov ’24
