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! 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.
Ongoing Activities:
Bryant Park Winter Village
Ongoing
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 Holiday Shops, and rinkside eats and drinks at The Lodge Deck by Urbanspace.
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
November 18th-January 8th, 2022
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
Ongoing
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 LuminoCity 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. Evenings from Friday, November 27, 2020, through Sunday, January 20, 2021.
Luminaries At Brookfield Place
Ongoing
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
Ongoing
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
November 25th-December 18th, 2022
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. Read more about the COVID guidelines.
North Pole Express by TopView
November 12th-December 31st, 2022
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.
Winter Wonder Lights
Winter WonderLights drive-thru has over 1.5 million lights animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes. They have 20’ Christmas trees, 3 magical tunnels, a tribute to our first responders & US Armed Forces, and tons of other stunning, larger-than-life holiday-themed displays for the entire family – all synchronized to the music playing in your car!
Guests are welcome to bundle up in their car, bring their snacks/beverages, and tune their radio to enjoy the show to give you an incredible experience.
Disney On Ice
Ongoing
Disney on Ice is one event not to miss this holiday season! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow-covered mountains, and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. This action-packed extravaganza features the stars of Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco, and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters. Get your tickets today!
NYC: Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
November 18th-January 3rd, 2022
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.
Miracle on Mercer
November 21st- December 31st, 2022
Enjoy a full Christmas cocktail and food experience at The Franklin Social starting November 21st. Book your table today.
Jersey City Nutcracker
December 9th-23rd, 2022
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.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol in Jersey City
December 15th-December 24th, 2022
Jacob Marley is dead, as we all know. What we don’t know is that in his death, he has 24 hours to do the impossible: redeem Ebenezer Scrooge, the one man alive who is worse than he. Otherwise, Jacob Marley will be condemned to eternal torment, wearing the very real chains in death that he metaphorically forged in life. Guided by a mischievous imp called a Bogle, Jacob Marley sets out to redeem his former partner… and may just find redemption himself. A playful twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale! Don’t miss this Christmas treat for the whole family! More details here.
Estimated run time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Recommended for ages 5 and up for dark tone
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
All aboard! The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden will be an experience to remember. Enchanting model trains zip through a display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Ticket prices vary based on age and time of visit! Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming past familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track.
Events:
Jersey City Menorah Lighting (Passed)
Monday, December 19th, 2022: 4:30pm-5:30pm
The Office of Cultural Affairs continues holiday celebrations with an open invitation to the Menorah Lighting inside City Hall Council Chambers, Monday, December 19th, 4:30pm – 5:30pm.
A Comedy Present to Jersey City
Wednesday, December 21st, 2022
White Eagle Hall presents A Comedy Present for Jersey City. The Jersey City comedy scene is thriving and it’s time to stand up on Chilltown’s grandest stage. Enjoy as many Jersey City comedians as they could fit in a gift box! Get tickets here.
North Pole With Santa
Thursday, December 22nd, 2-5pm
Join the JCPD North District as they take you to the North Pole and offer milk, cookies from Galeria Cafe and Krispy Kreme, and photos with Santa. Don’t miss the fun Thursday, December 22nd, from 2 pm – 5 pm.
West Side Santa
Friday, December 23rd, 2o22: 4:30pm
Meet Santa Claus at the Lincoln Park Fountain on Dec 23rd.
The procession starts at 4:30 pm
Meet & Greet at 5:30 pm
There will also be kids’ crafts and photos with Santa.
JCPD South District Toy Giveaway 2022
Friday, December 23rd, 2022: 3-5pm
South District’s toy giveaway is happening on December 23rd at Mary Mcleod Bethune Park from 2-5pm.
Updated: December 20th, 2022
