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 breakfast and a 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.
The Smoakn Links Studio – Christmas Market
Join The Smoakn Links Studio for their First of Many Christmas Markets, featuring local small business vendors, handcrafted gifts, sweet treats, and exclusive holiday giveaways all weekend long! Come find the perfect gifts, support amazing entrepreneurs, and kick off the season with festive fun, community love, and holiday magic.
When: Dec 20 – 21, 2025, Noon – 7 pm
Where: 15 Wilkinson Ave, Jersey City
Christmas Carols & Joy Drive
Carols will be sung, and mimosas and cocktails will be served. + a special collab cocktail with @starandsuntea that’s going to be your new fave! Enjoy Christmas Carols by Hayworth & Justin.
When: 20 Dec 2025, 1 pm – 4 pm
Where: 149 Newark Ave, Jersey City
Newport Skates – December Holiday Events
These festive activities are a staple winter experience for Jersey City families. Alongside public skating and seasonal vendor offerings, this year you have the following events –
Dec. 17 & 19, 4:00–7:00 PM – Paint Ornaments & Write Letters to Santa in the heated tent
Dec. 21, 3:00–5:00 PM – Face Painting & Henna (free with admission)
Dec. 22, 5:00–8:00 PM – Christmas Carolers & Holiday Song Covers from local performers
Dec. 23, 4:00–7:00 PM – Skate & Photos with Santa (hot cocoa available)
Where: 95 River Drive South, Jersey City
Made of Leaves – Holiday Market
Made of Leaves and Baddie Tattoos will be hosting a Holiday Market on Dec 21st. There will be a Toy & Coat drive, Holiday Photo portraits, vendors, food and drink.
When: 21 Dec 2025
Where: 195 New York Ave. Jersey City
Annual Holiday Extravaganza – Pavonia Branch Library
Pavonia Branch Library presents the 3rd Annual Holiday Extravaganza, Caroling in the Park. Come and sing along with the Pavonia Branch staff at Hamilton Park (Gazebo) as they sing popular Christmas carols and holiday songs. Lyrics will be provided. All ages are welcome. You can look forward to some hot cocoa.
When: Dec 17, 4 pm – 5: 30 pm
Where: Hamilton Park Gazebo
Parents’ Night Out Holiday Party
225 Hutton St.
Celebrate the season with a festive Parents’ Night Out Holiday Party at @thehuttonjc! Join us on Tuesday, 12/16 at 7:30 pm for good vibes, yummy drinks, and easy conversation.
Book that babysitter and come with your partner, a parent friend, or fly solo and mingle — all are welcome. No RSVP, no cover — just show up, order what you like, and enjoy a holiday night out with the community.
Cafe Lafayette and Besties Events Holiday Market
Cafe Lafayette and Besties Events are organizing a Holiday Market with treats, diy santa hats and stockings. The craft and sip part is a paid event. The Holiday Market is free to attend.
When: 21 Dec 2025, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Cafe Lafayette, Jersey City
Holiday Caroling – JC Heights Parents
This is brought to you by JC Heights Parents.
Bring the whole family for a magical, community-filled evening as they stroll Ogden Ave, spreading holiday cheer. Meet at the Riverview Fountain. They’ll provide hot cocoa, sheet music, Santa hats, and bells—just dress warm and bring your holiday spirit… no singing talent required!
Plus, they will be led in singing by Danielle from the A Cappella group
When: 18 Dec 2025, 5 pm – 6 pm
Where: Meet at the Riverview Fountain.
Hoboken for the Holidays
Holidays are a fun time in Hoboken. There’s the free holiday hop bus every weekend through December 21st, 2025. Main Street Pops Holiday Artisan Market at 770 Jackson Plaza, HBA’s night out Kickoff at City Hall on the 13th of December, are some of the other events to look forward to in Hoboken.
Grind for the children – The Grind Coffee
Santa is bringing his Workshop Experience right here to GRIND! Come build a bear, take photos with Santa, and sip hot cocoa. Kids of all ages are welcome.
When: 20 Dec 2025, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: The Grind Coffee, 293 Suydam Ave. Jersey City
Holiday Market Series – Main Street Pops
Save the dates for the annual MSP HOLIDAY MARKET SERIES!
They are back again by popular demand for the first three Sundays in December and there’s lots of holiday festivities planned.
The plaza at 770 Jackson St in Hoboken will be transformed into a magical Holiday Vendor Village, where visitors can shop for unique gifts and celebrate the season. Each Sunday will offer different holiday fun so check back for details soon.
Happy Holiday Market
The countdown to the merriest market of the year is ON! We’re tying the bows, decking the plaza, and getting ready for cozy vibes, festive finds, and holiday magic. You can expect 150+ artists, makers, treats, photo ops, Santa visits, rooftop brunch, and holiday cocktails.
When: December 13, 14, 20 & 21 | 11AM–6PM
Where: Grove St PATH Plaza + The Rooftop at The Ashford in Downtown Jersey City
The Ashford Holiday Market
Get into the holiday spirit with the Ashford Holiday Market! Shop unique gifts, handmade goods, festive treats, and support local creators this season. Perfect for last-minute shopping, holiday cheer, and community vibes all month long!
When: Dec 13, 14, 20, 21, 2025, 11 am – 6 pm
Where: The Ashford, JC
The Holiday Square Market
The Holiday Square Market officially arrives on November 28 — and it’s bringing a sleigh-full of fun with it! Every week we’ll have new vendors, treats, gifts, and artisanal goodies ready for you to shop, taste, and explore. From cozy winter bites to handmade treasures, you’ll have endless reasons to keep coming back.
When: 11.28.25 to 12.28.25
Where: Magnolia Landing, 136 Magnolia Ave. Jersey City
Christmas Mercadito
Join us at our Christmas Mercadito, where you can shop for those special gifts, enjoy great food and sales, while supporting local vendors and makers! Share the joy of the season with us!
When: 20 Dec, 2025, 12 pm – 5:30 pm
Where: 407 Palisade Ave. Jersey City
Miracle on Mercer
Nov. 7th, 2025 to Jan 4th, 2026
Enjoy a full Christmas cocktail and food experience at The Franklin Social. Book your table today. Check out their full miracle events, including brunch with Santa, New Year’s party and more.
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 21, 2025 — January 4, 2026
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! Themed “Fantasy Winter Fairyland,” this year’s original light art designs turn frosty magic into reality. Journey with Lumi and be amazed as towering sculptures illuminate the park, transforming it into an immersive dazzling fairytale world and a starry holiday dream.
Share the thrill of discovery and make lasting memories by dressing up for our theme nights. Let the whole family enjoy becoming someone or something new! Some of our theme nights change from event to event, but none are to be missed!
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Tree will be lit daily from 5 am to 12 am until mid-January. On Christmas Day, the Tree is lit for 24 hours.
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 heart of the holiday season officially begins on December 3, when the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit for the first time during the live “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” broadcast. After being wrapped with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights and crowned with a dazzling Swarovski star, the Tree will shine nightly through mid-January 2026.
The Polar Express
Various dates in Nov and Dec, 2025
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 runaway 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. Meet Santa in New York! It’s the North Pole, New York style.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit the Big Apple, so get your whole family on the Nice List with a round-trip ticket to our very own North Pole NYC.
Take in the sights of New York’s winter wonderland, hear thrilling Christmas stories from our very own resident elf, and enjoy chocolate treats and hot cocoa on your way to see Saint Nick. Tell Santa your deepest wishes and get a special good luck sleigh bell – all for a holiday experience you’ll cherish forever.
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 15, 2025 through January 11, 2026
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 their outdoor mountainscapes. The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas—including new surprises for 2025/2026—to life under the glass of the warm and welcoming Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Get up close to see these miniature masterpieces, each one meticulously crafted from plant parts like palm fronds, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks. Outside on the Conservatory Lawn, a glowing mountainscape brimming with even more trains and picture-perfect moments is yours to explore..
Updated Dec 19, 2025
