The holiday season has arrived, and Jersey City is ready to impress you and your loved ones with various festive activities.
From charming Christmas markets to cozy indoor events you can create yourself, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This year, make lasting memories and discover the joy that awaits you in and around Jersey City. Let this guide be your key to holiday cheer and unforgettable moments.
The Hilltop Holiday Party
Date: December 2, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 665 Newark Ave
The Jersey City Hilltop Neighborhood Party is taking place on December 2nd at Mezcal Kitchen. Join neighbors and friends to celebrate the holidays. The group welcomes everyone even if you do not live on the Hilltop.
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Historic Downtown Annual Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony 2024
Date: December 3, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall, Staging Area
Join the Historic Downtown Jersey City Special Improvement District for their annual Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy gifts from Santa, cookies, and steaming cups of hot chocolate as you celebrate with the community. For more information, visit here.
Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop
Date: December 4, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Location: 195 New York Ave
Join Made of Leaves Studio for a wreath-making workshop! In this session, you’ll learn how to create your winter wreath. All materials and light snacks will be provided. The event is BYOB, and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Winter Market – Magnolia Landing
Date: December 5th, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Magnolia Landing, Jersey City, NJ
Enjoy the Magnolia Landing Winter Market, a wonderful family event! Enjoy crafts and activities for kids, holiday dancing, writing letters to Santa, and sipping hot cocoa while supporting local vendors. The magical tree lighting ceremony will start at 5:00 PM.
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Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – McGinley Square Plaza
Date: December 6th, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: McGinley Square Plaza, Jersey City, NJ
Experience the season’s magic at McGinley Square’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting! This festive evening will be filled with lights, cheer, and holiday spirit for the entire family.
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&Co North’s Holiday Market
Date: December 6th, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 220 9th St., 2nd Floor
Celebrate the holiday season at &Co North’s Holiday Market! Enjoy a festive evening with 20+ local vendors offering unique gifts, holiday treats and festive drinks, tarot reading and more.
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Winter Wonderland Group Art Show in Greenville
Date: December 6th and 7th
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 125 Winfield Ave.
Project Greenville in Jersey City is hosting a winter-themed art show featuring local artists, inspired artwork, photographs, crates, and more. They will also organize a toy drive.
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Heights Holiday Market
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Riverview-Fisk Park, 498 Palisade Ave
Riverview Farmers Market is hosting its third Heights Holiday Market, where you can shop local vendors and soak up the festive atmosphere. Be sure to cross the street for Busy Bee Organics’ famous hot chocolate for an extra treat.
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Claus for Paws Holiday Market – Sage Veterinary Center
Date: December 8th, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sage Veterinary Center
Join Sage Veterinary Center for the first-ever holiday market, Claus for Paws. Celebrate the season of giving while supporting local businesses and helping rescue organizations like See Spot Rescued and JerseyCats. Enjoy unique gifts from local vendors, enter raffles for exciting prizes, take photos with Santa, and much more! We are also collecting donations of pet food, toys, blankets, and other essentials to support pets in need this holiday season.
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Happy Holiday Market – Grove Street PATH Plaza
Dates: December 14, 15, 21, 22
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 112 Newark Avenue, Indoors at The Ashford rooftop & outdoors at Grove PATH Plaza
This annual market in Downtown Jersey City is perfect for holiday shopping. Find handmade gifts, snap photos at the photo booth, enjoy sweet treats, sip hot cocoa, and bring the kids for fun activities.
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Ugly Sweater Line Dance Party – Grace Van Vorst Church
Date: December 13th
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Grace Van Vorst Church, 39 Erie St
Get into the holiday spirit at the Ugly Sweater Line Dance Party, benefiting the Family Promise of Hudson County! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with a line dance instructor leading you through classics like the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Wobble, and Cha Cha Slide. It’s a festive way to meet new people, dance the night away, and support a great cause.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Miracle on Mercer – 292 Barrow St
Christmas celebrations have begun early at Miracle on Mercer, a popular festive pop-up bar located at The Franklin Social. Guests can enjoy a variety of specialty holiday cocktails while soaking in the season’s spirit. The holiday festivities will continue until January 5th!
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Beyond the Plate’s Holly Jolly Cocktail Crawl – Downtown Jersey City
Join Beyond the Plate for an evening of holiday cocktails and bites! Explore local bars with festive drinks on this guided cocktail tour. The tours will occur weekly on Tuesdays and Sundays, starting the week after Thanksgiving. Each tour includes three stops, featuring cocktails and food tastings at every location. You will also receive a take-home dessert, and Santa hats and other festive attire will be provided. Gather your friends and family to enjoy this festive experience! For tickets and more information click here.
Cellar 335 Sleighs + Leis – 335 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Cellar 335’s Sleighs + Leis is back this holiday season starting December 1st. You can enjoy their special holiday cocktail menu, festive décor, food specials, and more!
Christmas Market Hopping in NYC
If you’re interested in exploring more holiday markets, be sure to visit Manhattan. Check out the markets listed below and embark on a holiday market tour! Remember to bundle up and check the weather before you head out on your festive adventure.
- Bryant Park Winter Village: Skating rink, artisan shops, and holiday treats.
- Union Square Holiday Market: A classic filled with handcrafted gifts.
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Unique finds and delicious food.
- Grand Central Holiday Fair: An indoor gem with curated gift items.
Indoor Activities for the Christmas
Hot Chocolate Tasting + Christmas Movie Extravaganza
If you want to stay indoors and get cozy, consider hosting a hot chocolate and movie night with your loved ones. Set up a DIY toppings bar with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, candy canes, marshmallows, and sprinkles. Play your favorite movies, including heartwarming classics like Home Alone and Elf, along with your favorite holiday music. To make things even more festive, create a comfortable seating area adorned with twinkling string lights!
Cookie Decorating Contest
Who doesn’t love a fun and friendly cookie-decorating contest? Make it enjoyable by creating different shapes like snowmen, ugly sweaters, and ornaments to make decorating extra exciting.
White Elephant Gift Party with a Potluck
A White Elephant gift exchange is always a hit, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Set a reasonable price limit for gifts to ensure that everyone can participate without stress. To make the gathering even more memorable, consider hosting a potluck where guests bring their favorite holiday dishes and baked goods. To add an extra touch of fun and creativity, you might also consider making it a rule that only homemade gifts are allowed!
How are you celebrating the holidays? We would love to hear!
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
