Amongst the headlines, drones, and wild weather, 2024 is coming to a close. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Santa arrives in Hoboken; new windows will be installed on NJ Transit trains; and work continues on the Madison Street Infrastructure Improvements Project. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on December 22nd, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
-
- Hoboken Police Department Swears In 6 New Officers
- Salvation Army Gives Back To Jersey City Families With Angel Tree Program
- ‘The Heap at Art House: A Pop-Up Exhibit’ Coming To Art House Gallery
- Hoboken Teens Collect Winter Supplies for Hoboken Shelter
- Jersey City Native Co-Writes First Today Show Cookbook
- 2 Hoboken Firefighters + Friends To Reopen Green Pear Cafe
- Whole Foods May Be Coming to Hoboken
- New Windows Being Installed On NJ Transit Trains
- Interactive + Animated Window Displays Bring Holiday Cheer to Jersey City
- Igloos Pop Up at Hoboken Biergarten
The Hoboken Girl Announces: 25 Hoboken + Jersey City Women to Watch in 2025
More than the amazing architecture or the incredible food, it’s the people who make our Hudson County community so special. The Hoboken Girl has selected 25 Women to Watch from Hoboken and Jersey City who are making a positive impact. Click here for more.
Work Continues On Madison Street Infrastructure Improvements Project
Madison Street in Hoboken between 10th and 11th Streets has closed as of Monday, December 16th to facilitate the next construction portion. In addition, 10th Street will convert to eastbound only between Madison and Jefferson Streets. These changes will be in place for about three months to minimize aerial flooding in the future, per a press release from the City.
Hoboken Fire Department Welcomes 8 New Members
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Eight new Hoboken Firefighters were sworn in during a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, December 16th, in front of family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, and community members. The swearing-in included Brandon Lui, Raphael Maldonado, Domenico Lisa, Nyjon Freeman, Elias Colon III, Adrian Cepeda Jr., Adrian Pietri, and Todd Perkins. According to a news release from the City, adding more members will allow the department to increase its minimum staffing level from 20 to 22 firefighters. This will guarantee four members (including one captain) on all engines responding to fire calls at all times.
Santa Arrives In Hoboken (Early, Last Friday)
Santa Claus himself made a trip to Hoboken this past Friday, December 20th, on a fire truck along with the Hoboken Fire Department. The route started at the Observer Highway Fire House — located at 5 Observer Highway in Hoboken — as Santa rode around the city to spread cheer. Click here for the route details + recap of Santa’s visit to Hoboken.
Hoboken Police Department Swears In 6 New Officers
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The Hoboken Police Department (HPD) welcomed six new police officers during a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, December 16th, 2024. The Hoboken City Council is expected to approve an increase in the HPD’s Table of Organization from 146 to 156, per a news release from the City. The hiring of ten more officers will increase foot patrols and enhance police visibility throughout Hoboken.
Hoboken’s Mojo Coffee Expanding to Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Hoboken favorite Mojo Coffee has announced plans for a Jersey City location. Per a new page on the coffee shop’s website, a Jersey City location is ‘coming soon.’ The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the Mojo team for more information.
Hudacko’s Pharmacy In Bayonne Closes After 84 Years
Hudacko’s Pharmacy, located at 861 Broadway in Bayonne, has permanently closed. It is rumored that the shrinking insurance reimbursements for prescriptions can be the cause of the closure. The prescriptions of Hudacko customers are being honored at Walgreens as calls to the store are now directed to them.
New Business Signage Posted On Washington Street In Hoboken
In a storefront that’s been vacant since April 2024, a new business will move next door to Amanda’s Restaurant in Hoboken at 906 Washington Street. According to Patch Hoboken, Hoboken Cut + Shave, which has another location downtown, recently placed signage at the store. A longtime dry cleaning service had vacated the space last spring after 14 years in business before leaving the space.
Hudson Pride Center Hosts Grand Opening Of Second Location
Photo Credit: Hudson Pride Center
Hudson Pride Center, New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ community organization, officially opened its doors at its second location at 4428 Bergenline Avenue in Union City on Monday, December 16th. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to provide vital resources and services to the LGBTQ+ community in the area, per a press release from the organization. The center will provide a wide range of free, essential services tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Salvation Army Gives Back To Jersey City Families With Angel Tree Program
The Salvation Army is once again working to make sure every child has at least one gift under the Christmas tree this year through its Angel Tree program. This past Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, the organization hosted distribution events this past week at The Salvation Army Jersey City Corps (located at 562 Bergen Avenue) for pre-registered parents to pick up toys for their kids this holiday season. Interested donors can visit The Salvation Army’s website for more information on how they can give back.
‘The Heap at Art House: A Pop-Up Exhibit’ Coming To Art House Gallery
Photo Credit: Art House Productions
Art House Productions and Puppet Heap recently announced their collaboration in the Art House Gallery. The pop-up exhibit at 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City will feature The Heap and other Puppet Heap characters from Monday, January 20th through Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. More information about the exhibit created by Hoboken artist Paul Andrejco, 30 years in the making, can be found on the event website.
Hoboken Teens Collect Winter Supplies for Hoboken Shelter
Photo Credit: Angela Soo McDermott
Two Hoboken teens, Keira McDermott and Genevieve ‘GG’ Fink, donated four bags of winter goodies to a local shelter on Sunday, December 15th. They also both volunteered to help prepare and serve lunch to the many visitors of the shelter. They ask other generous civilians to donate hats, scarves, gloves, socks, ear muffs, and hand warmers to their local organizations.
Jersey City Local Co-Writes First Today Show Cookbook
View this post on Instagram
Jersey City resident Katie Stilo is one of three main authors of the first-ever cookbook produced by NBC’s The Today Show. She is one of The Today Show’s main food stylists and culinary producers. Her credits include major segments on The Today Show throughout the year, including its celebrity chef-studded Thanksgiving culinary special.
2 Hoboken Firefighters + Friends to Reopen Green Pear Cafe
Two Hoboken firefighters are coming together to re-open an Italian-style cafe in Hoboken. The New Jersey natives — Dominick Casolaro and Mike Forcum — are set to take over the Italian eatery and coffee shop, Green Pear Cafe, in Hoboken come the new year. The space at 93 Grand Street had been closed for a short time but will be back open in 2025 with an updated vibe, thanks to two first responders with a passion for good food. Click here for more.
Mario’s Pizza Achieves Record Of Number Of Cooked Turkeys for Holiday Initiative
View this post on Instagram
Mario’s Pizzeria in Hoboken has given away a free turkey dinner each year for 25 years to anyone who wants or needs one on Thanksgiving. The Italian restaurant is known for providing a traditional turkey dinner with the trimmings each year starting at 11AM. According to Patch Hoboken, they broke their own record this year by cooking 26 turkeys and running out of meals by 4PM.
Man Charged After Leaving Weapons + Ammunition at Elysian Cafe
A Hoboken man was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon after he left a gun at Elysian Cafe on Washington Street. Around 9AM on Sunday, November 10th, an unloaded gun and ammunition were found inside a computer bag left behind by a customer the previous night. Two police officers responded and traced the items to 45-year-old Hoboken resident Lawrence Friscia. The New Jersey State Police confirmed the gun was not registered to him and he was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and released on a summons, per TAPinto Hoboken.
Whole Foods Looks to Be Coming to Hoboken (Kind of)
On Tuesday, December 17th, the Hoboken Planning Board unanimously approved a completeness review for a new Whole Foods in the former Walgreens at 101-105 Washington Street. The proposed project is a Whole Foods “Daily Market,” a smaller offshoot of the grocery giant fit to the space and the city. It’s worth noting that this is a first step towards Hoboken Whole Foods, not a confirmation: the project would still have to be approved at a full planning board meeting. Click here for more.
New Windows To Be Installed On NJ Transit Trains
On Tuesday, December 17th, NJ Transit released new pictures (above) of new windows installed on multilevel train cars. In 2022, NJ.com reported NJ Transit planned to spend $8 million on these new train windows. More information about this initiative can be found in our article here.
Victims Of Newark Car Crash Identified as Jersey City Residents
Police released the names of five out of the six individuals who were killed in a car crash that occurred in Newark on Friday, December 6th. According to NorthJersey.com, the vehicle with six people inside was traveling on Raymond Boulevard near Blanchard Street toward the Route 1&9 southbound on-ramp at around 10PM before going airborne, striking a support column for the Pulaski Skyway and landing on the ground. All six people in the vehicle died, including Lamar McKnight, Darryl McKnight, Darnell Carr, Bradley Cunningham, and Veronica Bailey — all of whom were Jersey City residents.
State Board Gives Approval For Bayonne Medical Center Takeover
Secaucus-based Hudson Regional Hospital received a certificate of need approval from the New Jersey State Department of Health’s State Health Planning Board to operate CarePoint Health’s Bayonne Medical Center in Jersey City. CarePoint sought Chapter 11 protection in November before the act was approved, per Becker’s Hospital Review. The system is also moving forward with plans to affiliate with Hudson Regional under Hudson Health System, a management services organization. The commissioner of health must now give final approval moving forward.
Interactive + Animated Window Displays Bring Holiday Cheer to Jersey City
Photo Credit Natasha Dzurny
Two Jersey City businesses are highlighting interactive and animated window displays created by Natasha Dzurny for the holiday season. The display includes sparkling holiday lights declaring whether a passerby is ‘naughty’ or ‘nice,’ and points to book recommendations hand-selected by WORD staff to match. Jersey City Bicycle Co. also has its own display featuring an animatronic Santa Claus on a bicycle flying through the night sky.
Jersey City Composer Creating Custom Holiday Songs for Locals at her Studio
Jersey City music producer and pianist, Maria Lineva, is providing recording sessions in her studio this holiday season. People of all ages can record their own Christmas or Hanukkah songs. No prior musical background is necessary. Interested participants can reach out to Maria via email.
Hoboken Police Arrest Man for Knife Dispute
Hoboken Police responded to a call on Friday, November 7th, when they were waved down near the 700 block of Washington Street by Stevens Institute of Technology around 5:30AM. According to Patch Hoboken, there was a reported dispute in which one man was swinging a wooden stick at another. The victim had already left, but the perpetrator was identified as 55-year-old Robbie Moore of Hoboken. He was arrested after he began yelling and started to walk away from the officers during the on-scene investigation, even after being ordered to stop. When Robbie was searched, police found “a fishing/hunting-type knife” and was charged with unlawful possession of weapons, certain persons not to have weapons, disorderly conduct, and obstructing the administration of the law after having convictions in another state. He was taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Igloos Pop Up at Hoboken Biergarten
View this post on Instagram
‘The Igloo Escape’ has arrived at Hoboken Biergarten for the season. Two privately heated igloo domes are stocked with cozy furnishings and ‘the ultimate winter chill vibes’ with exclusive course menus and group packages. Interested diners can email the restaurant to reserve one of the domes.
2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival Looking For Comedians
View this post on Instagram
Jersey City comedians are being sought out for the 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival 2025. Interested comedians must be available June 12th-14th, 2025, and have proof of residency. More information can be found at jerseycitycomedyfestival.com.
Neroli Boutique Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
Neroli Boutique, located at 630 Washington Street, is Hoobken’s newest boutique. This chic shop was opened by husband and wife duo Behzod Mamadiev and Kamola Abdulhakimova, natives of Uzbekistan who now call New Jersey home. Click here for more.
New Drone Restrictions in 22 New Jersey Communities
Following the uptick of New Jersey residents reporting drone sightings throughout the state, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued air space restrictions in 22 New Jersey communities. The flight restrictions took effect December 18th, 2024, and will run through January 17th, 2025. Click here for more.
Increased Funding for Jersey City Senior Meals Program
The Hudson County Board of Commissioners reallocated funding which resulted in an additional $15,000 for Jersey City. Per Tap Into Jersey City, the funds will go to Jersey City’s Department of Health and Human Services for the 2024 Peer Grouping Program, which provides meals to homebound seniors.
Registration for Adult Winter Pickleball Opens in Hoboken
Registration for Hoboken’s Winter Adult Pickleball program is now open. The six-week sessions begin January 10th, 2025, and are open to residents 18 years old and up. Visit the Hoboken RecDesk for more information.
January 2025 Open House at Liberty State Park
View this post on Instagram
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host an open house on Saturday, January 25th at Liberty State Park to share updates on the park’s revitalization project. Per NJDEP, the event will be a chance for residents to review plans and share feedback on the park’s holistic long-term master plan, restoration of the historic train shed, and other aspects of the plan.
Hoboken Opens Applications for Affordable Housing Capital Fund
The City of Hoboken announced that applications are now open for the City’s Affordable Housing Capital Fund (AHCF). Non-profit organizations and public agencies located within Hoboken and serving Hoboken residents are invited to apply for funding to support affordable housing initiatives. Click here for more information about the program and how to apply.
Tree Lighting at Berry Lane Park a Symbol of Hope
The brightly-colored tree at Berry Lane Park in Jersey City is more than a holiday accent; it’s a memorial to loved ones. Per the Jersey City Times, the tree was erected in 2023 in honor of Jersey City resident Andrew “Drew” Washington, who was shot in a confrontation with police. Other community members have placed ornaments on the tree of their deceased loved ones.
Hoboken Library Director Praises Freedom to Read Act
Jennie Pu, the Director of the Hoboken Public Library, has expressed her support for Governor Phil Murphy’s recently signed Freedom to Read Act, which prohibits book bans. The Hoboken Library hosted a Banned Book Read-a-Thon and has designated Hoboken as a book sanctuary city, according to TapInto Hoboken. “We believe in access to information, we believe frankly that you should be able to read what you want to read, think what you think and nobody gets to do that for you,” Jennie said, via TapInto Hoboken.
Jersey City Elementary School Wins National Recognition
The New Jersey Department of Education announced that Jotham W. Wakeman School — PS6 of the Jersey City Public Schools in Hudson County has been named a 2025 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School. Per a press release, The Jotham W. Wakeman School is recognized for excellence in serving its multilingual learner population of students. The school’s innovative programs and dedicated educators have created a thriving learning environment where multilingual students excel academically, socially, and linguistically, setting a standard for excellence in education statewide.
Hoboken City Council Votes Down ‘Unconscionable’ Rent Proposal
The Hoboken City Council voted down a proposal that would prohibit ‘unconscionable’ rent increases above 10%, per The Hudson County View. Current city regulations prohibit ‘unconscionable’ rent hikes in non-rent controlled buildings, but a recent series of lawsuits have forced the issue of what that means in actuality.
New Report Describes Jersey City’s Current + Future Housing Shortage
A report issued by the Regional Plan Association, a non-profit regional planning group in the tri-state area, put Jersey City’s current and future housing issues into focus. The study, Housing Jersey City: Assessing Current and Future Gap discusses the current housing stock in Jersey City and projects what the community will need going forward. The relative cost of housing is also part of the study.
Arrest Made in Shots Fired Incident in Hoboken
UPDATE: An adult male is now in custody, in connection with the reports of shots fired at 4th & Jackson. Since its still an active investigation, we ask residents to continue to avoid the area. Reminder: extra officers may be at nearby schools for dismissal as a precaution. https://t.co/DwkfASD8DJ
— Hoboken Police (@HobokenPD) December 19, 2024
Hoboken police announced the arrest of 18-year-old Elias Mercado of Kearny on multiple charges including criminal attempted murder in relation to the shots fired incident that took place on Thursday, December 19th. According to a press release from the Hoboken Police Department, a dispute between two groups, known to each other, resulted in shots fired near the intersection of Fourth and Jackson Streets. A search incident to arrest of Mercado located a bullet casing, 14 wax folds containing a white powdery substance suspected to be CDS heroin, 17 vials containing small white rocks, suspected to be CDS crack cocaine, and cash totaling $126. Mercado was transported to Hoboken Police Headquarters where he was further charged with burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, possession with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.
Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Bars in New Jersey for the 2024 Season
Contrary to popular belief, it's never too early to celebrate the holiday season. That's why The Hoboken Girl has curated a list of festive pop-up events happening all around New Jersey, including various holiday markets and Miracle pop-ups, where restaurants + bars turn their space into a Christmas wonderland for a few months out of the year. Keep reading to learn more about holiday pop-ups in Hoboken, Jersey City, and greater New Jersey for 2024.
Hudson County
Heights Holiday Market | 498 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
December 7th | 10AM-4PM
The Riverview Farmers Market will host a holiday market on Sunday, December 7th. Attendees can expect to see 120+ vendors, a visit from Santa, festive music, and holiday-themed food and drinks from local favorites, including Fox + Crow and Busy Bee Organics. Learn more about this event here.
HDSID Happy Holiday Market | 145 Newark Avenue + 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
December 14th-15th, December 21st-22nd | 12PM-6PM
HDSID's annual Happy Holiday Market will take place on two December weekends this year and will feature various local vendors selling items, such as art, handmade goods, sweet treats, festive drinks, and more. The indoor market will be on December 14th + December 15th. During that weekend, locals can head to The Ashford Rooftop, located at 145 Newark Avenue. Attendees can expect to see about sixteen different vendors. There will also be a Rooftop brunch included. The second weekend of the Happy Holiday Market will be outdoors and located at Grove PATH Plaza. Jersey City locals can look forward to over 40 different vendors and a bounce house for children. See more information here.
Read More: Where to Bring Visitors for the Holidays in the Hudson County Area
Holiday Pup-Up Market | 1034 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
December 17th | 9AM-2PM
View this post on Instagram
Doggie Road Trippin, Bead Bar Shop, Groomington Eats, and The Ale House will host the first-ever Holiday Pup-Up Market on Tuesday, December 17th. This holiday pop-up will occur at The Ale House on Willow Avenue. Attendees and their furry friends can look forward to a variety of local vendors selling dog products and treats. The list of participating businesses has yet to be announced, so check Doggie Road Trippin on Instagram for future announcements.
Holly Jolly Cocktail Crawl | 176 Newark Avenue, 390 Fourth Street, + 149 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
December 1st-December 31st
Hosted by Beyond the Plate, this pop-up food tour will make three stops at the restaurants The Archer, Madame, and South House. Each location will feature cocktails, food, and dessert tastings. For more details, including the schedule of events, see here.
Main Street Pops Holiday Markets | 1401 Adams Street, Hoboken
December 8th-December 22nd | Saturdays + Sundays, 11AM-4PM
This year's holiday market, hosted by Main Street Pops, will be held at 1401 Adams Street under the 14th Street Viaduct. Attendees can look forward to local artisan vendors selling various items, including fashion, accessories, jewelry, bath + body products, home decor, artisanal foods, art, and more. Each Sunday will also feature a special event. On the first day, December 8th, expect to see a holiday community concert. The following weekend, December 15th, attendees will have the chance to take holiday-themed photos. The last Sunday, December 22nd, will feature a holiday DJ dance party and carousel rides. Learn more about the holiday market here.
Miracle on Mercer | 292 Barrow Street, Jersey City
November 12th-January 5th
View this post on Instagram
Miracle on Mercer, an annual holiday pop-up, will take place at the Jersey City-based restaurant Franklin Social. This restaurant + tavern goes all out for the holiday season with festive decorations and a limited seasonal drink menu. This special event begins in November and runs until January. To make a reservation, see here.
Santa Paws Yappy Hour | 1034 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
December 6th | 6PM-8:30PM
View this post on Instagram
The same crew hosting the Holiday Pup-Up Market event will also host a dog-friendly happy hour on December 6th to benefit Wise Animal Rescue. This holiday pop-up isn't your average happy hour event. Along with festive drink specials, attendees can look forward to giveaways and a doggie treat truck. Note that a $10 cash donation will be expected at the door. See Doggie Road Trippin's Instagram post for all the details.
Sippin’ at Maddy Rose | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Floor 1, Jersey City
Starting November 20th
Maddy Rose, as well as its sister restaurant Village Hall in South Orange, will turn its space into a holiday paradise, as these two businesses will be the only Sippin Santa locations in New Jersey. Customers can look forward seeing Christmas decor, such as palm trees covered in lights + ornaments, and a wide selection of tiki-style holiday cocktails.
Sleighs + Leis | 335 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Starts December 1st
This Christmas pop-up is returning for the 2024 holiday season. From a special holiday cocktail menu to limited food specials to decked-out Christmas decorations, customers can partake in Cellar 335's holiday experience. To make reservations, see here.
Essex County
Dickens Village | Ricalton Square, Maplewood
December 7th-December 21st | 1PM-4PM
Dickens Village, an annual holiday event, returns to Maplewood for three Saturdays in December. Every year, this pop-up brings to life various scenes from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. In miniature houses in Ricalton Square, attendees can see fireplaces, stockings, and antique toys. In addition, each date will include different special features, including a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, a petting farm, and more. See the full schedule of events here.
Essex County Holiday House Tour | 110 Orange Road, Montclair
December 7th-December 8th | 12PM-3PM
The Holiday House Tour is returning for the 2024 holiday season. Montclair locals can take a self-guided tour of the Garden Club's most beautiful period decorative homes, including a 227-year-old historic property, for two days only. Learn more about this pop-up here.
Glen Ridge Holiday Market | 200 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge
December 8th | 11AM-4PM
View this post on Instagram
The annual Glen Ridge Holiday Market, hosted by Glen Ridge High School, returns for 2024. This market will take place in the school's gymnasium and feature items from local vendors, including Kat + Bear, DGM Ceramics, Oh My Balm, Hipster + Co, Bee Haven, and more. See the complete list of participating vendors here.
Holly Jolly Bar | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
November 15th-January 12th
Photo Credit: Calandra's Bakery + Restaurants
Holly Jolly Bar is a holiday pop-up coming to Calandra’s II Vecchio Cafe in Caldwell. This restaurant will turn its space into a Christmas wonderland. Guests can expect to see holiday decor like twinkling lights, tinsel, and more. This pop-up will feature festive cocktails like “Santa’s Sangria” and “Mistletoe Mule." Learn more about this pop-up here.
Miracle on Bloomfield | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
November 5th-January 5th
View this post on Instagram
From November 5th to January 5th, The Parkside Social, a Verona-based restaurant known for cocktails and finger food, will turn its space into a holiday spectacle. From November to December, customers can experience a Christmas cocktail experience. To make a reservation, see here.
Miracle on Centre | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
November 7th-January 5th
Cowan's Public, established in 1938, is a restaurant specializing in beers, cocktails, and pub food. This spot will pull out all the bells and whistles for the holiday season. Like other restaurants, Miracle on Centre will serve festive Christmas cocktails. (Look out for holiday-themed cups, which were included in previous years!) Reservations can be made here.
Montclair Holiday Flea Market | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
November 30th-January 19th | 11AM-6PM
Every Saturday + Sunday from the end of November to mid-December, Montclair locals can shop for all kinds of holiday items at the Montclair Holiday Flea Market. This pop-up will feature vendors selling vintage items, handmade goods, and tasty food and drinks. See more information here.
Sippin’ at Village Hall | 01 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
Starts November 20th
Village Hall, along with its sister restaurant Maddy Rose in Jersey City, will be the only two Sippin Santa locations in New Jersey. Visitors can expect the restaurant to be filled with festive decor, serve tiki-style holiday cocktails, and sell holiday merchandise.
South Orange Downtown Holiday Market | Village Plaza, South Orange
December 15th + December 22nd | 10AM-4PM
The Township of South Orange will host its annual Holiday Market next to Spiotta Park. For three days in December, Essex locals can expect to find local vendors selling jewelry, apparel, accessories, art, food, and more. See more information here. To register as a vendor, see here.
The Grinch’s Grotto | 216 U.S. Highway 46 East, Fairfield
November 15th-January 12th
The Grinch’s Grotto is coming to Fairfield's Cucina Calandra starting November 15th. Guests can expect to see Whoville-inspired decorations and festive, Grinch-inspired cocktails. The Grinch himself will also visit on November 12th, December 4th, December 11th, and December 18th at 5:30PM. See more about this pop-up here.
Bergen County
Bergen County Winter Wonderland | 216 East Forest Avenue, Paramus
TBD
The Bergen County Winter Wonderland at Van Saun County Park is an annual holiday event. In previous years, admission tickets were necessary to attend. These tickets included access to the ice skating rink, bumper cars, a carousel ride, and more. Check back here for future updates on the dates and details.
Miracle on Valley | 191 Valley Boulevard, Wood-Ridge
November 14th-January 5th
Gus' Last Word, the sister restaurant to Jersey City's Franklin Social and Verona's The Parkside Social, specializes in classic American bar fare and drinks. The restaurant will put up festive decorations from November to January and serve holiday-themed cocktails. To make reservations, see here.
Somerset County
Cozy Cottage Christmas Market | 3055 Valley Road, Basking Ridge
November 21st | 4PM-6PM
The Cozy Cottage Christmas Market is an annual pop-up that will feature vendors selling food, drinks, festive decor, holiday gifts, and more. To attend this event, RSVP by November 15th here.
Sussex County
Countdown to Christmas | 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong
December 21st | 10AM-4PM
On December 21st, the St. Jude Church of Hopatcong will host the Countdown to Christmas, a holiday shopping extravaganza. This free event will feature over 50 different local restaurants and vendors. See here for more information.
Frosty’s Cantina + Winter Workshop | 2 Chamonix Drive, Vernon
TBD
The Crystal Springs Minerals Hotel will host Frosty's Cantina + Winter Workshop for the 2024 holiday season. In previous years, Frosty's Cantina included signature holiday cocktails, spiked hot chocolates, vanilla lattes, a hot dog station, and more. The Winter Workshop, open to all ages, provides marshmallow roasting, fire pits, and axe throwing. Dates and hours have yet to be announced, so check here soon.
The Schnapps Shack | 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg
TBD
Every year, Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg hosts The Schnapps Shack. This holiday pop-up features an ice skating rink, a visit from Santa, and various seasonal drinks and foods, including signature festive cocktails, various Schnapps options, apple cider doughnuts, and more. Opening dates have yet to be posted but check back soon here.
Hunterdon County
Festival of Trees | 5 Main Street, Clinton
November 9th-December 22nd | 11AM-5PM
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout November and December, Red Mill Museum Village will host an event where local community groups can decorate trees to be showcased across the museum grounds. Prizes will be given for the categories: Creative Genius, Best Representation of Theme, Spirit of Nature, Child's Fantasy, Most Traditional, and People's Choice. For those interested in decorating a tree, see the application here.
Winter Village at the Red Mill | 5 Main Street, Clinton
November 29th-November 30th + December 1st, 6th, 8th | 11AM-5PM
The Winter Village at the Red Mill is a holiday pop-up event for only two weekends. Attendees can expect a winter craft market, 50+ local artisans, food trucks, and more, all in a heated tent. Guests are also invited to tour the 12 historic buildings on the property, which will be decorated for the holiday season. See more details here.
Mercer County
Off The Wall Holiday Market | 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
November 17th-December 21st | 12:30PM-5:30PM
West Windsor Arts Council will host its Off The Wall Holiday Market during the weekends of November and December. At this event, locals can browse all kinds of artwork and artisanal goods the West Windsor Arts Council has to sell. See here for more information.
Monmouth County
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar Festival at Grand Arcade of Convention Hall | 1300 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park
November 29th=December 22nd | Fridays 3PM-8PM, Saturdays + Sundays 12PM-5PM
Inspired by the traditional "Weihnachtsmarkts" holiday markets held in Germany, Asbury Park's Bazaar Festival will have two locations this year. At the Grand Arcade of the Convention Hall, attendees can expect to see local vendors, festive decor, craft workshops, and more. See here for details about this free event.
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar Festival at The Asbury Hotel | 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park
December 1st-December 15th | 12PM-5PM
The second location of Asbury Park's Bazaar Festival will be at The Asbury Hotel. It will feature events in the indoor lounge, the Hall, and the outdoor heated terrace. A full schedule of events and more details are expected soon, so check back here.
Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland | 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge
November 30th-December 22nd | 5PM-10PM
The Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms is a must-try experience for those who love Christmas light displays. This immersive show features unique set-ups, including a tulip field with over 30,000 light-up tulips and a lit windmill. This pop-up will also feature a variety of local food trucks and vendors, a visit from Santa, and more. See here for the details.
See More: The Best Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey + New York City
Winter FRESH | 66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove
November 10th-March 23rd | 10AM-1PM
This pop-up event costs $50 daily and will occur indoors at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Winter FRESH will feature various local eateries, and up to 20 vendors will be in attendance. Note that this event is a food-only market. See here for more information and to apply to be a vendor.
Ocean County
A Sinner's Christmas Experience | 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
November 13th-January 5th
View this post on Instagram
From November 13th to January 5th, Sinner’s Steakhouse in Point Pleasant Beach will host its Jolly Ol’ Sinful Experience. The restaurant will transform into a Christmas extravaganza and feature signature cocktails like the Reif Rum Coquito, Cousin Eddie’s Egg Nog, and Scrooge’s Usual, to name a few. In addition, a plethora of holiday-themed desserts will be provided. See here for more information, including how to make a reservation.
Cape May County
Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland | 200 Congress Place, Cape May
November 29th-December 31st
Congress Hall transforms its hotel into a Christmas lover's paradise every year. In addition to festive decorations, attendees can expect to see a variety of local vendors and merchants and a carousel for children. See more information here.
