The holiday season is officially among us and it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Although COVID-19 may have altered some plans this year, don’t worry, because there are so many holiday-themed events to do safely that are full of fun. This 25-day guide will give you day-by-day opportunities to get into the holiday spirit starting December 1st: enjoy tree lightings, toy drives, holiday gift guides and so much more — all while being outdoors + socially-distanced. Keep reading to learn what you can do every day to make the most out of this holiday season in Hoboken and Jersey City with our 25 Days of Holiday Cheer Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City for 2020.
December 1
Enter our 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, which starts today and runs through December 12th on Instagram — highlighting all sorts of incredible local businesses!
December 2
Watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting along with musical performances from the comfort of your home.
December 3
Join in on the HDSID Annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting at the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall.
December 4
Treat yourself to a local getaway at W Hoboken, where you and a loved one can soak in the spectacular waterfront and NYC views from one of its fabulous balcony suites. Not to mention, Halifax is just downstairs, where you can indulge in a little festive cheer with a delicious meal and holiday-inspired cocktail.
December 5
Donate a toy or holiday gift to the various toy drives around Hudson County. Full list here.
December 6
Order your Hoboken Girl x Happy Box Local Love Box just in time for the holidays — and send to anyone missing New Jersey and wanting to shop local this year. $1 from your purchase goes toward WomenRising, a community-based non-profit of Hudson County that provides counseling, job assistance, shelter and so much more for women in our community.
December 7
Stop by Beethoven’s Veranda to smell the fresh pine and pick out your family’s Christmas tree or winter wreath. From festive in-home decor and beautiful holiday-inspired centerpieces, Beethoven’s Veranda is the perfect place to help deck your halls.
December 8
Donate food to those who might need it this holiday season at any of these grateful donation locations.
December 9
Take a socially distanced picture with Santa. Check out spots to see Santa this year in a safe way here.
December 10
Celebrate the First night of Hanukkah. Join in on an outdoor, safe-distanced event for young professionals here.
December 11
Shop locally for holiday gifts using our guide to local brick-and-mortars here.
December 12
Send out holiday cards to loved ones from local graphic designers, stores, and artists. The list of where to buy them is here.
December 13
Stop by one of these delicious hot chocolate spots and enjoy a holiday drink {or takeout/to-go!}.
December 14
Go on a holiday lights tour of North Jersey in your car to view all the holiday decorations around the area.
December 15
Go outdoor ice skating at Newport Skates in Jersey City.
December 16
Challenge yourself to take as many festive holiday photos as possible in one evening.
December 17
Peep all the windows of Hoboken and Jersey City’s holiday-themed decor — fun.
December 18
Celebrate the final night of Hanukkah.
December 19
Pick up the newest Hoboken Girl Hard Seltzer flavor Cranberry Lime — freshly-canned 12/15, and ready to mix into your holiday cocktails.
December 20
Donate to animal shelters food + supplies needed — here’s a list of local rescues to help get you started.
December 21
Snuggle into a blanket and binge on must-watch holiday movies.
December 22
Buy holiday cookies from your favorite local business to shop small this year. Here’s a list to get you started.
December 23
Watch your favorite Christmas movie with your favorite seasonal cocktail delivered from a local bar or restaurant. Click here for our cocktails-to-go list, seasonal cocktails roundup, sangria list, as well as our coquito roundup here.
December 24
Learn more about Kwanzaa which starts December 26th — read more about this annual celebration of African-American culture which is held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast of faith, called Karamu Ya Imani.
December 25
Reflect on a holiday season well-spent. And share your pics with us @thehobokengirl on Instagram!
