Danielle Farina 
It’s no secret that as you get older, the holiday season looks a lot different than it did as a kid — classroom activities turn into dinner reservations, hot cocoa becomes hot cocktails, and receiving gifts… well, that’s a big ol’ dent in the bank account. Still, the magic never seems to fade, and here in Hoboken + Jersey City, we can largely thank our small business owners for that, who deck their halls (and menus) with magical and festive items each year. We’ve compiled a list of local Hoboken + Jersey City restaurants that have top-tier holiday displays this season. Read on for a list of Hoboken + Jersey City spots with the best holiday decor.
Hoboken
Augustino’s | 1104 Washington Street
A reservation here is a Christmas miracle in itself, but for those who manage, this longtime Hoboken staple adorns its old-school interior with wreaths and lights galore.
Backstage | 1039 Washington Street
The space behind Sirenetta was created to be a neighborhood stop for romantic drinks, a nightcap with friends, or a unique place to celebrate a special occasion — and what better time for that than the holidays? Expect trees, lights, and a whole lot of festive beverages in festive glasses.
Read More: Restaurants in Northern New Jersey with Fireplaces
Bin 14 | 1314 Washington Street
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Bin 14’s holiday wine yard gives “holiday” in the way Europeans use it: vacation. With a tree in the center of the space and wicker baskets adorned with garland, this Hoboken spot is perfect for anyone wishing they were spending Christmas on a vineyard in Italy (read: us).
Dear Maud | 205 1st Street
Dear Maud is always bringing the decor game, but for the holiday season, this local spot has brightened its trademark wall vines with silver and gold. The elegant, yet cozy ornamentation pairs well with the seasonal Hot Irish Coffee on the menu.
Dino + Harry’s | 163 14th Street
Dino + Harry’s has holiday vibes by nature (cozy steakhouse where you’d bring your parents), but that doesn’t stop this local legend from participating in the fun.
Flour | 500 Jefferson Street
Flour in Hoboken is a cozy BYOB spot to ring in the holiday season. With tasty comfort food and a festive ambiance to match, Flour’s decor feels like something out of a Christmas movie.
Grand Vin | 500 Grand Street
Everyone knows you come to Hoboken for the chic and cozy vibes, but you stay for the food — and Grand Vin is no exception. For years, this spot has been a holiday date night go-to, with ornaments hanging from the ceiling and garlands along the banisters.
Il Tavolo | 700 Clinton Street
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Last year, in honor of the late Robert Hoff, Il Tavolo added a pop of pink to its holiday decor — a color favored by the former GM who passed away in 2023. Pink and white ornaments hung from the walls and ceiling, a colorful tribute to a beloved Hoboken resident.
Leo’s Grandevous | 200 Grand Street
Yes, that is a Christmas Tree hanging upside down from the ceiling — no, we have no explanation, except that this is Leo’s and we love this for them.
Madison Bar + Grill | 1316 Washington Street
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“Stockings hung by the chimney with care” is never been more true than at The Madison. For just $5, guests can hang a stocking along the bar wall and a portion of the proceeds go to the Hoboken Shelter. A wonderful holiday tradition that happens every year.
Olivia’s | 1038 Garden Street
Olivia’s stunning decor has festive cocktails to match. Dine, drink, and soak up all the holiday season has to offer with Olivia’s seasonal specialty items like the White Christmas cocktail or a marshmallow espresso martini.
Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street
Stepping into Sorellina during the holidays feels like stepping into the North Pole, if the North Pole was an upscale Italian restaurant with a rotating menu and wine bar. The seasonal drinks are not to be missed: last year, there was a gingerbread espresso martini with a gingerbread man etched onto the top.
Sirenetta | 1039 Washington Street
Photo Credit: Sirenetta
The sister spot of Sorellina and the front half of Backstage, Sirenetta deservedly lands a spot on this list. A truly one-of-a-kind locale in town, enjoy a mix of coastal and Christmas vibes with seafood, Italian-inspired dishes, and a menu of festive drinks.
The Waiting Room | 72 Hudson Street
Despite its name, The Waiting Room is sure to be a holiday destination this season. The downtown Hoboken bar just launched its holiday pop-up called Winter Wonderland, fully reimagining its basement space into a North Pole dreamscape. Nearly every inch of the ceiling is covered in branches, ornaments, or lights, and the menu is equally as festive. Think: Sugar Cookie Martini, Seasonal Spritz, Gingerbread White Russian.
Jersey City
The Archer | 176 Newark Avenue
Given that The Archer already has a fireplace, it doesn’t need to decorate to be in the holiday spirit — but it does, with stockings, wreaths, and lights, making this Jersey City bar feel all the more magical in December.
The Ashford | 145 Newark Avenue
The Ashford does nothing small, with four floors (including a rooftop) and nine bars within the space. For the holidays, this multi-level bar serves over-the-top festive drinks, colorful lights hanging throughout, and many a photo op for anyone looking to snap a holiday card. The JC spot is also a part of this year’s HDSID Happy Holiday Market — you can read all about that here.
Buddy’s JC | 247 Washington Street
Every year Buddy’s JC goes all out for the holidays. This family-friendly spot even hosts a Christmas dinner with Santa and has a special mailbox for letters to the North Pole. Plus, the Christmas cocktails are out-of-this-world.
Cellar 335 | 335 Newark Avenue
For the past few years, Cellar 335 has transformed into Sleighs and Leis, a tropical holiday pop-up that features the restaurant’s same selection of Asian-inspired dishes and an array of fruity cocktails in holiday mugs (think: Grinch mug, Santa mug, etc.) We visited the pop-up not too long ago, and you can read all about that here.
Corto | 507 Palisade Avenue
Nothing feels more like home than dining at Corto. The love that is put into the food here speaks for itself but the holiday season adds another layer of warmth to the experience. Dine indoors or on the heated patio decked out in Christmas decor over a bowl of fresh pasta.
dullboy | 364 Grove Street
Not only does dullboy deck out for the season, but it also plays weekly holiday movies in its backyard Pala Bar on Sundays. The movies are announced on its IG every week, and you can learn more about the experience here.
Felina Steak + Stork Club Rooftop | 2 Chapel Avenue
We’ve already made a list of local spots where you can cozy up next to a firepit — but if you’re looking to do that on a rooftop with holiday decorations and seasonal drinks, Felina Steak and Stork Club Rooftop in Jersey City is your spot.
The Hamilton Inn | 708 Jersey Avenue
Have a festive brunch, lunch, or dinner at The Hamilton Inn. The restaurant which serves “snazzy” American fare is decorated and ready for Christmas. The welcoming ambiance makes this a great spot for family, friends, or even a date night.
Miracle on Mercer at Franklin Social | 292 Barrow Street
The Miracle pop-ups have made their way throughout New Jersey (and the rest of the country), and lucky for us, Franklin Social in Jersey City has been a reliable host for the last few years. Called Miracle on Mercer, the pop-up has completely transformed this Barrow Street bar into the kitschy Christmas home of your favorite Hallmark movie, with over 10 festive cocktail options. More on the pop-up here.
See More: Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Bars in New Jersey Happening for 2024
Madame | 390 4th Street
Newer to the Jersey City scene, Madame decorates its speakeasy-like space with garland, oversized ornaments, and all things silver and gold. It’s as elegant inside as the name ‘Madame’ suggests. A noteworthy detail: the chef behind the operation was recently on Food Network’s Chopped.
Maddy Rose Restaurant | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive
With its unmatched views of New York City and famed espresso martini tower (as seen on The Hoboken Girl‘s Instagram), Maddy Rose is always a gem for a night out. To accompany the oversized chess board outside, this JC restaurant has some IG-worthy oversized ornaments in the back, along with trees and regular-sized ornaments throughout the space inside.
