You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, we’re telling you why: You’re going to go TO TOWN with all the fa la la la fabulous holiday events to attend in Hoboken and Jersey City this season. With festive things to do LITERALLY every day in December leading up to the holidays, this just might be the greatest present of all this season. So get your calendar out because you’re going to need something or someone else to keep track of your schedule for the rest of the year! Whether you want to give back, be dazzled by holiday lights, and even hang out with your favorite Jersey gals at Hoboken Girl’s very own holiday sweets party {hint, hint}, you better start resting up NOW.
Below, our top picks of what to do this season, day by day, for the next 24 days!
FIRST, make sure to check out the Hoboken Girl’s Deals Guide, so you can shop and save locally this month [through 12/31]. Over 50+ deals all around Hudson County!
Thursday, December 1st
- It’s a Wonderful Life {Mile Square Theatre }– Through the 18th
What better way to kick off the holidays than with a classic Christmas musical? Watch the tale unfold before your eyes in this live radio play.
Help those less fortunate bundle up this winter with a coat and have fun with raffles, food and drink specials!
- Gold Coast Pet Care’s Paws For a Cause ALL MONTH LONG
Help out your favorite furry friends by donating to them this month! All donations will be going to the Bergen County Protect & Rescue Foundation, Liberty Humane Society, and Secaucus Animal Shelter. Make sure to follow them on Instagram for more info about what you can donate!
- Mila and Such Scarves at aaRaa accessories — 12/1, 6:30 – 9PM
It’s scarf season, ladies, so make sure you know how to tie it more than one way! At this free event, you’ll learn how to spice up your #OOTD. Plus, there will be sweet treats and drinks and a free goodie bag for the first 15 guests.
- Project Heal NJ’s Annual Holiday Card Event — 12/1, 6-8PM
Spread the love across the country with Project Heal’s annual card-making event, where you can show patients in eating-disorder centers around the country that you care, no matter how far away you are from them. Make sure to bring non-denominational cards with you — the drinks and snacks will be provided!
- Ho-Ho-Hoboken {Farside Tavern} ALL MONTH LONG
Every night this December {YES. Every. Single. Night}, be merry and come out for a special pop-up bar decorated for the holidays. There will be creative cocktails and surprises that you won’t want to miss!
December 2nd
- 12 Dates of Christmas {136 Magnolia Ave. Jersey City} — 8PM
Get your chuckle on with a comedy show this holiday season, presented by Art House Productions (AHP) and the Access Committee at Art House Productions. The show, which will also be presented in Sign Language and in and audio presentation, tells the story of a woman named Mary who’s going through some relationship struggles {#retweet} after she sees her fiancé kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Get your happy on and listen to the tunes of James & T at Hotel Victor, which’ll will surely guarantee you a great night.
December 3rd
Brunch with Santa {Mikie Squared} – 10AM-1PM
What does Santa love more than milk and cookies? Mimosas! Meet the jolliest guy of the season and get extra happy.
Check Bar Method’s Instagram starting today for 12 days of deals revealed on their Instagram and Facebook!
Eat, drink, and be merry in a way Santa might approve of {OK, probably not!} — with some spirits! Join Hoboken Happy Hours for a holly jolly bar crawl that benefits Covenant House. Last year, the event raised $1,200, so make sure to do your duty this year.
Join The Inner Athlete, The Twelve Designs, and Riolo Residential for a night of local shopping, wine, and an appearance by Santa to support 4-year-old Jonathan Okeson, who’s battling a rare brain condition. A minimum ticket donation of $10 is required for entry.
- NYC Holiday Brunch Cruise — 10AM
But, first, BRUNCH! All aboard this 2. 75-hour brunch cruise for a cozy day sailing around Manhattan, complete with mimosas, pastries, muffins, Bloody Marys, egg nog and more.
- Hoboken City Hall Holiday Crafts Fair — 11AM – 5PM
Get your one-of-a-kind goodies right on your favorite street in Hoboken: Washington Street! From jewelry and pottery to ornaments and body products, you’ll have no trouble finding something to meet your fancy.
December 4th
- CASA Santa Event at Lulu’s — 9:30- 5:30PM
Come out to the to snap a pic with St. Nick while giving back. All proceeds from the event will benefit foster children in Hudson County, so we really can’t think of a better way to spend your time during the weekend!
- Santa & Charity Toy Drive {1206 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken} — 12 – 3PM
Sit in Santa’s lap and tell him what you really want this year! Donations are welcome to benefit local charities in Hoboken as well, so ensure that the kiddos see their favorite white-bearded man this year while teaching them about the importance of giving.
Calling all Weehawken residents! Come out to Town Hall to hear the Weehawken High School band play some Christmas music along with carolers from Roosevelt School Choir.
- Bwè & Brave’s Winter Pop-Up — 11AM
Stock up on La Colombe coffee beans for your holiday parties, bwè kafe stocking stuffers, and Brave Floral’s fresh wreaths and winter florals for your home!
December 5th
- Bar Method’s Toys for Tots Drive and Coat Drive — Through December 21st
Workout and work your charity muscle at the same time when you stop by Bar Method!
Support local businesses at one of JC’s finest shopping events of the year, which is put on by Artist & Maker Market. Gift local crafts, antiques, fashion, and foods right in your neighborhood.
December 6th
- Zeppelin Hall Belgium Celebration
Belgium and beer? Is that even a question? Get in the spirit with some festive fun until December 6th at this reknown JC biergarten!
ShopRite’s certified dietitians will teach you how to whip up a tasty and healthy meal for you and all your friends to enjoy together — all while raising funds for charity.
December 7th
- The Nightmare Before Christmas Trivia {Black Bear Bar Grill} — 8-9:30PM
Is it a Halloween or Christmas movie? No one will ever agree, but we can agree that we’re obsessed with Jack and Sally, and that we know everything about them. Test your mettle in the best way possible — with drinks and apps in hand!
Celebrate the true spirit of the holidays with the official tapping of Great Lakes Christmas Ale and a rare Bourbon Barrel Aged Christmas Ale from Cleveland.
December 8th
- HG Holiday Sweets Soirée {W Hoboken} — 7-10PM
Ring in the holidays like the Hoboken Girls do with a sample of sweets and treats at the W Hoboken, sponsored by La Marca Prosecco. Hoboken’s hottest holiday event this year also benefits the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corp — so make sure to make an appearance at this can’t miss event with yours truly! Click here to get your tickets.
- Jersey City Holiday Lighting Ceremony {Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall}— 5-8PM
Join Santa and Mayor Fulop for Jersey City’s annual Christmas tree and Menorah lightning extravaganza, where there will be free cookies and music by Matty Dee.
December 9th
- Winter Wonderland Holiday Party {Urban Jungle Play}— 3:30 – 5:30PM
This kid-friendly event, hosted by NJMOM, is sure to keep your kiddos and you entertained! There will be a performance by Preschool of Rock, plenty of crafts, a photo booth, face painting, hot chocolate bar and much, much more.
- Holiday Pop-Up Shop {Andco Lounge} — Through December 16th
In honor of EIGHTY’s upcoming Style & Design Issue, come out for a local pop-up shop at the Andco Lounge. Products will range from leather goods to jewelry, and you’ll even get a sneak peek at the magazine’s latest issue!
December 10th
- Winter Garden Dance Party {Brookfield Place New York} — 7PM
OK, we know what you’re thinking: this ISN’T in Hudson County, but it’s just too good not to share! At this free event, you can even bring the kids to dance the night away surrounded by the beauty of palm trees, multiple DJs, and glow in the dark gear. It’s a quick PATH ride to the World Trade Center, so easy peasy. Count us in!
December 11th
- JaneDo Holiday Bazaar — 11PM -3PM
Get your booty over to this event, where you’ll shop, drop and pop the night away from a variety of businesses!
December 12th
- Hoboken Girl’s 12 Days of Giveaways BEGINS!
Stay tuned for 12 days of giveaways from some of our favorite businesses in Hoboken and Jersey City. Tune into @hobokengirlblog on Instagram to get ready to enter!
- Ugly Sweater Cross Chamber Mixer — 6 -9PM
Who’s got time to get dolled up with all the holiday madness? Make it easy on yourself and grab the biggest eyesore of Christmas sweater and get yourself to this mixer put on by the Women in Business Council of the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce. Please bring an unwrapped gift for their drive supporting the Jubilee Center {you’ll receive a free drink ticket if you do!}
December 13th
- 6th Borough Market’s Holiday Bazaar – 11AM-3PM
This indoor market will be extra intimate inside the stunning Harborside Atrium. From vintage to health and beauty, there’s a little something for everyone!
December 14th
- Ornament Decorating {8th Street Tavern} — 7PM
All decorating supplies provided — plus winter cocktails and beers? This will surely get you in high spirits and ready for the holidays.
- The Hoboken Tree Lighting {City Hall}— 5PM
One of Hoboken’s most anticipated holiday events is sure to spread Christmas cheer with a visit by St. Nick, Elvis the Elf, and a performance by local school children.
- Hoboken Shelter’s 13th Annual Winter Auction {Reign Nightclub} — 6:30-9:30PM
Help Hoboken Shelter celebrate 35 years of service with a fun extravaganza! Get your hands on hotel stays and can’t miss prized from Hoboken businesses.
December 15th
- Holiday Cake Decorating Class {Hoboken Public Library} — 7PM
Whether you’re in charge of desserts at the family dinner this year or you’ve just always wanted a pro baker to teach you the trick of the trade, this FREE cake decorating class is a must-attend event! Cake designer Jennifer Bunce-Timmons of The Hudson Cakery will teach you exactly how to create those tricky fondant and piping designs.
December 16th
- 5th Annual A Hoboken Tale the Musical {301 Garden Street, Hoboken} —8PM
What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with a musical based in the best city in the world {Hoboken, that is!} Garden Street Children’s Musical Theater Company members will be performing the classic tale, so come support these young actors’ hard work this season! Email dance@gardenstreetmusic.
December 17th
- Ho-Ho Hoboken SantaCon — 11AM – 7PM
Santa never said some boos never hurt anyone’s chances of making the nice list, right? This year’s SantaCon has just a *few* rules {actually a LOT}, but the most important is to have fun and don’t black out. Your favorite bars are participating, so make sure not to miss all the drink specials!
- Cantigas Choir Winter Concert {All Saints Episcopal Church} — 7:30PM
Enjoy a diverse, festive show, which will include audience participation, a small ensemble of Arabic speakers, and works by J.S. Bach and Gabriel Fauré.
Get fit at the barre with awesome deals for 12 days with Local Barre! From a free class and giveaways to a private sesh with a friend, you won’t want to miss out on these goodies.
December 18th
- Presents For Shelter Pups
The Walking Dog Pet Care and bachata & barbells are teaming up with local businesses to help out our furry friends this year with a donation drive. You can donate items for dogs at the following locations: Intrepid Gym, Brazen Athletics , Cork Wine and Spirits, Aaraa Boutique, Dina Kiss and Makeup, Grand Vin, and Real Hot Yoga. For more info, check The Walking Pet Care and bachata & barbell’s Instagram accounts.
Hear your favorite local musicians’ versions of your favorite classic holiday music while supporting Hoboken’s Movies Under the Stars Summer Series. Tickets cost $10.
- Jersey City West Side Craft Fair {Gallo Center} — Noon – 6PM
Come out to Lincoln Center for the second annual craft fair, where you’ll get to shop and eat from a diverse set of vendors.
December 19th
This free event happens every Monday, so make this as a regular event on your calendar ASAP.
December 21st
Get all your friends together to test your brains on one of your favorite TV shows — with a holiday twist! Make sure to pick your team captain to reserve seats for your squad.
December 22nd
- The HDSID Holiday Market — 4-8PM
Forget waiting in lines for hours at the mall — shop local and stress-free at your favorite artist market in JC!
December 23rd
Find out the ultimate questing bogging your brain this holiday: Are you a shepherd or knucklehead?
- Cellar 335 Ugly Sweater Party — 10PM-Midnight
This is your last call of the year to whip out that cute, ugly sweater!