A new year brings a fresh start to many, and to some, the challenge of  “Dry January.” Typically, people aim to go for the month without having alcoholic drinks, and some use the opportunity to cut alcohol out of their diets for good. Whether it’s just for a month or a lifestyle change, there are plenty of activities to keep busy throughout January without a drink. Plus, we found several bars that serve mocktails for those looking for a fun drink without the booze. Here’s a guide to alcohol-free activities to participate in all around Hoboken + Jersey City.

Date Night

There is more to a romantic night with a special someone than a quick drink. There are plenty of comedy shows happening each week around Hoboken + Jersey City. Some places may have a two-item minimum, so people may skip the booze and order food or a mocktail instead. Couples can go to one of the shows put on by the Mile Square Theatre or the Jersey City Theater Center with a date or enjoy some live music at one of the many live music spots around Hoboken + Jersey City. Couple could also shift the focus from drinks to food and have a romantic date night at a nice restaurant in town, or take up a cooking class to learn how to make a new dish together. If the date night turns into a day date, read HG’s guide to local coffee shops together and search for the best cup of coffee the city is serving that day.

Indoor Activities

Gravity Vault in Hoboken is an indoor climbing gym that welcomes climbers of all skill levels. Guests can drop in for the day or sign up for classes to improve their climbing skills. Instead of going to a driving range, and fans of golf can head over to Hudson Golf in Hoboken to keep golf skills sharp before the warm weather returns and golfers are back out on the course. A group of friends with a passion for driving fast can head to Jersey City for some go kart racing at RPM Raceway. Gamers can spend a day enjoying some classic arcade games and modern video games at the family-friendly Pixel Lab in Jersey City. Retail therapy is always an option for shoppers looking to support local businesses. Check out one of the many gift shops, boutiques, and other small businesses around Hoboken + Jersey City during your next shopping day. 

Read More: Things to Do in Hoboken + JC Instead of Scrolling TikTok (If It Gets Banned)

Workout Classes

There are dozens of boutique gyms around Hoboken + Jersey City for people looking to switch up their workout routine or try something new. A dozen places opened within the past year in the area, with pilates, barre, and yoga being many of the workout classes provided. Also available to the community are kickboxing classes, dance classes, and even CrossFit. These classes could be a great tool to help people stick to their fitness goals for the new year and maybe even meet new friends along the way.

Self-Care

Hair Salons

Photo Credit: Bond

There are dozens of amazing salons around Hoboken + Jersey City to visit for all kinds of hair treatments. From a simple cut to a special hair process, there are several ways to spend an afternoon helping you achieve the look you want.

Spas

For those looking for some extra rest and relaxation, a spa is great to help melt any stressors away. If a massage is in order, there are plenty of excellent massage places around Hoboken to visit. SoJo Spa Club is a popular choice in Edgewater for a spa day, with plenty of saunas, pools, soaking baths, therapy room, and even massages to help you feel refreshed. If the dry winter months impact your skin, consider visiting a spa such as Gaia’s Cavern in Jersey City for a facial, footbath, or even a massage.

The Arts

Artists can in touch with their creative side in the new year by signing up for an art class. From pottery to painting, there are several fun spots in Hoboken + Jersey City to visit solo or with a group of friends. While some places advertise enjoying an adult beverage with their class, it’s not required to have one while creating a masterpiece. For those who would rather enjoy the art than create it, visit an art gallery to see what artists from all over the world have worked on. Plus, there are plenty of educational museums around Northern New Jersey the whole family can enjoy during a family-fun day.

Outdoor Activities

Sports Leagues

For many people, exercising more seems to be a common New Year’s Resolution. Joining a sports league is a fun way to get more active, and meet new friends around Hoboken + Jersey City. Hive Athletic, an adult co-ed sports league, has different sports running all year round in Hoboken + Jersey City, including volleyball, pickleball, soccer, and more. Volo Sports has dozens of leagues around Northern New Jersey with leagues adults may join or drop-ins where people can show up for one night of sport instead of committing to an entire season. Zog Sports is another adult co-ed sports league in Hoboken with sports like kickball and bowling to pick up for a season.

Run Clubs

Maybe running more miles is part of a goal for 2025. Luckily there are dozens of run clubs around Hoboken + Jersey City to help runners not only achieve their goals, but it’s a fun way to meet new people and get to know the community.

Local Parks

It may seem counter-intuitive to go outside during ultra-cold days, but one of Hudson County’s year-round gems is the parks. Each season has its own type of beauty, and winter is no different. Hudson County’s green spaces are always in season for unplugging, relaxing and getting in touch with nature. Families can layer up and take a walk by the water around Pier A Park. Friends can put on a warm hat and scarf and stroll on the boardwalk at Liberty State Park and check out the Statue of Liberty. Parents can give the kids some gloves and bring them to one of many playground in Hoboken with excellent views of not New Jersey but Manhattan too. 

The Library

The library has more than hundreds of options for your next read: it has dozens of resources to help expand your knowledge and connect with the community. The Hoboken Library hosts dozens of events for all ages each month, from yoga to storytime to art classes and more at several locations around the city. The Jersey City Free Public Library system also hosts many events. Don’t forget about Bookmobile, a custom-designed bus with two computers, a DVD player for short films, and a collection of books that travels around Jersey City each week.

 

Mocktails

Photo Credit: Martha's

It may seem difficult at first glance to go out with friends without having a cocktail. These Hoboken + Jersey City establishments serve several different mocktails for those looking for a booze-free drink. 

Hoboken

Ainsworth | 310 Sinatra Drive

There are a few non-alcoholic options on the menu at this popular brunch spot. The Nojito, Miss Mule, and Virgin Colada all cost $13. The Good Ol Temple, a classic Shirley Temple, costs $8.

Antique Bar + Bakery | 122 Willow Avenue

This classic Hoboken spot has two mocktails on the menu for Janaury based on the Bob Dylan biopic filmed in Hoboken. There’s Love, with Ritual Zero Proof Tequila alternative, prickly pear, cucumber, pineapple agave, and lemon. Then there’s Theft, with Ritual Zero Proof Apertif alternative, Ritual Zero Proof Bourbon alternative, ginger spiced syrup, and lemon.

Belo Bar | 104 Hudson Street

While there isn’t a specific mocktail on the list, the team will turn any cocktail into a mocktail as long as the guests request it.

Byrd | 800 Jackson Street

The mocktails at Byrd, Non #1 + Non #2, each go for $17. #1 has raspberry, chamomile, Murray river salt, and au. #2 has caramelized pear, kombu, and ginger.

Dear Maud | 205 1st Street

The Sunrise to Sunset at Dear Maud is $12 and has cucumber, pineapple, lemon, agave, sunrise tropical, and orchid. Two other mocktails go for $11. The Sesame Milk Tea has toasted sesame, oat milk, Earl Grey tea, and agave, and the Virgin Buck has ginger tea, honey, lemon, and rosemary.

The Hoboken Biergarten | 1423 Grand Street 

This beer hall has several non-alcoholic beers and seltzers on the menu. The Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Lager, Guinness Draught 0.0, a non-alcoholic stout, and Lagunitas Hoppy Seltzer, a non-alcoholic seltzer, all cost $11.

Martha's | 25 12th Street

Martha’s in Hoboken is known for its upscale American-style comfort food and stand-out cocktails. Now on the menu are creative hot and cold mocktails like homemade hot apple cider, adults only Ghirardelli hot cocoa, and the Flores Para Siempre, which has fresh and floral notes of hibiscus, ginger and vanilla.

Olivia’s | 1038 Garden Street

There are three mocktails on the menu at Olivia’s that all cost $9. The Mare Nostrum has pineapple, lime juice, and spritz; the Pomegranate Spritz has pomegranate purée, rosemary infused simple syrup, and bubbles; and the hibiscus tea has fresh hibiscus tea, brewed and chilled, and mint infused simple syrup.

Orale Mexican Kitchen | 1426 Willow Avenue

This Mexican restaurant has three mocktails. The Jamrock is $12 with Agua de Jamaica, pineapple, cinnamon, and citrus. The De La Noche is also $12 with St. Agrestis NA Aperetif, blood orange, and bubbles. The Margarita Mary is $14 with Clean&Co. Tequila alternative, citrus, and agave.

Panela | 36-42 Newark Street

There are three mocktails on the menu at Panela that each cost $10. The Panela Punch, Chicha Colada, and No-jito.

Saku | 936 Park Avenue

The two mocktails at Saku are $9 each. The Yuzu Lemonade is made up of Yuzu juice, lemon, and sparkling soda. The Orange + Lychee has orange, lychee, lemon, and honey.

Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street 

There are two mocktails on the menu, both $8. The Very Berry has blackberry, cinnamon, lemon, and club soda. The Autumn Fizz, apple cider, ginger syrup, lemon, and tonic.

Stingray Lounge | 1210 Washington Street

Into The Void is a mix of Seedlip Garden distilled non-alcoholic spirits, pineapple, vanilla, and blackberry for $8. The Mystic is Seedlip Spice distilled non-alcoholic spirits, Som Thai basil vinegar cordial, lime, agave, and strawberry for $8.

Jersey City

The Alps | 351 Palisade Avenue

The three mocktails on the menu at The Alps are The Yesfolk Tonics Hojicha Kombucha, Agrestis Amaro Falso, and St Agrestis Phony Negroni, all for $10.

Ani Ramen House | 218 Newark Avenue

This ramen spot has three mocktails on the menu. The Kyoto Grapefruit Fizz has white grapefruit, lemon, and soda. The Strawberry Sendai has cucumber, strawberry, lemon, and ginger beer. The Kobe Refresher has oolong, lychee, ginger, and lemon.

The Archer | 176 Newark Avenue

This spot in Jersey City has dozens of curated drinks on the menu, including an entire section devoted to spirit-free drinks. They all cost $12.

Barcade | 163 Newark Avenue

This arcade does have an entire bar, but there are two mocktails on the menu for those looking to game without the booze. The Pseudo Fruito costs $10 and has house made strawberry shrub, fresh lime juice, and tonic. Then there’s the Rainy Day Real Estate for $10 with house made pineapple shrub, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer.

Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard

Enjoy a mocktail at this restaurant on the Hudson River while looking at the Manhattan skyline. On the menu are the ‘Phony’ Negroni, Smokey Sour, and Hibiscus No-Jito.

Better Days | 143 Newark Avenue 

This spot has four mocktails on the menu and each cost $15. There’s the False Gimlet, the Hibiscus Paloma, Better Days Garden Cup, and Passion Virgin Colada.

Boots + Bones | 116 Newark Avenue

This country bar and restaurant has two $10 mocktails on the menu. The Lasso Lemonade has muddled cucumber, simple syrup, topped with lemonade. The Cowboy Cooler has basil Leaves, strawberry cordial, lemonade, and is topped with club soda.

dullboy | 364 Grove Street

The craft cocktail bar in Jersey City has three $13 mocktails. There’s the mavi coconut, the caillou, and the phony negroni.

Frankie | 264 Grove Street

There are three mocktails on the menu at Frankie. For $14 each, there’s Nico’s Song, Flower In The Sun, and Good Beat.

Hudson Hound | 8 Erie Street A

This Irish pub has three mocktails on the menu and each costs $11. There’s the Madame Lavender, the Sober Spritz, and the Charlie Cherub.

The Hutton | 225 Hutton Street 

The three mocktails on the menu at The Hutton cost $8. There’s a Mock-Jito, Blood Orange Spritz, and The Hutton Mock-A-Rita.

Jane Doe | 333 Newark Avenue

Two mocktails are on the menu at Jane Doe. The Silvia with fresh pineapple, thai tea, lemon, and sparkling water costs $10. The Ichigo has amaro lucano non-alcoholic, cinnamon-miso, lemon, sparkling water, and mint, and costs $13.

Kitchen Step | 500 Jersey Avenue 

Five mocktails are listed on the menu at Kitchen Step and all cost $10. They are the Hibiscus Kiss, Big Apple Fizz, St. Agrestis na Phony Negroni, Tost non-alcoholic rosé, and Bucha Bae cold brew kombucha.

Low Fideity | 328 Palisade Avenue

The two mocktails on the menu run $8 apiece at LoFi. There is the Press Play, a mix of pineapple, lime, ginger, cinnamon, and bubbles. Then there’s the Coffee Soda, made of cold brew, orgeat, and bubbles.

Luna | 279 Grove Street 

This restaurant has several mocktails available. The Femina for $11, the Manjito for $12, the You’ve Been Red for $10, the Spice Up Your Life for $12, the Green Day for $11. and the Teacher’s Pet for $11.

Madame | 390 4th Street

There are a couple of mocktails on the menu at this Jersey City cocktail bar. There’s the George Sand, Camille Dugast, and Phony Negroni, all for $14 each.

See More: Where to Get Mocktails in Essex County, New Jersey

Mathew’s | 351 Grove Street

This well-known brunch spot in Jersey City has two mocktails on the menu. The Spirit Spritz has Lyre's Italian Orange, orange bitters, and lemon, and the Mango + Dreams has Lyre's Italian Orange, mango, grapefruit, simple syrup, and lime. Both cost $14 each.

O’Hara’s Downtown | 172 1st Street

O’Haras has two mocktails on the menu that cost $14 each: the Hibiscus Coconut and The Jungle Bird.

Orale Mexican Kitchen | 341 Grove Street

Just like the Hoboken location, there are three mocktails on the menu at this Mexican restaurant. The Jamrock for $12, the De La Noche is also $12, and the Margarita Mary is $14.

Porta | 135 Newark Avenue

Porta has delicious pizza and mocktails on the cocktail menu, including the Peach Door, a non-alcoholic peach bellini with blood orange, lemon, topped with Noughty Rosé.

Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place

This rooftop bar has two mocktails on the drink menu. The Fruit Of The Flower has lychee puree, lavender syrup, lemon juice simple syrup, and seltzer. The Free Spirit Colada has Coco Lopez, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Both drinks cost $14 but there’s an option to add alcohol-free spirits for an extra $2.

South House | 149 Newark Avenue

The Ginger Pom Fizz is available at South House. It has ginger, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and is topped with seltzer and a rosemary sprig.