October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness about the impacts of breast cancer, as well as fundraise for cancer research. There are global and national groups raising funds for cancer research, such as the Breast Cancer Research Fund or the American Cancer Society, which help patients get access to the appropriate and vital care they need to fight their diagnosis.
Amongst New Jersey women, breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosis and is the second leading cause of cancer death, according to NJ.gov. Approximately 7,350 New Jersey women receive a breast cancer diagnosis each year. To help fight these statistics, we have rounded up a list of northern and central New Jersey events and fundraisers for breast cancer awareness happening this month.
These events are included editorially as a community resource. The Hoboken Girl is not affiliated with any of the following events. For the most up-to-date information, including any cancellations due to inclement weather, contact the host directly.
Have an event you’d like us to add? Send us an email at [email protected].
Hudson County
Read More: Volunteering Opportunities in Hudson County
Prime Cycle + Body Fundraiser | 86 River St, Hoboken
October 1st – October 31st
For the month of October, Prime Cycle + Body will be having a Breast Cancer Dedication Wall in their studio. Members can dedicate any of their workouts to a loved one touched by breast cancer by writing their name on a pink ribbon and adding it to the wall. They will also be collecting donations with their Pink Jar in the studio and donating $1 every time you wear pink to class and every time a ribbon is added to their Dedication Wall.
Hair for Hope Fundraiser | 301 1st Street, Jersey City
October 1st – October 31st
All month long, Lakoet Salon will be offering clients $20 pink hair extensions. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and each participating customer will receive a complementary, house-made soap.
Dr. Julie DiGioia’s Trick Tray | 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City
Thursday October 6th | 6PM – 9PM
Join in on a fight night at Zeppelin Hall to raise money for breast cancer research. Tickets include participation in the basket Tricky Tray, one drink ticket, $25 in raffle tickets, and a votive candle to honor and remember those we have lost to breast cancer. Jersey Sound will be performing. Survivor tickets are free, and donations outside of ticket purchases are appreciated. Get a ticket here.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk | 6808 Park Avenue, Guttenberg
Saturday October 8th | 10AM – 2PM
The township of North Bergen and the town of Guttenberg, in conjunction with Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center, are organizing a Breast Cancer Awareness walk starting from Guttenberg Town Hall and ending at Waterfront Park in North Bergen, where there will be an outdoor health event including giveaways, games, prizes, a live DJ, and information on health care services. Register here or donate online.
Making an Impact Breast Cancer Awareness Walk | 402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny
Saturday October 8th | 10:00AM
The walk will start a ribbon cutting with Mayor Albert G. Santos at 10AM, then will leave from Kearny Town Hall at 10:30AM. More info here.
Making Strides of Jersey City Presented by Goya | Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Sunday October 9th | 9AM
The American Cancer Society started their Making Strides program to unify communities in the fight against breast cancer. Participants can join a team or fly solo and recruit sponsors for their walk. The event serves as an uplifting way to celebrate survivors and raise money for those still fighting. Sign up here.
Breast Cancer Awareness Event by Hudson Regional Hospital | 55 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus
Sunday October 9th | 10AM – 1PM
This event includes discussions on breast cancer awareness led by top physicians and industry experts, complimentary brunch, free health screenings, a raffle, and a Q&A with medical experts. Sign up here.
Breast Cancer Fundraiser at CycleBar Hoboken | 720 Monroe St Suite C301, Hoboken
October 15th | 10:15AM
All donations raised at this spin class in Hoboken will go to Andrea Baiori’s team participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. There is a suggested donation of $25 to reserve a bike. To sign up, riders should email [email protected] to receive the sign up form and information to donate. The Venmo account @CBHBKN is also open to collect donations if anyone is interested in donating even if they aren’t riding.
Thrift to Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer at St. Mary’s Advocates Hoboken Thrift Shop | 536 Garden Street, Hoboken
October 19th – 22nd
All sale proceeds from Oct 19th-22nd will be donated to Susan G. Komen, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and the American Cancer Society. Learn more here.
Beyond Hudson County
Breast Cancer Awareness Pop Up Shop | 424 Carmita Avenue, Rutherford
Saturday October 8th | 12PM – 4PM
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at the small business pop-up that will benefit breast cancer awareness. There will be music, shopping, and more. Survivors will be given a free goodie bag. Sign up here.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Blood Drive | 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany
Tuesday October 11th | 8:30AM – 2:30PM
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be welcomed. Find more info here.
Let’s Talk Women’s Health + Wellness | 1 Center Street, Newark
Saturday, October 15th | 8AM – 4:30PM
This all-day gathering at NJPAC is about well-being and living healthy, inspired by Deb Belfatto. It will have a panel discussion with experts, resources, real-life stories, breakout sessions, and even a dance party. Click here to learn more.
Pop Up 4 Breast Cancer | 1000 Aaron Road, North Brunswick
Sunday October 16th | 11AM – 5PM
Lamor Events is having their second annual pop-up event for breast cancer. The event will double as a pop-up shop for local vendors and a walk-in paint & sip. Painting sessions are two hours long, and attendees can arrive any time from 12PM to 3PM. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Proceeds will be donated to the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick. They will also be helping a Breast Cancer Thriver through treatment. You can click here to learn more.
The Pink Gala | 16 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover
Friday October 14th | 8PM – 11:30PM
All proceeds from this event will go toward local breast cancer organizations. The Ariagna Perello Foundation is also raising money for Chemo Care Packages, which will include hydration lotion, hand and foot care, lip care, and more. 100% of the money raised will go toward breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Get tickets here.
Making Strides of Newark | Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Sunday October 16th | 10AM
This event will be held at Mulberry Commons Park in Newark. Sign up here.
Making Strides of Bergen County | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Saturday October 22nd | 8AM
This event will be held at MetLife in East Rutherford. Sign up here.
Making Stride of Central New Jersey | 2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison
Sunday October 23rd | 8:30AM Check-in
This event will be held at Middlesex Community College. Sign up here.
Gold Women’s Wellness Event | 440 Franklin Street, Bloomfield
Thursday October 27 | 5PM – 7:30PM
An evening of health and wellness to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness month will include a panel discussion of experts to discuss health, wellness, and breast cancer support. A live yoga class and makeup and beauty demos will also take place. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Buy tickets here.
Virtual
Support Our Girls Virtual Run
Anytime October 1st – October 31st
This 1 mile, 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2 marathon can be completed any time in October 2022! This is the 8th annual Breast Cancer Awareness themed virtual race run by Support Our Girls. They donate at least 15% of every ticket to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and all participants receive a medal upon completion of the run. Sign up here.
2022 Breast Cancer Treatment Update
Tuesday October 25th | 6PM – 7:30PM | Virtual Program
The Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey present a program featuring physicians from their multidisciplinary breast cancer team. Speakers include the chief of breast surgery at the Rutgers Cancer Institute, the chair of Radiation Oncology at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and more. Event will be hosted on Zoom. Register here.
See More: Latinx Non-profits + Resources in Northern New Jersey
New Jersey Breast Cancer Research Fund
The NJ Breast Cancer Research Fund supports innovation research focusing on the causes, prevention, screening, treatment, and cure of breast cancer. Donate today.
Where to Bring Visitors for the Holidays in the Hudson County Area
The holiday season is a great time for friends and family from out of town to come visit the Hoboken and Jersey City area. With its proximity to New York City, there is an abundance of activities and holiday must-sees within a short distance — from seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree to window shopping on Washington Street. Once a visitor's plans to come visit are solidified, it can be overwhelming to come up with ideas of what to do during their stay. What might seem mundane and run-of-the-mill to us may be exciting and noteworthy to those just passing through. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of places to bring your out-of-town visitors during the holiday season. Read on for some local holiday activity ideas in the Hudson County area.
Things to Do
Holiday Pop-Up Markets
Holiday markets offer unique finds alongside festive activities all season long — and there are so many to check out around Hudson County and greater North Jersey. For a full list of events and pop-ups in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond, read our article here.
Read More: A Self-Guided Holiday Cocktail Tour to Hoboken + Jersey City
Ice Skating
Photo Credit: Newport Skates
This quintessential wintertime activity can be enjoyed by almost all ages and is easily accessible in New Jersey — or it makes a great addition to a New York City day. Newport Skates, located at 95 River Drive South in Jersey City, is a must-visit location. The Rink in the American Dream Mall, located at 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford, is also a great indoor spot to take visitors who are looking to escape the cold outdoors.
For Manhattan, Rockefeller Center at 45 Rockefeller Plaza and Bryant Park both have ice skating available to the public. Central Park also has ice skating at Wollman Rink, located at 830 5th Avenue, or Lasker Rink at 110 Lenox Avenue. Taking the ferry to Chelsea Piers or Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street is another great activity full of beautiful skyline views — not to mention the fun ice skating that’s there as well.
Holiday Shows
When visiting the New York area, Broadway shows are often at the top of the to-do list. If your visitor is a true out-of-towner or is just behind on their Broadway viewing, Wicked, and The Lion King are long-running, must-see shows.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is great for any young ones who might be tagging along but is still truly amazing to see as an adult. For a classier vibe, there’s nothing like a trip to Lincoln Center to see a holiday show. See the December calendar for a look at what's playing.
Things to See
Sometimes it’s an adventure just to walk around and see the sights, especially around the holiday season. New York City turns into a magical — even more lit-up than usual — place in the wintertime, and you won’t want your visitors to miss out on it.
See “The Tree”
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New Yorkers and New Jersey residents alike know exactly what “the tree” is — obviously, the tree at Rockefeller Center needs to be on the schedule for a holiday visit. Easily accessible via NJ Transit, Rockefeller Center puts on its Sunday Best for the entire winter. The giant tree from Upstate New York is draped in thousands of lights and people come from all over just to take a peak. There is plenty to do at Rockefeller Center aside from seeing the tree — like ice skating, shopping, and great restaurants nearby.
HG pro tip: To avoid some of the crowds and get a closer look at an equally gorgeous tree, head over to Bryant Park at 42nd Street and get a great holiday photo with the whole family. There will also be less strangers in the background.
See a Light Show or Display
Photo Credit: Natasha Dzurny
While Saks Fifth Avenue isn't putting on its annual holiday light show this year, there are some must-see holiday signs right here in Jersey City. Created by local artist Natasha Dzurny, WORD Bookstore at 29 McWilliams Place and Jersey City Bicycle Co. at 231 Pavonia Avenue feature animated holiday-themed artwork, including an animatronic Santa riding a bicycle and a "Naughty or Nice" sign that tells its users where they fall on Santa's list.
Over on the other side of the Hudson River, the infamous Dyker Heights Holiday Lights can be accessible by bus tour. This Brooklyn neighborhood doesn’t take their holiday decorating lightly — pun certainly intended. The entire neighborhood gets completely decked out in Christmas lights and passing through has become a New York Holiday tradition.
Taking a quick drive up to the Bronx, visitors will love the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show at 2900 Southern Boulevard, which is NYC’s largest outdoor holiday light experience. This is an exclusive opportunity to walk through the botanical garden and see it lit up like never before. After touring the garden, grab a drink at one of the outdoor bars.
For a list of more light displays in the Tri-State area, check out this article here.
Places to Eat + Drink
Keep the good times rolling with festive restaurants and bars that embrace the holiday spirit. While in NYC, make sure to get a famous frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity 3 at 225 East 60th Street. After spending the day ice skating at Bryant Park, grab a drink or snack at Refinery Rooftop at 63 West 38th Street, only a few blocks away, and take in the perfect view of the Empire State Building. You can grab dinner at Rolf’s at 281 3rd Avenue, and make sure to get some Instagram-worthy shots of the insane decor — which is actually up all year round!
Loreley Beer Garden’s Winter Wonderland at 7 Rivington Street serves up festive cocktails and warm winter drinks, alongside giant pretzels and bratwurst, bringing you to a cozy European winter paradise in downtown Manhattan. Lilian’s Victorian Establishment has locations in Times Square and Union Square, so it makes for a great stop for post-holiday activities. The gorgeous Victorian-era decor is upgraded during the holiday season and transports guests to another time in history.
If choosing to stay in Hoboken + Jersey City for a nice meal or drink with guests, there are endless great options. Miracle on Mercer is located at Franklin Social in Jersey City at 292 Barrow Street and includes lots of holiday-inspired drinks. Other Hoboken restaurants like Bin 14 at 1314 Washington Street, Dear Maud at 205 1st Street, and Dino + Harry’s at 163 14th Street, as well as spots in Jersey City like The Archer at 176 Newark Avenue, Cellar 335 at 335 Newark Avenue, and Maddy Rose Restaurant at 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, have must-see holiday decor. Some articles from the archives that can help you pick a Hoboken spot for a meal include a roundup of Italian restaurants as well as where to take your parents out to eat in Jersey City and Hoboken.
Places to Shop
Of course, walking up and down Washington Street in Hoboken is a perfect pastime, even in the winter. Beat the cold by finding the perfect cup of hot chocolate at one of the numerous coffee shops in town and check out the gorgeous window displays. Holiday shopping is easy at the many small businesses and boutiques lining the avenue.
If staying in NYC to shop, there is plenty to check out nearby all the other holiday action. Rockefeller Center has high-class fashion options and even some spots for kids. There are the classics, like the Lego Store at 636 5th Avenue and the Nintendo Store at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, which are great options for any young ones looking for gift ideas. Let holiday dreams come true by taking kids to the FAO Schwarz store in midtown at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, or you can go to Macy’s on 34th Street to see the "real" Santa Claus.
See More: The Top Holiday Light Displays to See in New Jersey + Beyond This Season
There are several winter villages that get set up around NYC for easy holiday shopping, but the one that can’t be missed is Bryant Park’s Winter Village, located at 42nd Street + 6th Avenue. Local businesses and artists set up shop and sell art, gifts, homewares, and clothes, all in one spot.
Whether hoping to stay in New Jersey or taking the adventure across the river to NYC, there are countless great ways to spend the holiday season with your visiting loved ones. We hope this guide lessens the burden of planning the perfect holiday in Hudson County + New York City and makes more time for new memories and holiday cheer.
