There’s nothing like celebrating the holidays in small towns with all of their charm and character. This 25-day guide will give readers 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. Keep reading to learn what readers 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 2021.
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
Attend the HDSID Annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting at the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall in Jersey City from 6:30PM – 7:30PM.
December 3
(Photo credit: @cellar335)
Head to Cellar 335’s annual Sleighs N Leighs, which kicks off on December 1st. There will be food specials, festive decorations, and a holiday-inspired cocktail menu.
December 4
Visit the Pro Arts Holiday Bazaar hosted by Art House Productions at ART150 Gallery from 12PM – 6PM. Local artists and galleries will be showcasing artwork for sale.
Read More: A Guide to Toy Drives Happening in Hudson County | 2021
December 5
Shop local vendors at the first Main Street Pops holiday market of the season from 11AM – 4PM under the viaduct in Hoboken.
December 6
Final night of Hanukkah.
December 7
Pick out the perfect Christmas tree at one of these locations across New Jersey and New York – including cut-your-own-farms. See our guides to real trees here and here.
December 8
Donate food to those who might need it this holiday season at any of these grateful donation locations.
December 9
Make memories with loved ones and have your picture taken with Santa. Check out spots to see Here’s where to see him this year in North Jersey.
December 10
Go on a holiday lights tour of North Jersey in your car to view all the holiday decorations around the area.
December 11
Shop locally for holiday gifts. Check out our Hoboken and Jersey City gift guide here.
December 12
Take a family cookie house decorating class with none other than Baking Mama herself. Email tina@bakingmama.com to book.
December 13
Go outdoor ice skating at Newport Skates in Jersey City, or at one of the other ice skating rinks in North Jersey and NYC found here.
December 14
Make a reservation at 15 Fox Place – the ultimate holiday dining experience. The restaurant is located within a Jersey City home and embodies the epitome of the Christmas spirit.
December 15
Attend the Franklin Social’s Miracle on Mercer experience. Think: decked halls, holiday-themed cocktails served in playful mugs, visits from Santa, and more. It’s open seven days a week.
December 16
Hop on the PATH train and feast your eyes on the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree in all of its glory.
December 17
Peep all the windows of Hoboken and Jersey City’s holiday-themed decor — and the Holland Tunnel — as we know, our cities definitely come to play when it comes to next-level decor.
December 18
Continue your holiday gift search at the Hoboken Historical Museum’s Holiday Craft Fair that features local vendors from 11AM – 5PM. On December 21st, join the Hoboken Historical Museum’s caroling group that will walk throughout Hoboken, door to door, singing Christmas classics. Carolers should meet at the Museum at 6:30PM for a warm-up before heading out at 7PM. While you’re there, check out the annual Christmas nativity display in the walkway.
December 19
Send out holiday cards to loved ones from Hoboken + Jersey City-based graphic designers, stores, and artists. The list of where to buy them is here.
December 20
Buy holiday-themed treats from your favorite local business to shop small this year.
December 21
Stop by one of these delicious hot chocolate spots and enjoy a classic winter drink.
See More: A Guide to Planning the Perfect Holiday ‘Getaway’ in Hudson County
December 22
(Photo credit: @gingerboken)
Check on the status of ‘Gingerboken,’ at Field Colony (1001 Bloomfield Avenue) – a handmade gingerbread version of Hoboken that is currently being built by the owner and baker behind For Cup Sakes in hopes to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ginger village.
December 23
Donate a toy or holiday gift to the various toy drives around Hudson County. Full list here.
December 24
Learn more about Kwanzaa which starts December 26th. This annual celebration of African-American culture 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!
