This holiday season, Jersey City, NJ, transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive activities and events that cater to both locals and visitors. Experience the enchantment of the Jersey City Nutcracker, a modern twist on the classic tale blending ballet with contemporary dance styles. Stroll through the captivating Festival of Trees, featuring uniquely decorated Christmas trees from local organizations. And don't miss the vibrant Skylands Christmas Light Show & Village, where over two million lights create a dazzling drive-through spectacle.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in holiday cheer or seek out unique experiences, Jersey City offers a variety of events that celebrate the season's magic. With a focus on community and creativity, these events ensure a memorable and joyous celebration for all who participate.
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The Top Christmas Events in Jersey City
See these and even more events listed below!Jersey City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Jersey City Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Contemporary urban twist on the classic ballet set in Jersey City
Description:
The Jersey City Nutcracker reimagines the classic tale with a modern, urban flair. Set against the backdrop of Jersey City landmarks, this innovative production blends classical ballet with hip-hop and contemporary dance styles. Watch as familiar characters navigate a uniquely Jersey City adventure, complete with local references and cultural nods. This fresh take on the holiday classic has been delighting audiences since 2010, showcasing the city's diverse artistic talent and community spirit.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center (New York)
What to Expect:
Iconic 75-100 foot Norway Spruce tree lighting ceremony
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands as a towering symbol of holiday spirit in the heart of New York City. This colossal Norway Spruce, typically 75-100 feet tall, illuminates the plaza with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights. Visitors can ice skate beneath its majestic branches at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. The tradition of erecting a Christmas tree at this location dates back to 1933 during the Great Depression, when construction workers put up a small 20-foot tree as a symbol of hope.
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Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center
Winter Village at Bryant Park (New York)
What to Expect:
Free admission ice skating rink surrounded by holiday shops
Description:
Bryant Park transforms into a winter oasis, boasting New York City's only free-admission ice skating rink. The park buzzes with activity as skaters glide across the ice, surrounded by over 170 holiday shops and food vendors. You can warm up with a hot cocoa while browsing unique gifts and artisanal products. The Winter Village continues a long tradition of public gatherings in Bryant Park, which has been a city landmark since 1686 when it was designated as a public space.
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Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)
What to Expect:
Elaborate residential Christmas light displays
Description:
Dyker Heights erupts in a blaze of holiday cheer as residents compete to create the most spectacular light displays. This Brooklyn neighborhood transforms into an unofficial festival of lights, with some homes boasting over 300,000 bulbs. Stroll through the streets to admire intricate scenes, animated figures, and towering inflatables. The tradition began in the 1980s, growing from a few decorated homes to a nationally recognized spectacle that draws thousands of visitors each year.
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Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes (New York)
What to Expect:
Precision dance troupe performing iconic holiday show
Description:
The Radio City Rockettes dazzle audiences with their legendary precision dance routines in this beloved holiday extravaganza. Marvel at the synchronicity of the high-kicking chorus line as they perform their famous "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." The show features elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and cutting-edge digital projections. This New York tradition has been captivating audiences since 1933, evolving from a 30-minute revue to a 90-minute spectacular that epitomizes the spirit of the season.
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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
What to Expect:
Miniature NYC landmarks made from natural materials with model trains
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden hosts an extraordinary display of miniature New York landmarks crafted entirely from natural materials. Model trains weave through this intricate cityscape, passing by tiny replicas of iconic structures like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Examine the detailed bark and leaf textures used to create these botanical architectural marvels. This unique exhibition, which began in 1992, has grown to include over 175 New York landmarks and attracts visitors from around the world.
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Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York)
What to Expect:
Massive holiday parade with giant balloons and floats
Description:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade fills the streets of Manhattan with towering balloons, elaborate floats, and lively performances. Gaze up as enormous character balloons, some as tall as five-story buildings, float above the crowds. The parade features marching bands, celebrity appearances, and Broadway performances. This beloved New York tradition began in 1924 and has grown from a small procession of zoo animals to a nationally televised spectacle that marks the unofficial start of the holiday season.
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Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Holiday Markets at Union Square (New York)
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market with local artisans and food vendors
Description:
Union Square Park comes alive with the bustle of a European-style holiday market. Over 160 local and national vendors set up shop in charming wooden booths, offering a diverse array of handcrafted gifts, artisanal foods, and unique treasures. Sample seasonal treats as you browse the stalls filled with one-of-a-kind items. The market continues a long tradition of commerce in Union Square, which has been a gathering place for New Yorkers since the early 19th century.
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Holiday Markets at Union Square
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops (Newark)
What to Expect:
Classical orchestra performing holiday favorites with guest vocalists
Description:
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra fills concert halls with the rich sounds of beloved holiday classics. World-class musicians perform alongside guest vocalists, bringing new life to traditional carols and seasonal favorites. Listen as the orchestra's strings soar through "Winter Wonderland" or the brass section heralds "Joy to the World." This annual concert series has been a cherished part of New Jersey's cultural landscape for decades, uniting communities through the universal language of music.
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New Jersey Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops
The Nutcracker at New Jersey Ballet (Rutgers)
What to Expect:
Professional ballet company's rendition of the classic holiday tale
Description:
The New Jersey Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece to life with graceful choreography and stunning costumes. Watch as Clara's magical journey unfolds, from the battle with the Mouse King to the Land of Sweets. The company's skilled dancers execute intricate pas de deux and energetic ensemble numbers with precision. This production has been a holiday staple in New Jersey for over 50 years, introducing generations of families to the beauty of classical ballet.
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The Nutcracker at New Jersey Ballet
New Jersey VegFest Holiday Market (Asbury Park)
What to Expect:
Plant-based holiday market with vegan food and cruelty-free products
Description:
The New Jersey VegFest Holiday Market celebrates compassionate living with a wide array of plant-based foods and cruelty-free products. Discover innovative vegan versions of holiday favorites and shop for eco-friendly gifts from local artisans. Sample delicious plant-based treats that challenge traditional notions of holiday cuisine. This event reflects the growing trend of ethical consumerism and has become a gathering place for New Jersey's vibrant vegan community since its inception.
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New Jersey VegFest Holiday Market
Festival of Trees (Morristown)
What to Expect:
Display of creatively decorated Christmas trees for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees showcases a forest of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, each a work of art created by local organizations and businesses. Wander through the display to admire trees adorned with themes ranging from whimsical to elegant. Visitors can bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This event, which began as a small community fundraiser, has grown into a beloved holiday tradition that brings together creativity and philanthropy.
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Skylands Christmas Light Show & Village (Vernon)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with accompanying Christmas village
Description:
Skylands Stadium transforms into a twinkling wonderland with over two million lights illuminating a mile-long drive-through course. Cruise past animated displays and through glowing light tunnels from the comfort of your car. After the drive, explore the Christmas Village featuring an outdoor ice skating rink, s'mores stations, and holiday vendors. This relatively new addition to New Jersey's holiday landscape has quickly become a regional attraction, drawing visitors from across the tri-state area.
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Skylands Christmas Light Show & Village