NDD Holiday Tree Lighting
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

NDD Holiday Tree Lighting

Annual tree lighting with Santa and festive community atmosphere.

About

Join the NDD for their 11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, a cherished tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season. This family-friendly event transforms Downtown Newark into a magical winter wonderland with a stunning 40-foot tree and sparkling LED snowflakes. Enjoy a visit from Santa, live music, carnival games, a trackless train for kids, and delicious treats from local food vendors.

Our Take

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and cheerful

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium (has a rain date)

Special Events & Promotions

  • 11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
  • Installation of LED snowflakes
  • Visit from Santa Claus
  • Trackless train for children
  • Local food vendors

Tags

tree lightingSanta visitsfamily friendlycommunity celebrationfestive foodholiday traditionwinter activitieslight displaysfree event

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

51 Park Place
Newark, NJ

Event Details

Pricing

FREE

Duration

4 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Newark

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Newark Downtown District

Practical Information

Parking

SP+ Parking โ€“ NJPAC Surface Lot A & C (Mulberry St & Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102), Edison ParkFast (1160 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102), and on-street parking available on East Park Place, Park Place, and Broad Street.

Pet Policy

No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Food & Drink

Local food vendors selling treats and warm hot chocolate.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing the tree lighting ceremony and to enjoy the carnival games before they get too crowded.
  • Dress in warm layers, as the event takes place outdoors in December and can be chilly, especially after sunset.
  • Bring cash for food vendors, as some may not accept cards, and it can speed up your order.
  • Check the weather forecast and the event's social media pages for any last-minute updates or changes, especially regarding the rain date.
  • Take advantage of the various parking options, including nearby lots and on-street parking, but allow extra time for potential traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the festival held?

The festival is held on December 7, 2024.

Where is the festival located?

The festival is located at Military Park, 51 Park Place, Newark, NJ.

What happens if it rains?

The rain date for the event is December 24, 2024.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there are several parking options including SP+ Parking lots, Edison ParkFast, and on-street parking.

What activities are available for children?

Children can enjoy a trackless train ride, carnival games, and a visit from Santa.

Nearby Places (10 total)

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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