The holiday season along the Hudson is hitting its peak. Between Hoboken and Jersey City, the stretch from December 17 through December 22, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the busiest—and honestly, most festive—weeks of the year.
From artisan markets and river cruises to comedy, theater, and family fun, residents and visitors will find plenty of ways to celebrate close to home. There’s always something going on if you know where to look.
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Holiday Markets and Local Shopping
At the heart of the week’s festivities is a beloved tradition: supporting local makers and small businesses while crossing names off your gift list. This year, it’s more than just a quick stop at a pop-up—it’s a full afternoon experience.
Main Street Pops Holiday Market at Monroe Center Plaza
On Sunday, December 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Main Street Pops Holiday Market returns to the Monroe Center Plaza in Hoboken. With more than 70 local artisans under one open-air umbrella, this market feels like a true community hub for last-minute holiday shopping.
Shoppers can browse:
Festive entertainment and family-friendly attractions—think live music, photo ops, and kids’ activities—turn the plaza into an all-ages holiday outing. It’s not just a shopping stop, it’s a whole vibe.
The Hoboken Girl’s Holiday Shopping Guide
If you like to plan ahead, The Hoboken Girl has a comprehensive holiday shopping guide available through December 25. The guide spotlights neighborhood boutiques, seasonal pop-ups, and local brands with exclusive discounts.
It’s easier than ever to keep your spending in the community while still finding something special. Who doesn’t love a good deal?
Food, Drink, and Festive Experiences
Beyond shopping bags and gift wrap, this pre-Christmas stretch offers a chance to savor seasonal flavors. There are plenty of ways to create memorable experiences on and off the water.
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Wine Tastings for Cabernet Lovers
Wine lovers should check out the multi-day tasting tour at Sparrow Wine + Liquor Company. The program highlights 12 top California Cabernet Sauvignons, including favorites like Caymus, Far Niente, and The Prisoner.
Guided tastings let you compare vintages, explore different producers, and maybe pick out the perfect bottle for a holiday dinner or host gift. It’s a relaxed way to learn a bit more about wine while staying local.
Hudson River Holiday Boat Charters
For a unique winter experience, Sailaway NY is running private holiday boat charters along the Hudson River. With the Manhattan skyline twinkling behind you, these cruises are perfect for office parties, family gatherings, or a friends’ night out that feels a little extra.
Many groups go for catered bites, hot cocktails, and curated playlists, turning the charter into a floating holiday lounge. The views of the region’s illuminated waterfront? Unmatched.
Entertainment, Arts, and Family Fun
The local arts scene adds a lot of holiday spirit, with theater, comedy, and hands-on activities happening at several venues. There’s no shortage of options if you want to mix it up.
Comedy Nights at Dorrian’s Red Hand
In Jersey City, Dorrian’s Red Hand is hosting stand-up comedy nights, featuring performers with credits on Comedy Central, Netflix, and the Howard Stern Show. These shows offer a welcome break from the usual holiday hustle—just the right dose of irreverence and laughter amid the earnestness of the season.
Ice Skating and Winter Outings
On the more classic side of holiday tradition, ice skating at Newport Skates remains a go-to activity. Families, couples, and friend groups flock to the rink for that quintessential winter experience, complete with skyline views and post-skate hot chocolate.
If you’re feeling adventurous, holiday-themed excursions to Hudson Yards and other nearby venues offer more lights, displays, and shopping. It’s easy to fill a whole day.
Art, Theater, and Cultural Programming
Local performance and cultural spaces are keeping their calendars packed. Venues like Art House Productions, Mile Square Theatre, and the Italian Educational & Cultural Center are offering a blend of seasonal productions, gallery shows, and community events.
Programming ranges from intimate plays and live music to cultural showcases that highlight the area’s diverse communities. It’s a great time to introduce younger family members to live theater or maybe discover a new favorite local troupe.
Family-Friendly Activities and Workshops
Families with young children will find plenty to do. Options include:
These events offer structured, screen-free ways to keep kids engaged while school’s out. Parents might even get a little breathing room during a hectic time of year—sounds pretty good, right?
Tying It All Back to Jersey City
Hoboken’s Monroe Center and its bustling markets get plenty of buzz, but Jersey City steps up big time during the holidays too. Comedy nights at Dorrian’s, skating at Newport, and gallery evenings that drift into warm neighborhood bars—there’s a lot happening in December.
The city’s holiday calendar really shows off how much our city districts bring to the table this time of year. Sometimes I wonder if people realize just how much is packed into these few weeks.
If you’re figuring out where to stay in Jersey City, there’s a surprising number of new Jersey City hotels popping up. Most are close to the action or just a quick train ride away, so planning a weekend around shows, markets, or walks by the water feels pretty effortless.
First-timers might stress about getting to Jersey City, but honestly, it’s simple—PATH, light rail, ferry, all of it’s right there. Once you’re here, the list of things to do in Jersey City just keeps growing, from theater and restaurants to parks and murals.
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Here is the source article for this story: 200+ Events in Hoboken + Jersey City This Weekend | December 17, 2025-December 22, 2025
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