This Thanksgiving week, from November 26 through December 3, 2025, the Hudson waterfront is buzzing with energy. Hoboken and Jersey City are rolling out a packed schedule of art, comedy, ice skating, shopping, and charity drives.
From Black Friday laughs at a downtown pub to family-friendly skating rinks and local maker markets, the region is leaning hard into the holiday season. Residents and visitors have plenty of reasons to stay local instead of heading to the mall or airport.
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Holiday Week Highlights Along the Hudson
Thanksgiving weekend is no longer just about leftovers or doorbuster sales. On both sides of the Hudson, people are shifting their focus to experiences: live shows, local boutiques, and community events that actually make the holidays feel special.
In Hoboken and Jersey City, the 2025 lineup shows how much the arts, small businesses, and neighborhood organizations have grown. They’re working together to keep people engaged right through the start of December.
Black Friday and Saturday Comedy at Dorrian’s Red Hand
If you’d rather laugh than fight crowds, Dorrian’s Red Hand in Jersey City is turning Black Friday and Saturday into a mini comedy festival. The bar-restaurant is hosting four stand-up shows over two nights, pulling in comics with credits from Comedy Central and other big platforms.
Tickets are $25 with a two-item minimum and gratuity, which keeps the vibe close to that classic New York club feel—just without the PATH ride home. Out-of-town guests lingering after Thanksgiving dinner can get a taste of local nightlife without much hassle.
Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2025: Your Vote Counts
Besides the holiday events, the Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2025 Guide is shaping up as a real snapshot of what locals love. Finalists in food, drinks, wellness, shops, services, and more are now open for public voting.
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Residents can vote daily through December 7, with winners announced in mid-December. The guide has become a yearly roadmap for new residents and visitors searching for trusted local favorites.
Shopping Local: From Baby Gifts to Breweries
While big-box stores roll out national sales, the local holiday shopping guide is a reminder that small businesses are still the backbone of the waterfront economy. The guide covers everything from stocking stuffers to bigger-ticket experience gifts.
Many listings come with exclusive discount codes for readers, making it easier to shop where it matters most—close to home.
Local Businesses to Have on Your Radar
The holiday guide and weekend calendar shine a spotlight on hyperlocal businesses and venues that offer both goods and experiences:
- Hazel Baby Store – The go-to for parents and gift-givers seeking toys, clothing, and baby essentials with a boutique touch.
- 902 Brewing – A hometown brewery pouring local craft beers, perfect for gatherings or growler gifts.
- Ivy Mane Studio – A stylish salon that doubles as a self-care gift card idea for the beauty lover in your life.
- Jersey City Ballroom – Dance classes and socials for unique date nights or holiday party alternatives.
- Newport Skates – A waterfront ice rink that’s become a winter staple for families, couples, and friend groups.
- The Shops & Gardens at Hudson Yards and Morris Museum – Easy day-trip additions for a bit of culture and curated retail.
Skates, Shows, and Giving Back
This week isn’t just about shopping. Much of the calendar blends fun with philanthropy, showing how strongly local organizations push for community engagement around the holidays.
Multiple coat drives are happening across Hoboken, Jersey City, and Weehawken, collecting warm clothing for local shelters and pet rescues. It’s easy to pair a night out with a drop-off that genuinely helps neighbors in need.
Dog-Friendly Events and Community Submissions
Many events on the calendar are dog-friendly, thanks in part to Doggie Road Trippin’, which highlights happenings that welcome four-legged family members. That’s a big plus for urban pet owners who don’t want to choose between going out and staying in with the pup.
The event calendar itself is community-driven. Organizers can submit their happenings to Hoboken Girl’s guide, so everything from small trunk shows to larger fundraisers gets a shot at the spotlight.
How This All Connects Back to Jersey City
For Jersey City residents—and anyone visiting for the holiday stretch—this week really shows why the city keeps growing as a cultural hub. Between comedy at Dorrian’s, crowds at Newport Skates, and the neighborhood support for local shops, the city is showing off the full spectrum of what an urban waterfront community can be.
Visitors staying at nearby Jersey City hotels will find it easy to plug into the local scene, especially with so many venues clustered around the waterfront and accessible city districts. If you’re planning where to stay in Jersey City, picking a spot near the PATH or light rail opens the door to Hoboken and beyond.
Planning Your Holiday Visit
Between comedy shows, boutique shopping, ice skating, and charitable drives, it’s a strong week to plan a visit focused on things to do in Jersey City. You can also hop over to Hoboken or Morristown for a broader regional experience.
Major transit connections and walkable neighborhoods make getting to Jersey City pretty straightforward. Whether you’re coming from Manhattan, Newark Airport, or the suburbs, it’s easy enough to figure out.
As the 2025 holiday season ramps up, this Thanksgiving-to-December stretch offers a reminder. Sometimes the best holiday traditions are right outside your front door—especially when that door opens onto the Hudson.
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Here is the source article for this story: 150 Events in Hoboken + Jersey City This Weekend | November 26-December 3, 2025
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