Christmas Eve brought a mix of high stakes and holiday suspense to lottery players across the country. New Jersey was right in the thick of it. The historic $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot ultimately slipped past the Garden State. Still, a few lucky residents—including someone right here in Hudson County—walked away with serious prizes.
For folks in the Jersey City area, the drawing felt like a reminder that even if the grand prize stays out of reach, you can still score big at your neighborhood shop. Sometimes, it’s not about the billions—it’s about those life-changing wins that show up where you least expect them.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
Christmas Eve Powerball: Billion-Dollar Hopes, Local Wins
The December 24 Powerball drawing grabbed national attention as one of the biggest jackpots in U.S. history. With a cash value estimated at $834.9 million, that $1.817 billion prize stood as the second-largest ever for Powerball.
People lined up at convenience stores, liquor shops, and corner markets all over New Jersey, hoping for a shot. New Jersey didn’t snag the jackpot, but the state still had a strong showing.
In total, 11 tickets bought in New Jersey earned prizes of $50,000 or more. So, even a near-miss on Christmas Eve turned into a major payday for a handful of ticket holders.
Hudson County’s $50,000 Winner at Union Liquors
One of those winning tickets came from Hudson County, sold at Union Liquors, 710 Summit Ave. The player matched enough numbers to lock in a $50,000 prize.
That’s the kind of holiday memory that doesn’t fade quickly. For locals, it shows how regular businesses—especially in dense spots like Hudson County—become the backdrop for big lottery moments.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Union Liquors now joins the informal club of “lucky retailers.” When jackpots soar, hopeful players flock to these spots, thinking maybe lightning will strike again.
The Winning Numbers and How New Jersey Players Scored
The Christmas Eve drawing produced numbers that’ll stick in Powerball history: 04, 25, 31, 52, 59, with a Powerball of 19 and a multiplier of 02. For most, those were just numbers on a screen.
But for a handful in New Jersey, those digits turned into a nice holiday surprise. The New Jersey Lottery said there were several ways local players cashed in, even without the billion-dollar top prize.
Breaking Down the New Jersey Payouts
Let’s see how local winners stacked up in the Christmas Eve drawing:
- Eight players statewide matched four white balls plus the Powerball, each getting $50,000.
- One player matched four white balls, the Powerball, and hit the multiplier, bumping the prize to $100,000.
- Two more players won $50,000 each through the Double Play option, which gives a second shot in a separate drawing.
The Double Play drawing that night came up with its own set of winning numbers: 03, 15, 19, 29, 35, with a Double Play ball of 21. For the two New Jersey players who went for Double Play, that extra chance paid off with $50,000 each.
Powerball’s Place in Local Life
Big jackpots like this don’t just create winners—they briefly change daily life. Shops get packed, coworkers start up office pools, and everyone on the bus seems to be talking about what they’d do “if they won.”
In Hudson County, that $50,000 win at Union Liquors shows how the lottery weaves itself into city life. For every multi-state jackpot winner, there are plenty of smaller prizes landing in local neighborhoods.
Sometimes that money pays off a credit card, covers a semester of college, or just gives a family a bit of breathing room they didn’t have before. And really, isn’t that what makes these stories worth following?
From Lottery Lines to Local Exploration in Jersey City
Visitors come for all sorts of reasons—sometimes it’s the big jackpots, sometimes it’s the city itself. Hudson County and Jersey City have a lot packed into a small area, and honestly, it surprises a lot of people booking Jersey City hotels.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Jersey City, think about what matters most: transit, waterfront views, or maybe nightlife. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Jersey City.
Take a stroll along the waterfront and you get sweeping views of Manhattan. Or maybe you’ll want to hop between eclectic eateries and arts spaces scattered across different city districts.
Regional travelers can reach Jersey City pretty easily, whether you grab the PATH train, hop on light rail, catch a bus, or just drive in. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick stop at a neighborhood shop—like that Summit Avenue liquor store—to turn an ordinary day in Hudson County into something you’ll remember.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Here is the source article for this story: $50K Winning Lottery Ticket Sold In Hudson County: See Where
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
