Slew Of Holiday Activities, Lightings, And Shopping Deals Planned For Hoboken: See Dates

HOBOKEN, NJ — A slew of holiday activities are planned for Hoboken this month, including Christmas tree and menorah lightings and shopping events to support local businesses.

The City of Hoboken, the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), and the Chabad of Hoboken and Jersey City, and the Division of Cultural Affairs have invited residents and visitors to the events "designed to celebrate local traditions and support small businesses."

There are parking deals as well.

Upcoming Events

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Thursday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m. at 11th and Washington streets. The celebration will include festive entertainment with Elvis the Elf, live performances by Hoboken youth, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Local businesses including The Hive will provide complimentary hot cocoa and baked goods. The city will also provide senior Hop shuttle service to and from the tree lighting. Pickup will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand St. Following the event, pickup will be at 12th and Washington Streets.

The Mile Square Theatre presents Charles Dickens classic Christmas story, A Christmas Carol, as a live 1940’s style radio play from Dec. 11 through Dec. 21 at 1400 Clinton St. The Charles Dickens classic comes to life with a small cast that brings dozens of characters to life, complete with vintage commercials and holiday charm. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to https://www.milesquaretheatre.org/events/a-christmas-carol-a-radio-play-.

The Hoboken Police Department is accepting donations for the fifth annual Sgt. Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive. Residents are encouraged to donate new and unwrapped toys, books, games, sports equipment, and other gifts at Hoboken Police Headquarters at 106 Hudson St. through Dec. 12. The collection will benefit local children and teens at the Hoboken Housing Authority and FamilyHood’s Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, go to www.hobokennj.gov/news/hoboken-police-announce-the-fifth-annual-sgt-peter-zanin-peachy-toy-drive.

Holiday Night Out will be held Dec. 13, a one-night-only event organized by the HBA, featuring special deals from Washington Street businesses as well as live music, kids activities, and festive free workshops for adults. The “Holiday Night Out” events run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., spotlighting unique shops and tasty dishes. The evening will feature shopping specials, dining deals, live musical performances and winter craft workshops at various times and locations, including a Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop at Symposia Books, a Santa Hat Customization Workshop at The Collective Hoboken, Holiday Destress - Candlelight Yoga at Surya Yoga Academy, and a Holiday Salsa Class at the Garden Street School of the Performing Arts. This exclusive one-night-only celebration will cultivate a sense of holiday magic for Hoboken residents and visitors. To learn more, go to https://visithoboken.com/event/holiday-night-out-2025/.

The Holiday Artisan Market at 770 Jackson St. Plaza returns on Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. showcasing over 75 artisan vendors. The market will feature handmade jewelry, fashion, art and photography, pet products, home decor, and more as well as holiday music, an inflatable village, bounce houses, and community performances on certain days. To see the full schedule, go to https://mainstreetpops.com/?event=hoboken-holiday-market-series-december-15.

The annual Menorah Lighting will be Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m. It will be held at Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington St. and include the annual gelt drop with the Hoboken Fire Department. Free latkes and other treats will be given out. "It's co-hosted by the Chabad of Hoboken and Jersey City and will feature a gelt drop by the Hoboken Fire Department, speakers, prayers, music, and holiday treats," the city said.

Roads near the lighting will close from 3-5:45 p.m., and NJ Transit buses will be detoured.

Hoboken Family Alliance Party At Biergarten

Separately from the city events, the Hoboken Family Alliance is holding their annual holiday party for kids and families on Dec. 10 from 4-6 p.m. at the Biergarten. There will be crafts, storytime with Santa, snacks and more. Find out more and register here: https://hfaholidayparty2025.eventbrite.com

Parking And Transportation

To encourage local dining and shopping, the city will offer free parking for up to four hours to those who show a municipal garage attendant a receipt of at least $25 spent at a local business or restaurant that day in the following municipal garages:

The free parking offer is available on weekends through Jan. 2, 2026. The City also offers a parking reservations program, allowing residents and visitors to reserve a parking space in Municipal Garage B, Garage D, and the Midtown Garage. Reservations can be made through the ParkMobile app and booked Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., and from 6 p.m. on Fridays to midnight on Sundays.

The city is also offering free 30-minute parking along Washington Street on weekdays from 3 to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, no discount or promo code required. To receive the free 30-minute parking, drivers must initiate their parking session through ParkMobile with a Washington Street zone, and the discount will automatically apply to the transaction.

The free Holiday Hop, revived by the City and HBA, is also available on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 21.