UPDATED Christmas, Hanukkah Lightings And Events In Jersey City Area

JERSEY CITY — There are plenty of events in and around the local area to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

(NOTE: Don't see your event listed below? Post it for free in Patch events, any time! Here's how.)

Tree Lightings:

In Hudson County, the city of Hoboken is planning an early tree lighting this coming Tuesday, Nov. 28, with music, goodies, and an appearance from Santa. Get the details here.

Jersey City has several tree lightings planned, including this one at City Hall on Dec. 5, and a Downtown Jersey City tree and menorah lighting with cookies and cocoa on Dec. 7.

Also in Jersey City, KRE Group will host a holiday tree lighting on Thursday, Nov. 30, at Magnolia Landing in Journal Square. From 7-8, guests will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, donuts, and music from Riverview Jazz. Magnolia Landing is located right outside the Journal Squared residential buildings and the Journal Square PATH station. The event is open to the public. Neighborhood residents, PATH riders, and all other guests are more than welcome to attend.

Menorah Lightings

Since Hanukkah is happening early this year, several area synagogues and towns are planning menorah lightings soon, although some may have not been announced yet. Here are a few in the area so far:

Hudson County: Jersey City's City Hall Menorah lighting will be held Dec. 4. The Downtown Jersey City Tree and Menorah lighting event will be held on Dec. 7. For Hoboken, watch for details.

Winter Wonderland At Van Saun Park

Nearby in Bergen County, officials have reopened their annual "Winter Wonderland" at Van Saun Park in Paramus, with ice skating, bumper cars, Santa visits, and more. Find out all the details and hours here.

Other Holiday Events At Local Malls And Attractions

Here are a few upcoming Santa appearances in your area and around North Jersey. Always double check the times before heading over.

• Santa's coming to the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City for photos. They offer special pajama photos, "ugly sweater" photos, and more. Check the schedule and make reservations here.
• Santa's also coming to the Short Hills Mall in Millburn, as part of Santa's Flight Academy, an immersive experience. Get more details and a link here.
• Want another option for photos and shopping? Head to the Livingston Mall. More details are here.
• The sprawling American Dream Mall in East Rutherford has a host of Santa events, discounts, and attractions scheduled, including "Holiday Dreamland." Find out more here.
• Livingston's annual Camuso Holiday Display runs through the new year. It pays homage to a local toymaker who created a large display of lights on his property for decades. Santa visits and other events are coming up, as well as a special night for any family that has a family member with special needs. Get more details here.
• Hoboken's holiday tree lighting is scheduled early, for this coming Tuesday, with appearances by Santa Claus, Elvis the (musical) Elf, and more. Find out more here.
• Ridgewood has several events coming up at which Mr. Claus will sled in. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will hold its 38th Downtown for the Holidays-Tree Lighting will be on Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m., with Santa, a trackless train, music, and much more. And the next day, Dec. 2, Santa and his elf will drive from the Fire Department to Columbia Bank’s branch located at 60 South Broad St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos and candy canes will be available.

This is only a partial list. Have a holiday event coming to your New Jersey town? Post it for free in Patch events, any time! Here's how.