Newark Winter Village Returns For 2025 Holidays: Skating, Shopping, Music, Rides

NEWARK, NJ — A popular seasonal celebration is returning to New Jersey’s largest city for the holidays: the Newark Winter Village.

Mulberry Commons in downtown Newark (162 Mulberry Street) has once again transformed into a winter wonderland, with the village opening on Nov. 29 and closing on Jan. 4. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Learn more about this local attraction here.

Highlights this year include ice skating, bumper cars and private “igloo” rentals. The winter village also includes a holiday marketplace with dozens of local vendors. Guests can shop for handmade gifts, savor seasonal treats, and even enjoy new special cocktails and craft beverages in the festive open-air setting. Other attractions include live music and DJs throughout the weekends, twinkling lights, “Learn to Skate” sessions at 11 a.m. every Saturday morning, and Santa photos on select weekends throughout the season. Sundays are Movie Nights (bring your own chair and blanket).

Admission is free, but reservations and tickets are required for ice skating, bumper cars and igloo rentals. Wednesdays will serve as “Community Days,” featuring discounted admission and special programming for Newark residents.

Special events on this year’s schedule include:

• Saturday, November 29: Small Business Saturday – In-store activations within small local businesses in the Arts & Education District including new businesses at The Pillars presented by Audible at 33 Washington Street. Plus, a Holiday Pop-Up Shop at the historic Krueger-Scott Mansion with local makers. There will be music, bites and holiday cheer! Entry is free.
• Saturday, December 6: Elf in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. 2:00PM - This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live!
• Friday, December 19: A Merry CQ Christmas with D-NICE hosted by Tisha Campbell, a festive celebration at Newark Symphony Hall that brings the spirit of Club Quarantine to the stage! Join legendary DJ and cultural icon D-Nice for a night of joyful music, good vibes, and holiday magic.
• Saturday, December 20: NJPAC’s Kwanzaa Family Festival & Marketplace from 1pm-7:30pm. Join the hundreds of families who make the free Kwanzaa Family Festivals part of their annual celebration. It’s a full day of uplifting programs – including a candle-lighting ceremony and vibunzi – based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

To make exploring Newark even easier, the Experience Newark mobile pass offers curated lists of restaurants, local shops and themed trails that guide visitors through shopping, dining and cultural experiences for all ages. Visit www.newarkhappening.com for more information.

“The Newark Winter Village is one of our favorite community traditions,” Newark First Lady Linda Baraka said.

“This year’s additions—from expanded vendors to new experiences—ensure there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re skating, shopping, or just soaking in the spirit of the holidays,” she added.

• Related: Newark Residents Could Generate $2 Billion If They Shop Locally, Report Says

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