The City of Hoboken, the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), and the Chabad of Hoboken & Jersey City invite residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with a series of community events designed to celebrate local traditions and support small businesses. This year’s programming, organized in part by the City’s Division of Cultural Affairs, includes the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted in partnership with the Hoboken Business Alliance, and the annual Menorah Lighting hosted in partnership with Chabad of Hoboken & Jersey City. To make holiday shopping more convenient, the City is also offering discount parking options to encourage people to shop small and local.
“Every year, Hoboken’s holiday season brings our community closer together, and this year is no exception,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “From our cherished tree and menorah lightings to vibrant local markets and family-friendly activities with our partners at the Hoboken Business Alliance, these events reflect the spirit and generosity that define our city. I encourage everyone to shop local, support our small businesses, and celebrate the season with neighbors and friends.”
“Hoboken truly shines during the holiday season. Our festive programming brings neighbors together, supports our incredible small businesses, and celebrates the spirit that makes the Mile Square City so special,” said James Runkle, President of the Hoboken Business Alliance Board of Trustees. “This year, we’re proud to partner with the City of Hoboken on the Holiday Hop to ensure residents and visitors alike can enjoy all that our community has to offer. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply taking in the holiday magic, we look forward to welcoming everyone to Hoboken for the holidays.”
The City of Hoboken and the HBA will host the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on 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 himself. Local Hoboken 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. and stop at the following locations:
Following the event, pickup will be at 12th and Washington Streets.
The Mile Square Theatre presents Charles Dicken’s 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.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, Hoboken will host a Holiday Night Out, 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.
Workshops include:
To learn more about Holiday Night Out, go to https://visithoboken.com/event/holiday-night-out-2025/ and follow the HBA on Instagram at @visithoboken. Registration links for workshops will be posted by the HBA in the coming days.
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 City and Chabad of Hoboken & Jersey City invite community members to the annual Menorah Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m. The celebration will be held at Hoboken City Hall and include the annual gelt drop with the Hoboken Fire Department. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.
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 Years 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. Please note, the Hop is not in service from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for driver lunch break.
The shuttle route mirrors the weekday Senior Hop route, connecting Washington Street and the west side of Hoboken near the Monroe Center through a loop that takes approximately 45 minutes.
Riders can track the real-time location of the shuttle using the Passio GO app and selecting “senior hop” from the drop-down menu. Riders can flag down the Hop at any intersection along the route. Please note that buses will cross the intersection before stopping. Please wait on the far, right-hand side of the intersection.
For more information, go to https://local.nixle.com/alert/11998833/.
