Enjoy the holidays with the City of Hoboken

The City of Hoboken today invites residents to celebrate the holidays through a myriad of planned events this December.

“Hoboken is proud to once again host several family friendly community events, to celebrate the holiday season,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “Thank you to our many partners for their assistance in spreading holiday cheer this month, including the Hoboken Cultural Affairs Department, Hoboken Business Alliance, Main Street Pops, Hoboken Police and Fire Departments, the Chabad Jewish Center of Hoboken & Jersey City, and more.”

The holiday season will kick off with the annual City Hall Holiday Craft Fair this Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 94 Washington St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The unique shopping experience on all three floors of City Hall will offer residents and visitors the chance to find original gifts crafted by local artists, makers, and crafters. Shop handmade jewelry, home goods, art, and more! The 63rArmy Band will also perform outside of City Hall on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 4, Mrs. Claus will provide free face painting on the second floor of City Hall. To learn more, go to www.hobokennj.gov/events/hoboken-city-hall-holiday-craft-fair-2022.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by the City and Hoboken Business Alliance, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 4:15 p.m. The festivities, which will take place at 11th and Washington Streets, will feature Elvis the Elf, live performances by Hoboken Cheer Dynamics, Studio L Hoboken Dancers, the Garden Street School of the Performing Arts, Hoboken High School Chorus, Hoboken High School Flute Ensemble, Brandt School Chorus, Connors School Chorus, Wallace School Chorus, and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. The Hive will also provide free hot chocolate and cookies and Apple Montessori Schools will hand out glow sticks. The Hoboken Community Center will also be accepting donations of non-perishable items for their Pantry, and the Hoboken Police Department and Hoboken Fire Department will be accepting unwrapped toys and gift cards of any denomination to donate to families in need this holiday.

“The holidays are a special time of year. The Hoboken Business Alliance is proud to support our small businesses and neighbors through beautiful decorations, fun events and programming, and promotions that highlight and cherish the unique magic that only Hoboken has,” said Hoboken Business Alliance Executive Director Roxanne Earley. “We wish everyone in Hoboken a warm holiday season and joyous new year. Remember to #shopsmall and #lovelocal during this, and every season.”

Due to the event, 11th Street between Bloomfield Street and Washington Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, and temporary no parking signs will be posted.

Santa Claus and his elves will return to Hoboken on Sunday, Dec. 11, to visit the community via float through a partnership with the Hoboken Business Alliance. Santa Claus will begin his route on Jefferson Street between 14th Street and 15th Street at 11 a.m. and wind his way throughout Hoboken until approximately 3 p.m. Santa will also make three pit stops along the route to take photos with residents. For the full route, go to www.hobokennj.gov/events/santa-claus-comes-to-hoboken.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, residents and visitors can enjoy the Holiday Extravaganza presented by the Hoboken Business Alliance and Main Street Pops from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring local artisans and small businesses offering unique gifts for everyone. The festive event will also feature fun activities for the entire family including live ice carving, carousel rides, a holiday DJ Dance Party by DJ Tim Dawg Nelson and more. For more information, go to http://mainstreetpops.com/hba-holiday-extravaganza/.

The annual Menorah Lighting will take place at Hoboken City Hall on Sunday, Dec. 18. At 5 p.m. The event will feature traditional Hanukkah treats and a Hanukkah gelt drop.

The Hoboken Police Department and the Hoboken Fire Department are seeking donations for their annual toy drive, which will be donated to local families in need. Donors can drop off new, unwrapped toys and gift cards of any denomination at three locations across the City until Dec. 16.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations;