The holiday season has arrived here in Hudson County. From going ice skating to sipping on hot chocolate, there’s nothing better than celebrating the holidays in North Jersey. To celebrate, many restaurants, local venues, and bars will be hosting a variety of themed festivities. Read on for a list of holiday pop-up markets and events happening in North Jersey for 2023.
Disclaimer: These events are included as an editorial resource and The Hoboken Girl is not affiliated with any of these events. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including cancellations due to inclement weather, contact the host directly.
Want us to include another North Jersey holiday pop-up market? Send us a note at [email protected].
Candy Canes + Cocktails | 72 Hudson Street, Hoboken
Ongoing
The Waiting Room launched its festive pop-up for the season. There is a fully decked-out space with plenty of photo ops and it can be found in the downstairs bar area too. The menu has beverages like an espresso martini, Sour Patch watermelon drink, and other holiday drinks.
Miracle on Mercer | 92 Barrow Street, Jersey City
November 9th – January 1st
Franklin Social is going all out for the holidays, transforming into Miracle on Mercer. To celebrate the festivities, there will be a cocktail Christmas experience for holiday enthusiasts to enjoy. There will be several holiday-themed drinks to taste while savoring the holiday spirit. The experience will last for about two months, so there’s plenty of time to make your reservation. Guests can make a reservation by clicking here.
Read More: Where to Buy a Christmas Tree in Hoboken + Jersey City
Miracle on Centre | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
November 10th – January 1st
Cowan’s Public is a neighborhood pub in Nutley that is known for its selection of draft beers, craft cocktails, and classic American fare. Just in time for the holidays, Cowan’s Public will be turning into a Christmas wonderland. Miracle on Centre will be a Christmas cocktail bar. In years past, drinks were served in festive cups and the pub was decked out in holiday decor. Guests can expect the pop-up experience to be similar this year. Reservations can be made here.
Miracle on Bloomfield | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
November 14th – January 1st
The Parkside Social is another local bar and restaurant that will also be turned into a holiday cocktail-themed experience. Come dressed in festive wear while you sip on the selection of cocktails that will be available. To participate, reservations are needed and can be made here.
Miracle on Valley | 191 Valley Boulevard, Wood-Ridge
November 16th – January 1st
Starting in mid-November, Gus’ Last Word welcomes everyone to join a festive drink experience. In years past, one drink that has been served is the Jingle Balls Nog, which is made of cognac, cream sherry, almond milk, cream, egg, and nutmeg. As well as, On Dasher, a drink made with ingredients like gin, vanilla liqueur, marshmallow, cardamom, black pepper, lemon, cream, egg, and soda. Reservations can be made here and for parties larger than six, guests should call Gus’ Last Word at (973)-939-5608.
Sippin’ Santa | 705 Frank East Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison
November 20th – January 1st
Christmas will be celebrated in a tropical-themed setting at The Vanguard in Harrison. This pop-up is decked with festive decor and added tropical island elements while sipping on different cocktail selections. You can also expect to jam along to some live music performances as it is one of the highlights of The Vanguard. Guests can click here to book a reservation.
Sleighs + Leis | 335 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Starts November 21st
The annual Sleighs and Leis is making its comeback in mid-November. This Christmas pop-up will set up shop at Cellar 335 just like in years past. It is a unique Christmas experience that is described as a “modern tiki cocktail lounge” with Asian-inspired dishes. You will feel like you’re in a Christmas wonderland with the different ornaments and decorations plastered all over Cellar 335. Reservations can be made here once the opening date comes.
Holly Jolly Cocktail Crawl | Multiple Locations, Jersey City
Starts November 26th
Every Sunday and Wednesday of the holiday season, Around the Plate Food Tours hosts its annual Holly Jolly Cocktail Crawl. The crawl stops at three different downtown Jersey City locales for festive food and drinks (including mocktails for our zero-proof friends). The capacity for each tour is 10 guests, and food + drink is included in the ticket purchase.
Classic Christmas | 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton
TBD
This event will be hosted by The Barrow House in Clifton. Reservations can be made through Resy here. There is yet to be more information released by the restaurant, but guests can be sure to expect a Christmas element behind it.
Glen Ridge Holiday Market | 200 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge
December 3rd | 11AM- 4PM
Back for its 2023 season, the GRHS/MS Home + School Association will host its Glen Ridge Holiday Market. It will be held in the gymnasium area of Glen Ridge High School. This market will feature items from different vendors which visitors will have the chance to shop from. Some of the participating vendors are Storytime Kids, Acorn Hill Studio, The Giraffe’s Heart, and Rita Presto Designs. Learn more here.
Main Street Pops Holiday Markets | Hoboken
December 3rd – December 17th | Sundays, 11AM – 4PM
Main Street Pops will be hosting a holiday-themed market event for three December weekends in a row. There will be an opportunity to shop from artisan vendors. Visitors can shop for items ranging from fashion, accessories, jewelry, artisanal foods, art, bath + body, and other products. Other holiday activities that will be featured are pet photo opportunities, a dance party, carousel rides, and a holiday concert. Learn more here.
The North Pole’s Pop-up Event | 44 Market Street, Saddlebrook
December 3rd | 2PM – 7PM
Get a glimpse of the North Pole with this pop-up event. There will be appearances made by Santa and his elves. Little ones will have the chance to get free toys while supplies last. For your holiday content, professional photographers will be on the spot to snap photos. Other activities include a permanent jewelry station, food, desserts, and more. Details about the event can be found here.
Winter Wonderland Toy Drive Market | 513 Veterans Place
December 9th | 12PM
To help children in need, the New Jersey community is welcome to attend this free event to spread holiday cheer. There will be different vendors showcasing their business ranging from crafts, treats, and other items. Santa will be making a special appearance in this holiday event. A DJ will be playing music while other activities go on like a gift-wrapping station and kid activities. Click here to learn about this event.
‘Tis The Season | 17 Bennett Road, Englewood
December 9th | 1PM – 6PM
Plenty of local vendors will be on hand to help on the quest for the perfect gift. There will be fashion items, holiday-themed treats, and other festive-related activities yet to be announced. There is no entry fee required and to learn more about this event, click here.
The HDSID Happy Holiday Market | Grove Street Path Plaza + Rooftop at the Ashford + Under the Boot, Jersey City
December 9th – 10th, December 16th – 17th | 12PM – 6PM
This market highlights the handcrafted creations made by local artists and businesses. It will be a free event that will have music and food to enjoy while shopping for the holidays in a local space. On December 7th, there will be a Christmas tree and menorah lighting event. Community members will come together to ring in the start of the holiday season while sipping on hot chocolate, munching on cookies, and getting a gift from Santa. This event is free and more information can be found here.
See More: The Top Holiday Light Displays to See in the Area This Season
Handmade Holiday at the Woodland | 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood
December 17th | 10AM – 4PM
Visitors can come and shop for handmade items created by local makers. There will be several tables set up with items ranging from jewelry, clothing, and others. If you’re a maker, there is a sign-up form here to be able to participate. Learn more about this event here.
Hoboken to Hold Public Hearing About Former Uptown Pizzeria Space
In April 2024, the abrupt closure of Uptown Pizzeria at 54 14th Street in Hoboken left residents with many questions. After following a paper trail, The Hoboken Girl confirmed that the once-beloved spot was permanently closed. In February 2024, an application to demolish the site and replace it with high-rise condos was submitted to Hoboken's Zoning Board of Adjustment. There have been no developments regarding this situation — until now. According to a notice sent by the Zoning Board, there will be a public hearing to discuss and review the existing application on February 25th, 2025. Read on for what we know about the recent developments to convert Uptown Pizzeria's former location at 54 14th Street in Hoboken into high-rise housing.
The Details
Uptown Pizzeria, the once go-to spot for all of Hoboken's pizza cravings, suddenly closed for good in April 2024 with the plan to turn the 54 14th Street location into a six-story building.
The application was submitted by the property's owner and proposed to knock down the existing structure and "build a six-story mixed-use development with ground floor and basement-level commercial spaces and residential dwelling units on each upper floor," according to the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment's meeting agenda for February 27th, 2024.
Read More: Water Main Repaired in Jersey City, Hoboken Boil Water Advisory Still in Effect
Within the past few days, nearby Hoboken residents have received a notice from the board informing them about a public hearing to discuss this application, which they have kindly shared with The Hoboken Girl.
As per the notice, the application has changed to five stories instead of six and four residential dwelling units instead of five. The commercial space is also now confirmed to include a restaurant with a kitchen and a vent for the restaurant's exhaust, which residents are concerned could omit odors into the courtyard at 1400 Hudson Street and neighboring apartments.
According to the ZBA agenda item, the applicant, NTT Properties LLC, is seeking variances to allow the property to have zero parking spaces instead of the required one, be 55 feet tall, exceeding the permitted height of 52 feet, have 100% lot coverage on the ground floor and 85% in the upper floors when 60% is the maximum allotted, have a 0% rear yard setback of lot depth while 40% is the required minimum, and include 20.8% aggregate coverage of roof appurtenances when 10% is the maximum.
This public hearing will take place in person at 7PM on February 25th at Hoboken City Hall, located at 94 Washington Street. Hoboken residents are encouraged to attend and ask questions or give comments regarding the application.
The Hoboken Girl has reached out to 2nd Ward Council Person Tiffanie Fisher and will update this piece with any further information.
About Uptown Pizzeria Closure
On April 1st, 2024, HG received a DM from a reader, saying “Just saw that Uptown Pizza was closed and it looked like it may be permanent.” Looking to confirm or deny the news, we called the pizza spot but were met with a Verizon message saying that the call could not be completed and the line was dead. We then reached out to Uptown Pizzeria's sister location in Dumont, Uptown Pizzeria II, but the employees were not able to share whether or not the Hoboken location had closed.
The Hoboken Girl then took the investigation on foot. Upon walking by the 14th Street location, we confirmed that the restaurant was closed for good. There was nothing inside the storefront but empty pizza boxes and on the outside of the door, we saw a a water service termination notice.
See More: Yemeni-Style Coffee Spot, Qahwah House, Opens in Montclair
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