Hoboken is preparing for a full month of winter events, community programs, and small-business activities set to begin on December 11. The City, the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), and several local partners have worked together to build a schedule that includes longtime traditions, markets, workshops, charity drives, and transportation options to help people move easily around town during the busy season.
- Hoboken’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on December 11, 2025, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM at the 11th Street island, featuring youth performances, Santa’s visit, Elvis the Elf, and free treats from local businesses.
- Holiday Night Out returns on December 13 with Washington Street discounts, live music, kids’ activities, and four free adult workshops, followed by citywide markets, performances, and community programs throughout December.
- The City is providing travel and parking support—including free Holiday Hop shuttle service through December 21, free 30-minute Washington Street parking, and up to four hours of free weekend garage parking for shoppers with a $25 receipt.
Tree Lighting Marks the Start of the Season on December 11
The City’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM at the 11th Street island at 11th and Washington Streets. This event includes several seasonal features, offered in partnership with Hoboken businesses and community groups.
The evening program will offer:
- Performances by Hoboken youth
- Santa Claus appears at the celebration
- Complimentary cinnamon rolls from The Hive
- Free hot cocoa served by Mojo Coffee
- Holiday hosting by Elvis the Elf
To help seniors attend, the senior Hop shuttle will pick up passengers starting at 3:30 PM from the Multi-Service Center (124 Grand Street).
The shuttle route will stop at:
- Monroe Gardens
- Columbian Towers
- Adams Gardens
- Fox Hill Gardens
- Hoboken Housing Authority
- Columbian Arms
A return shuttle service will be available at 12th and Washington Streets once the event concludes.
Holiday Night Out and Free Workshops on December 13
Two days later, Washington Street becomes the center of the Holiday Night Out event on Saturday, December 13, running from 3 PM to 7 PM. The HBA is coordinating this one-evening program to support local shops and restaurants while offering festive activities for all ages.
During Holiday Night Out, visitors can expect:
- Seasonal dining specials
- Hot chocolate and children’s activities
- Live music and face painting
- Limited-time business discounts
- One-night-only shopping promotions
A set of free workshop sessions will be held throughout the afternoon and evening. The workshops appear in reordered format:
- Candlelight Yoga to De-Stress, Surya Yoga, 618 Washington St. — 5 PM–6 PM
- Holiday Salsa Class, Garden Street Dance, 1018 Washington St. — 5 PM–6:30 PM
- Santa Hat Decorating, The Hoboken Collective, 323 Washington St. — 5 PM–6:30 PM
- Cookie Decorating with Atelier Sucre, Symposia Books, 510 Washington St. — 5:30 PM–7 PM
Upcoming registration links will be posted by the HBA. More information can be found at visithoboken.com or on Instagram (@visithoboken).
Markets, Theater, and Citywide Seasonal Features
December includes several returning traditions and special programs.
Holiday Artisan Market
The Main Street Pops Holiday Artisan Market at 770 Jackson Plaza will be open on December 7, 14, and 21 from 11 AM to 4 PM.
The market features over 75 vendors, offering:
- Home décor
- Handmade jewelry
- Clothing and accessories
- Pet items
- Art and photography
- Other artisan gift goods
Festive elements vary by day and may include community performances, bounce houses, holiday music, and an inflatable village. On December 7, a seasonal pop-up called the Sleigh Bell Lounge will be available at the Brass Rail.
A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play
From December 11 to December 21, Mile Square Theatre will present A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play at 1400 Clinton Street. This production retells the Charles Dickens story in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast, written by Joe Landry, and performed by a small cast who take on numerous roles with vintage-style holiday elements.
Toy Drive Helps Local Families Through December 12
The Hoboken Police Department is collecting donations for the fifth annual Sgt. Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive. Residents may bring new, unwrapped toys, books, games, sports equipment, and other gifts to Hoboken Police Headquarters (106 Hudson Street) through December 12.
Items collected will be shared with children and teens at the Hoboken Housing Authority and will be part of the giveaways during FamilyHood’s Winter Wonderland, scheduled for December 13 from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop Scheduled for December 14
The City of Hoboken and Chabad of Hoboken & Jersey City will host the annual Menorah Lighting at Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington Street, on Sunday, December 14, at 5 PM. The event will include a gelt drop, supported by the Hoboken Fire Department. Additional details will be shared as the date approaches.
Holiday Hop and Parking Options Support Local Shopping
To make it easier to take part in holiday events and shop locally, the City is offering both transportation services and reduced parking costs.
Holiday Hop Shuttle
The free Holiday Hop shuttle is available on weekends from 11 AM to 6 PM through December 21, except for a 2 PM–3 PM break. The route matches the weekday Senior Hop, connecting Washington Street with areas near the Monroe Center. A full loop takes about 45 minutes.
Shuttle tracking is available through the Passio GO app by selecting “senior hop.” Riders may signal the shuttle at any intersection; buses stop after crossing the intersection.
Parking Discounts
The City is offering:
- Up to four hours of free parking on weekends through January 2, 2026, in
- Garage B (28 Second St.)
- Garage D (215 Hudson St.)
- Midtown Garage (371 Fourth St.)
when presenting a same-day receipt of at least $25 from a local business or restaurant
- Parking reservations through the ParkMobile app for Garage B, Garage D, and the Midtown Garage
- Monday–Thursday: 6 PM–2 AM
- Friday 6 PM through Sunday midnight
- Free 30-minute parking along Washington Street
- Weekdays: 3 PM–9 PM
- Weekends: 9 AM–9 PM, through December 31
The discount applies automatically when a ParkMobile session is started in a Washington Street zone.
