Kick off the first weekend of December with a Christmas tree lighting at Leonard Gordon Park, a newly launched brunch menu at JSQ Lounge, or Santa photos at the Liberty Humane Society.
Friday Events
What: Pie 66 Cyber Week Special
When: Friday, December 6 only
Where: 150 Bay Street
Cyber Monday may be over, but Pie 66 (aka Bucket & Bay) has one more tasty deal for you: Order a pie online and get a free pint of gelato with your order. Pie 66 offers Granny Smith Apple Crumble, Pumpkin Pie, Bourbon Pecan Pie, and Chocolate Crackle Pie. The deal is valid through Friday with pickups starting on Sunday. (We’ve tried their bourbon pecan and Granny Smith pies — both are excellent!)
* * * * *
What: Departed Soles Beer Release
When: Friday, December 6
Where: 150 Bay Street
Local brewery Departed Soles is releasing a new beer today in collaboration with East Jersey Trout Unlimited, which benefits their conservation efforts and greater wildlife preservation in New Jersey. The beer — Angler’s Lie — is a golden lager with a 6.4% alc./vol. and malt backbone that’s complimented “with floral and citrus aromas and flavors.”
* * * * *
What: Winter Solstice Celebration at Leonard Gordon Park
When: Friday, December 6 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Leonard Gordon Park at 3303 Kennedy Blvd.
Tonight is the 2nd Annual Winter Solstice Celebration at Leonard Gordon Park (aka Mosquito Park). There will be carolers at 6:15pm, a tree lighting at 7pm, and performances by P.S. 28 and M.S. 7 choirs at 7:30pm.
* * * * *
What: Zeppelin Hall 10-Year Anniversary
When: Friday through Sunday from 7pm to 9pm
Where: 88 Liberty View Drive
Zeppelin Hall is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by bringing back its top 10 dishes over the last decade. The biergarten will also offer its four most popular beers for just $5 each. Its outdoor “Polar Vortex” bar is also now open for the winter season.
* * * * *
What: JC Fridays Art Shows
When: Friday, December 6 from 7pm to 10pm
Where: throughout Jersey City
JC Fridays is a quarterly arts festival with various events happening throughout Jersey City. Events include holiday pop-ups, live musical performances, art galleries, and more. You can check out the full list of events here.
* * * * *
Saturday Events
What: JC Families Holiday Party at Harborside
When: Saturday, December 7 from 11am to 2pm
Where: Harborside Atrium
Harborside and JC Families are teaming up for the 8th Annual Holiday Party for Families. Activities include pictures with Santa, face painting, live shows/dance performances, an urban jungle play area, and cookie/cupcake decorating classes. Entry for ages 16 and below is $7, and entry for ages 16 and above is $4. Gifts and donations will also be collected for the Boys & Girls Club.
* * * * *
What: Brunch at the JSQ Lounge
When: Saturdays & Sundays from 11am to 4pm
Where: 50 Journal Square Plaza
Rise and shine! JSQ Lounge is now serving weekend brunch from 11am to 4pm. The menu includes items like waffle chicken wing breakfast, mojo pork Benedict, French toast, and avocado toast. Plus, brunch cocktails are just $5 each. You can check out the full brunch menu here.
* * * * *
What: Apple Tree House Holiday Celebration
When: Saturday, December 7 from 12pm to 3pm
Where: 298 Academy Street
Head to the Apple Tree House for a family-friendly afternoon of holiday cheer. There will be musical performance by The Holidates, children’s train rides, holiday treats, and more.
* * * * *
Sunday Events
What: Oddities Market at Harborside
When: Sunday, December 8 from 12pm to 6pm
Where: Harborside Atrium
Shop antiques, oddities, natural history, and original artwork of over 70 vendors at the Oddities Market at the Harborside Atrium. A suggested $3 admission/donation is encouraged.
* * * * *
What: Pet Photos with Santa at the Liberty Humane Society
When: Sunday, December 8 from 12pm to 3pm
Where: 235 Jersey City Blvd.
Bring your puppers and kitties to the LHS for their chance to take a pic with Santa Paws. For a $20 donation, you’ll get a glossy print to take home as well as a digital edited copy (sent via e-mail later in the week). You also get to feel good knowing you’re helping the local animals of Jersey City.
* * * * *
(In New York)
What: New York Theatre Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 1pm & 7pm; Sunday at 1pm
Where: Brookfield Place Winter Garden in Battery Park
Enjoy a 1-hour performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker as choreographed by long-time New York Theatre Ballet choreographer, Keith Michael. The free performances will take place throughout the weekend. (There will be two performances on Saturday). No tickets are required at this first-come, first-served performance. (I’ve been attending this for the past few years and it’s an excellent show).
