From Downtown Hardware’s farewell party to a toy drive at Miracle on Mercer — here are the best spots to eat, drink, dance, and give back in Jersey City this weekend.
Friday Events
What: 80s Night at Mezcal Kitchen
When: Friday, December 13 from 5:30pm to 10:30pm
Where: 665 Newark Avenue
Mexican BYOB restaurant Mezcal Kitchen is turning back the clock with an 80s-themed party. Expect 80s music and plenty of 80s-inspired costumes.
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What: Porta Pizza Party for Peace
When: through Sunday, December 15
Where: 135 Newark Avenue
Porta Jersey City is offering free Margherita pizzas all day and night from now through Sunday. Donations are highly recommended and 100% of donations will benefit the Jersey City Anti-Violence Coaliton Movement.
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Saturday Events
What: SSR Holiday Adoption Event
When: Saturday, December 14 from 11am to 2pm; 4pm to 6pm
Where: 173 Newark Avenue
See Spot Rescued is hosting a holiday adoption event at k9dergarten this afternoon. Meet local puppers like Joe Pesci and Billie Eillish — both searching for a warm, cozy home for the holidays. Then come back at 4pm for k9dergarte’s Holiday Hoopla party with food, drinks, and Santa pics for your 4-legged friends.
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What: Loew’s Theatre Behind the Scenes
When: Saturday, December 14 from 1pm to 3pm
Where: 54 Journal Square Plaza
Get a behind the scenes look at Jersey City’s famous Loew’s Theatre. You’ll tour the grand lobby, visit the backstage, walk through the parlors, and get an exclusive look at the theater’s projector room. The tour is put together by New York Adventure Club with a Loew’s volunteer as your guide. Admission is $32/pp.
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What: Wreath Decorating with the NY Giants
When: Saturday, December 14 from 1pm to 3pm
Where: 435 Newark Avenue (Harsimus Cemetery)
Join the NY Giants this Saturday as they decorate and place holiday wreaths on veteran graves at the Harsimus Cemetery. A $5 donation to help maintain the cemetery grounds is required. You’ll be able to meet the Giants and get autographed Giants banners.
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What: Downtown Hardware Farewell Party
When: Saturday, December 14 at 5:30pm
Where: 152 Newark Avenue
After 45+ years in Jersey City, Downtown Hardware will permanently close its doors this Saturday. But not without a massive goodbye party first! Join Segunda Quimbamba for what will certainly be an extraordinary musical farewell party starting at 5:30pm.
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What: 7th Annual Jersey City Mayor’s Holiday Concert
When: Saturday, December 14 from 6pm to 10pm
Where: 54 Journal Square Plaza (Loew’s)
Enjoy classical holiday music by The Jersey Joint at the 7th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Concert. Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm. The event is free, however, children’s gift donations are welcomed and appreciated. (You’ll want to RSVP in advance for a seat).
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What: JC Ballroom Holiday Soiree
When: Saturday, December 14 from 6:30pm to 9pm
Where: Merseles Theater at 339 Newark Avenue
The Jersey City Ballroom is celebrating the holidays with an evening of dancing. Their party starts with a series of dance showcases and ends with an after party that starts at 9pm. Tickets are $25/pp.
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What: The Pint: Big, Hung & Stuffed Holiday Party
When: Saturday, December 14 from 4:30pm to 3am
Where: 34 Wayne Street
Celebrate the holidays at the Pint’s Big, Hung & Stuffed party. Expect dancing bartenders, special custom Pint gifts, plenty of beer, and even an appearance by Santa. The party starts at 4:30pm.
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Sunday Events
What: Toy Drive at Miracle at Mercer
When: Sunday, December 15 from 6pm to 9pm
Where: 292 Barrow
Holiday pop-up bar Miracle on Mercer is hosting a fundraiser for New City Kids. The Jersey City-based non-profit holds after-school programs for local, low-income children. Miracle on Mercer will collect funds and toys for New City Kids’ after-school programs.
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What: Porta Holiday Pop-Up
When: Sunday, December 15 from 11am to 4pm
Where: 135 Newark Avenue
Porta is welcoming 20 local artisans for its holiday pop-up this afternoon. Shop clothing, jewelry, handmade goods, and more.
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What: The Hive Dance Studio Competition
When: Sunday, December 15 from 7pm to 10pm
Where: Harborside Atrium
The Hive Dance Studio is teaming up with Harborside to present the Topline Dance Competition. 11 teams will compete for the top prize of $2,500. Admission is $25/pp.
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In New York City
What: Eataly Downtown PATH Commuter Discount
When: Saturday through Sunday
Where: Westfield WTC (Third Floor at 101 Liberty)
Now that the WTC PATH line is running on weekends (through December at least), Eataly at Westfield has a sweet discount for PATH commuters. Show your PATH SmartLink card at any Eataly restaurant and you’ll get access to a special menu with $25 bottles of wine. The discount is valid on weekends only. (We recommend pairing it with this excellent calamari / zucchini stick plate at Osteria della Pace).
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