Meg McClenahan 
It’s officially the Holiday Season in Montclair, and we’ve got you covered with how you can get into the holiday spirit. From holiday pop-ups to gift guides, there is a ton of fun things to do this holiday season. We gathered a list of Christmas tree lighting events in Montclair + Essex County just in time for the Christmas season. Keep reading for more details on Christmas tree lighting events in Montclair + Essex County.
Montclair
Upper Montclair Tree Lighting | Lawn of St. James Church, 581 Valley Road, Montclair
Tuesday, December 7th | 5:00PM-7:30PM
During the celebration, visitors can expect raffle baskets from local businesses, kids’ craft table, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and performances by the St. James Band, Beyond the Boogie, and Montclair Passing Notes. There will be Food from Fish Delish, Playa Taqueria, and Somedays Bakery. Visitors can also explore the fire truck! See here for more details.
Holly Jolly Holiday | Montclair Youth Center, 5111 Benito Street, Montclair
Thursday, December 4th | 3:00PM-8:30PM
The tree lighting will begin at 6:00PM. Following the lighting, expect visits from Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, and letters from Santa. Before the tree lighting, there will be sledding, crafts, and food trucks starting at 3:00PM. See here for more details.
Read More: Montclair Winter Wonderland Returns to Wellmont Plaza on 11/29
Maplewood
Dickens Village | Ricalton Square, Maplewood
Wednesday, December 6th | 1:00PM-4:00PM
Dickens Village is an annual holiday event that returns every year for three Saturdays throughout December. The event features miniature houses around Ricalton Square, bringing to life the scenes from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In past years, the event has included a tree-lighting ceremony, horse and wagon rides, a petting zoo, visits with Santa, live holiday music, and a menorah-lighting. See here for more details.
Verona
Verona’s Fair in the Square | 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Saturday, December 6th | 12PM-5PM
The Verona Civic Center will be hosting its 28th annual Fair in the Square. The event includes a tree-lighting with Santa, along with the town Mayor and Council. There will be food and beverage vendors, along with merchants. The fair will also have photos with Santa. See here for more details.
Belleville
Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Shop | Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Avenue, Belleville
Saturday, December 6 | 6:00PM
The Christmas tree lighting will begin at 8:15PM. Starting at 5:30PM, visitors can expect trackless train rides, a petting zoo, ice skating, photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Horse & Carriage rides, and more. There will also be a holiday shop and food trucks. See here for more details.
Nutley
Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration | Town Hall, 1 Kennedy Drive, Nutley
Sunday, December 7th | 5:30PM-7:00PM
Festivities include photos with Santa, a mini-train ride, horse and buggy rides, roasted chestnuts, doughnuts, and more. See here for more details.
See More: Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Events in New Jersey for the 2025 Season
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