In March of 2020, the country shut down, and so did Jeff Leatham’s Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Gardens. Now, to make up for the premature closure of his spectacular exhibition, NYBG has graciously given the renowned flower designer a second chance for the world to see what he can do. Read on for more information on this fantastic orchid installation in the Bronx.
About Jeff Leatham
Since beginning his career creating floral installations in 1995, Jeff Leatham has become a sensation. He is the artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and has studios at the chain’s Philadelphia and Los Angeles hotels. The artist is known for his colorful and tasteful displays that make a remarkable statement to the viewer.
He incorporates these installations to work beautifully within the settings they are placed. Leatham has worked with celebrities like Cher, Dolly Parton, Oprah Winfrey, and many others. He currently has a line of popular perfume scents with Kim Kardashian.
“I am thrilled to bring Kaleidoscope back to The New York Botanical Garden in 2022 — much like when you look into a kaleidoscope, the view is never the same,” Jeff Leatham said.
“My reinvention of Kaleidoscope will be a totally different installation than two years ago. Every turn will display a new vision, while maintaining the thematic element of every gallery focusing on a different color experience. With this design, visitors will appreciate the beauty of orchids and see NYBG’s Conservatory in exciting new ways.”
Read More: The Best New Jersey Gardens to Enjoy This Spring + Summer
The Orchid Show
If Willy Wonka worked in flowers, he would be something like Jeff Leatham. Stepping into The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope is a wondrous explosion of color and fantasy located inside NYBG’s stunning greenhouses. From hot house humidity to temperate forests, Leatham drapes and displays a huge variety of orchids worldwide.
The show features a rainbow of colors, a dynamic collection of specimens, and incredible installations of the exotic and notoriously difficult-to-grow flower.
Upon entering the main greenhouse, you are bombarded with colorful pillars of orchids reflected on a pond. It is overwhelmingly beautiful and the perfect spot for a memorable photo or a selfie. Continue through the greenhouses to see rare orchids up close, ranging from deep pinks and reds to yellows and whites.
The tropical setting transports you to the rainforest, a warm reprieve from our early spring weather. There are pots full of blooming flowers, orchids hanging from the ceiling, and even a whole greenhouse that looks like a meadow of orchids. Simply put, Kaleidoscope is magic.
See More: A Look into Montclair’s Van Vleck Gardens
Visiting Information For New York Botanical Gardens | 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY
The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope runs at The New York Botanical Garden until May 1, 2022. The installation is open every day from 10AM – 6PM and is located at the main greenhouse.
The All-Garden Pass gives access to the spectacular outdoor spaces of the NYBG and daytime access to The Orchid Show. Adult tickets are $30, students and seniors $28, and children (2-12 years) are $15. Members enter for free.
The Orchid Show can also be seen on the evenings of April 16th, 22nd, and 23rd from 7PM – 10PM. Ordering tickets ahead of time is encouraged.
Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Bars in New Jersey Happening for 2024
The holiday season is here, and it's coming with a full calendar. There are various pop-up events around New Jersey, from holiday markets to Miracle pop-ups to seasonal festivals. Read on for The Montclair Girl's list of holiday pop-ups happening in Northern New Jersey + beyond for 2024.
Essex County
Dickens Village | Ricalton Square, Maplewood
December 7th-December 21st | 1PM-4PM
Dickens Village, an annual holiday event, returns to Maplewood for three Saturdays in December. Every year, this pop-up brings to life various scenes from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. In miniature houses in Ricalton Square, attendees can see fireplaces, stockings, and antique toys. In addition, each date will include different special features, including a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, a petting farm, and more. See the full schedule of events here.
Essex County Holiday House Tour | 110 Orange Road, Montclair
December 7th-December 8th | 12PM-3PM
The Holiday House Tour is returning for the 2024 holiday season. Montclair locals can take a self-guided tour of the Garden Club's most beautiful period decorative homes, including a 227-year-old historic property, for two days only. Learn more about this pop-up here.
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Glen Ridge Holiday Market | 200 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge
December 8th | 11AM-4PM
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The annual Glen Ridge Holiday Market, hosted by Glen Ridge High School, returns for 2024. This market will take place in the school's gymnasium and feature items from local vendors, including Kat + Bear, DGM Ceramics, Oh My Balm, Hipster + Co, Bee Haven, and more. See the complete list of participating vendors here.
Holly Jolly Bar | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
Through January 12th
Photo Credit: Calandra's Bakery + Restaurants
Holly Jolly Bar is a holiday pop-up at Calandra’s II Vecchio Cafe in Caldwell. This restaurant has turned its space into a Christmas wonderland. Guests can expect to see holiday decor like twinkling lights, tinsel, and more. This pop-up features festive cocktails like “Santa’s Sangria” and “Mistletoe Mule." Learn more about the pop-up here.
Miracle on Bloomfield | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Through January 5th
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The Parkside Social, a Verona-based restaurant known for cocktails and finger food, has turned its space into a holiday spectacle. Through December, customers can experience a Christmas cocktail experience. To make a reservation, see here.
Miracle on Centre | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Through January 5th
Cowan's Public, established in 1938, is a restaurant specializing in beers, cocktails, and pub food. This spot has pulled out all the bells and whistles for the holiday season. Like other restaurants, Miracle on Centre is serving up festive Christmas cocktails. (Look out for holiday-themed cups, which were included in previous years!) Reservations can be made here.
Montclair Flea Holiday Market | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
November 30th-January 19th | 11AM-6PM
Every Saturday + Sunday from the end of November to mid-December, Montclair locals can shop for all kinds of holiday items at the Montclair Flea Holiday Market. This pop-up will feature vendors selling vintage items, handmade goods, and tasty food and drinks. See more information here.
Sippin’ at Village Hall | 01 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
Through December 31st
Village Hall, along with its sister restaurant Maddy Rose in Jersey City, are the only two Sippin Santa locations in New Jersey. Visitors can expect the restaurant to be filled with festive decor, serve tiki-style holiday cocktails, and sell holiday merchandise.
Shoresh Preschool's Holiday Market | 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield
This holiday market takes place Thursday, December 12th from 2:30PM to 7:30PM at Temple Ner Tamid. This pop-up will feature over 25 local vendors, including ear piercing and permanent jewelry services, Judaica art, baked goods, boutique items, kids' crafts, home goods, candles and diffusers, and more.
South Orange Downtown Holiday Market | Village Plaza, South Orange
December 15th + December 22nd | 10AM-4PM
The Township of South Orange will host its annual Holiday Market next to Spiotta Park. For three days in December, Essex locals can expect to find local vendors selling jewelry, apparel, accessories, art, food, and more. See more information here. To register as a vendor, see here.
The Grinch’s Grotto | 216 U.S. Highway 46 East, Fairfield
Through January 12th
The Grinch’s Grotto is at Fairfield's Cucina Calandra through January 12th. Guests can expect to see Whoville-inspired decorations and festive, Grinch-inspired cocktails. The Grinch himself will also visit on December 4th, December 11th, and December 18th at 5:30PM. See more about this pop-up here.
Bergen County
Bergen County Winter Wonderland | 216 East Forest Avenue, Paramus
November 29th-January 5th
The Bergen County Winter Wonderland at Van Saun County Park is an annual holiday event. Tickets include access to the ice skating rink, bumper cars, a carousel ride, and more. More details can be found here.
Miracle on Valley | 191 Valley Boulevard, Wood-Ridge
Through January 5th
Gus' Last Word, the sister restaurant to Jersey City's Franklin Social and Verona's The Parkside Social, specializes in classic American bar fare and drinks. The restaurant is decked out in festive decorations through January and serves holiday-themed cocktails. To make reservations, see here.
Hudson County
Heights Holiday Market | 498 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
December 7th | 10AM-4PM
The Riverview Farmers Market will host a holiday market on Sunday, December 7th. Attendees can expect to see 120+ vendors, a visit from Santa, festive music, and holiday-themed food and drinks from local favorites, including Fox + Crow and Busy Bee Organics. Learn more about this event here.
HDSID Happy Holiday Market | 145 Newark Avenue + 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
December 14th-15th, December 21st-22nd | 12PM-6PM
HDSID's annual Happy Holiday Market will take place on two December weekends this year and will feature various local vendors selling items, such as art, handmade goods, sweet treats, festive drinks, and more. The indoor market will be on December 14th + December 15th. During that weekend, locals can head to The Ashford Rooftop, located at 145 Newark Avenue. Attendees can expect to see about sixteen different vendors. There will also be a Rooftop brunch included. The second weekend of the Happy Holiday Market will be outdoors and located at Grove PATH Plaza. Jersey City locals can look forward to over 40 different vendors and a bounce house for children. See more information here.
Holly Jolly Cocktail Crawl | 176 Newark Avenue, 390 Fourth Street, + 149 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
December 1st-December 31st
Hosted by Beyond the Plate, this pop-up food tour will make three stops at the restaurants The Archer, Madame, and South House. Each location will feature cocktails, food, and dessert tastings. For more details, including the schedule of events, see here.
Main Street Pops Holiday Markets | 1401 Adams Street, Hoboken
December 8th-December 22nd | Saturdays + Sundays, 11AM-4PM
This year's holiday market, hosted by Main Street Pops, will be held at 1401 Adams Street under the 14th Street Viaduct. Attendees can look forward to local artisan vendors selling various items, including fashion, accessories, jewelry, bath + body products, home decor, artisanal foods, art, and more. Each Sunday will also feature a special event. On the first day, December 8th, expect to see a holiday community concert. The following weekend, December 15th, attendees will have the chance to take holiday-themed photos. The last Sunday, December 22nd, will feature a holiday DJ dance party and carousel rides. Learn more about the holiday market here.
Miracle on Mercer | 292 Barrow Street, Jersey City
Through January 5th
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Miracle on Mercer, an annual holiday pop-up, is in full swing at the Jersey City-based restaurant Franklin Social. This restaurant + tavern goes all out for the holiday season with festive decorations and a limited seasonal drink menu. This special event runs until January. To make a reservation, see here.
Santa Paws Yappy Hour | 1034 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
December 6th | 6PM-8:30PM
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The same crew hosting the Holiday Pup-Up Market event will also host a dog-friendly happy hour on December 6th to benefit Wise Animal Rescue. This holiday pop-up isn't your average happy hour event. Along with festive drink specials, attendees can look forward to giveaways and a doggie treat truck. Note that a $10 cash donation will be expected at the door. See Doggie Road Trippin's Instagram post for all the details.
Sippin’ at Maddy Rose | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Floor 1, Jersey City
Starting November 20th
Maddy Rose, as well as its sister restaurant Village Hall in South Orange, has turned its space into a holiday paradise, as these two businesses are the only Sippin' Santa locations in New Jersey. Customers can look forward seeing Christmas decor, such as palm trees covered in lights + ornaments, and a wide selection of tiki-style holiday cocktails. Learn more here.
Sleighs + Leis | 335 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Starts December 1st
This Christmas pop-up is returning for the 2024 holiday season. From a special holiday cocktail menu to limited food specials to decked-out Christmas decorations, customers can partake in Cellar 335's holiday experience. To make reservations, see here.
Sussex County
Countdown to Christmas | 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong
December 21st | 10AM-4PM
On December 21st, the St. Jude Church of Hopatcong will host the Countdown to Christmas, a holiday shopping extravaganza. This free event will feature over 50 different local restaurants and vendors. See here for more information.
Frosty’s Cantina + Winter Workshop | 2 Chamonix Drive, Vernon
Ongoing
The Crystal Springs Minerals Hotel is hosting Frosty's Cantina + Winter Workshop for the 2024 holiday season. Frosty's Cantina includes signature holiday cocktails, spiked hot chocolates, vanilla lattes, a hot dog station, and more. The Winter Workshop, open to all ages, provides marshmallow roasting, fire pits, and axe throwing. More details can be found here.
The Schnapps Shack | 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg
November 29th + 30th 11AM-8PM
Every year, Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg hosts The Schnapps Shack. This holiday pop-up features an ice skating rink, a visit from Santa, and various seasonal drinks and foods, including signature festive cocktails, various Schnapps options, apple cider doughnuts, and more. Learn more here.
Hunterdon County
Winter Village at the Red Mill | 5 Main Street, Clinton
November 29th-November 30th + December 1st, 6th, 8th | 11AM-5PM
The Winter Village at the Red Mill is a holiday pop-up event for only two weekends. Attendees can expect a winter craft market, 50+ local artisans, food trucks, and more, all in a heated tent. Guests are also invited to tour the 12 historic buildings on the property, which will be decorated for the holiday season. See more details here.
Mercer County
Off The Wall Holiday Market | 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
Through December 21st | 12:30PM-5:30PM
West Windsor Arts Council is hosting its Off The Wall Holiday Market during the weekends on weekends through December. At this event, locals can browse all kinds of artwork and artisanal goods the West Windsor Arts Council has to sell. See here for more information.
Monmouth County
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar Festival at Grand Arcade of Convention Hall | 1300 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park
November 29th=December 22nd | Fridays 3PM-8PM, Saturdays + Sundays 12PM-5PM
Inspired by the traditional "Weihnachtsmarkts" holiday markets held in Germany, Asbury Park's Bazaar Festival will have two locations this year. At the Grand Arcade of the Convention Hall, attendees can expect to see local vendors, festive decor, craft workshops, and more. See here for details about this free event.
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar Festival at The Asbury Hotel | 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park
December 1st-December 15th | 12PM-5PM
The second location of Asbury Park's Bazaar Festival will be at The Asbury Hotel. It will feature events in the indoor lounge, the Hall, and the outdoor heated terrace. A full schedule of events and more details are expected soon, so check back here.
Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland | 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge
November 30th-December 22nd | 5PM-10PM
The Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms is a must-try experience for those who love Christmas light displays. This immersive show features unique set-ups, including a tulip field with over 30,000 light-up tulips and a lit windmill. This pop-up will also feature a variety of local food trucks and vendors, a visit from Santa, and more. See here for the details.
See More: Where to Bring Visitors for the Holidays in the Hudson County Area
Winter FRESH | 66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove
Through March 23rd | 10AM-1PM
This pop-up event costs $50 daily and occurs indoors at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Winter FRESH features various local eateries, and up to 20 vendors will be in attendance. Note that this event is a food-only market. See here for more information.
Ocean County
A Sinner’s Christmas Experience | 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
Through January 5th
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Through January 5th, Sinner’s Steakhouse in Point Pleasant Beach is hosting its Jolly Ol’ Sinful Experience. The restaurant has transformed into a Christmas extravaganza and features signature cocktails like the Reif Rum Coquito, Cousin Eddie’s Egg Nog, and Scrooge’s Usual, to name a few. In addition, a plethora of holiday-themed desserts will be provided. See here for more information, including how to make a reservation.
Cape May County
Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland | 200 Congress Place, Cape May
November 29th-December 31st
Congress Hall transforms its hotel into a Christmas lover's paradise every year. In addition to festive decorations, attendees can expect to see a variety of local vendors and merchants and a carousel for children. See more information here.
