The holiday season is in full swing as Christmas approaches and everyone starts to finish their holiday shopping and make plans with family and friends. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with photos with Santa at Casa de Flora Bar, a holiday hot chocolate bomb-making workshop hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique, the Maplewood Winter Wonderland at The Woodland, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do in North Jersey this weekend, December 15th – December 18th, 2022.
Disclaimer: These events are included editorially as a community resource, and The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated. For the most up-to-date and accurate info including inclement weather cancellations, please contact the host directly.
The Lane Team is a family-run Montclair Real Estate business that offers a customized real estate experience. You can schedule an appointment and start your home search in the Montclair and/or North Jersey area here.
The Montclair Girl’s Best of Montclair 2022 Guide Winners
Ongoing | VIEW THE WINNERS
We asked, you nominated, voted + FINALLY the winners for our Best of Montclair 2022 Guide have been announced. Congratulations to all that were nominated — and especially to the 2022 winners!
Click here to view the list of winners of MG’s Best of Montclair 2022 Guide.
The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide 2022
Ongoing until December 25th | BROWSE HOLIDAY DEALS
As we approach the holiday season, we’ve put together a North Jersey shopping guide so our readers can get acquainted with local businesses in the area — from fitness spots to restaurants, beauty, shopping, wellness, + beyond. All the deals are valid now through Sunday, December 25th at 11:59PM, so make sure to book, buy, + schedule your appointments now — and don’t forget to mention The Montclair Girl so they know we sent you.
Click here to browse the deals and learn more about MG’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide.
StoutFest at Montclair Brewery
Ongoing Until December 18th | All Day
Celebrate the start of winter by choosing two specialty flights or pick-your-own stouts. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Senior Skating Session
Thursday, December 15th | 10:45AM – 12:15PM
This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Cream Tea on Thursdays at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Thursday, December 15th | 11:30AM, 12:30PM
Enjoy an exquisite Cream Tea with The Secret Tea Room whilst overlooking the gardens and grounds at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.
Jingle Bell Run Hosted by Fleet Feet
Thursday, December 15th | 6PM
Dress in your holiday best for this three-mile run (or walk) around Montclair. This event will be held at 603 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Holiday Melt + Pour Soap Making Workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Thursday, December 15th | 6PM – 7:15PM
Make your soap at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair or virtually. Learn more here.
Thirsty Thursday at MEUS — Game Night
Thursday, December 15th | 6PM – 8PM
This event will be held at 104 Baker Street in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Candlelight Tour at The Crane House Hosted by Montclair History Center
Thursday, December 15th | 6:30PM – 8PM
The tour will begin with period libations in the historic hearth kitchen and continue with a tour of the Crane House & Historic YWCA. This event will be held at 110 Orange Road in Montclair. Learn more here.
Evening of Mediumship at Moss + More
Thursday, December 15th | 7PM – 8:30PM
Medium Lee Van Zyl is back at the studio sharing messages in a gallery format from those who are now beyond. This event will be held at 42 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Jazz Jams at Clements Place
Thursday, December 15th | 7:30PM
Listen to jazz music at 15 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Thursday, December 15th | 7PM
This NHL game will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ
Thursday, December 15th | 8PM
Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Night Forms: Infinite Wave Exhibition at Grounds for Sculpture
Various Dates + Times
This site-specific, multi-sensory experience will kick off and run until April 2, 2023. This event will be held at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton. Learn more here.
Friday, December 16th | Various times
Films like Empire of Light, Avatar: The Way of the Water, and more are playing this weekend. These events will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Public Skating Session + Learn to Skate
Friday, December 16th | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Willy Chirino + Leoni Torres at NJPAC
Friday, December 16th | 8PM
These Cuban singers will be at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Rapid Ride with Matthew at Ride It Fitness
Friday, December 16th | 7:30AM – 8AM
This workout class will be held at 50 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Mindful Self-Compassion Course with Marcie Handler + Beth Sandweiss
Friday, December 16th | 9:30AM – 12PM
This empirically supported online training is designed to help participants cultivate self-compassion. Learn more here.
Cornerstone Café at Montclair Art Museum
Friday, December 16th | 10AM – 4PM
Explore the MAM’s new in-house coffee shop at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Chair Yoga on Zoom Hosted by Verona Public Library
Friday, December 16th | 11AM
This is a virtual event. Learn more here.
Duel of the Decades: 80s vs. 90s Live at The Wellmont Theater
Friday, December 16th | 7PM
Two of the greatest cultural eras go head-to-head in an interactive live music competition at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Janétza Miranda at Montclair Brewery
Friday, December 16th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This Newark-native singer/songwriter will be performing at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Changing Lanes at Just Jakes
Friday, December 16th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Various Saturday Events at NJPAC
Saturday, December 17th | Various times
Events like a Kwanzaa Festival, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Jazz + Gingerbread, and more are happening at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Public Skating Session + Learn to Skate
Saturday, December 17th | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Train Station
Saturday, December 17th | 8AM – 1PM
The Montclair Farmers’ Market brings together an array of local farmers and food artisans, offering fresh fruits & vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, cheeses, prepared foods, baked goods, condiments, honey, flowers, wine, pickles, and much more. This event will be held at 86 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Photos with Santa at Casa de Flora Bar
Saturday, December 17th + Sunday, December 18th | 10AM – 5PM + 12PM – 5PM
Pay $25 for a photo with Santa at 75 Washington Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Maplewood Winter Wonderland at The Woodland
Saturday, December 17th | 10AM – 12PM
This event includes sweet treats, wonderland photos, crafts, and more, and will be held at 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Dream Land at American Dream
Saturday, December 17th | 10AM – 10PM
From Nick the Halls at Nickelodeon Universe to skating with Santa at The Rink, American Dream has turned into a wonderland of holiday-themed attractions and events. This event will be held at 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford. Learn more here.
Dickens Village at Ricalton Square
Saturday, December 17th | 11AM – 4PM
The houses will be open for viewing at Ricalton Square — Maplewood Village in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Alice + Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium at Newark Museum of Art
Saturday, December 17th | 12PM, 1PM, 1:30PM, 2PM, 3PM
An interactive theater for learning about astronomy, space, and planetary science. This event will be held at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Newark Winter Village at Prudential Center
Ongoing | 1PM – 8PM
Visitors of all ages can enjoy ice skating, go-karts various games + activities, and an open-air marketplace featuring local vendors. This event will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Holiday Hot Chocolate Bomb Making Workshop Hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Saturday, December 17th | 2PM – 3:15PM
Learn how to make hot chocolate bombs virtually. Learn more here.
WHITE NOISE Screening at the Clairidge
Saturday, December 17th | 2PM
A Student Cinema Collective conversation will follow immediately after the film screening. This event will be held at 586 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Sweet Honey in The Rock: Holiday Show at SOPAC
Saturday, December 17th | 8PM
Sweet Honey in the Rock is an internationally renowned Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble that will be performing at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
The Cliffs at Just Jakes
Saturday, December 17th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Readings With Krystal at Houss Freya
Sunday, December 18th
Krystal Fey is a working hypnotist, bodyworker, folk herbalist and magickal human working out of her practitioner space, Inner Sanctum RituWell, in Philadelphia, PA. This event will be held at 547 Valley Road in Upper Montclair. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Learn to Skate + Public Skating Session
Sunday, December 18th | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Running on Coffee, Cookies, + Holiday Cheer Hosted by Fleet Feet
Sunday, December 18th | 8:30AM
Run off any pent-up holiday craze with a three-mile run and welcome the holiday cheer with post-run cookies, cocoa, and coffee. This event will be held at 603 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Clause at Casa de Flora Bar
Sunday, December 18th | 10AM – 11:30AM
Enjoy a full breakfast, menu juice, coffee + hot chocolate, in addition to plenty of photo-ops with the Clauses. This event will be held at 75 Washington Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Museum Store Sunday at Nathaniel Crane House Hosted by The Montclair History Center
Sunday, December 18th | 10AM – 3PM
Browse Montclair-centric books, mugs, enamel pins, NJ potholders, and more. This event will be held at 110 Orange Road in Montclair. Learn more here.
“Winter Wonderland” Open House Hosted by Montclair History Center
Sunday, December 18th | 12PM – 3PM
Be among the first to see the Crane House and Historic YWCA all ready for the holidays. These self-guided tours will be held at 110 Orange Road in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Nutcracker: The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine at NJPAC
Sunday, December 18th | 3PM
This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
It’s a Wonderful Life 75th Anniversary Showing Presented by TCM at The Clairidge
Sunday, December 18th | 3:30PM + 7PM
As part of the Clairidge Classics series, Frank Capra’s heart-warming Christmas classic celebrates 75 years with this big-screen viewing. This event will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Concert Crave Presents: A Lorna Shore Christmas at The Wellmont Theater
Sunday, December 18th | 5PM
This NJ-native, deathcore band will be performing Christmas hits at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Sugarplums + St. Nick: Children’s Holiday Tours Hosted by Montclair History Center
Friday, December 16th | 4PM – 7PM
This family tour will explore how children celebrated the holidays in days gone by while enjoying the holiday decorations designed by the Garden Club of Montclair. This event will be held at 110 Orange Road in Montclair. Learn more here.
Decorate a Gingerbread House at Montclair Public Library
Tuesday, December 20th | Multiple times
This event is for ages 3-5 +and 4-7, and will be held at the Bellevue Avenue Branch, 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Wednesday, December 21st | 4PM – 5PM
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with stories and cocoa around the campfire at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.
This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.
- Back to Nature Home + Garden Market — Basking Ridge | Ongoing; Learn more here.
- Winter Walk Holiday Lights in Taylor Park — Millburn | Ongoing; Learn more here.
- Patio Pups at Mainbrook Tavern — Manalapan | December 15th; Learn more here.
- HDSID Farmers Market — Jersey City | December 15th; Learn more here.
- Hoboken Uptown Farmers Market — Hoboken | December 17th; Learn more here.
- Doggie Santa Con at The Ale House — Hoboken | December 17th; Learn more here.
- Holiday in The Heights Pop Up Market — Jersey City | December 17th; Learn more here.
- Ugly Sweater Party at Ashton Brewing — Middlesex | December 17th; Learn more here.
- Farm to Art Fun Hopatcong Holiday Market at Hopatcong Marketplace — Hopatcong | December 18th; Learn more here.
- Main Street Pops Holiday Market — Fort Lee | December 18th; Learn more here.
- Summit Farmers Market — Summit | December 18th; Learn more here.
- Pet Photos with the Grinch at Camp Bow Wow — Hoboken | December 18th; Learn more here.
- Pet Photos with Santa + Adoption Event Hosted by New Best Friend Dog Rescue at Summit Dog + Cat Hospital — Summit | December 18th; Learn more here.
Winter Teen Volunteer Opportunity at Montclair Public Library
Monday, December 19th | 3PM – 5:30PM
Make greeting cards for patients at Mountainside Hospital at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
PSEG True Diversity Series Presents: Women’s Productive Rights at NJPAC
Monday, December 19th | 7PM
This is a virtual event. Learn more here.
Senior Craft Club at Montclair Public Library
Tuesday, December 20th | 2:30PM – 3:30PM
This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Dickens Village Menorah Lighting
Wednesday, December 21st | 6PM – 7PM
Rabbi Sholom Bogomilsky from the Maplewood Jewish Center will light the menorah in Ricalton Square in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Trivia Night at The Fox + Falcon
Wednesday, December 21st | 7PM – 9PM
This event will be held at 19 Valley Street in South Orange. Learn more here.
Nefesh Mountain Hanukkah Show at SOPAC
Wednesday, December 20th | 7:30PM
This group combines elements of Americana, Appalachian Bluegrass, Celtic Folk, and Eastern European melodies and will be performing a special Hanukkah show at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Montclair Fund for Women | 41 Watchung Plaza
Originally known as the Young Colored Women’s Christian Association, this organization was founded by African American women who came to Montclair in search of education, employment, + opportunity. As time passed, the organization not only changed its name, but also joined forces with women of all backgrounds + became a prominent force in the community. Since its inception, the Montclair Fund for Women has given over $800,000 in grants to provide opportunities to women. Learn more here.
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals | Northern New Jersey
This national organization has made itself available to real estate agents in various areas of the country. Its north New Jersey chapter is dedicated to championing homeownership for Latinx individuals in this covering region. Thanks to the Board of Directors, community events that support both homeowners, as well as Hispanic real estate professionals, are available. Learn more here.
Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation | 228 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Recreation, community, + education are essential to childhood development. Through various programs, the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation is able to provide a positive environment for children in the community. The year-long program, Project Oasis, is broken up into two seasons + focuses on closing the achievement gap among African American youth. These services are only made possible by the support of volunteers, mentors, + donors. Learn more here.
Where to Get Gingerbread Items in North Jersey
A Cozy Winter Activity: Candle Making in New Jersey
Festive Holiday Date Night Ideas in North Jersey
Have an event you’d like included in our guide? Email it to events@themontclairgirl.com by Tuesday at 12PM each week. You can also email advertising@themontclairgirl.
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with all the fun happening around the area.
Have a great weekend, xo
