Home Best of Guides 71 Things to Do in the Montclair + North Jersey Area | December 8-11

71 Things to Do in the Montclair + North Jersey Area | December 8-11

by The Montclair Girl Team
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Essex County is gearing up for Christmas, Hannukah, and all the other holidays at this festive time of year. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with Stoutfest at Montclair Brewery, A Rockapella Holiday at SOPAC, A Christmas Story Showing at The Clairidge, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do in North Jersey this weekend, December 8th – December 11th, 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.

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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.

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featured events

The Montclair Girl’s Best of Montclair 2022 Guide Finalists

Ongoing until December 9th | VOTE NOW

voting

The finalists for the Best of Montclair 2022 Guide are in! MG readers have collectively chosen the top three finalists based on who received the most noms in each category — and now it’s your chance to vote for your favorites. You can vote once per day in all categories, now through Friday, December 9th at 11:59PM. The winners will be announced in mid-December once the categories are tallied.

Click here to vote for your favorite businesses and to learn more about MG’s Best of Montclair 2022 Guide finalists.

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The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide 2022

Ongoing until December 25th | BROWSE HOLIDAY DEALS

holiday deals guide

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.

browse holiday deals


Website Divider Button Thursday Events

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 8th | 10:45AM – 12:15PM

This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Winter Bath Bomb Making Workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Thursday, December 1st | 6PM – 7:15PM

Make your own unique scented bath bombs at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair or virtually. Learn more here.


Candlelight Tour at The Crane House Hosted by Montclair History Center

Thursday, December 8th | 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.


Sip + Sing Showtunes at Vanguard Theater Hosted by Out Montclair

Thursday, December 8th | 6:30PM – 10PM

Musical theater lovers, this one’s for you. Kenney Green from Marie’s Crisis will be on the piano, servers will be singing, and special guests will be caroling. This event will be held at 180 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Music + Memories Gala at The Venetian Hosted by Act Now Foundation

Thursday, December 8th | 7PM – 11PM

An evening dedicated to supporting families with Alzheimer’s disease + related dementias, guests can enjoy an open bar, cocktail hour, and a sit-down dinner with live entertainment. This event will be held at 546 River Drive in Garfield. Learn more here.


Neil DeGrasse Tyson The Cosmic Perspective at NJPAC

Thursday, December 8th | 7:30PM

This astrophysicist, professor, and New York Times best-selling author will be at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ

Thursday, December 8th | 8PM

Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Friday Events

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.


Showings at The Clairidge

Friday, December 9th | Various times

Films like WHITE NOISE, Spoiler Alert, 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 9th | Various times

These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Matt Fraser: America’s Top Psychic Medium at NJPAC

Friday, December 9th | 8PM

This psychic medium will be at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Rapid Ride with Matthew at Ride It Fitness

Friday, December 9th | 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 9th | 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 9th | 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 9th | 11AM

This is a virtual event. Learn more here.


Intermediate Ukulele at Montclair Public Library

Friday, December 9th | 1PM – 2PM

This class will be held at the Bellevue Avenue Branch, 185 Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Holiday Lights 2022 at the Turtle Back Zoo

Friday, December 9th – Friday, December 31st | 5PM – 9PM

Take a stroll under the sparkling lights at 60 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Art Uncorked Benefit Auction at Montclair Art Museum

Friday, December 9th | 6PM – 9PM

Exciting contemporary artists’ work will be up for bid alongside one-of-a-kind art experiences. Bidding will benefit the museum. This event will be held at 3 S Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Blair Amanda at Montclair Brewery

Friday, December 2nd | 7:30PM – 9:30PM

This NJ-native singer/songwriter will be performing at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


A Rockapella Holiday: A Legendary Tradition at SOPAC

Friday, December 9th  | 8PM

Celebrate Christmas with contemporary, all-vocal renditions of Motown and Soul holiday classics. This event will be held at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


Kick Start Acoustic Entertainment Live at Pineapple Express Barbecue

Friday, December 9th | 9PM

Pete and Dan of Kick Start Acoustic perform stripped-down party classics. There will be no cover fee at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.


Nine Deeez Nite at Just Jakes

Friday, December 9th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM

This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Saturday Events

Readings With Mia at Houss Freya

Saturday, December 10th

Being a Medium, Mia passes along messages and guidance from loved ones. This event will be held at 547 Valley Road in Upper Montclair. Learn more here.


Codey Arena Public Skating Session, Learn to Skate, + Family Stick + Puck

Saturday, December 10th | 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 10th | 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.


Dream Land at American Dream

Saturday, December 10th | 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 10th | 11AM – 4PM

The houses will be open for viewing at Ricalton Square — Maplewood Village in Maplewood. Learn more here.


Gallery of Ink’s Annual Holiday Toy + Clothing Drive

Saturday, December 10th | 11AM – 6PM

In exchange for a new toy and new winter wear for those in need, donators will receive a free tattoo (if desired). This event will be held at 42 Harrison Avenue in Harrison. Learn more here.


A Christmas Story Showing at The Clairidge

Saturday, December 3rd | 11AM

As part of the Clairidge Classics series, the hysterical + sweetly nostalgic A Christmas Story will be playing. This event will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Community Day: Winter Wonderland at Newark Museum of Art

Saturday, December 10th | 10AM – 5PM

Celebrate holidays from around the world with seasonal performances and activities at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Sophisticated Science at the Turtle Back Zoo

Saturday, December 10th | 1PM – 3PM

A conservation program that covers topics such as animal anatomy, habitats and conservation, animal careers, and more. 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.


Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Workshop Hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Saturday, December 10th | 2PM – 3:15PM

Learn how to make gingerbread people cookies virtually. Learn more here.


The Temptations + The Four Tops at NJPAC

Saturday, December 10th | 8PM

These Motown supergroups will be performing at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


94Proof at Just Jakes

Saturday, December 3rd | 10:30PM – 1:30AM

This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Sunday Events

Codey Arena Learn to Skate + Public Skating Session

Sunday, December 11th | Various times

These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Museum Store Sunday at Nathaniel Crane House Hosted by The Montclair History Center

Sunday, December 11th | 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.


Festival of Trees 2022 at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Sunday, December 11th | 11AM – 3PM

This outdoor winter festival celebrating Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice will be held at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.


“Winter Wonderland” Open House Hosted by Montclair History Center

Sunday, December 11th | 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.


Holiday Pop-Up Market at Montclair Brewery

Sunday, December 11th | 12:30PM – 5:30PM

Browse for holiday gifts made by Montclair-local small businesses — four packs of Montclair Brewery craft beer will be up for grabs, too. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Water Gap Jazz Orchestra’s The Nutcracker Suite Performance at Morris Museum

Sunday, December 11th | 3PM

The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra is a full 17-piece large jazz ensemble featuring five saxophones, eight brass,  a full rhythm section of guitar, piano, bass, and drums. They will be performing The Nutcracker and the new Grinch Suite. This event will be held at 6 Normandy Heights in Morristown. Learn more here.


Holiday Terrarium Workshop at Moss + More

Sunday, December 11th | 5PM – 6:30PM

Make your own personal living work of art at 42 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.


Clothesline Benefit Art Sale at MEUS

Sunday, December 11th | 6PM – 8PM

Purchase affordable art from local and regional artists at 104 Baker Street in Maplewood. Learn more here.


Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas at SOPAC

Sunday, December 11th  | 7:30PM

Cherish the Ladies is an all-female collective that will be performing at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Kid-Friendly Events

Sugarplums + St. Nick: Children’s Holiday Tours Hosted by Montclair History Center

Friday, December 9th | 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.


Where the Wild Books Are at Montclair Public Library

Tuesday, December 13th | 4PM – 4:45PM

This event is for grades 2-5, and will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Lightwire Theater Presents A Very Electric Christmas at NJPAC

Wednesday, December 14th | 7PM

This magical family show will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


dog friendly events

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 8th; Learn more here.
  • HDSID Farmers Market — Jersey City | December 8th; Learn more here.
  • Hoboken Uptown Farmers Market — Hoboken | December 10th; Learn more here.
  • Farm to Art Fun Hopatcong Holiday Market at Hopatcong Marketplace — Hopatcong | December 10th; Learn more here.
  • PetWellClinic Pics with Santa — Green Brook | December 10th; Learn more here.
  • Heights Holiday Market by Farms in the Heights — Jersey City | December 10th; Learn more here.
  • Santa Saturday Hosted by Be Fort Lee — Fort Lee | December 10th; Learn more here.
  • 902 Brewing Co. Pints with Santa — Jersey City | December 10th; Learn more here.
  • HDSID Holiday Market — Jersey City | December 10th + 11th; Learn more here.
  • Main Street Pops Holiday Market — Hoboken | December 11th; Learn more here.
  • Summit Farmers Market — Summit | December 11th; Learn more here.
  • Pet Photos with Santa at Pineapple Express Barbecue — Montclair | December 11th; Learn more here.
  • Breakfast with Santa at The Pup Club — Colonia | December 11th; Learn more here.

Website Divider Button Weekday Events

World Cinema: Classic Cult Comedies at Montclair Public Library

Monday, December 12th | 2PM – 4PM

Watch Eat Drink Man Woman at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Senior Craft Club at Montclair Public Library

Tuesday, December 13th | 2:30PM – 3:30PM

This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


New Jersey Devils vs. Dallas Stars

Tuesday, December 13th | 7PM

This NHL game will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Trivia Night at The Fox + Falcon

Wednesday, December 14th | 7PM – 9PM

This event will be held at 19 Valley Street in South Orange. Learn more here.


Out Montclair Holiday Party at Just Jake’s

Wednesday, December 14th | 7PM – 10PM

Build gingerbread sip eggnog, mingle, and more at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Painting Candles with Lindley Pierce at Public School 104

Wednesday, December 14th | 6PM – 8PM

Learn techniques for painting candles at 104 Baker Street in Maplewood. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Ways To Give Back Locally

House of Love Soup Kitchen/Pantry | Newark

The House of Love Soup Kitchen is run completely by volunteers + serves about 30 neighbors every Tuesday for two hours. In addition to a hot nutritious meal, guests receive spiritual guidance, connection to resources of other non-profits in the area, + ‘care packages’ of perishable + non-perishable goods. Learn more here.


Salvation Army | Montclair

For 125 years, The Montclair Citadel Corps has been a beacon of hope + a model of ministry in the Name of Jesus in suburban Essex County. Whether it is housing a needy family at our Cornerstone House Shelter, feeding the homeless at our hot meal program, providing emergency assistance, building characters in future generations, or serving as a place of worship for those seeking spiritual nurture, Montclair Citadel provides something for everyone. Donation Drop-Off: Monday – Friday 9AM – 4PM. Learn more here.


The Montclair Inn | 27 Hillside Avenue

Affordable housing for senior citizens that includes food, mobility access, Wifi, + more can be difficult to secure. For some time, the Montclair Shared Housing Association is providing this opportunity while fostering a great community. All residents have access to a private bedroom, kitchen appliances, semi-private bedroom, three meals a day, laundry facility, Wifi, + community space. While residents do have a monthly rental fee, services + amenities are made possible in large part by donors. Learn more here.


weekend planning

These Are the Top Holiday Light Displays to See in the Area This Season

Where to Get the Best Soup in North Jersey 

A List of North Jersey Winter Festivals 


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.com for more info on featured events.

Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with all the fun happening around the area.

Have a great weekend, xo

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