December is here and with that comes cold temperatures and the holiday spirit. Whether it is Holiday At The Highland or the MSDA Reindeer Run 5K, there are countless events to check out in Montclair and the greater Northern New Jersey area this weekend. Below is the list of (over 110!) Montclair, Essex County, and Northern New Jersey events that are happening this weekend, December 5th through December 8th, 2024. Don’t forget — you can submit your community events HERE.
Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE. The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.
ICYMI: The Best of Montclair 2024 Guide Finalists Announced — VOTE NOW!
The finalists for the Best of Montclair 2024 Guide are in! You can vote once per day in all categories, now through Sunday, December 8th at 11:59PM. The winners will be announced in mid-December once the categories are tallied.
The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide 2024
Ongoing until Wednesday, December 25th
We’ve put together a holiday shopping guide so our readers can get acquainted with local businesses in the Northern New Jersey area — from ranging from food + drink to wellness, beauty, health, fitness, + so much more. Plus, most of the businesses included in our downloadable guide have an exclusive code, just for MG readers.
Property of the Week: 10 Glenwood Drive, Saratoga Springs
This 3-bed, 1.5-bath, 1776-square-foot single-family home in Saratoga Springs, NY is available to rent for $3,200 per month. The newly-renovated property features modern finishes, updated appliances, granite countertops, a deck, a laundry room, a two-car garage, and a large fenced-in backyard, among other things.
View The Local Girl’s Real Estate Directory here — which has 100+ listings just this week.
Babytime Storytime for Birth – 23 Months
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch 185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJBring your baby to sing nursey rhymes + songs at the library.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
Babytime Storytime for Birth – 23 Months
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch 185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJBring your baby to sing nursey rhymes + songs at the library.
This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
Babytime Storytime for Birth – 23 Months
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch 185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJBring your baby to sing nursey rhymes + songs at the library.
CASA for Children of Essex County | 212 Washington Street #912, Newark
CASA for Children of Essex County specializes in serving children placed in foster care. CASA aka “Court Appointed Special Advocates” helps children find safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. CASA’s values are rooted in believing that children in foster care deserve equal opportunities to thrive. Learn more here.
Kids in Cleats | Montclair
While this organization houses its roots here in New Jersey, its effects are felt globally. Over 46% of children living in the African country of Cameroon live below the poverty line, living with HIV/AIDS, and/ or experiencing malnutrition. Kids in Cleats was created by Julio Tasse, a native of Cameroon who was able to overcome the odds of success through the sport of soccer. He now uses his talents and love for the sport as a vehicle to help children rise out of the current situation. Proper soccer fields, community centers, and coaching staff are provided to help break the cycle of poverty. Support is needed locally and internationally. Learn more here.
Pound Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) | Montclair
Hundreds of animals need adoption across the state of New Jersey. For over 41 years, the Pound Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has been helping place homeless animals. PAWS does not have a facility to house animals in need, but the support of generous volunteers makes the work possible. In addition to fostering animals, supplies are needed. Learn more here.
Your 25-Day Essex County Holiday Cheer Bucket List 2024
A List of Must-Shop Boutiques in Montclair
Have an event you’d like to include? Submit it to our events calendar here. You can also email advertising@themontclairgirl.
To stay in the know with all the Montclair and Northern New Jersey happenings, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our weekly newsletter that shares the top stories to your inbox here.
Have a great weekend, xo
Classic Film Fest Returns, ‘Skip the Stuff’ Ordinance Passed, + Other Montclair News You Missed Last Week
While New Jersey locals took advantage of the much-needed downtime during this recent holiday break, all kinds of noteworthy news stories unfolded. The Montclair Girl has got it covered with a list of the news in the area that took place during the break, from one of Essex County's beloved film festivals returning this year to the approval of an ordinance that reduces the use of single-use plastic products. Read on for six must-read news stories that you missed in the Montclair + Essex County area.
19th Annual West Orange Classic Film Festival Returns for 2025
View this post on Instagram
The annual West Orange Classic Film Festival, a cherished community event in the Essex County area, will return for its 19th year on January 12th. This festival, which runs every Sunday until March 2nd, will feature all kinds of 20th-century cult classics, including Family Plot, Clue, Purple Noon, Desperately Seeking Susan, and more. For $15 a ticket, locals can see these films at AMC DINE-IN Essex Green 9, located at 495 Prospect Avenue in West Orange. See the full list of films, schedule, and show times here.
Read More: New Businesses Coming to Montclair + Essex County in 2025
Inner City Cafe in Orange Gaining Attention on Social Media
View this post on Instagram
Inner City Cafe, located at 15 South Essex Avenue in the City of Orange, has gone viral on Instagram for its colorful interior. Guests can stop into this cozy spot and find paint-splattered walls, interesting art, and florals galore. Inner City Cafe also serves a menu of coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and more, as well as books, mugs, hoodies, and other merchandise. Stay tuned to MG for more on this spot in the coming weeks.
Ironbound Farm Market Opening in Lackawanna Plaza
This spring, Montclair will welcome a new farmer's market to Lackawanna Plaza: Ironbound Farm Market. According to a video released by NorthJersey.com, the market will operate 365 days a year and bring "regionally grown food directly to the residents of Montclair." This includes produce, meats, and premade meals. The official opening date is still unknown, but this post will be updated with any further details regarding Ironbound Farm Market's future arrival in Montclair.
Montclair's "Skip the Stuff" Ordinance to Take Effect on 3/1
Montclair is going green with the approval of "Skip the Stuff," an ordinance that prohibits the administration of single-use products like plastic utensils, napkins, straws, and mini sauce packets from restaurant take-out and delivery orders unless specifically requested. This ordinance, which has been adopted by towns and cities across the country, was unanimously voted in favor by the Montclair Township Council on December 17th and will be in full effect on March 1st, 2025.
Target is Coming to West Orange
Essex County locals will have a new go-to shopping center this coming fall. According to Patch West Orange, Target is coming to West Orange at 235 Prospect Avenue. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, it is known that the developers have already started the renovations on the 23-acre property.
New Coffee Shop, Qahwah House, Coming to Montclair
A Yemeni-style coffee spot, Qahwah House, has plans to open on the first floor of 493 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair sometime this year. With another location in Clifton, this spot will be the business's second New Jersey location. While an official opening date is still unknown, Montclairians can expect a menu of Middle Eastern coffee, tea, and pastries, including Qahwah House's signature Sana’ani Coffee, a medium roast coffee made with cardamom, and Khaliat Alnahl, a roll filled with butter and cheese and topped with drizzled honey.
See More: 2024 Wrapped: The Craziest New Jersey News Stories Of the Year
To stay up to date on the latest Montclair + Northern New Jersey news, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here, and check out our events calendar.
