The season to light up your nights is here—Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25, and Kwanzaa begins on December 26—with plenty of ways to celebrate all season long. Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa at the Kwanzaa Community Celebration in Montclair, spend the night at a silent disco filled with tons of Hanukkah fun at the Hanukkah Silent Disco Party in Scotch Plains, or skate the night away at Chanukah on Ice in Mt Laurel. And to pick up those special gifts, check out the winter markets in NJ. (featured photo credit: istock/MichaelHeimlich)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Jersey City Lighting
December 3 at 5:30 PM
The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District will combine a Menorah and Christmas Tree Lighting. Don’t miss the hot chocolate and cookies.
Cost: Free
Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall, 134-158 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Hanukkah Silent Disco Party
December 14 at 4 PM
Looking for something unique to do with the family to celebrate Hanukkah? Head to this silent disco, where there will be lights, headphone, dancing, a smoke machine, donuts, and quality time with the fam.
Cost: Free
JCC of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Harambee Breakfast & Kwanzaa Celebration
December 14 at 9 AM
Feast on breakfast and learn more about Kwanzaa and the unique traditions that reinforce seven fundamental values of African culture, which contribute to building and supporting family, community, and culture among African American people and Africans worldwide.
Cost: $15 and up
The Renaissance, 1110 Valley Road, Ocean, NJ 07712
Kwanzaa Community Celebration Montclair
December 14 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa with a festive community gathering featuring presentations, live entertainment, and programs. Be sure to check out the Ujamaa Winter Market, featuring local vendors from Montclair and its surrounding communities. Kids will have a ball with balloon twisting, dance, and music.
Cost: Free
50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 0704
2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
December 14 at 12 PM
Head to the Vauxhall Branch Library for an afternoon of Kwanzaa celebrations, featuring live entertainment, African dance, African drums, storytelling, and more.
Cost: Free
Vauxhall Branch of the Union Public Library, 123 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
Palmer Square Annual Menorah Lighting
December 18 at 4:30 PM
Bring the whole family to Palmer Square for the annual lighting of the menorah. There will be music and fun for all.
Cost: Free
Nassau Inn Patio, 10 Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ 08542
Community Kwanzaa Celebration
December 19 at 4 PM
Come out to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Performing Arts Center, where everyone can learn all about the seven principles of Kwanzaa hosted by the NAACP New Brunswick Area Branch.
Cost: Free
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Kwanzaa at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
December 21 at 9 AM
Bring the whole family to the Kwanzaa Festival, which will include dance classes, storytelling, face painting, a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony, live performances, and traditional foods. Then, pick up some gifts at the Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace open at 12 PM.
Cost: Free
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Collingswood Menorah Lighting
December 22
Join the community for a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration at the Lumberyard Garden (Collings and North Atlantic Avenues). The evening of fun for the whole family includes music, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and choco-gelt.
Cost: Free
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Ventnor City Menorah Lighting
December 26 at 5 PM
This South Jersey menorah lighting on the second night of Hanukkah will take place on the Sacramento side of Ventnor City Hall.
Cost: Free
6201 Atlantic Avenue, Ventnor City, NJ 08406
Fire and Ice Chanukah in Morristown
December 26 at
Come light up the night with this festive event featuring a giant ice menorah, stilt walker, magician, doughnuts, hot drinks, gelt, prizes, music, and more.
Cost: Free
Pioneer Park at HQ Plaza, Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
24th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
December 27 at 5 PM
This is an event that is meant to be a celebration of family, community, and culture. There will be African storytelling, a traditional candle ceremony, spoken word, dance, and delicious cultural food.
Cost: Free
Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Chanukah on Ice
December 28 at 7:30 PM
Head to Igloo Ice Rink in Mt. Laurel for a night of Hanukkah-themed fun. All ages can enjoy gelt, the giant menorah lighting, festive music, and refreshments. Admission includes doughnuts, a skate rental, and drinks.
Cost: $15 at the door
3033 Fostertown Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Bergen County Menorah Lighting Ceremony
December 28, 6:30 PM
As part of the Bergen County Winter Wonderland, there will be a beautiful ceremony to light the menorah.
Cost: Free
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Hanukkah Hoopla
December 29 at 3 PM
Bring your menorah for community lighting and enjoy dancing, latkes, gelt, crafts, and dreidel play.
Cost: $5 per family
Hanover Township Community Center, 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981
Car Menorah Parade and Light Up The Night Celebration
December 29 at 4 PM
The parade will be led by a car-top Menorah and giant Dreidel with a police escort through the streets of Cherry Hill. There will also be a menorah music truck, classic and antique cars, and first responder vehicles. The parade route finishes at the Barclay Center, with glow fun, a giant Dreidel truck, a fire juggler, latkes, donuts and gelt for all ages.
Cost: Free
1925 Kresson Road to the Barclay Center, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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