With November well underway, the holiday season is slowly making its way right here in the North Jersey area. Decorations are being put up and the weather is beginning to get cooler. There is nothing like celebrating the holidays locally — many bars and locales are beginning to prepare for the festivities. To curate your holiday bucket list, here’s a list of North Jersey holiday pop-up markets and bars happening for the 2023 holiday season.
Disclaimer: These events are included as an editorial resource and The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with any of these events. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including cancellations due to inclement weather, contact the host directly.
Want us to include another North Jersey holiday pop-up market? Send us a note at [email protected].
Miracle on Mercer | 92 Barrow Street, Jersey City
November 9th – January 1st
Franklin Social is going all out for the holidays, transforming into Miracle on Mercer. To celebrate the festivities, there will be a cocktail Christmas experience for holiday enthusiasts to enjoy. There will be several holiday-themed drinks to taste while savoring the holiday spirit. The experience will last for about two months, so there’s plenty of time to make your reservation. Guests can make a reservation by clicking here.
Read More: A Guide to Christmas Tree Farms in New Jersey
Miracle on Centre | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
November 10th – January 1st
Cowan’s Public is a neighborhood pub in Nutley that is known for its selection of draft beers, craft cocktails, and classic American fare. Just in time for the holidays, Cowan’s Public will be turning into a Christmas wonderland. Miracle on Centre will be a Christmas cocktail bar. In years past, drinks were served in festive cups and the pub was decked out in holiday decor. Guests can expect the pop-up experience to be similar this year. Reservations can be made here.
Miracle on Bloomfield | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
November 14th – January 1st
The Parkside Social is another local bar and restaurant that will also be turned into a holiday cocktail-themed experience. Come dressed in festive wear while you sip on the selection of cocktails that will be available. To participate, reservations are needed and can be made here.
Miracle on Valley | 191 Valley Boulevard, Wood-Ridge
November 16th – January 1st
Starting in mid-November, Gus’ Last Word welcomes everyone to join a festive drink experience. In years past, one drink that has been served is the Jingle Balls Nog, which is made of cognac, cream sherry, almond milk, cream, egg, and nutmeg. As well as, On Dasher, a drink made with ingredients like gin, vanilla liqueur, marshmallow, cardamom, black pepper, lemon, cream, egg, and soda. Reservations can be made here and for parties larger than six, guests should call Gus’ Last Word at (973)-939-5608.
Sippin’ Santa | 705 Frank East Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison
November 20th – January 1st
Christmas will be celebrated in a tropical-themed setting at The Vanguard in Harrison. This pop-up is decked with festive decor and added tropical island elements while sipping on different cocktail selections. You can also expect to jam along to some live music performances as it is one of the highlights of The Vanguard. Guests can click here to book a reservation.
Sleighs + Leis | 335 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Starts November 21st
The annual Sleighs and Leis is making its comeback in mid-November. This Christmas pop-up will set up shop at Cellar 335 just like in years past. It is a unique Christmas experience that is described as a “modern tiki cocktail lounge” with Asian-inspired dishes. You will feel like you’re in a Christmas wonderland with the different ornaments and decorations plastered all over Cellar 335. Reservations can be made here once the opening date comes.
Classic Christmas | 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton
TBD
This event will be hosted by The Barrow House in Clifton. Reservations can be made through Resy here. There is yet to be more information released by the restaurant, but guests can be sure to expect a Christmas element behind it.
Glen Ridge Holiday Market | 200 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge
December 3rd | 11AM- 4PM
Back for its 2023 season, the GRHS/MS Home + School Association will host its Glen Ridge Holiday Market. It will be held in the gymnasium area of Glen Ridge High School. This market will feature items from different vendors which visitors will have the chance to shop from. Some of the participating vendors are Storytime Kids, Acorn Hill Studio, The Giraffe’s Heart, and Rita Presto Designs. Learn more here.
Main Street Pops Holiday Markets | Hoboken
December 3rd – December 17th | Sundays, 11AM – 4PM
Main Street Pops will be hosting a holiday-themed market event for three December weekends in a row. There will be an opportunity to shop from artisan vendors. Visitors can shop for items ranging from fashion, accessories, jewelry, artisanal foods, art, bath + body, and other products. Other holiday activities that will be featured are pet photo opportunities, a dance party, carousel rides, and a holiday concert. Learn more here.
The North Pole’s Pop-up Event | 44 Market Street, Saddlebrook
December 3rd | 2PM – 7PM
Get a glimpse of the North Pole with this pop-up event. There will be appearances made by Santa and his elves. Little ones will have the chance to get free toys while supplies last. For your holiday content, professional photographers will be on the spot to snap photos. Other activities include a permanent jewelry station, food, desserts, and more. Details about the event can be found here.
Winter Wonderland Toy Drive Market | 513 Veterans Place
December 9th | 12PM
To help children in need, the New Jersey community is welcome to attend this free event to spread holiday cheer. There will be different vendors showcasing their business ranging from crafts, treats, and other items. Santa will be making a special appearance in this holiday event. A DJ will be playing music while other activities go on like a gift-wrapping station and kid activities. Click here to learn about this event.
‘Tis The Season | 17 Bennett Road, Englewood
December 9th | 1PM – 6PM
Plenty of local vendors will be on hand to help on the quest for the perfect gift. There will be fashion items, holiday-themed treats, and other festive-related activities yet to be announced. There is no entry fee required and to learn more about this event, click here.
The HDSID Happy Holiday Market | Grove Street Path Plaza + Rooftop at the Ashford + Under the Boot, Jersey City
December 9th – 10th, December 16th – 17th | 12PM – 6PM
This market highlights the handcrafted creations made by local artists and businesses. It will be a free event that will have music and food to enjoy while shopping for the holidays in a local space. On December 7th, there will be a Christmas tree and menorah lighting event. Community members will come together to ring in the start of the holiday season while sipping on hot chocolate, munching on cookies, and getting a gift from Santa. This event is free and more information can be found here.
See More: Where to Buy Holiday Decorations in Hoboken + Jersey City
Holiday House Tour | Location to be given upon RSVP
December 15th | 4PM – 7PM
The Montclair community will be able to take a look at seven homes that will be festively decorated for the holidays. Refreshments will be served. Montclair High School’s Passing Notes Acapella Group will be performing at two of the homes. All proceeds made from the event will benefit MHS’s Project Graduation Class of 2024. Learn more here.
Handmade Holiday at the Woodland | 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood
December 17th | 10AM – 4PM
Visitors can come and shop for handmade items created by local makers. There will be several tables set up with items ranging from jewelry, clothing, and others. If you’re a maker, there is a sign-up form here to be able to participate. Learn more about this event here.
A Guide to Trivia + Game Nights in Montclair and Essex County
Going out to eat with friends for some delicious food and drinks is one of the most common ways to catch up after time apart. But for those looking to add a twist to a regular routine, going to a trivia night at a local bar can bring out the group’s competitive edge. Keep reading a list of Montclair + Essex County trivia and game nights to test that competitive streak.
Montclair
Alto | 690 Bloomfield Avenue
Game lovers can visit Alto, part of The MC Hotel, at its rooftop bar that has both indoor and outdoor seating. While enjoying the views of the NYC skyline, visitors can partake in themed trivia nights on Wednesdays at 7PM and Sundays at 1PM during brunch. Alto has hosted Disney Movie Trivia, Taylor Swift Trivia, Wicked Trivia, and more in the past. See Eventbrite for the upcoming trivia themes.
Read More: A Guide to Live Music Spots in Montclair + Essex County
Bareburger | 480 Bloomfield Avenue
The health-conscious and sustainable burger joint Bareburger hosts trivia night once a month on Tuesdays, typically around 7:30PM. Locals can enjoy burgers and bring their own drinks while playing a round or two. The trivia nights are presented by Trivia AD, and the company posts the month's theme on its website closer to the date. See this link for future trivia nights.
The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue
The Eclectic Chic Boutique is the Montclair residents' go-to spot for handmade, locally sourced, and small-batch goods. The boutique also hosts various events almost daily, such as DIY workshops, classes, and occasional game nights. To keep up with upcoming game nights at this spot, visit its event calendar.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street
Egan and Sons hosts trivia nights on Tuesdays at 7PM for all locals to enjoy. Nights here are often themed, especially during the holiday season when the spot hosts Ugly Christmas Sweater Trivia. Keep an eye out for Egan + Sons' social media for upcoming trivia nights and themes.
Java Love | 49 Church Street
Whether uptown or downtown in Montclair, there is a cozy corner to enjoy a cup of joe at Java Love. While sipping on a fun beverage, locals can join the spot at its Church Street location for Offline Cafe: Game Night. This event, which takes place every Thursday from 6PM to 9PM, encourages guests to disconnect from their screens and spend the night playing games with other attendees.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street
Montclair Brewery is a one-of-a-kind destination for beer lovers who also love supporting the community. Built on the ideals of creating a stronger community in Montclair, the brewery regularly hosts trivia and game nights throughout the year. The Brewery also hosts live performances almost every week. See this link for upcoming events.
Pineapple Express Barbeque | 1 Lackawanna Plaza
This Montclair BBQ spot hosts trivia night with Joe Trivia every Thursday at 8PM. This event is always free to play. Locals can win prizes while enjoying drinks and light bites. Plus, the entire menu of Pineapple Express Barbecue is gluten-free.
Wine + Design | 1 Greenwood Avenue Suite 101
Wine + Design is a BYOB space that hosts all kinds of events. Along with tons of DIY and crafty classes and gatherings, Wine + Design will occasionally host trivia or game nights throughout the year. In the past, this has included themed-events like a Friends trivia night. As of this writing, the upcoming trivia event is Fourth Wing Resin Art + Trivia Night, which takes place on June 10th at 7PM. See this link for more information.
Essex County
Cloverleaf Tavern | 395 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
Photo Credit: Cloverleaf Tavern
The Cloverleaf Tavern is a great spot to meet up if you are looking for a casual place with classic bar food. The Tavern also regularly hosts trivia nights on Mondays at 8PM. For April, the themes include craft beer, Harry Potter, Disney movies, and Marvel Cinematic Universe. See this Facebook post for more details.
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Joe Trivia hosts a trivia night at 7PM every Tuesday at Cowan's Public. Plus, during happy hour, which is from 4PM-7PM from Monday to Friday, draft beer, wine, and house liquors are all marked down. Locals can test their knowledge while sipping on discounted drinks.
Grasshopper | 292 Grove Avenue, Cedar Grove
Photo Credit: Grasshopper
This family-run restaurant is a classic hang-out spot for locals with that classic small-town charm. Trivia night, hosted by Joe Trivia, is every Tuesday starting at 8:30PM. The bar also boasts a menu of Irish American classics that pair great with the extensive beer and cocktail menu.
Obal’s Inn | 439 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Locals can head to Obal’s Inn, a cozy Irish pub, for trivia night every Thursday at 8PM, hosted by Joe Trivia. This spot also has DJ nights and live music. See Obal Inn's Instagram for upcoming events.
Six Points Pub | 574 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield
This bar prides itself on creating cocktails that are perfect no matter who is walking through the door. Enjoy seasonal sips while participating in the bar’s trivia night. With rotating themes each week, teams compete to win prizes and listen to music every Tuesday at 7PM.
Town Pub of Bloomfield | 378 Broad Street, Bloomfield
The Town Pub has long roots of being a welcoming place for locals and visitors to expect good food and good company. The owners of the Town Pub have continued that legacy into today by hosting regular trivia nights on Wednesdays at 7PM.
See More: Hoboken Bars With Theme Nights, Games, + More
Verona Inn | 624 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
The Historic Verona Inn, which has been operating since 1947, hosts weekly events for all Essex County locals. In addition to Taco Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, Ladies Night Thursdays, and Lazy Sundays, the spot hosts trivia night on Tuesdays at 8PM.
