It is hard to believe, but there are less than three weeks left in the year. As we begin to wrap up 2024 and look ahead to 2025, locals can end the year on a high note with a variety of fun and exciting events in Montclair and the Northern New Jersey area — from Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time concert in Newark to a holiday meditation + market in Montclair. Below is the list of (over 115!) Montclair, Essex County, and Northern New Jersey events that are happening this weekend, December 12th through December 15th, 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.
Sip-and-Shop at From Italy, With Love, the Jafajems Pop-Up
From Italy, With Love 602 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
Saturday — December 14th from 2PM-4PM
From Italy, With Love, the limited-time pop-up from the owner of Jafajems, is hosting a sip-and-shop this Saturday from 2PM-4PM. Shoppers can sip on prosecco and snack on chocolate while shopping for gifts from Italy including Murano glassware, Florentine leather, gourmet treats, + more.
January Registration is Now Open at Toddle Into Language
Toddle Into Language 5 Mead Street, South Orange, New Jersey
Toddle Into Language in South Orange has fun, immersive French, Spanish, and soon-to-come Mandarin classes, specifically designed for infants through 5-year-olds + tutoring for ages 6-10. Their programs make language learning an adventure through sensory-rich, interactive play with songs, stories, and hands-on activities.
ICYMI: 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: 4500 Smith Avenue #10, North Bergen
This 2-bed, 2-bath, 1,090-square-foot apartment in North Bergen, NJ is available to buy for $475,000. The property features a bonus loft space, a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, an in-unit washer + dryer, a private balcony, and deeded parking, among other things.
View The Local Girl’s Real Estate Directory here — which has 100+ listings just this week.
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This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.
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The Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing | New Jersey
The Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing veteran facilities across New Jersey. The organization’s mission is to provide subsidized housing for veterans in need, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to live. Learn more here.
Jersey Cares | 290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue Suite #1320, Livingston
Jersey Cares is on a mission to increase the level of volunteer involvement in the state of New Jersey. Since 1993 this organization has been dedicated to the community to partner with volunteers of all areas. From environmental conservation to education, and more, Jersey Cares can provide opportunities in various areas of interest. Learn more here.
The Montclair Inn | 27 Hillside Avenue, Montclair
Affordable housing for senior citizens that includes food, mobility access, WiFi, and more can be difficult to secure. For some time, the Montclair Shared Housing Association has been providing this opportunity while fostering a great community. All residents have access to a private bedroom, kitchen appliances, a semi-private bedroom, three meals a day, a laundry facility, wifi, and community space. While residents do have a monthly rental fee, services, and amenities are made possible in large part by donors. Learn more here.
42 Restaurants for a Fun Night Out With Friends in Northern New Jersey
New Year’s Eve 2025 Events in the Montclair, New Jersey Area
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
Autism Acceptance Month: Resources for Parents
April is Autism Acceptance Month and is a time to educate ourselves and raise awareness about a disability that affects many children and adults worldwide. Also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this disability appears in many different forms and varying levels of severity from person to person. Here in the Essex County area, there are a variety of resources for parents of children with autism. Read on to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how you can support those living with the disorder.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that impacts the nervous system and impairs the ability of children and adults to communicate and interact with others. Although there is no known cure for this condition, treatments such as behavioral therapies, family therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) are helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting development + learning. A child or adult living with autism may experience symptoms that include difficulty communicating and interacting with others, obsessive tendencies, or repetitive behaviors. These symptoms also appear in a variety of forms and severities from one person to the next.
Read More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
How You Can Support Autism Organizations from Afar
It is simple enough to support autism organizations from afar by donating to a variety of different charities. This list of well-known organizations is a good place to start:
Autism NJ, a nonprofit organization, is "committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them," according to its website. The agency provides clinical expertise, information on public policy, awareness resources, and more. Austim NJ also hosts various events throughout the year. See the calendar here. Those looking to donate, see here.
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) emphasizes ensuring that adults with autism reach their potential by providing scholarships to colleges, programs + resources for self-advocates, and a portal for employers interested in hiring adults with autism.
The Autism Society of America has chapters across the country that provide person-to-person support and advocacy, as well as an online database of information and recommendations for parents and caregivers.
Whole Spectrum Autism, a Jersey City-based non-profit, raises autism acceptance by hosting family-friendly, inclusive events throughout the year because "autism isn’t just one day or one month — it is everyday living for so many of us." Advocacy and education are the core of their work, with the mission to build inclusive communities. FYI: Whole Spectrum is hosting its annual Autism Acceptance Gala on June 20th, 2025, at Liberty House in Jersey City — more information can be found here.
AANE is geared toward families and provides a blend of virtual and in-person services to support adults with autism as well as their family members.
The Autism Science Foundation supports autism by funding scientists and organizations that conduct research.
The Art of Autism focuses on spotlighting talents in the visual arts of children and adults with autism.
If you care to do something more hands-on to support these organizations, consider volunteering for events such as fundraising walks in your neighborhood. Many community centers (such as the YMCA) or smaller local organizations are also looking for mentors or ‘buddies’ to participate in events and activities with children or adults with autism.
Resources to Support Autism Spectrum Disorder at Home
When a lack of structure or routine occurs, children and adults with autism tend to experience behavioral challenges. For parents and caregivers who are looking for effective resources to use at home with a child or adult living with autism, consider these online behavioral resources:
Autism Parenting Magazine is an award-winning publication aimed at improving the quality of life for families affected by autism. Established in 2012, the magazine publishes autism-related topics, events, developments, treatments, and news stories, as well as a variety of inspiring real-life success stories.
Supporting Your Autism Journey + Autistics on Autism
Supporting Your Autism Journey and Autistics on Autism are written by Hoboken resident Dr. Kerry Magro — a professional speaker, best-selling author, and autism entertainment consultant who is on the autism spectrum. You can read more about Kerry here.
See More: First-Ever Foodie Fest for Autism Awareness Happening in Hoboken on 4/5
Apps to Use With Your Child at Home:
Touch and Learn - Emotions is a paid app that assists children in identifying emotions and recognizing body language.
Skill Champ is an iPad app that provides children with practice in foundational skills such as letter matching, identifying emotions, and more.
ChoiceWorks Calendar is another paid app that provides visually appealing options to create a schedule and alleviate transition anxiety.
