Newark Alliance, along with the City of Newark, the Newark Arts & Education District and Invest Newark, is set to bring in the holiday season with a campaign showcasing the city’s robust holiday programming.
Downtown Newark for the Holidays highlights the city’s seasonal experiences and small business community to amplify Newark as a destination for residents and visitors from Nov. 29 through Jan. 4.
The Newark Winter Village holiday attraction located at Mulberry Commons will feature an expanded Holiday Marketplace hosted by Invest Newark, and will have dozens of local vendors from across all city wards.
The Winter Village will link visitors to Downtown Newark for the Holidays’ broader offerings, including cultural experiences, shopping promotions, and community-driven activations throughout the district.
“Newark Winter Village offers world class shopping, entertainment, and holiday fair that rise to new levels every year,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “So come downtown, shop, enjoy the skating rink and a holiday vibe that’s sure to warm your heart on even the coldest night!”
Newark Winter Village will officially open Nov. 29 from 4 – 8 p.m., then continues Wednesdays from 4 – 8 p.m. and weekends from 12 – 8 p.m. through January.
Wednesdays will serve as “Community Days,” featuring discounted admission and special programming for Newark residents. Admission is free, but reservations and tickets are required for ice skating, bumper cars and igloo rentals. Families can also take advantage of the always popular “Learn to Skate” sessions every Saturday morning and visit Santa for photos on select weekends throughout the season.
New elements at the Newark Winter Village include:
- Expanded Winter Marketplace, showcasing local gifts and unique artisans
- Adult beverage options and cozy igloos for couples and groups
- Live music, DJs, and performances throughout the weekends, including collaborations with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, among others
- Integrated Downtown Newark for the Holidays programming, connecting visitors to district-wide promotions, signature events, and community activations
Newark Winter Village sponsors include the NJEDA, Newark City Parks Foundation, Inc., Prudential Financial, NJPAC, Berger Organization, Horizon and Cityplex 12.
Additional highlights on the Downtown Newark for the Holidays calendar include:
- Saturday, Nov. 29: Small Business Saturday – In-store activations within small local businesses in the Arts & Education District including new businesses at The Pillars presented by Audible at 33 Washington Street. Plus, a Holiday Pop-Up Shop at the historic Krueger-Scott Mansion with local makers. There will be music, bites and holiday cheer. Entry is free.
- Saturday, Dec. 6: Elf in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony at New Jersey Performing Arts Center 2 p.m. This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live.
- Friday, Dec. 19: A Merry CQ Christmas with D-NICE hosted by Tisha Campbell, a festive celebration at Newark Symphony Hall that brings the spirit of Club Quarantine to the stage. Join legendary DJ and cultural icon D-Nice for a night of joyful music, good vibes, and holiday magic.
- Saturday, Dec. 20: NJPAC’s Kwanzaa Family Festival & Marketplace from 1 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Join the hundreds of families who make the free Kwanzaa Family Festivals part of their annual celebration. It’s a full day of uplifting programs – including a candle-lighting ceremony and vibunzi – based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
