What’s Open and Fun to Do on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day in Hudson County

Opening Question: What things are open, fun, and available in Hudson County on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — from dining to lights to activities?

Snippet Answer: While many places close for the holidays, Hudson County still offers plenty of festive options — from special restaurant service and holiday markets to light displays, family activities, and seasonal strolls you can enjoy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

🎄 1. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dining

Holiday Brunch & Dinner at Local Restaurants

Many Hudson County restaurants offer special Christmas Eve prix fixe menus or Christmas Day brunch/dinner service, but reservations are essential due to limited holiday hours.

Where to Go:

• Chart House (Jersey City) — Known for waterfront views and holiday dinner service

• Battello (Jersey City) — Elegant holiday menu and skyline backdrop

• Elysian Café (Jersey City) — Seasonal dishes with a cozy vibe

Hours on Christmas Eve: Typically early evening dinner hours (check specific restaurant)
Hours on Christmas Day: Brunch or early dinner service only
Reservation Tip: Book 2–4 weeks in advance — most holiday seatings fill early.
Organizer: Individual restaurants’ holiday dining programs

🕍 2. Christmas Services & Community Gatherings

Most local churches and community centers offer Christmas Eve services with music, candlelight, and family programming. These are open to the public and a meaningful way to mark the season.

Where to Go:

• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Jersey City) — Christmas Eve candlelight service

• Hoboken United Methodist Church — Family Christmas Eve service

• Church of the Ascension (Hoboken) — Traditional service with music

Typical Hours: Services on Christmas Eve are often around 4–7 PM; Christmas Day services around 10AM–12PM
Reservation Tip: No reservations needed, but get there early for preferred seating.
Organizer: Local church communities

✨ 3. Holiday Light Displays & Winter Walks

Outdoor light displays and decorated streets are ideal for a festive stroll on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day — and they’re free and family-friendly.

Where to Go:

• Exchange Place Waterfront (Jersey City) — Sparkling skyline and holiday lights

• Neighborhood Light Displays in Hoboken — Residential streets with elaborate decorations

• Lincoln Park Holiday Lights (Jersey City) — Walkable display area

Hours: Lights visible after dark (around 5–9 PM)
Reservation Tip: No reservations needed — come early to catch the sunset glow for photos.
Special Notes: Wear layers — winter evenings are chilly but magical.

🍿 4. Christmas Movie Screenings (Holiday Classics)

Select theaters and community centers show classic holiday films on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day — these are typically free or donation-based family events.

Where to Go:

• Hudson County Community Theater Fund screenings — Holiday classics for families

• Local movie houses with matinee holiday showings — Check your nearest cinema for Christmas Day showtimes

Hours: Vary by screening — usually afternoon and early evening
Reservation Tip: Buy tickets early for Christmas Day shows that sell out.

❄️ 5. Seasonal Attractions Still Running

Winter Waterway Holiday Market Walks

A festive pop-up market environment with lights, outdoor vendors, and seasonal treats — perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Where: Hoboken waterfront + Jersey City waterfront market zones
Hours on Christmas Eve: Midday through early evening
Hours on Christmas Day: Limited — check seasonal schedules
Reservation Tip: No reservations for walking — food vendors may have lines.

Outdoor Ice Skating & Winter Rinks

Certain outdoor skating rinks remain open through Christmas Eve — and sometimes Christmas Day — depending on weather and seasonal schedules.

Where:

• Newport Skates (Jersey City)

• Seasonal rinks at community parks

Hours: Vary by rink — typically daytime through early evening
Reservation Tip: Pre-book rental and session times for Christmas Eve.

🎁 6. Family Activities & Playtime

Holiday Craft Pop-Ups & Workshops

Local shops and community centers often host craft sessions, ornament decorating, and drop-in holiday activities leading up to Christmas Eve. These are ideal for families with young children.

Where: Community halls or local libraries in Hoboken & Jersey City
Hours: Earlier in the day so families can attend before evening festivities
Reservation Tip: Limited spots — register in advance where required.

🎄 7. Christmas Morning Treats & Bakeries

Many bakeries and dessert spots open on Christmas Eve and sometimes Christmas Day offer warm pastries, holiday cookies, and hot drinks.

Where to Go:

• Cocoa Bakery (Jersey City) — Rich hot chocolate and winter treats

• Local pastry shops with seasonal menus — Perfect for Christmas morning sweet treats

Hours: Check bakery holiday hours — many close early on Christmas Eve and open limited hours on Christmas Day
Reservation Tip: Call ahead to confirm hours.

🌟 8. Quiet Nature Walks & Parks

If you’re looking for something calm and reflective, Hudson County’s parks and waterfront walkways make for refreshing holiday outings.

Where:

• Liberty State Park — Scenic walks and skyline views

• Hoboken waterfront promenade — Dog-friendly, stroller-friendly strolls

Hours: Dawn through dusk
Reservation Tip: No reservations — early morning is peacefulest.

Final Notes for the Holidays

Plan Ahead: Many restaurants, theaters, and community events require reservations or advance tickets.
Dress for Weather: It’s winter — layers, comfortable boots, gloves, and hats make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Family Friendly: Christmas Eve tends to have more open activities and family programs, while Christmas Day can be quieter with limited business hours.

Your Hudson County Holiday Helper

Whether you’re hosting family, planning a romantic Christmas Eve dinner, or looking for fun ways to celebrate on Christmas Day, Hudson County gives you a mix of seasonal charm and community spirit.

Need Help Planning Your Holiday—or Your Next Move?

Whether you’re navigating the holidays or thinking about a future sale, relocation, or homes in Hudson County or beyond, I’m here to help you plan with confidence.

Schedule a call — let’s talk about your goals.

Scott Selleck | The Selleck Group
32+ Years Experience | Northern NJ Specialist
Keller Williams City Views Realty, Fort Lee

📞 Call/Text: 201-970-3960
📧 Email: [email protected]
📝 Blog: https://sellecksellsnj.com/blog