Christmas Activities & Events in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Miracle on Winfield Scott

Gather with family, friends, neighbors, and visitors for this beloved annual tree lighting and holiday night out in Elizabeth! Admire the twinkling lights, sing along with carolers, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and share the magic of the season in downtown Elizabeth.

• Location: City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza
• Date & Times: December 9, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Admission: Free

Holiday on the Square

Keep the holiday fun going with EAP’s Holiday on the Square—a series of festive celebrations occurring on three Saturdays in December. From pony rides and a petting zoo to breakfast with Santa, Holiday on the Square is a joyous occasion for all.

• Location: North High Street & Elizabeth Avenue
• Date & Times: 2025 Dates TBA
• Admission: Free

NJ Ballet's The Nutcracker – Sensory Friendly Performance

Start your holiday season with a special performance of "The Nutcracker" adapted for children and adults with autism and sensory sensitivities. Watch as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets.

• Location: 1601 Irving Street
• Date & Times: November 30, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Admission: $8

Happy Feet – A Sensory Friendly Movie Experience

UCPAC’s Sensory Friendly Theatre presents Happy Feet, a joyful animated film about Mumble, a penguin who can’t sing but finds his rhythm in other ways. This digital screening is specially adapted for children and adults with autism and sensory sensitivities.

• Location: 360 Hamilton St.
• Date & Times: December 5, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Admission: $5

Shining Stars Christmas Spectacular

Revel in holiday cheer at the annual Shining Stars Christmas Spectacular. The Shining Stars are a group of talented individuals with special needs who transform the stage of UCPAC into a wonderfully festive ambience. Participate in the holiday fun by joining in the singing of “The Twelves Days of Christmas.”

• Location: 1601 Irving Street
• Date & Times: December 5, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Admission: $19-$46

Jersey Nutcracker

Nimbus Dance brings a delightful Jersey spin to The Nutcracker, following two local kids on a magical city adventure filled with friendship, whimsy, and dazzling dance. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this lively adaptation blends classic ballet with a fresh, jazzy New Jersey twist.

• Location: 1000 Morris Ave
• Date & Times: December 6, 2025 | Performances at 1:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
• Admission: $32-$52

Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas

Calling all Celtic music fans! Explore Irish traditions and customs for this holiday season with Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas. Listen to one-of-a-kind Celtic instruments and watch intricate step dancing.

• Location: 1601 Irving Street
• Date & Times: December 7, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Admission: $36 - $46

The Christmas Spider

Don't miss this incredible opera inspired by a Ukrainian legend. The New Jersey Opera Theater spins a shimmering tale about love and togetherness during the holiday season.

• Location: 1601 Irving Street
• Date & Times: December 14, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Admission: $14-$46

The Muppet Christmas Carol in 35 mm

Muppet fans will be excited to take a walk down memory lane toward this childhood film in 35mm. Watch Kermit and the Muppet gang help Ebeneezer Scrooge in this timeless Christmas tale. Enjoy more holiday festivities with "elfie" selfies with Santa's friends and a surprise guest (or two!) and an organ concert before the movie.

• Location: 1601 Irving Street
• Date & Times: December 18, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Admission: $17 in advance, $22 day of show

The Polar Express – Popcorn & Pajamas Film Series

Spending the day with the little ones? Throw on your coziest pair of PJs and head to UCPAC's Hamilton stage for a magical movie the whole family will love. Help your little one with holiday crafts before watching this heartwarming story about a journey to the North Pole.

• Location: 360 Hamilton St.
• Date & Times: December 19, 2025 | 7:00-9:00 p.m. & December 20, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Admission: $10

Holiday Afternoon Tea

Make your way to the Liberty Hall Museum for a weekly historic tradition throughout December! Indulge in afternoon tea, where scrumptious baked goods and finger sandwiches await. After the culinary delights, enjoy a guided tour of the holiday-decorated museum.

• Location: 1003 Morris Avenue
• Dates & Times: 2025 Dates TBA
• Admission: $40 - $45

Gingerbread House Workshop

Build an eye-catching gingerbread house with plenty of candy and icing at the Liberty Hall Museum! This hands-on workshop is available for all ages.

• Location: 1003 Morris Avenue
• Date & Times: 2025 Dates TBA
• Admission: $5 - $30

Candy Canes & Cocktails

Experience a 21+ gingerbread decorating workshop, where refreshing libations serve as the perfect accompaniment to this arts and crafts session. Channel your inner artist while wearing your favorite “ugly” Christmas sweater and constructing a gingerbread house.

• Location: 1003 Morris Avenue
• Dates & Times: 2025 Dates TBA
• Admission: $40 - $45

Breakfast with Santa

Relish a mouthwatering breakfast buffet, participate in family-friendly games, and capture Instagram-worthy moments with Santa Claus. Breakfast with Santa is a Liberty Hall tradition, bringing holiday joy with delectable treats and a jolly ambience.

• Location: 1003 Morris Avenue
• Date & Times: 2025 Dates TBA
• Admission: $30 - $40 | Free for children who are 2 years of age or younger

Toddler Time: Winter Wonderland

Although the weather outside might be frightful, Toddler Time at Liberty Hall Museum is truly delightful! Here, Liberty Hall is letting it snow by letting toddlers make their own snowflakes, snowmen, and snowballs. Complimentary hot chocolate will also be available.

• Location: 1003 Morris Avenue
• Date & Times: 2025 Dates TBA
• Admission: $2 - $5

St. Joseph Social Service Center’s Holiday Wish List

St. Joseph Social Service Center is hosting The Giving Tree program, which gives donated clothing, winter accessories, gift cards, and toiletries to underserved community members. Donations for the holiday wish list include hats, gloves, scarves, toiletries, pajamas, and $25 gift cards. For more information, visit the official website of St. Joseph Social Service Center here.

• Location: 118 Division Street