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WINTER WONDERLAND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”
STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY HOLIDAY DRIVE
Donate to the Holiday Drive!
The State Theatre New Jersey is accepting donations of new toys, books, gift cards, and coats to benefit and support charities in Middlesex County, including The Salvation Army, CASA, and FISH INC. Sponsored by Yolo Promo and Rotary - Greater New Brunswick.
MIRACLE ON GEORGE STREET
• Previews - November 25th & Launch - November 29th @ Catherine Lombardi’s
Come have a cocktail at Catherine Lombardi’s Miracle Bar where you can expect over-the-top Christmas décor, lighting, and delicious holiday-themed cocktails.
A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS
Murray & Peter Present A Drag Queen Christmas 10th Anniversary Tour hosted by Nina West. The longest-running drag tour in America. Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. We’ve got Winners, Fan Favorites, Legends, and Miss Congeniality, plus queens from Season 16 and All Stars 9. VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available. Check DragFans.com for the cast performing in New Brunswick.
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Starting with the annual Tree Lighting at Monument Square Park on Thursday, December 5th, the season will be filled with fun activities celebrating the holidays creating a Winter Wonderland of festivities.
Enjoy live musical entertainment before and after the tree lighting ceremony and bask in the glow of the holiday tree as we flip the switch amongst friends, family, and our community. Make plans to join in on the fun and make a night out with shopping, beauty services, fine dining, and entertainment!
BOBBY WILSON "MR. ENTERTAINMENT" WITH THE CHICLETTES & THE CODA BAND
Bobby Wilson, son of legendary R&B/Soul singer Jackie Wilson, shares the same amazing traits and talents of his father. Many say Jackie Wilson's legacy lives on through Bobby. His adoring fans have dubbed him ‘Mr. Entertainment’ from his natural ability to entertain and bring every crowd to their feet. Bobby is also a three-time Grammy Balloted Artist with his latest CD, "It's About Time", and four Top 10 hits that packed #10 on the Adult Contemporary Charts. Whether performing Jackie’s hits or Motown favorites, “what you’re going to see is Bobby Wilson giving you all he’s got on stage,” the singer says, “And my dad’s going to show himself, you’re going to hear him and you’re going to see him … I feel my dad around me a lot,” a presence, he added, that’s felt by his audience during every show.
NGXB (CLASSICAL CROSSOVER PIANIST)
NGXB lives the life of a prodigiously gifted pianist and content creator. While growing up with a heavy classical influence, and later receiving a degree in jazz, he's made his mark by making virtuosic piano arrangements of rock and pop hits that captivate his audience. With over 1.5 million followers on social media, NGXB uses his virtuosic skills and exuberant personality to not only make content, but to also perform 300+ Performances a year at high-end establishments, festivals, and private events throughout the United States.
Driven by an unwavering determination to become one of the world's top entertainer, NGXB continues to push boundaries of this musical craft. Through his unique blend of technical mastery and emotional depth, NGXB is well on his way to achieving his ambitious goal and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
AN EVENING WITH CHEVY CHASE & NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION
Join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs as we celebrate the timeless classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, with a special 35th Anniversary screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase, and his wife Jayni.
Chevy and Jayni will share their behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of this beloved movie that has become a Christmas tradition. But the laughter doesn't stop there! We'll also be taking questions from the audience, giving you a chance to have your questions answered and hear firsthand from Chevy about his storied career including SNL, Caddyshack, and so much more.
For those looking for an extra-special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available which include a personal post-show photo opportunity with Chevy Chase himself. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your picture taken with a true legend of comedy and film.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply love the holiday spirit, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all. Mark your calendars, grab your ugly Christmas sweater, and join us for a night of laughter and holiday cheer with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Chevy Chase!
ICE SKATING AT MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
Glide over to Monument Square Park for some fun ice skating with family and friends this holiday season. You may bring your own skates or rent a pair at the rink.
Thursday, December 5th - 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday, December 6th - 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, December 7th - 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FOUNDATION'S 36TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES
The 36th Annual Festival of Trees celebrates the Christmas trees as one of our most important Christmas holiday traditions. The trees have been decorated by local organizations who have been invited to share the holiday traditions of their culture. Many of the trees have been decorated with handmade ornaments. Before Christmas decorations could be purchased, families made their own decorations using whatever materials they had in their homes and whatever was available in nature (pinecones, straw, nuts, etc.) Sometimes the decorations were edible, made from cookies, candy, nuts, or fruit.
As the Hungarian Foundation approaches its 70th anniversary in 2025, they are proud to continue its mission of preserving and celebrating Hungarian culture. Since 1989, their home has been the Hungarian Heritage Center, which houses a museum, library, and archive dedicated to collecting and sharing Hungary's rich cultural contributions.
American Hungarian Foundation Gallery - (22 trees displayed) Hungary, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England-Victorian, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hispanic/Latino, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Scotland, Solstice, Ukraine-The Christmas spider, USA
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (11 Livingston Avenue) - Pride Tree, Hungarian Tree, New Brunswick Police Department Tree, and New Brunswick Fire Department Tree.
Amboy Bank (350 George Street) - The tree theme is TBD
The Heldrich Hotel (10 Livingston Avenue) - Limerick County, Ireland, Flower Carnival Tree; Debrecen, Hungary, and Fukui & Tsuruoka, Japan.
If you enjoyed your Christmas trip around the globe, please consider donating the AHF at the front desk or the museum's store. Or here: DONATE TODAY!
JACK DANIEL'S OPERATION RIDE HOME
Operation Ride Home is a program designed to assist junior enlisted service members and those with families to travel from their military bases to homes around the country. Our mission is to raise as much money as possible to assist these heroes with getting home.
In conjunction with Jack Daniel’s Distillery & Operation Ride Home, New Brunswick is pleased to host the FIRST EVER Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree in New Jersey, located at 5 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ. While decorated festively for the holiday season, the barrels will go on auction on December 1st, 2023 (for January 2024 pick-up). Select barrels will include some exciting New Brunswick experiences for additional costs. ALL proceeds from the auction & barrel sales will benefit Operation Ride Home, which works to bring members of the military HOME for holidays and important events.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST
New Brunswick Retailers, Restaurants, Eateries, Salons, Companies, and Organizations competed in the First Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Competition.
HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH EVAN HOFER AND KATEY MACMULLEN!
Join two of General Hospital’s Young Stars for a weekend of Holiday Magic as we welcome Katelyn for her first East Coast event. Be part of an intimate weekend of fanfare as Evan and Katey will make you feel like they’re sitting in your living room.
SEASONAL TRADITIONS HOLIDAY PROGRAM
• December 7th @ East Jersey Old Town Village - Indian Queen Tavern at 11:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with Seasonal Traditions, an annual holiday celebration at East Jersey Old Town Village!
Step back in time and celebrate the holiday season at East Jersey Old Town Village. Enjoy 18th and 19th-century holiday music. Listen to Christmas Short Stories and a reading of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol featuring Dickens’s edited version of the timeless tale he performed to sold-out audiences in Europe and America.
Further, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a radio play version of the beloved classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ Don’t miss this unforgettable family-friendly holiday experience with festive music, carols, wagon rides, children’s crafts, and refreshments.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT WITH NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY
The New Jersey Symphony and STNJ present Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film, with the score performed, live to picture. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), and features many more of your favorite Muppet characters. This special holiday event is fun for the whole family!
MERCADO ESPERANZA HOLIDAY MARKET & CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Come out and enjoy some local food and craft vendors along with live music and dance. Fun for the whole family.
HOLIDAY SPIRITS
Join us for Holiday Spirits: Festive Cocktails and Cheer at State Theatre New Jersey! Enjoy an evening on our iconic main stage with festive drinks, live music, and holiday cheer featuring a special interactive performance by The New York Belles.
Proceeds from this event support STNJ’s mission to make the magic of live performance affordable and accessible for everyone in our community.
Festive cocktail attire is encouraged.
A VERY MERRY BRUNSWICK
A Holiday Celebration For The Whole Family
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra holiday concert features the voices of Cantabile Chorus, Philomusica Choral, and the Masterworks Singers along with the orchestra in a program of festive music including "Christmas Festival", "Buglar's Holiday," and "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson, "Silent Night," and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah.
CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND
Step into a world of enchantment this holiday season as Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland brings its magical extravaganza to STNJ! Get ready to be swept away on a journey filled with music, marvels, and merriment, guaranteed to ignite the festive spirit in all who attend. Join us for a breathtaking spectacle featuring the unparalleled talents of the Cirque Musica ensemble—from awe-inspiring acrobatics to gravity-defying aerial feats. The whole family will enjoy the wonder and excitement of Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland—where the magic of the holidays comes alive in a dazzling display of talent and spectacle. Let your imagination soar this holiday season!
VIRTUAL TOY DRIVE BENEFITING THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AT SAINT PETER'S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
SUPPORT THE 2024 VIRTUAL TOY DRIVE
Join Saint Peter's in bringing smiles to pediatric patients and their families this holiday season and throughout the year. Your support of our virtual toy drive enables our staff to purchase toys and items for holiday celebrations, play therapy games and activities, and other milestones such as birthday and post-treatment parties.
Partner with us in creating special moments for Saint Peter’s families and support our virtual toy drive today!
HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
Continuing with a New Brunswick holiday classic, City Center will host family carriage rides in the winter evenings.
Come and enjoy the extravagant winter decorations of New Brunswick's City Center with a fun & safe ride downtown in our beautiful horse-drawn carriages!
The Percheron draft horses are always well-groomed, wonderfully behaved, treated with great respect, and cared for in local stables, courtesy of KV Carriages. We feel that giving each horse a lot of attention and love is the key to its all-around performance, personality, and health. You can read up on each horse at kvcarriage.com.
Tickets are not yet available. You can join our mailing list here to be alerted when the carriage ride tickets go on sale.
(1 ticket entitles a family of four to a horse-drawn carriage ride)
HUNGARIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Annual Hungarian Christmas Market benefiting the Hungarian Scouts.
Come enjoy Hungarian foods and artisan products.
RUTGERS BIG CHILL 5K
The Rutgers Big Chill 5k is a charitable event that has served the Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ community since 2003. Similarly to last year, we will offer both an in-person and virtual race. Our in-person race will occur on December 14 at 10 am with runner check-in taking place on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. The Rutgers Big Chill has been a staple within the Rutgers University-New Brunswick Community for over 20 years and is enjoyed by thousands of runners yearly. We aim to continue the Big Chill tradition while giving back to the community and keeping participants active and motivated.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY COMEDY JAM
They often say that you can tell a lot about a person from their name. In this case, TALENT embodies the definition with full force. TALENT’s comedic style is firmly grounded within his innate ability to combine impromptu humor and an instinctive timely delivery. Often referred to as comedy’s “King of New York”; with his natural ability to bring laughter into household and venues. He has headlined his own comedy shows and tours as well as making special appearances on such reputable programming as: BET’s Comic View, HBO’s SNAPs & Def Comedy Jam and earned the position as host of New York’s 98.7 KISS FM’s Morning Show. Talent’s capacity for achievement and success is a constantly evolving journey.
THE NUTCRACKER
• December 20th @ State Theatre New Jersey at 7:30 PM
• December 21st @ State Theatre New Jersey at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• December 22nd @ State Theatre New Jersey at 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Celebrate American Repertory Ballet's annual Nutcracker tradition with your family! Featuring a live orchestra and choir!
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) brings the beloved classic The Nutcracker to the stage with thrilling choreography, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, and a cast of more than 100 dancers. ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. A tradition for 60 years, ARB’s The Nutcracker is one of the longest continuously running Nutcracker productions in the nation.
SALVATION ARMY NEW BRUNSWICK
Red Kettle Campaign - More information to follow.
Angel Tree/Adopt-A-Family - More information to follow.
COMMUNITY KWANZAA CELEBRATION
In the third floor exhibition space you can learn all about the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Hosted by the NAACP New Brunswick Area Branch.
SELFIES WITH SANTA
December 21st @ New Brunswick Performing Arts Center - 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Step inside the lobby of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center for a selfie with Santa!!
KEN KRANTZ' CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
December 26th @ Stress Factory Comedy Club - 90 Church Street @ 7:00 PM (Door Time 5:30 PM)
Ken Krantz has been funny his whole life. He had to be to get any attention growing up the youngest of eight kids in a real life Brady Bunch situation. He started doing stand up in 2009 and quickly became a fixture on the Tri-State comedy scene, where he gained a reputation as a no holds barred joke writer. His laid back style combines self-deprecating humor, his views on fatherhood, and his take on pop culture and current events.
SALUTE TO VIENNA NEW YEAR’S CONCERT
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert is a joyful, lively experience that has delighted audiences in New Brunswick for more than 15 years. Every holiday season, this beloved tradition bursts to life at State Theatre New Jersey with music, bright costumes, and lush flowers. As dancers enliven timeless melodies, including the Blue Danube Waltz, the Maestro regales the audience with stories (and a joke or two) from the conductor’s podium. Ring in 2025 with soaring arias, romantic duets, and festive overtures, courtesy of the “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss Jr.
NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS & CELEBRATIONS
New Brunswick is a prime destination to ring in the new year. Whether a local or a visitor, spend the last night of the year with thousands of your closest friends, hours of live music, fireworks, and the signature midnight toasts! Come to Monument Square Park at midnight to watch the amazing fireworks display!!
NEW YEAR'S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA
Join Stress Factory for New Year’s Eve! Full Buffet and Show! The early show includes a buffet and ticket. Late Show includes a Show, Buffet, and Open Bar!
Comics TBA
AMBOY'S ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE
Now through the end of December, Amboy Bank will be collecting food items for Elijah’s Promise to help our neighbors who are impacted by food insecurity.
Most In-Demand Items:
• Gift cards to local grocery stores
• Protein, including canned soup, tuna, meat, peanut butter, nuts, and canned beans
• Canned fruits and vegetables, including juices and tomato sauce
• Carbohydrates, including nutritious breakfast cereals, pasta, and rice
• Crackers, granola bars, and cheese and cracker packages
• Canned stews and chili
Please be mindful of expiration dates. Food items' Used By or Best If Sold By date should not be over six months old. No glass jars, please. Boxed cereals and formulas are needed, as long as they are unopened and within the date code.
Thank you for your consideration!
Thank you for joining us this holiday season. We hope you enjoyed your visit!
MADE POSSIBLE BY: City of New Brunswick and the Urban Enterprise Zone
SPONSORED IN PART BY: New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) and French & Parrello Associates
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Contact Us
If you are a local New Brunswick business that would like to promote your winter event or inquire about sponsorship, please email Citymarket@newbrunswick.com.
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