By Jaimie Julia Winters
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the season with special Santa visits, markets, movies, meaningful giving, and historic holiday house tours.
Kearny Holiday Film Festival
The Kearny Public Library is kicking off a Holiday Film Festival packed with eight seasonal favorites, running Dec. 3–31.
From timeless classics like The Grinch, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Scrooge to modern hits like Klaus, Merry Madagascar, and Elf, there’s truly something for everyone.
Catch all the festive fun at the Kearny Main Library, 318 Kearny Ave.
Schedule:
- Dec. 3, 4 p.m. – Klaus
- Dec. 5, 4 p.m. – The Grinch
- Dec. 15, 4 p.m. – Scrooge
- Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m. – Merry Madagascar
- Dec. 23, 3 p.m. – Elf
- Dec. 24, 11 a.m. – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Dec. 26, 1 p.m. -Polar Express
- Dec. 31, 1 p.m. – Frozen Double Feature
Sensory and autism friendly Santa event
Cornerstone Montclair will hold a Sensory and Autism Friendly Santa event on Dec. 6. All children are welcome at this event. It is designed to be especially welcoming to children with autism and sensory challenges. Families will have the chance to meet Santa without long lines, in a quiet and calm environment.
A limited number of children will be in the room with Santa at one time. Kids can get as close to Santa as they want, or keep their distance. Parents may take their own pictures (there will not be a professional photographer at the event). The $10 admission fee covers the whole family and includes time with Santa and a $5 coupon to The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair, located on the first floor of the building. The event will take place at 198 Bellevue Ave. Click here to purchase tickets for time slots.
Make a child’s holiday brighter
The Kearny Giving Tree Network is collecting new toys and essentials to make the holidays brighter for local families in need. In addition to toys, they’re seeking gift cards and teen-friendly toiletries like Axe, Gillette, Dove, and makeup kits. Drop off donations at the Kearny-Belleville Elks 1050, 601 Elm St., on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Can’t make it? No problem—shop directly from their Amazon Wish List.
Historic Holiday House Tour
Historic homes throughout neighboring Essex County will open their doors in unison for one spectacular weekend on Dec. 6 and 7. Each will be dressed for the holiday season while offering entertainment, refreshments, or educational information. Fees and times vary.
Free tours
Grover Cleveland Birthplace at 207 Bloomfield Ave. in Caldwell houses the most complete collection of Grover Cleveland artifacts in the nation.
Kingsland Manor at 3 Kingsland Street in Nutley is a 1700s brownstone Dutch colonial home steeped in history and beautifully decorated for the 2025 holiday season. Enjoy viewing our extensive collection of Nutcrackers and special Colonial decor commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary next year.
Essex County Kip’s Castle Park at 22 Crestmont Road in Verona will be decorated as if it were 1928. The dining room will be set for a holiday feast, and the parlor will be festooned with greenery and ribbons.
Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens at 474 Upper Mountain Ave. in Upper Montclair was built in 1865 as the residence of Barbara Walther, a longtime caretaker of the gardens. Shop at the fabulous Bloom Room for inexpensive holiday gifts. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served. There will be a piano player, light jazz, and Christmas carols.
Van Tassel Funeral Home, located at 337 Belleville Ave., in Bloomfield, was built in 1850 and has been serving the community since 1883. The historic building houses old pictures, stained glass, and artifacts. Listen to Christmas music while admiring the decorations. Take pictures with Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa. Free gift for each visitor. Decorate an ornament in memory of your loved ones for the Memorial Tree. Open Saturday only.
Other historic homes that include a ticket price are: The Newark Museum of Art – The Ballantine House at 49 Washington Street in Newark; the Blanchard Estate at 100 Blanchard Road in South Orange, the Crane House & Historic YWCA Museum at 108 Orange Road in Montclair, and Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, 211 Main Street in West Orange. For the complete brochure, click here.
Check out the art in Jersey City
Drawing Rooms presents its holiday fundraiser, “Take Home a Work of Art,” on Dec. 7 from 7–9 p.m. at Gallery 109 Columbus in Jersey City. More than 50 regional artists have donated original drawings, paintings, and sculptures to support the 20-room art center as it celebrates five years of exhibitions, studios, and community programs. For details, call 201-208-8032 or visit drawingrooms.org.
Holiday Bazaar for last-minute shoppers
The Kearny-Belleville Elks 1050 will host a festive Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 21, featuring crafts, vendors, baked goods, food, and plenty of door prizes—perfect for last-minute holiday shopping. Stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 601 Elm St.
A little Harry Potter magic
Kearny High School presents its senior play performance of “Puffs.” The play, “Puffs,” by Matt Cox, is a parody of the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling, but from the perspective of the “Puffs” – members of the Hogwarts house, Hufflepuff.
Performances are Dec. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. at the Kearny High School Auditorium. All proceeds go the the KHS class of 2026. Tickets are $6 for students and senior citizens and $8 for adults