Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season by attending Elizabeth’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall. Held on the first Saturday evening in December, festivities include live musical performances, free photos with Santa, craft activities and workshops for kids, and of course, the dazzling tree lighting countdown. After the 50-foot blue spruce is illuminated with over 5,000 colorful bulbs, everyone enjoys mini doughnuts, hot chocolate, and other holiday treats. This free community event is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit with your family or group. City Hall is located in the heart of Elizabeth at 50 Winfield Scott Plaza.
Address:City Hall 50 Winfield Scott Plaza Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Phone: (908) 820-4131
Holiday Nights of Lights
One of New Jersey’s best holiday light displays is just minutes from downtown Elizabeth in nearby Union County. Holiday Nights of Lights at the Union County Turtle Back Zoo features over a mile of illuminated, animated animal sculptures, along with festive light tunnels and trees. Stroll along the sparkling trails, ride the holiday train, toast marshmallows, and enjoy live performances from carolers, choirs, and dance groups. Holiday Nights of Lights runs select evenings from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
Address: Turtle Back Zoo 560 Northfield Ave West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: (973) 731-5800
Ice Skating at Warinanco Park
Lace up your skates and take a twirl around the outdoor ice rink at Elizabeth’s Warinanco Park this winter. Open daily throughout the holiday season, the rink provides family-friendly fun in an idyllic park setting. An on-site concession stand serves piping hot cocoa and tasty snacks to keep you fueled as you perfect your figure eights and hockey stops. Skate rentals are available for just a few dollars. Gather the neighbors, co-workers, friends or relatives for a festive afternoon or evening of skating.
Address: Ice Rink 1 Park Drive Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Phone: (908) 558-4045
Holiday Light Show
Enchant your little ones with more than 100,000 dancing lights choreographed to beloved holiday tunes at the Magic of Lights drive-through show. Located at PNC Bank Arts Center, this family-friendly experience takes you through the mile-long display of vibrant displays all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Trying to corral the kids into multiple cars can be a hassle, but an Elizabeth Party Bus Company rental lets everyone stay together. Once inside, you can savor the nostalgic light displays as dazzling arches, snowflakes, and shooting star lights dance around you.
Address: Through Light Show PNC Bank Arts Center Exit 116, Garden State Parkway Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone: (732) 583-2448
Santa Land Village
Meet Santa and his merry elves at Santa Land Village, a beloved Elizabeth holiday tradition. Children can share their wish lists with St. Nick, decorate holiday cookies, and pose for photos at this winter carnival. Adults will delight in the intricate miniature Christmas village replicas. With rides, games, crafts, music, and photos with Santa, it’s a jolly event for all ages.
Address: 463 First Ave. Elizabeth, NJ 07206
Phone: (908) 289-1034
Holiday Performances
Celebrate the performing arts this Christmas season by attending a festive concert or show as a family, with friends or as part of a group. Venues across Elizabeth including theaters, schools, and churches host holiday performances like “The Nutcracker” ballet, Christmas choral concerts, and live retellings of “A Christmas Carol.” Surprise your crew by having an Elizabeth Party Bus Company shuttle pick them up and deliver them to the show ready to enjoy an evening of holiday entertainment. Avoid the headache of coordinating staggered arrival times and parking locations. Our professional team knows the best places to drop off and park near each venue. Some of Elizabeth’s most popular holiday shows include:
The Nutcracker at The Mills at Jersey Gardens
Phone: (908) 232-5666
A Christmas Carol at Crossroads Theatre
Phone: (732) 545-8100
Messiah Sing-In at St. John’s Episcopal Church
Phone: (908) 352-4870
Rent With Elizabeth Party Bus Company To Hit Every Holiday Happening
The holiday season truly is the most wonderful time of the year in Elizabeth, New Jersey. From the Annual Tree Lighting to Santa Land Village, there are so many festive ways for your family, friend group, or company to enjoy the season together. But hiring an Elizabeth Party Bus Company rental takes the hassle out of driving to multiple events across town. Our professional team will handle navigating holiday traffic and parking so you can focus on making merry memories. Reserve your holiday bus today by calling (551) 277-2791 and leave the transportation to us!