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HUDSON HAPPENINGS
Holiday Celebrations in Downtown Jersey
City: Tuesday, December 2nd
Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Music, a bounce house, and caroling. Toys will be given to children in need (registration required).
If You Go: Newark Avenue
Pedestrian Mall (near 160 Newark Avenue), Jersey City.
Time: 5:30 p.m..
Christmas Tree
Lighting at Fitzpatrick Park: Bayonne’s annual tree lighting celebration, featuring a musical performance and a visit from Santa Claus.
If You Go: Friday, December 5th Fitzpatrick Park, Bayonne.
Bayonne Free Four-Hour Parking for Non Commercial Vehicles
Mayor Jimmy Davis of Bayonne recently announced that the Bayonne Parking Utility lots will off er free fourhour parking for noncommercial vehicles in its parking lots from Monday, December1, 2024, through, Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Regular parking charges in the lots will resume for non-commercial vehicles on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Mayor Davis said, “The goal of the four-hour free parking program in the lots is to encourage people to shop and dine in Bayonne during the holiday season.”
Mayor Davis thanked the Bayonne Parking Utility for supporting the four-hour free parking policy again this year. He said, “The Parking Utility deserves our gratitude for offering free four-hour parking to non-commercial vehicles in the lots during the 2024 holiday season.”
The four-hour program does not apply to commercial vehicles or to on-street parking meters. All commercial and non-commercial drivers must continue feeding the meters on the streets. The paid permit program for commercial vehicles that park overnight in the lots will remain in effect. On certain dates in the holiday season that will be announced, parking charges will not be enforced for the entire
REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING 2026 CLASSES AT HCCC!
day. Otherwise, the free parking will be limited to four hours. In some previous years, there was free parking around the clock for a month. However, the program was abused by certain commuters who left their vehicles in free spaces all day, in order
to avoid paying for spaces at Light Rail stations. That is why the holiday season parking program was modified a few years ago to allow four hours of free parking at a time in the lots for a given non-commercial vehicle.
Hudson is Home! DISCOVER WHY
HUDSON HAPPENINGS
Jersey City 29th Annual Toy Drive Donations
2025
Donate new,
unwrapped toys to this event.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. City of Jersey City Hall, 280 Grove St.
Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Resident Response Center will be accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys to distribute to children in Jersey City.
Need to Call Us? 201-349-4336
Christmas in Secaucus Holiday Bazar & Pictures withSanta If You Go: Recreation Center 1200 Koelle Blvd. Secaucus 10am-4pm Pictures with Santa 12noon-2:00 PM 2:30 PM-4:00PM Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting 7:00PM Plaza Center
Party of Five DooWop Show
Tommy Fox’s Sunday, December 7th, 2025 5pm-8pm 32 S Washington Avenue, Bergenfield NJ Call for Reservations 201-384-0900
Mercy House Warms Hearts and Hands: 600+ Coats Distributed to Local Families
those in need.
Smiles and scarves filled the halls of The Mercy House as more than 600 winter coats and other cold weather essentials were distributed to people in need during the Archdiocese of Newark’s annual Winter Coat Giveaway from Nov. 3-5 in Jersey City, Newark and Elizabeth.
The Mercy House offered PSE&G kits containing conservation tools, such as faucet aerators and efficient-flow showerheads.
“Times are challenging for many people, but it’s especially hard for those without the means to stay warm in the winter,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House.
Staff and volunteers at each location, including student helpers from Seton Hall University, provided more than 200 coats for men, women and children of all ages. They also distributed hats, gloves, pajamas and other winter clothing. Additionally, to help community members save money and energy,
Mercy House Director Cheryl A. Riley (second from left) joined staff and volunteers in distributing coats to
HUDSON HAPPENINGS
Subconscious
City: New Story Collection
Illuminates the Loves & Lives of Jersey City Artists
Subconscious City: Love, Art & Artists –Jersey City/USA is a captivating blend of a novella and short stories, all set within the vibrant arts community of a North Eastern American city during the pre-pandemic years of the 21st century.
Authored by Timothy Herrick—a Jersey City-based writer, poet, and journalist—this collection offers an entertaining yet thoughtprovoking exploration of contemporary artists’ lives and the evolving role of visual arts in an urban landscape.
Published by Illuminari Press, Subconscious City also marks the debut of a bold new literary fiction imprint dedicated to honest, perceptive, and engaging explorations
of the modern human condition. Featuring some of today’s most talented and original voices, Illuminari Press is the latest venture from Dusty Saddle Publishing, a publisher renowned for its genre-defining works in Westerns, Romance, Military, and Horror. While it’s typical for major publishers to launch genre-specific imprints, a genre powerhouse creating a literary fiction imprint may be a ground breaking move. For a forward-thinking company always attuned to emerging audiences and reading trends, Illuminari is a natural evolution.
“ Illuminari taps into a fresh market—where are readers heading next?” said Nick Wale, DSP Chief Publicist.
“Our research into trends, combined with conversations with our authors, convinced us that literary fiction holds tremendous potential. We’re not just dipping our toes in—we’re diving headfirst. The time is now for literary fiction.”
The Subconscious City manuscript caught Wale’s attention after Dusty Saddle Publishing signed Herrick for his genre-bending Westerns. Last year, the publisher released The Gundersons and Lower Than Angels (Books I & II), the first installments in The Knolland Parables, a series of surrealist Westerns set in a morally intricate 19thcentury America. “Tim’s Westerns might not top
bestseller lists, but they’re vital to us because they redefine genre fiction,” Wale explained. “When he mentioned Subconscious City, we signed it immediately. Artists have revitalized cities across North America, Europe, and Asia—they’re woven into modern life—and no one captures their world with Tim’s humor, insight, and writerly skill.”
Herrick initially considered self-publishing.
“Other publishers weren’t interested in collections— Subconscious City is a novella and three short stories—or in tales of artists or stories that take place in Jersey City,” he said. “One story had been published and sparked interest, but then the pandemic shifted everything, especially here. After finishing The Gundersons, I saw Subconscious City as a snapshot of a vanishing chapter of the city and its artists. I revised the stories for cohesion, and
it became this book.”
A lifelong art enthusiast, Herrick has worked as a publicist for Jersey City artists and arts organizations and covered the local scene in his blog Dislocations (2009–2014).
A Stockton University graduate, where he studied under Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Stephen Dunn, he also was an MFA Fellowship Student at New School University. Learn more at Timhrklit.com.
The Final JC Fridays of 2025, December 5th, Features Free Visual and Performing Arts Events
Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director, Meredith Burns; Director of JC Fridays, Sunjay Venkatraman) is thrilled to announce the lineup for the final JC Fridays of 2025, taking place on Friday, December 5th. Jersey City’s premier quarterly arts festival, which is free and open to the public, will feature a diverse array of events, including visual art exhibitions, music performances, studio tours, and more, hosted at local businesses, galleries, studios, and arts organizations. Attendees are encouraged to explore multiple venues to discover new art and engage with the local arts scene. Complete event listings and an interactive map are available at www.jcfridays.com.
Jersey City is home to one of the most vibrant art scenes in the tri-state area, boasting a wealth of talented artists. JC Fridays provides a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with artists, experience their latest works, and immerse themselves in the creative community. This JC Fridays will be the largest festival yet, with over 45 free arts events around Jersey City. This JC Fridays is dedicated to the memory of Lauren Farber, in recognition of her life, her artistry, and her enduring legacy. Lauren Farber is the founder of Eonta Space and co-curator with Bayard and Dan Peyton. Lauren’s love and dedication to the arts will be forever remembered.
An interactive map is available at www.jcfridays.com to help patrons locate artists and venues,
as well as create personalized schedules.
Event Hosts Include: ART 150 JC, Art for Everyone, Art House Gallery, Arts 14C, Botánica Princesa, Ben Fine, Call Me Mia, Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District, Carri Louise Gallery & Boutique, Crema JC, Dames Espresso, DGA Studio, Dvora 175, Dvora Art House, Dvora Hamilton House, EONTA SPACE, Fine Arts Gallery at Saint Peter’s University, Gallery 14C, Gallery 495, Gallery at Imago Beauty, Griot Cafe, JC Instrumental, Meow Mini Mart, Nest Micro Apartments + Haley Buchan, Mon Mon Designs, Orlando Cuevas, Outliers Gallery, Project Greenville, Richard Larovere, Saint Peter’s University Rankin Hall Arts, Sky Realty, SMUSH Gallery, Speranza Theatre Company, Stephanie Romano, Team Wilderness, The Cannabis Place, The Firmament Gallery at Nimbus Arts Center, The Oakman, The Sculptors Guild and Tina Maneca, Tris McCall & Art House Productions, Uforia Dispensary, Undead Arts, Wing Bar, Zero Kid Vintage & more!
do tend to be that way), you’ll find he has some serious reflections for you on the nature of art, relationships, free will, and the autonomy of the spirit. You are invited to this literary and musical ceremony. Mark your calendars accordingly.
JC Fridays Highlighted Events –
December 5, 2025
HISTORIC
DOWNTOWN
Tris McCall Story Hour 345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302 8 PM –9:30 PM
Tris McCall reads “Rafe,” a tale for the turning of the year. It’s a feel-good story about a demon. We know what you’re thinking. But Rafe is really not that bad – or at least he doesn’t seem that way. He’s up from the Pit on holiday, and he wants to play the drums. After centuries of torment, it would be churlish for us to deny him the opportunity, don’t you think? So we’ll do what we can for him. Tris will read about him from McCall’s Almanac, his collection of short stories, assisted by some equally diabolical friends. They’ll sing and play some relevant songs and make a (slightly) unholy racket. And they’ll have a few of his favorite visual artists on hand to help bring the demon to life. Though Rafe is mostly out for himself (demons
JOURNAL SQUARE
Speranza’s Seasonal Shorts
298 Academy St, Jersey City, NJ 07306 7 PM –9 PM Seasonal Shorts invites audiences to welcome the holiday season with an evening of short, festive play readings presented by Speranza Theatre Company. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the program showcases original works from Speranza’s Women’s Playwrights Circle, offering a mix of humor, heart, and holiday spirit. This free event is open to the public; however, reservations are required as seating is limited. Guests will enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to experience new plays from local women playwrights. Free on-site parking is available, making attendance easy and convenient for all.
WEST SIDE
Cosentino & Gianakis at Rankin Hall Arts
Saint Peter’s University, Rankin Hall Arts 920 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07306
4 PM – 10 PM
Saint Peter’s University presents “Cosentino & Gianakis. Rankin Hall Arts. West Side Ave.”, an exhibition
celebrating the innovative and interdisciplinary practices of artists and faculty members Trish Gianakis and Daniel Cosentino. Presented by Rankin Hall Arts, the exhibition features digital art, sculpture, and immersive media exploring the intersections of technology, material, and human experience. Gianakis integrates augmented reality, 3D modeling, and digital fabrication to create participatory works that invite viewers into new aesthetic and conceptual dimensions. Cosentino’s practice merges photography, sculpture, and site-specific installation to investigate memory, form, and the unseen structures of communication. Together, their works exemplify the creative vision and collaborative spirit of the Department of Arts at Saint Peter’s University. The exhibition is located at Rankin Hall, corner of West Side Avenue and Montgomery Street, with parking available in the West Side Avenue lot.
THE HEIGHTS
JC Instrumental JC Friday’s Winter Social 3244 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07306 8 PM – 10 PM Come check out this creative space and meet the community of musicians, artists, music students, and other provocateurs of the arts! There will be an Open Mic, the works of some of our local artists, and snacks for all. This event is FREE but donations will be collected for a scholarship fund.
JCFridays
See Page 9
HUDSON HAPPENINGS
JCFridays cont’d from page 7
GREENVILLE
83 is a Prime Number 1542 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305 12 PM – 9 PM
The Community Impact Room at The Cannabis Place is an intimate venue where artists and performers can explore creative projects in a friendly neighborhood space. This December JC Fridays we are pleased to present the original Artwork of Jim Legge in photography, pen & ink drawings, and acrylic paintings. We are excited to welcome the original compositions and songs of Reggae Music performers Marcia Davis and Kalvin Kristi. Please sign up for our Open Mic and share your music, song, and poetry with us! We are Family Friendly, Free and Open to the Public. Bus 10 and 119 to the door –Bus 80 and 87 to Gates Avenue, and then walk to 1542 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Greenville, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Visit their website, jcfridays.com, for the latest updates and full event listings.
Art House Productions is committed to accessibility and inclusivity in all public programming. A list of wheelchairaccessible events can be found at www.jcfridays. com/blog/categories/ wheelchair-accessible.
About Art House Productions
Art House Productions is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to advancing the performing and visual arts in Jersey City. Through professional theater productions, visual art exhibitions, and community programs, Art House fosters creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility across all artistic disciplines.
Visit us in person at 345 Marin Boulevard or online at www.arthouseproductions.org. Follow @arthouseproductions on Instagram and Facebook, and @arthouseprods on Twitter.
Supporters
Art House’s 2025 programming is made possible through the generous support of:
An Anonymous American Foundation, Hudson County Cultural Affairs, City of Jersey City, Exchange Place Alliance, New Jersey State Council on the Arts (a partner of the NEA), Genova Burns, HDSID, Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, Jersey City Health and Human Services, KRE, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Panepinto Properties, Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, RWJ Barnabas Health | Jersey City Medical Center, SILVERMAN, Super Buy Rite, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the NJ Arts and Culture Renewal Fund, and many dedicated donors and volunteers.
Bring on the Jersey Holidays!!
Nimbus Brings Jersey Nutcracker to NJPAC, Kean Stage/Wilkins Theater, & Nimbus Arts Center/Jersey City
This December, Nimbus Dance’s Jersey Nutcracker embarks on its first-ever New Jersey tour, bringing its beloved, distinctly local twist on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to audiences in Jersey City, Newark, and Elizabeth. With dazzling new sets and costumes, an expanded youth cast from across the state, and performances at the Nimbus Arts Center, Kean University, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), this year marks a bold new chapter for Nimbus’ signature holiday production.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) –Newark, NJ
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 PM
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2
PM & 7 PM
Tickets: $69 – $82 (group rates available)
Ticket Link: HERE
Nimbus Arts Center –Jersey City, NJ
329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ
Friday, Dec. 19 at 7 PM
Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3
PM & 7 PM
Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 PM & 7 PM
Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 3 PM & 7 PM
Tickets: $30- $70 (group rates available)
Ticket Link: HERE
Stephen Mack photos to appear in River View Observer
Stephen Mack is a talented photographer who has worked with the River View Observer on many occasions. Beginning in 2026, We look forward to presenting his photos in upcoming issues. See one of his photos below.
River View Observer Supporting the Arts Since 1998
True Blue American Photo by Stephen Mack
www.exitonthehudson.com
If You have been thinking about selling a property –this is the ideal time to do it! We have qualified Buyers ready to purchaseJust not enough properties to show them!
Market values are at very favorable levels right now, and our well trained, professional agents are here to help guide you through the process. Let our experience and reputation for success work to your benefit. Call our office for a no-obligation appointment to discuss the possibilities with you. That noise you hear is Opportunity knocking!!
Hudson
County’s
Five Oldest Restaurants
Hudson County, from Bayonne to Guttenberg including West Hudson and Secaucus is not short, on fine dining.
There is always a new restaurant poping up in Hudson.
And Hudson County residents make it their business to always try a new restaurant.
We all have our favorite, and through this time honored habit of having your own favorite, there are a few restaurants that have the distinct honor of being Hudson County’s Oldest Restaurants still operating going into 2026. Hoboken
Elysian Cafe
Opened: 1895.
1001 Washington Street, Hoboken.
Cuisine: French bistro.
The establishment operated as an ice cream parlor and later a hair salon during Prohibition.
Leo’s Grandevous
Opened: 1939. 200 Grand Street, Hoboken.
Cuisine: Italian.
It is Hoboken’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant.
This classic Hoboken spot is known for its coal-fired oven.
Antique Bar & Bakery
Opened: The building’s bakery dates back 125 years, with the restaurant representing a more recent establishment.
122 Willow Avenue, Hoboken.
Cuisine: New American, steakhouse.
Bayonne Hendrickson’s Corner
Opened: 1884. Location: 671
Broadway, Bayonne. Cuisine: American classics, including steaks and burgers.
The building, a former Town Hall, still retains much of its original character, including stained glass windows. Jersey City
White Mana Diner
Opened: 1939.
470 Tonnelle Avenue, Jersey City.
Cuisine: Fast food, burgers.
This historical landmark was displayed as the “diner of the future” at the 1939 World’s Fair.
HUDSON HAPPENINGS
The Art House Gallery Presents The 8th Annual Affordable Art Show!
Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns and Gallery Director Andrea McKenna) is thrilled to announce the 8th Annual Affordable Art Show, curated by Andrea McKenna.
Running from Friday, December 5, 2025, to Saturday, January 24, 2026, the show opens with a public reception on JC Fridays, December 5, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and concludes with a closing reception on Saturday, January 24, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The gallery will be open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with extended hours in December. Normal hours of 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm resume in January. Private viewings can be arranged by contacting gallery@arthouseproductions.org.
Featuring over 300 works of art by 133 local artists, all priced at $500 or less, the Affordable Art Show highlights an incredible variety of unique, giftready pieces. This year’s collection includes paintings, photography,
small sculptures, handmade gifts, jewelry, and more—perfect for holiday shopping or adding to your personal collection.
“Our Affordable Art Show has become one of the most anticipated events in Jersey City’s vibrant arts scene—it gets better and better every year!” says Gallery Director Andrea McKenna. “With 133 talented artists and over 300 ready-to-purchase works, the show truly celebrates creativity and accessibility. Curating and arranging hundreds of stunning small works in our beautiful, streetlevel gallery is an exhilarating labor of love. It’s a chance to meet fresh talent, reconnect with old friends, and immerse myself in the incredible energy of our local art community.”
Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns adds “This is a cashand-carry show, so you really need to get here as soon as you can! The Affordable Art Show has become a beloved Jersey City tradition and is a wonderful way to find unique gifts for your loved ones while supporting local artists. With hundreds of pieces priced under $500, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re hunting for a special holiday gift or adding to your own collection.”
For list of artists participating visit www.riverviewobserver. net to read the entire article
Hoboken Historical Museum’s annual gala, History, Flappers, and All That Jazz—a speakeasy-inspired evening of glamour, music, and celebration!
December 6th 6pm-10pm If You Go: Hobokenn Historical Museum
1301 Hudson Street Hoboken, New Jersey 201-656-2240 info@hobokenmuseum. org
For information
The Hoboken Historical Museum Presents “Walking Around Hoboken: 40 Years Later” by Kevin McCloskey!
It is the 40 year anniversary of the publishing of Kevin’s book. The Museum is proud to feature Kevin’s groundbreaking illustrations from Walking Around Hoboken in the Upper Gallery. This exhibit is a precious time capsule reminding us of Hoboken’s past. Now -December 21st Step back into the Roaring Twenties
HUDSON HAPPENINGS
Each
Happy Holidays!!
Especially now, during this holiday season, we remain grateful to our clients, customers & friends.
You have helped us grow & prosper for over 20 years. We wish all good things to each of you, now and in the coming year!
Asking$2,275,000
and lifestyle amenities. Garage parking available. “New Pricing Incentives! Call us for more information!”
Asking$2,400permonth
Feels do much more like your own home than an apartment! The bright & spacious Bryant model end unit offers 1,775 sq ft across three thoughtfully designed levels. Nestled in a quiet cul-desac with views of the Bay. All appliances are included, garage + driveway parking, and more!
Asking$3,575permonth PRICE REDUCED!
BAYONNE
This lovely home offers open comfortable spaces, 4 large bedrooms, charming details plus room to grow – with an unfinished room on the upper floor that can be converted to a 5th bedroom or home office space. There are generous outdoor areas both in front of the home and in the backyard. Newer updates for style and function include siding, windows, flooring, bathrooms, and more.
Asking$688,900 NEW RENTAL! 2 BR UNIT w/ YARD ACCESS
This well-maintained apartment offers a bright primary bedroom with charming French doors & full walk-in closet. Also includes shared backyard access for outdoor enjoyment. Located in the Bergen Lafayette section of JC. Just minutes to Berry Lane Park, NJ Turnpike & Light Rail.
Asking $2,000permonth
The 1800 Sq.ft Bryant Model offers amenities of community living. 2 BR., 2.5 baths & hardwood floors throughout. The primary en-suite has vaulted ceilings,
INTERESTED IN OTHER AREAS?
We have access to 5 Multiple Listing Services covering Bergen, Union, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties in addition to all of Hudson County! And we can offer referrals to all of South Jersey through our affiliated EXIT Realty offices throughout the state ... Please don't hesitate to ask us about any location in New Jersey!!
Asking$599.000
The New Jersey Real Estate laws have recently changed how business is done!
There have been so many changes in the way Real Estate transactions are handled –it can be very confusing and a little overwhelming. Our agents are trained to help you understand and feel comfortable that you are being represented properly.
We look forward to the opportunity to assist you with your goals in Real Estate.
Whether it’s selling or buying a home, increasing your portfolio, or placing new tenants in your property … we are ready to provide you with a high level of service and a smooth transaction!
Our office has been serving the Hudson County communities and the surrounding areas with pride for over 20 years – and we want to share our expertise with you!
Please call our office for an appointment to discuss your goals and dreams!
