Visit Downtown for the Holidays
Photo Credit: MOUNA MOUSSA
Winter in Newark arrives not just with a chill in the air but with an unmistakable energy that transforms the city into a festive playground of culture, creativity, and community. At the heart of this seasonal magic is the Newark Winter Village at Mulberry Commons, located at 162 Mulberry Street, across from the Prudential Center in downtown Newark.
The Winter Village 2025–2026 season runs from Nov. 29 through early January, Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, though reservations are required for certain activities like ice skating and igloo rentals. Ice skating tickets cost about $15 for adults and $10 for children (or $10 if you’re bringing your own skates), while heated private igloos rent for $50–$75 per hour, depending on size.
Photo Credit: MOUNA MOUSSA
In addition to ice skating and “chilling out” in igloos, visitors can also go go-karting on the ice. And, of course, there’s the seasonal marketplace filled with local vendors and one-of-a-kind merchandise. Special programming— like Learn to Skate nights, Pride nights, and other community-focused events—also pop up throughout the season. Visit newarkwintervillage.com for more information and to make reservations.
Kwanzaa Family Festival & Artisan Marketplace
Get your loved ones talking about the one of- a-kind gifts you found for them this holiday season! Local artists and designers will sell handcrafted clothing and hats, jewelry, candles, home decor, natural beauty products, crystals, and more at the Kwanzaa Artisan Marketplace at NJPAC. The marketplace will be open Friday, Dec. 19, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.—perfect for those with tickets to gospel great CeCe Winans’ performance— and Saturday, Dec. 20, 1:00 – 11:00 p.m.
EqualSpace Holiday Pop-Up
Photo Credit: COURTESY OF EQUALSPACE
Just a few blocks from Newark Winter Village, the EqualSpace Holiday Pop-Up event will bring holiday shopping into the neighborhood with a curated market of local creatives. The event will be held Dec. 9 and 11, from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the EqualSpace ES550 Campus at 550 Broad Street. There will be vendors, music, sweet treats, hot cocoa, coquito, raffles, and more. Visit equalspace.co for more information.
The Pillars
L to R: Tansy, Pooka Pure & Simple
Photo Credits: CITY OF NEWARK
Another destination for holiday shoppers is The Pillars, a brand-new 15,000-square-foot retail and community hub developed by Audible at 33 Washington Street. The official ribbon-cutting took place on Oct. 15, 2025, and The Pillars is now open to the public. Current hours are Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Inside The Pillars you’ll find carefully selected local businesses, including:
■ Tansy, a women-owned home goods and plant store, offering classes and curated botanicals.
■ Pooka Pure & Simple, known for its bath & body products and DIY workshop.
■ HealHaus, a wellness destination that offers meditation, yoga, breathwork classes, and a wellness café.
