| Jersey City Free Public Library is excited to announce the long-awaited reopening of the Lafayette Branch Library. While the closure lasted longer than we initially anticipated, we are thrilled to welcome the Bergen-Lafayette community back into this revitalized space. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Lafayette Branch Library (307 Pacific Avenue) on Thursday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. The renovated branch will provide patrons with opportunities to come together, discover and cultivate new skills, and access the tools they need to thrive. With updated resources and inviting spaces, Lafayette Branch Library is poised to become a valued hub for community engagement and Lifelong Learning. Jersey City Free Public Library Director Terry B. Hill emphasized the importance of the Lafayette Branch Library’s reopening and its role in serving the Bergen-Lafayette community, “The revitalization of Lafayette Branch Library marks an exciting new chapter for Jersey City Free Public Library and for the residents of the Bergen-Lafayette community. Our upgraded branch represents more than a refreshed building—it’s a renewed promise to the people we serve. By expanding access points across the city and updating our facilities, we’re creating Welcoming Spaces where everyone can learn, connect, and feel supported. We’re proud to offer resources that meet people where they are and help them thrive.” The newly renovated Lafayette Branch Library received a full transformation. Updates to the space include new lighting fixtures and modern library furniture, creating a Welcoming Space for all patrons. A standout addition is the new community pod, which will serve as a private booth, offering a quiet and focused space for reading, studying, or working. The branch also features a flexible library area that can be easily rearranged to accommodate larger programs and events, ensuring the space can adapt to the community’s evolving needs. Additionally, the branch now has a fully ADA-compliant handicap ramp, allowing easy access for patrons using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or those with temporary mobility challenges. The significance of the Lafayette Branch Library’s reopening was underscored by the Jersey City Free Public Library’s South District Regional Branch Manager, Renee Moody, who reflected on the deeper meaning of the moment and the library’s role in the community, “This moment is more than a ribbon cutting — this is a homecoming. A library is a beacon, a place where dreams are sparked, where knowledge grows, and where everyone is welcomed with dignity and respect. The Lafayette Branch stands as a reminder that even through long waits and challenges, meaningful progress is always worth striving for. Let this be a celebration of our shared resilience and a source of inspiration for all we will continue to build together. Welcome to a new chapter for the Lafayette community.” As the Lafayette Branch Library reopens, Jersey City Free Public Library is pleased to welcome Joanne Johnson as the new Branch Manager. The branch is supported by newly hired staff, with additional team members joining in the coming months, all of whom are committed to providing excellent service and strengthening the library’s connection to the Bergen-Lafayette community. About Jersey City Free Public Library The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Library meets the needs of the community by providing a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for more than 120 years. |
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Events for Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 Jersey City, Hoboken, Secaucus and Kearny
Jersey City
Cookies with Santa
A social event featuring opportunities for photos with Santa Claus, cookies, and a gift card raffle.
Galeria Cafe, 110 Hutton Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307.
3:00 PM.
Heights Craft Corner In-Person
A craft hour to make fun projects and explore new materials. Registration is available, and 10 seats were left as of the source date.
Pershing Field Community Center (Offsite – specific address not provided, in Jersey City Heights area)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Jersey Nutcracker
A performance of The Nutcracker ballet, presented with “The Jersey Sound”. This is part of an ongoing run through Dec 23.
Nimbus Arts Center, 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
7:00 PM.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for 1888 Studios in Bayonne
On December 16, public officials and film industry executives took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the 1888 Studios, the motion picture and television production complex that will rise at the foot of Avenue A in Bayonne. The event took place inside a tent on the studio construction site, the former location of the Texaco refinery that closed in the 1980s. The new facility will include 23 soundstages on 58 acres. More than one million square feet of building space will be constructed. The construction phase is expected to produce 2,300 union jobs for the building trades. When the facility is complete and operational, it is expected to produce 2,000 union jobs. Paramount has already signed an agreement for a ten-year lease for a major portion of the 1888 Studios.
Speaking about Bayonne at the ceremony, Arpad (Arki) Busson, the President of the 1888 Studios, said that the production complex “will reshape the city for generations to come” and would make Bayonne “a global connector.” Mr. Busson thanked Mayor Jimmy Davis for making Bayonne “a most welcome place to do business.”
Paramount’s Global Operations executive, Jose Turkienicz, said that his company will lease 285,000 square feet of space at the 1888 Studios. He called the studio complex “a major step forward” and a source of “creative momentum.” A former New Jersey resident, Mr. Turkienicz, thanked the state’s public officials for supporting tax credit programs for the film industry in the Garden State. He said that the 1888 Studios were “building a future.”
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Bayonne-New York Ferry Terminal
The City of Bayonne, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and New York Waterway held a groundbreaking ceremony on December 17 at the future location of the Bayonne-New York ferry. That parcel is located on the southern side of the former Military Ocean Terminal, about one mile east of the main part of Bayonne. The future terminal will be located next to a former military motel, located at 51 Port Terminal Boulevard.
Art House Productions Opens Submissions for the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival Stand-Up Competition
Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns and Jersey City Comedy Festival Co-Producer Rich Kiamco) invites comics to apply for the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival stand-up competition, taking place June 9–13, 2026.
Now in its 7th year, the Jersey City Comedy Festival has become one of the region’s most exciting comedy events, bringing together nationally recognised headliners, emerging talent, and enthusiastic audiences to the heart of Jersey City. The festival celebrates stand-up comedy, promotes diversity and inclusion, and provides unique opportunities for networking and career growth.
Submissions for the stand-up competition open December 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Interested comedians can apply and submit their stand-up reel at jerseycitycomedyfestival.com.
Events for Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne and Secaucus for Thursday, December 18, 2025
Jersey City Events
Jersey City Cabaret: The Holiday Show
A holiday-themed cabaret performance.
Art House Productions, 345 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
7:30 PM.
ROTOSCOPE Live (Holiday Food Drive)
Live music event with a holiday food drive. No cover charge.
Pet Shop, 193 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
7:00 PM.
WSA Mix & Mingle Fundraiser
A fundraiser to support autism acceptance, featuring drinks, bites, music, and raffles.
The Stork Club Rooftop, 2 Chapel Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305.
7:00 PM.
Events for December 13th, 2025 Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne and Secaucus
Jersey City
Historic Downtown Jersey City Happy Holiday Handmade Market December 13, 14, 20, 21 11 AM – 6 PM
Winter Festival – Enjoy crafts, hot cocoa, caroling, and photos with Santa and the Grinch.
CRRNJ Train Terminal, 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Happy Holiday Market – Shop from various vendors at an outdoor plaza and indoor rooftop, which will also offer brunch and bar service.
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, 145 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
11:00 AM
Events for Friday, December 12, 2025 Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Secaucus and North Bergen
Events for Thursday, December 11,2025 Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne New Jersey
Events for Wednesday, December 10,2025 Hoboken and Jersey City
Things to do tonight
Hoboken
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
HFA Holiday Party
A festive afternoon with arts & crafts, live music, light snacks, hot chocolate, and storytime with Santa at 5:00 pm. Proceeds contribute to a toy drive.
The Hoboken Biergarten, 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken, NJ
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
DIY Metal Ornaments Workshop
A hands-on workshop to learn how to make metal ornaments.
Hoboken, exact location not specified in the snippet, please check the source for details
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Wicked (Movie) Trivia
A trivia event focused on the movie “Wicked”.
Black Bear Hoboken Bar & Grill, 205 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ
7:30 pm
Jersey City
Longest Night Campaign 2025
A benefit event to raise awareness and support for the homeless of Hudson County.
Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House, 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ
6:00 pm
Write with Flights – Holiday Writing Workshop
Details: A generative writing workshop for writers and non-writers, intended to stimulate creativity.
Departed Soles Brewing Company, 150 Bay Street, #2A, Jersey City, NJ
7:00 pm
Board Game Night
A social event involving tabletop games.
The Hutton Restaurant and Bar, 225 Hutton Street, Jersey City, NJ
7:00 pm
General Trivia Night & TOTEM Trivia Night
General knowledge trivia competitions. General Trivia Night is at Tapville Social. TOTEM Trivia Night is at Ed & Mary’s (suggested $50 team donation, 21+).
Tapville Social (30 Mall Drive West, Jersey City, NJ) and Ed & Mary’s (174 Coles Street, Jersey City, NJ)
7:00 pm
Singles Mixer in Jersey City
A social event for singles to mingle and make new connections (admission starts at $42).
The Atelier On The Hudson, 32nd Street, Jersey City, NJ
7:00 pm
