Elizabeth, New Jersey, comes alive each winter with the annual Holiday on the Square, a festive series of community events hosted at Union Square Plaza, conveniently located between Elizabeth Avenue and High Street. The 2025 season promises three Saturdays of family-friendly holiday fun, featuring a mix of interactive activities, seasonal treats, and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. Hosted by the Elizabeth Avenue Partnership (EAP), the event is entirely free and designed to bring together local families, friends, and neighbors for a true holiday celebration.
The schedule for 2025 offers something special each week. On Saturday, December 13, families can enjoy pony rides for children, providing a charming and memorable activity for young visitors. The season concludes on Saturday, December 20, with a petting zoo, ensuring one last opportunity for hands-on interaction with animals and festive entertainment before the holidays arrive. Earlier in the series, December 6 featured a Breakfast with Santa, giving families a chance to meet the jolly visitor over a holiday meal.
Beyond the featured attractions, Holiday on the Square offers a variety of ongoing activities that make the plaza a festive hub throughout each event. Santa Claus will be available for photos and visits, creating lasting memories for children and adults alike. Seasonal refreshments, including free hot chocolate and treats provided by local vendors, help visitors stay warm while enjoying the plaza’s holiday atmosphere. Families can also participate in ornament decorating, enjoy live music, and explore a selection of holiday-themed vendors offering gifts, crafts, and local merchandise.
Elizabeth is home to additional seasonal activities that complement the Union Square events. On December 16, the Elizabeth Police Department will host a meet-and-greet titled Hot Chocolate with Santa at Police Headquarters, followed by the EPD Escorts Santa event on December 18, where officers guide Santa through city neighborhoods for a festive parade. For those interested in a more traditional holiday experience, Liberty Hall Museum is offering Holiday Afternoon Tea on December 17 and January 6, providing an elegant setting to celebrate the season.
The Holiday on the Square series is accessible for visitors of all ages and is designed to create a sense of community and joy throughout Elizabeth. Its combination of interactive activities, seasonal refreshments, and opportunities to connect with Santa makes it one of the city’s premier holiday gatherings. Families can plan to arrive any time between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM on the scheduled Saturdays to enjoy all that Union Square Plaza has to offer.
For those looking to explore more seasonal events and recreational activities across the state, our New Jersey activities coverage offers comprehensive listings of family-friendly events, festivals, and outdoor adventures. Holiday on the Square is a prime example of the vibrant local celebrations that make New Jersey communities come alive each winter.
