Joe Matarese Brings Holiday Humor Home, Aiming to Create a New New Jersey Tradition

For comedian Joe Matarese, returning to New Jersey in late December is more than just another date on the calendar. His December 27 performance at the Scottish Rite is a homecoming of sorts, one he hopes will grow into an annual holiday tradition rooted in familiarity, laughter, and a distinctly local point of view.

Matarese’s comedy has long drawn from the rhythms of everyday life in New Jersey, where family dynamics, neighborhood quirks, and generational habits provide an endless supply of material. Performing during the holidays only amplifies that connection. It is a time when people are already swapping stories, revisiting old routines, and laughing about shared experiences, all elements that align naturally with his observational style.

Those local ties have been central to Matarese’s career from the start. He began performing stand-up at a time when open mics and word-of-mouth still defined the early climb. Night after night, he refined his voice in clubs and small venues, learning how to read rooms, sharpen timing, and develop the kind of material that resonates beyond punchlines. The process was slow, deliberate, and built on repetition rather than instant visibility.

Today, the landscape looks very different. Social media has become both a megaphone and a proving ground for comedians, offering unprecedented access to audiences while demanding constant output and adaptability. Matarese has embraced the shift, using online platforms to share clips, test ideas, and stay connected with fans, but he remains clear about where comedy truly lives. The stage, he says, is where material earns its stripes, where jokes either land or fall flat in real time.

That balance between digital reach and live performance has shaped how Matarese approaches building an audience. Online exposure may open the door, but consistency and authenticity keep people coming back. His ability to speak to shared experiences, particularly those familiar to New Jersey crowds, has helped him cultivate a loyal following that spans generations.

The Scottish Rite show reflects that philosophy. Rather than chasing spectacle, Matarese focuses on creating an environment that feels comfortable and communal, where the humor flows naturally from recognition. By anchoring the show during the holiday season, he hopes to give audiences something to look forward to each year, a chance to step away from the stress of December and laugh at the absurdities that come with it.

For New Jersey’s thriving live entertainment scene, performances like this reinforce the importance of local venues and artists who understand their audiences. Stand-up comedy, at its best, thrives on connection, and Matarese’s approach embodies that principle. His December return is not just a performance but an invitation to make laughter part of the holiday routine.

As live comedy continues to evolve, New Jersey remains a fertile ground for voices that reflect its character, humor, and shared experiences. For those looking to explore more performances and artists shaping the scene, Explore New Jersey’s stand-up comedy coverage offers a window into the talent bringing laughter to stages across the state.