From a new holiday market to a free Kwanzaa family festival and dazzling seasonal performances, Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has a full December calendar for families. Here is what’s happening, in date order, so you can plan your holiday outings.
December 10–20: New NJPAC Holiday Market
NJPAC’s inaugural Holiday Market opens Thursday, December 10, on Chambers Plaza, at 1 Center Street in Newark. More than 30 vendors will offer handcrafted jewelry, accessories, clothing, artwork, home décor and gifts inside a heated outdoor tent. Admission to the market is free; food and drinks are available for purchase.
Dates and hours: December 10–13 and December 17–20. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: noon–8 p.m.; Sundays: noon–6 p.m. See official Holiday Market details.
December 12: Christmas with Canadian Brass
Saturday, December 12, 3 p.m. — Victoria Theater. The brass quintet performs festive carols and familiar classics, joined by the New Jersey Youth Chorus: Coriste ensemble. A playful afternoon concert for families who enjoy live music.
December 12: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
Saturday, December 12, 8 p.m. — Prudential Hall. Orchestral instruments meet heavy-metal and rock anthems in a candlelit, gothic-inspired production. This may be better suited to older children and teens.
The Nutcracker. Courtesy of NJPAC.
December 13: The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 13, 3 p.m. — Prudential Hall. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents Tchaikovsky’s classic with hand-painted scenery, more than 200 costumes and the familiar dances of the Sugar Plum Fairy, flowers and snowflakes.
Watch NJPAC’s holiday season preview:
December 19: Free Kwanzaa Family Festival
Saturday, December 19, 1–6 p.m. — Free admission. NJPAC’s annual Kwanzaa Family Festival brings together generations for face painting, dancing, cultural storytelling, a candle-lighting ceremony, vibunzi and activities inspired by the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The Holiday Market is also open that day, noon–8 p.m.
December 19: Sacred Visions: Oru de Oro
Saturday, December 19, 7:30 p.m. This world premiere brings together Michele Rosewoman’s New Yor-Uba Ensemble and Danys “La Mora” Pérez Prades’s Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble in a performance blending jazz, Afro-Cuban dance, rhythm and storytelling.
December 20: Kesmas: Kes the Band
Sunday, December 20, 7 p.m. — Prudential Hall. Trinidadian band Kes brings calypso, rock and Caribbean rhythms to Newark for a lively seasonal concert. The Holiday Market’s final day runs noon–6 p.m.
December 26: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
Saturday, December 26, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. — Prudential Hall. This family-friendly holiday spectacular features aerial performers, jugglers, acrobats, singers, dancers and seasonal characters. NJPAC’s current ticket calendar lists both performances.
Plan Your NJPAC Visit
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Free experiences: The Holiday Market and December 19 Kwanzaa Family Festival. Ticketed shows: Admission prices and availability vary. Visit NJPAC’s official events calendar for tickets and updated details.
Event information and performance descriptions supplied by NJPAC.
Hockey meets K-pop in Newark on Thursday, October 22, as the New Jersey Devils host their first-ever K-Pop Night at Prudential Center.
The Devils take on the Anaheim Ducks in a special theme-night celebration bringing music, fan activities and K-pop-inspired entertainment to the arena. Whether your family follows hockey or has a K-pop fan who’s never been to an NHL game, it’s a fun excuse to experience both worlds together.
What to Expect at Devils K-Pop Night
Alongside the action on the ice, the Devils are planning K-pop music, themed in-game entertainment, concourse activities, special merchandise and food offerings. Fans can also look for DJ Nari, a themed photo booth, light sticks, T-shirts and collectible photocards. Check the team’s event information for availability and any purchase requirements.
A Different Kind of Family Night Out
One kid may know every K-pop song while another just wants to see the Devils score. A themed hockey night gives both something to get excited about, without having to head into Manhattan for an evening out.
Event Details
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026. Doors are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.; puck drop is 7 p.m.
A day at an amusement park can be one of those childhood memories that sticks around for years. But for many families, the cost of admission puts that experience out of reach. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, is helping change that with a donation of more than 1,200 tickets through nonprofit partner Tickets for Kids.
According to the park’s October 19 announcement, the tickets are valued at more than $80,000 and will help children and families facing financial barriers experience the park’s fall and holiday attractions.
Making fall and holiday traditions more accessible
The donated admission tickets are intended for children and families supported by community organizations, foster care programs, and youth-focused nonprofits. Experiences may include family rides, seasonal entertainment, Fright Fest, Kids Boo Fest, and the upcoming Holiday in the Park season.
“Fall and the holiday season are all about making memories with the people who matter most,” said Michael Fehnel, Park President of Six Flags Great Adventure. He added that the partnership is meant to make those experiences possible for children and families who might not otherwise have the chance to visit.
And here’s an important detail: the initial allotment has already been fully distributed to participating groups, according to Tickets for Kids. This announcement isn’t a public offer to claim free tickets.
What is Tickets for Kids?
Tickets for Kids Charities works with youth-serving organizations to connect children and families with experiences such as museums, concerts, sports, science centers, zoos, and other recreational activities. The goal is to help more kids participate in the experiences that make childhood memorable, regardless of financial circumstances.
“These tickets provide children and families with opportunities to spend quality time together, create lasting memories and enjoy experiences they may not otherwise have access to,” said Brandice E. Miller, Executive Director of Tickets for Kids.
More than a day at the park
There’s a lot to be said for a day when kids can simply be kids—riding something for the first time, laughing with friends, and making memories with their families. A partnership like this makes those moments possible for more children in our region.
Source: Six Flags Great Adventure press announcement, October 19, 2026. The initial donated ticket allocation has already been distributed; no public ticket giveaway is being offered in this article.
