As winter nears, Essex County comes alive with festive energy, offering diverse holiday traditions and joyful gatherings.

 

West Orange dazzles with the Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo through December, where families stroll under a canopy of over a million lights, helping neighbors in need with donations.

 

In Caldwell, the Holiday Play Village Toy Drive at the Blue Rose Venue invites children to explore themed play areas and participate in fun community activities, all while giving back with a toy donation.

 

Roseland celebrates creativity at the Essex County Environmental Center with a Holiday Wreath Making workshop and a family-friendly Hot Chocolate and S’mores Hike.

 

Culture shines in Newark at NJPAC’s jazz competition and A Christmas Carol performance, while Montclair offers seasonal beauty classes and literary galas.

 

These festivities truly make Essex County Jersey’s best community for the holidays.

The Maplewood Vintage Show returns for its sixth year on November 29 and 30, 2025, transforming the historic Woodland in Maplewood, NJ into a haven for vintage lovers.

 

Shoppers can browse over 35 curated vendors featuring unique clothing, accessories, jewelry, and home décor, all while supporting small businesses on Small Business Saturday.

 

Admission is free, inviting the entire community to explore these one-of-a-kind finds.

 

For early treasure hunters, ticketed Early Access Entry from 10 a.m. to noon offers first pick of the vintage selections.

 

Recent growth in Maplewood’s business community adds to the excitement, with AV Luxury Design, Maybelle NYC, and artist Sherry Sacks joining the Maplewood Village Alliance, enriching the town’s vibrant vibe.

 

Celebrate local creativity, find your next favorite piece, and enjoy the festive spirit in Maplewood.

Unemployed New Jersey residents can boost their job prospects through free training programs offering valuable certifications in high-demand fields.

 

SkillUp New Jersey gives access to over 5,000 online courses, covering careers in IT, business, customer service, and project management — perfect for newcomers and experienced professionals looking to level up.

 

The GAINS initiative helps fund apprenticeships in fast-growing industries, with a commitment to equal opportunity and economic equity.

 

For those targeting the green sector, the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge offers significant grants, supporting training programs that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

Schedule a meeting with a One-Stop Career Center counselor to explore eligibility, get guidance, and find the right training program for your goals.

 

Enhance your future with free, in-demand certifications and take action toward a rewarding new career.

Maplewood gathered at Town Hall for its 22nd annual Veterans Day ceremony, centering on healing, grace, and community unity rather than formal traditions.

 

Veterans and families shared deeply personal stories, recalling loved ones who served and sacrifices made across generations.

 

Heartfelt testimonies included memories of a South Orange resident’s father lost in World War II, visited only at his overseas grave.

 

Speakers urged the community to thank veterans not just for their service, but for the freedom they preserve—and to honor the families who stand behind them.

 

Jamaine Cripe led prayers focused on compassion, while Commander B. John Kaufman called for unity and civic responsibility.

 

Mayor Nancy Adams emphasized that the democracy veterans fought for needs everyone’s vigilance and participation.

 

Residents were encouraged to embody those values, ensuring that liberty and gratitude endure locally for generations.

The South Orange Performing Arts Center unveils ‘Lost and Found (and Lost Again)’, an engaging exhibition spotlighting artists Jake Guttormsson and Rob Weiss, curated by Jeremy Moss.

 

The show runs from November 13, 2025, to January 18, 2026, at the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery, with a free opening reception on November 13.

 

Guttormsson’s sculptural creatures, crafted from reclaimed materials, channel forgotten memories and invented mythologies, while Weiss’s paintings blend surreal forms and vibrant abstraction, capturing the push and pull between chaos and clarity.

 

SOPAC shines as a local cultural hub, supporting artists, students, and the broader community with accessible programming and intimate venues.

 

This November, South Orange also hosts the ‘Hats Off to Downtown’ shopping crawl and a Fall Community Planting Day, amplifying the town’s creative and spirited atmosphere.

 

Residents and visitors alike are invited to embrace these dynamic arts and community events.

Divorce often brings legal, financial, and emotional challenges that can feel overwhelming.

 

Vesta's New York/New Jersey Hub invites the community to a free webinar, "Divorcing? What Keeps You Up At Night?" on November 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM.

 

This live event features a skilled panel of attorneys, mediators, financial advisors, and coaches ready to answer tough questions and ease worries about the divorce process.

 

Participants may submit their questions beforehand, allowing the session to focus on personal concerns and offer relevant advice.

 

The webinar is open to anyone considering divorce, already involved in proceedings, or dealing with post-divorce matters.

 

Registration is required for confidentiality, and Zoom links are sent upon sign-up.

 

Vesta also provides complimentary 30-minute calls with co-founder Deanna Coyle for personalized guidance and professional connections.

 

Support is available—empowering you to approach each step with reassurance and clarity.

The South Orange and Maplewood Studio Tour marked its 22nd year, giving art lovers an inside look at the creative processes of over 100 local artists.

 

Carol Cassel Baker stood out by inviting guests to her Maplewood studio, sharing her talent across oil paintings, pastels, charcoal, and unique greeting cards.

 

Baker is also known for her Giclée printing, a fine art reproduction technique using archival inks for vivid, lasting pieces.

 

Her recent exhibit, "Face to Face," captured striking emotional connections through portraiture, playing thoughtfully with color and light.

 

The Studio Tour remains a vital event, connecting SOMA’s artists with the community at venues like the Parlor at the Woodland and the Loft at SOPAC.

 

Many artists, including Baker, continue to welcome visitors for private studio visits, keeping the local art spirit alive all year.

The Columbia High School boys’ cross-country team claimed a strong fifth-place finish at the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 championships, held at Greystone–Central Park in Morris Plains on November 1.

 

Junior Levi Taber-Kewene led the way, finishing 14th with a time of 16:44.97.

 

Key teammates included Julius Marshall, Nathan Simonich, Thomas Walmsley, Leo Klint, Evan Waller, and Ethan Hart, all contributing to the team’s advance to the state championships.

 

The top five teams move on to the NJSIAA Group 4 state championships at Holmdel Park on November 8.

 

The girls’ team narrowly missed qualifying, finishing sixth, but senior Keira Monagle stood out with a fifth-place finish and a 19:09.52 time, earning her an individual spot at Group 4 states.

 

This marks the second straight year both the boys and Monagle will represent Columbia at the championships, reflecting the program’s ongoing strength.

The Co-Lab at South Orange is celebrating its grand re-opening on October 4, introducing an innovative retail model designed to uplift local artists and small businesses.

 

Located at 57 South Orange Avenue, this nonprofit marketplace launches its Collaborative Marketplace, letting vendors offer handmade items without needing to staff a full storefront.

 

Consulting manager Cat Fisher and in-store manager Alexandra Weiss are leading the transition, promising streamlined support for vendors and customers.

 

Expect a rotating mix of unique products, with anchor shops like The Charmery and The Art Boutique, plus featured artisans such as Birdsong Candles and GreeneWare Artistry.

 

The Co-Lab continues to host events and workshops that highlight South Orange’s creative energy, ensuring downtown remains a hub for entrepreneurship and community connection.

The Maplewood Foundation, founded in 2023 to boost the quality of life for Maplewood residents, has selected seven local nonprofits as its first-ever grant recipients, awarding a total of $50,000.

 

After raising $1,020,000 from the community, the Foundation is nearing its ambitious $1.1 million goal for its inaugural year.

 

Grants ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 and went to organizations including Beloved Bath, Family Connections, Maplewood Village Alliance, and others, supporting work in education, recreation, cultural awareness, and racial equity.

 

A celebratory event, “Celebrate Maplewood,” will be held at The Woodland on December 2, featuring dinner, a comedy show, and dancing.

 

With a focus on diversity, equity, environment, arts, and emergency support, the Foundation aims to award five percent of its holdings annually, ensuring long-term impact through both Program and Seed grants.

 

Maplewood Village is gearing up for its annual Art Walk and Music Fest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM.

 

The event transforms the neighborhood into a lively hub of art, music, and community energy.

 

Over 50 talented artists—ranging from painters to jewelers—will display their works in a juried show and sale, offering a unique chance to support local talent.

 

Families can enjoy live music on every corner, with the Live Music Island curated by Gregory Burrus set to entertain crowds with a blend of genres.

 

Kids’ activities like face painting and crafts make it a day for all ages.

 

Local businesses will join in, serving special meals and unique shopping experiences.

 

Artists can register to participate until September 1, with early bird prices available through July 31.

 

Don't miss this energetic celebration of art, music, and local spirit in Maplewood.

Get ready for an evening of delicious food and lively community fun as the Seton Village Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival makes its anticipated return to South Orange on Friday, October 17, 2025.

 

From 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, Irvington Avenue will come alive with a diverse lineup of food trucks between Tichenor Avenue and Ward Place.

 

Guests can sample mouthwatering options, from gourmet pizzas and savory empanadas to irresistible sweet treats, promising something for every taste.

 

The festivities will also feature a Beer & Wine Garden sponsored by Gaslight Brewery, offering local brews and wines for the perfect pairing with festival eats.

 

Music from DJ Phillip Lee will set a festive tone as neighbors and friends gather for a memorable night.

 

Celebrate the spirit of South Orange and join in this beloved Seton Village tradition.

The Amaizing Hamilton Diner has opened at 1473 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, NJ, taking over the location of the former Maplewood Diner.

 

Locals are already enthusiastic about the menu, especially the breakfast sandwiches and omelettes.

 

The diner welcomes guests every day from 6 a.m. to midnight, making it a convenient choice for both early birds and night owls.

 

Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Amaizing Hamilton Diner is set on becoming a new favorite gathering spot for the community.