It’s never boring in the Meadowlands, especially around the holidays. Before you get bogged down with turkey-day shopping, here’s a few ways to kick back and have fun:
Rev Up Your Porsche at MetLife Stadium
The Northern New Jersey Region (NNJR) Porsche Club of America Autocross Event #8 will be held at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 18 in Lot L, hosted by the SCCA-NNJR. The event is a SOLO event. This is one of five events the NNJR Autocross held this season, including the Car Control Clinic At MetLife Stadium Lot L and Four Autocrosses At the Pocono East Course.
Advance registration is requested but walk ups will be accepted with a late registration fee. Same-day participants must check in at the truck. No cash payments. The Meadowlands has the right to cancel the event at any time. Participants should check AutoX4u.com for updates. Participants also must complete the MetLife waiver form.
Autocross offers a way to learn basic performance driving, and learn to push your car, and push your skills. Helmets, loaners, and instructors are available. Questions? Email autocross@nnjr-pca.com.
Enjoy a Cuppa While Building Connections at MCHQ’s Networking Meeting
On Nov. 16, the Meadowlands Chamber will be hosting its November Monthly Networking Meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event serves as a great opportunity to build connections with like-minded professionals and network with other people in your field.
Come by for coffee, talk shop, swap cards and do some business with local trailblazers in the Meadowlands. More information and registration here.
Festival of Friendship
Bolero Snort Brewery, 316 20th St., Carlstadt, is hosting the 2nd Annual Festival of Friendship on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 12 to 10 p.m. People are invited to try collabs with Czig Meister, Foreign Objects, Departed Soles and more. This event is free.
Big Snow Season Kicks Off
Mid-Atlantic Masters Ski Racing is kicking off their new season at Big Snow at American Dream Meadowlands on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. followed by food and drinks at the Yardhouse.
Sprint Into the Holiday Season with These Holiday-Themed Runs
On Thanksgiving Day, the Jersey City Turkey Day 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run will be taking place, starting at 10 a.m. The 5k costs $40 to register for, with an increase of $10 if done after Nov. 19. The Fun Run costs $15, or $25 after Nov. 19. At the end of the race, runners will be provided with hot chocolate and food. Participants will get the opportunity to run on the Jersey City waterfront with scenic views of the Manhattan Skyline.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens will be holding their Jingle Bell Dash 5k on Dec. 3, with proceeds going to Children’s Specialized Hospital. The race costs $35 or $40 if registered the day of the run. Check-in begins at 7 a.m., though the actual race does not start until 8:30 a.m., giving runners an opportunity to enjoy the complimentary breakfast provided as part of the event.
Towns Across New Jersey Announce Holiday Parades, Toy Drives
With the holidays approaching, that means that there will be holiday parades, where Santa Claus will drive around the neighborhoods of New Jersey on his sleigh, greeting eager children. One of the most notable parades is the Wallington Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Parade, which is America’s oldest & largest nighttime firefighter’s holiday parade.
The parade is taking place on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., traveling a total distance of 2 miles. The parade, which begins at the intersection of Mount Pleasant Ave. and Azalea Ave., will have 2,500 participants and 200 lighted and decorated fire trucks.
Secaucus will be holding their holiday parade on Dec. 2, with a variety of other events taking place throughout the day. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a holiday bazaar, tricky tray and photos with Santa. Starting at 7 p.m. is the holiday parade, music and lighting of the tree in the Plaza Center parking lot.
Jersey City will be holding their 27th annual toy drive from now until Dec. 5. Anyone interested in donating can do so by dropping off new, unwrapped toys at the town’s City Hall.
Bergen County Historical Society Celebrates Sinterklaas Day
On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Bergen County Historical Society will be kicking off the holiday season by celebrating Sinterklaas Day at Historic New Bridge Landing. Sinterklaas is a fictional figure based off of St. Nicholas, that is primarily referenced in Dutch culture. On Dec. 4, the Bergen County Historical Society will have all three 18th century Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses open for touring.
If you stop by the Society’s Dutch kitchen, you will find soft waffles, Dutch banket letters using puff pastry that is filled with almond paste, and other Dutch holiday goodies. Throughout the day, there will be activities including ornament making for families to partake in.
MetLife Stadium Hosts First-Ever Black Friday Football Game
Prior to the 2023 season, the NFL decided to implement a new tradition in the form of a Black Friday game broadcasted in conjunction with Prime Video. Football is synonymous with Thanksgiving, but for the first time ever, there will be a game the day after. The New York Jets were chosen as the team to host the inaugural game against the division rival Miami Dolphins.
The game’s unconventional nature has caused some aspects of the game to change, such as a 3 p.m. start time. Amazon will provide all fans with free access to the game, which will stream exclusively on Prime Video.