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Red Bank Holiday Market: Waterfront Warmth, Hot Chocolate & Artisan Treats

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/05 .. erfront-warmth-hot-chocolate-artisan-treats.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 4:21 GMT by NorthJersey.com

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New Jersey’s Christmas Holiday Markets: A Food‑Lover’s Festive Tour

As the first snowflakes of December begin to fall across the Garden State, towns and cities alike transform into glittering winter wonderlands. NorthJersey.com’s recent feature on “Christmas holiday markets in NJ with great food” invites residents and visitors to explore a season‑long celebration of craft, cheer, and culinary delights. The article highlights a carefully curated list of holiday markets spread throughout New Jersey, each offering a unique blend of artisanal gifts, festive entertainment, and, most importantly, a menu of holiday‑season treats that would make even the most stoic Christmas card‑photo poser crack a grin.

1. Red Bank Holiday Market – A Classic New Jersey Holiday Experience

Located on the waterfront in Red Bank, the market is a staple of the county’s holiday calendar. The article notes that the venue opens on the first Saturday in December and runs through early January, with daytime hours that accommodate shoppers on a weekday too. The market’s charm lies in its “open‑air” setting, complete with string lights, live music, and a small stage for local choirs and community bands. Food stalls line the main walkway, offering roasted chestnuts, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, and a “s’more station” that invites families to indulge in classic campfire treats. A dedicated hot‑chocolate cart, served in clear plastic mugs with oversized wooden spoons, provides a warming break from the chilly December air.

The market’s website—linked in the article—offers a vendor list that includes a local artisan chocolatier, a boutique “hand‑painted holiday décor” shop, and a “farm‑to‑table” produce stand. The vendor roster is designed to give shoppers an authentic feel of the town’s culinary heritage, and the food offerings reflect that: a “sourdough hot cross bun” from a nearby bakery, a selection of mini cheesecakes, and a savory “mini pierogi” filling with seasonal vegetables.

2. Summit Holiday Market – The Sweet Spot for Sweet Tooths

Summit’s market, held on the town’s central green, is celebrated for its “sweet‑scented” atmosphere. NorthJersey.com points out that the market is a popular destination for families with young children, thanks to its interactive craft stations and a “kids’ cookie‑decorating” corner. In terms of food, the market offers a “holiday candy” selection that features locally made fudge, peppermint bark, and an “artisanal fudge fountain” that serves swirling chocolate with a choice of dips.

The article includes a link to the Summit Holiday Market’s official page, which lists the operating dates (mid‑December to the first week of January) and the volunteer “Christmas cookie committee.” The committee’s mission is to showcase the town’s baking talent and provide an “open‑to‑public” taste‑testing booth where visitors can try sample portions of gingerbread and snickerdoodle cookies.

3. Montclair’s “Holiday Market & Holiday Lights” – A Spectacular Blend

Montclair’s winter event is a “full‑scale festival” that merges a holiday market with a dazzling light display. The market’s stalls are set along the main street, featuring handmade ornaments, candles, and up‑cycled holiday décor. The food lineup is noteworthy: a “corn‑on‑cobbler” stand, an open‑fire “chocolate fondue” station, and a “popcorn bar” with caramel, cheese, and chocolate dusting options. The market’s official site, referenced in the article, lists a series of “food trucks” that rotate daily, giving attendees the chance to sample everything from classic New Jersey “fire‑topped pizza” to a vegan “pumpkin spice latte” stand.

In addition to the culinary highlights, Montclair’s market offers a “family photo booth” with holiday-themed props, as well as a “live band” that performs popular Christmas carols, a feature the article notes as a key draw for the town’s multicultural audience.

4. Princeton Holiday Market – A Touch of Ivy‑League Charm

Princeton’s market, a part of the town’s “Winter Market” series, offers a distinctly academic flair. It’s located on Nassau Street and features artisanal gifts like handmade scarves and “hand‑painted mugs.” The food component, as highlighted in the article, includes a “hot‑soup station” where visitors can choose between “chicken‑potato” or “minestrone,” and a “cheese board” featuring local dairy products. The “farm‑to‑table” focus extends to a “roasted‑nut” stand that sells spiced almonds, pecans, and walnuts.

The article links to Princeton’s event page, which details a “children’s workshop” that teaches paper snowflake crafts, and a “gift‑wrapping station” that uses recycled paper and festive ribbons. The market’s hours run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, with a free admission fee for the first two hours of each day.

5. Westfield Holiday Market – Family‑Friendly Festivities

Westfield’s market is a highlight for families, as noted in the article. The event is set up on Main Street and features a “toboggan” ride for kids, a “mascot photo” opportunity with a giant Santa, and a “tasting station” for artisanal honey and locally brewed cider. The food stalls serve a mixture of sweet and savory items, including a “s'more” bar, a “mini‑pizza” station with a variety of toppings, and a “sourdough bread” stand that offers warm, freshly baked loaves. The article points out that Westfield’s market also hosts a “live ice‑skating” show in a temporary indoor rink, which the vendors celebrate by offering “hot‑chocolate” and “apple cider” in mugs.

Westfield’s official website, linked in the article, provides a full list of the participating vendors and their specialties, including a “gift‑wrapping” booth that uses eco‑friendly packaging.

6. Other Notable Markets: Jersey City, Ridgewood, and Trenton

While the article primarily focuses on the six markets highlighted above, it also briefly mentions other towns that host holiday markets during the same period. Jersey City’s “Christmas Market” (in the historic downtown district) is noted for its “craft beer” and “hot‑chocolate fountain” stations. Ridgewood’s market, located in the borough’s town square, features a “holiday cookie bakery” and a “souvenir shop” that sells local memorabilia. The article mentions Trenton’s “Holiday Lights & Market” as a winter light show paired with a “food truck” festival, offering items such as “fried cheese curds” and “turkey sandwiches” with cranberry sauce.

Each of these markets has its own website, which the article references for exact dates, times, and a list of vendors.

How the Article Helps You Plan Your Holiday Shopping

The feature on NorthJersey.com serves as a practical guide for anyone planning to shop for gifts, gifts for guests, or simply wants to indulge in holiday treats while soaking up the New Jersey festive atmosphere. By providing a calendar of dates and a vendor list for each market, the article allows readers to decide which markets align with their interests—whether it’s the artisanal chocolates of Red Bank, the sweet‑treats in Summit, or the festive lights of Montclair.

Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of food in the holiday market experience. Readers can anticipate a “menu” that includes classic holiday treats like hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and warm baked goods. In a sense, each market offers a mini “food festival” in its own right, with a distinct culinary identity shaped by local vendors and seasonal ingredients.

Takeaway

If you’re looking for a holiday market that pairs craft, community, and a delicious culinary experience, New Jersey’s 2025 holiday markets have you covered. The NorthJersey.com article not only highlights the markets but also offers insight into their food offerings, making it an invaluable resource for shoppers who want to savor both the festive spirit and the season’s sweetest flavors. Mark your calendars, pack a scarf, and prepare to wander the streets of your favorite New Jersey town in search of the perfect holiday gift—and the most delicious treat to sweeten your holiday season.