Newport shined bright on the night of Wednesday, December 2^nd. The 14^th annual Newport Tree lighting was held along the Jersey City waterfront at 100 Town Square Place at 6:00pm.  Newport, Jersey City and Hoboken residents attended to watch the holiday spirit blanket the town.

Members of the Jersey City community were welcomed into Town Square by the sounds of Victorian carolers dressed in traditional garb singing all your favorite carols. This year two children from Jersey City, Aaira Choudhury and Marc Pustelnik, also had the honor of spending some one-on-one time with the big man in red to tell him their favorite things about Christmas.

Then it was show time! The children helped Santa and News 12 NJ’s Nick Medainis as they counted down from 10 before lighting the 30-foot tree. Immediately after, the town lit up as the incredible light-and-music show began. Continuing the fun, trackless train rides gave kids and their parents a front row seat to more than 200,000 LED lights around Town Square. Guests of the Jersey City tree lighting also enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa from Morton Williams, while the kids lined up to sit on Santa’s lap and take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Hoboken resident James Shaughnessy felt the spirt in the air that night. “Newport is such a welcoming section of Jersey City – they have so many community events that are open to the public. The tree lighting holds a special place in my heart though. I love seeing the light show and watching the kids’ faces as the tree lights up.”

All-in-all, the Newport tree lighting was a total hit! We can’t wait to see what Newport has in store for 2016! Be sure to check back regularly for more information on best local events in NJ in the New Year.