This article is sponsored by Willow Lake Day Camp.

Winter is in full force here in Northern New Jersey: zipped coats, chilly mornings, packed schedules, and spring still feeling far away. But if you’re a New Jersey parent already dreaming of summer, you’re not alone — and camp sign-ups and seasons come quickly. Between juggling busy schedules and counting down the days until warmer weather returns, it’s only natural to start picturing sunshine-filled days, outdoor adventures, and those classic summer camp memories that kids (and parents) talk about for years.

The good news? That magic exists. Located at 200 State Route 181 in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, Willow Lake Day Camp has been bringing summer magic to local families for more than 40 years. Trusted year after year, the camp focuses on what matters most to parents: communication, safety, and the assurance that every child is cared for throughout the day. Read on to learn more about what sets Willow Lake Day Camp apart from other New Jersey summer camps.

Why Families Choose Willow Lake

Parents today have no shortage of summer camp options in New Jersey. What truly sets Willow Lake apart is its attention to every detail and every camper,  along with its excellent communication and a warm, caring atmosphere. With age-appropriate facilities and equipment and a dynamic program that grows with campers as they get older, every child is seen, supported, and valued. Nothing is treated as “minor,” whether it’s managing allergies and health concerns or sunscreen applications and daily check-ins.

“Families often say Willow Lake feels more like a sleepaway camp experience with the comfort of coming home every night,” according to its Director, Charles Maltzman.

Set on 35 acres along the north shore of Lake Hopatcong, Willow Lake is a family-owned and operated camp that has been welcoming campers ages 3-15 since 1980. Families come from across Hudson, Essex, Morris, and Union Counties, including many right here in Montclair and the surrounding area, and are drawn by the camp’s reputation for safety, variety, and care.

A Day at Willow Lake

At Willow Lake, the day doesn’t just start when campers arrive. It starts the moment kids get on the bus. Bus rides are fully programmed with games, trivia, and age-appropriate music playlists, setting the tone for a fun, engaging day. Upon arrival, campers are greeted by smiling counselors and brought to their designated arrival areas before jumping into a well-balanced schedule of Aquatics, Athletics, Arts, and Adventure.

Younger campers are exposed to a wide variety of activities, while campers entering 2nd grade and older begin to customize part of their day through elective choice, which builds their independence and confidence over time. The facilities are thoughtfully designed so even the youngest campers can hit a homer, zip line, climb, swim, and create art in spaces built just for them.

With four heated pools, campers receive daily small-group swim instruction from one of Willow Lake’s 40 certified lifeguards, followed by recreational swim time to cool off in the afternoon. It’s the kind of place where kids feel confident, cared for, and excited to come back each day- sign us up!

Across the property, campers get access to:

• 20 sports fields and courts
• 2 lakes for boating and fishing
• 15 dedicated art areas
• 6 zip lines and 3 adventure parks
• 2 cooking studios
• A full theater program featuring productions like Shrek, The Lion King, and Wicked

No two days feel the same, and every day is intentionally structured to balance fun, growth, and safety.

Keeping Campers Safe at Willow Lake

Safety is at the heart of everything Willow Lake Day Camp does. The camp employs over 150 teachers and nearly 200 high school and college-aged staff members, many of whom return year after year. Two full-time team members focus just on hiring and staffing, making sure every program has the best people in place. Each camper has 2 – 4 dedicated counselors, depending on age, so there is always a familiar face around and every activity is supervised by trained adults, coaches, or teachers.

Willow Lake’s 40-person Leadership Team includes educators, school counselors, and seven full-time registered nurses, overseeing two fully staffed on-site health centers. The owners and directors work year-round planning for camp and are on-site every single day throughout the summer, making sure everything runs smoothly and every camper feels supported.

Hands-on Leadership and Expert Directors at Willow Lake

For many families, Willow Lake represents important firsts. The first time sending a child to a non-local camp, the first time their kid rides the bus, and the first step toward independence. The directors take that responsibility seriously, creating a true partnership with parents built on trust and communication.

As parents themselves, the leadership team pays attention to both the obvious and the overlooked, from hydration and sunscreen to emotional support, confidence-building, and teaching the “soft skills” that screens can’t. Their philosophy centers on helping campers grow, try new things, build friendships, and gain skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

A great camp experience isn’t just about what happens during the day. It is also about peace of mind for parents. At Willow Lake, details like transportation, meals, and communication are thoughtfully planned to help ensure campers are safe, happy, and well cared for.

Transportation
The camp offers central-location bus pickups in many surrounding towns. Buses are seatbelt-equipped, inspected daily, and driven by professional, year-round drivers. Two Willow Lake counselors ride each bus to ensure both safety and fun, and fewer stops mean quicker, safer rides.

Food & Allergies
Campers receive a morning snack, a full hot lunch, and an afternoon ice pop each day. Willow Lake works with an experienced caterer who serves school districts and is fully equipped to handle allergies and special dietary needs like celiac, kosher, and more. All of the camp is nut and seed free. Lunch includes hot meals plus salad, pasta, bagel, and sandwich bars, fresh fruit, yogurt, and more, with staff seated alongside campers to ensure everyone is eating well.

Communication
“Clear, consistent communication is incredibly important to us,” says Charles Maltzman, Director at Willow Lake. “From prompt responses to calls and emails to weekly newsletters and daily access to more than 1,000 private photos, we want families to feel connected to their child’s camp experience every step of the way.” Willow Lake is widely praised for its customer service and transparent communication. Families receive prompt responses to calls and emails, weekly newsletters, and access to over 1,000 private photos posted daily, so parents can truly see their child’s camp experience unfold.

All Camp. All the Time.

Sure, it may be winter right now, but those warm lake days will be here before we know it. When they arrive, Willow Lake Day Camp is ready to deliver what they promise year after year: Best. Summer. Ever.

The best summer memories don’t happen by accident; they’re built with intention. From carefully planned activities to safe, caring staff, every detail is designed so campers can have fun, grow, and make memories that last a lifetime.

To learn more about dates, rates, and enrollment, visit Willow Lake Day Camp’s website. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram for a peek into daily camp life and upcoming summer fun. Because the best summer memories start now- even in the middle of winter.

The post This North Jersey Day Camp Has Been a Favorite Since the ‘80s appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

For the holiday revelers who have enjoyed the pine scent of a real Christmas tree at home this season, the unfortunate part you’ve dreaded is here — taking down the tree. From squeezing it through narrow brownstone doorways to elevators filled with needles to wrapping your tree in a fitted sheet like a dead body, sometimes it feels like the tree always wins. Luckily, we’re here to help with what to do — and not do — when it’s time to take down the Christmas tree. Read on to learn what to do to safely and responsibly dispose of your tree in Northern New Jersey.

Christmas Tree Do’s

Municipalities throughout New Jersey all have their tree collection schedules. In most cases, the trees are chipped and made into mulch, which is often freely available to residents.

Hoboken — Trees should be placed at the curb on Tuesday or Thursday evenings after 7:30 PM (after 9:00 PM on Washington Street).

Jersey City — Place your tree curbside Wednesday evening between the hours of 7:00 PM + 10:00 PM. Trees are picked up every Thursday citywide through January 29th.

Weehawken — Curbside pick-up is easy, but needs to be arranged with the Department of Public Works.

Montclair — The Parks and Shade Tree Division at the Department of Community Services will collect Christmas trees from curbside throughout January weekly.

Read More: A Guide to Parking in Hoboken During a Snowstorm

Christmas Tree Don’ts

For curbside pickup, Christmas trees must be free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, stands, and anything else that isn’t a tree. Do not wrap the tree or put it in a garbage bag. Wreaths and garlands are not part of the municipal tree pickup. You’ll have to put those with your regular garbage.

It should go without saying that you cannot recycle your artificial Christmas tree, but we’ll still say it here just in case.

Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire. It’s also worth noting that coniferous needles contain nitrogen and substances called terpenes, which are highly toxic when burned, making the smoke unsafe.

Fire Hazard

Strictly speaking, a real Christmas tree is always a fire hazard. As the needles start to dry out, that fire risk increases. Four weeks, continuously replenishing the water, is the generally recommended time for safely keeping your tree up. That’s separate from the tradition that directs Christmas tree removal 12 nights after Christmas (yes, like the song), on the Christian day of the Epiphany, January 6th, that celebrates the three Wise Men who followed a star to make it a bit late for the baby Jesus welcoming party.

If you’ve invested in an artificial tree, all rules are off. Feel free to keep that baby up year-round as a coat rack, fully decorated for Christmas in July, or for whatever purpose you wish.

Get Crafty

Everyone is a maker these days. The more techie our work lives get, the more we want to construct something with our hands. Your old Christmas tree offers up quite a few potential projects if you aren’t quite ready to kick it to the curb.

Wider parts of the tree’s trunk can be cut into tree rounds and used for all sorts of things. You can make coasters and trivets from the rounds and tic-tac-toe game sets from assorted pieces. Cut a groove in a piece of wood for a card stand to keep your wifi login on display for guests. Make fresh-scented sachets from the needles. Bird feeders are an easy project and act of kindness to the birds: cut a foot-long branch off your tree, cover it in peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, hang it from a tree outside, and start waiting for spring.

See More: Cozy Things to Do in Montclair This Winter

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post How to Properly Dispose of Your Christmas Tree appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Winter in Hoboken and Jersey City is cozy despite the city vibes: quiet streets, warm cafés, comfort food, and any excuse to slow things down a bit. But if you find yourself defaulting to scrolling when the temps drop, you’re not alone (we’re doing it too!). That’s why we put together a phone-free winter guide filled with cozy, indoor, creative, and local activities designed to help you unplug and actually experience Hoboken + Jersey City this season. The irony is not lost on us that you’re probably reading this from your phone, but we all have to start somewhere, right?  From pottery classes and paint-and-sip nights to ramen crawls, bookstores, and wellness workshops, this list is all about being present (and staying warm while you do it). Read on for the Hoboken Girl’s Guide to a Phone-Free Winter. 

Click here to download the full Phone-Free Winter Guide (PDF)

Why Go Phone-Free This Winter?

Winter invites us to slow down, and leaning into that energy can make the season feel grounding instead of gloomy. Choosing phone-free activities helps create space for creativity, connection, and calm (plus, it’s a great excuse to support local businesses). We’re not experts at this, but we’re trying right along with you.

This guide was curated with:

• Cozy indoor experiences
• Hands-on crafts & workshops
• Local food, drink, and culture
• Activities that feel intentional, not rushed

This guide is for anyone looking for something different to do on a cold winter weekend, planning a phone-free date night, trying to beat seasonal burnout, or craving a slower pace. It’s meant to be saved, printed, or shared, but just something you can actually use (and print, if you’re being really hardcore).

Once you put your phone down (after this last click, of course!), grab a coat, and lean into winter around Hoboken and Jersey City. There’s plenty to do once you stop scrolling!
We’ll see you in the great outdoors (or online, but less frequently when possible – tricky for a team of journalists).

Download the curated Phone-Free Winter Guide for Hoboken + Jersey City

The post 25+ Analog Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City to Do This Winter appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

One of the top winter activities to take part in this season is ice skating. Previous experience isn’t required to have a good time, and learning can be just as fun as watching pros glide around the ice and perform tricks. Whether you want to brush up on your blades or are just there for a good time, ice skating can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Keep reading for a list of ice skating rinks in North Jersey and New York City to enjoy the winter weather outside.

New Jersey

Ice House | 111 Midtown Bridge Approach, Hackensack

The largest facility of its kind in the tri-state area, Ice House has four NHL-sized rinks for various purposes. Passes are available for the public skating sessions, the dates of which are updated monthly on the rink’s website. The main attractions at this rink are figure skating and hockey.

Ice Rink at Newark Winter Village | Mulberry Street, Newark

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In downtown Newark, an open-air festival is held every year during the holiday season. Activities from go-karting to hanging out in an igloo are some of the activities visitors can partake in here. This festival also has an outdoor ice rink. Online registration is required to reserve a spot for ice skating. The rental fee is $15, which includes the skates for adults or children. There is an option for guests to bring their skates for a reduced admission fee of $10.

Read More: The Best Holiday Cocktails to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City

Mackay Ice Rink | 130 West Englewood Avenue, Englewood

Mackay Ice Rink has public skating, learn to skate, hockey programs, and birthday parties. Registration and payment are exclusively online in Englewood’s CommunityPass program.

Montclair State University Ice Arena | 1 Arena Drive, Little Falls

Skate rentals are included in the $20 fee for public skating at Montclair State University Ice Arena, located on Montclair State’s campus. Public skate sessions take place Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with additional sessions available each week. Online registration is required and non-refundable, so ice time is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Newport Skates | 95 River Drive South, Jersey City

Located right on the Jersey City waterfront, Newport Skates is open from November to March, weather permitting. It has lessons as well as public skate sessions, and rentals are $7. Residents of the Newport complex get discounted admission.

The Rink at American Dream Mall | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford

The NHL-sized arena is just one of the many offerings at American Dream Mall, but tickets must be purchased days in advance. Prices for a one-hour skating slot vary depending on age and peak versus non-peak days. Helmets and skate aids are available but limited.

Secaucus Ice Rink | 150 Plaza Center, Secaucus

The town of Secaucus has open skate times on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM; Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM; Saturdays from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, and 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM; and Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 7:30 PM -9:30 PM. It is an open-air rink that is typically open from October through March. The facility is located inside of Buchmuller Park and is used as a field surface when not in use as an ice rink.

New York City

Chelsea Piers Sky Rink | 61 Chelsea Piers

The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers has been in operation since 1969. Preregistration is required, so head to their website to check out more information. Skate rental is available on-site.

The Rink at Brookfield Place | 230 Vesey Street

Voted the best place to skate in New York City by multiple publications, this outdoor rink has city views during public skate time that are available every day and on holidays. An hour-long session is $15, and skate rentals are an additional $5 during weekdays. Prices change on weekends, so be sure to check their website for more information.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center | 600 5th Avenue

One of the most iconic rinks in Manhattan, the Rockefeller Centre ice rink has views of the entire plaza and is seasonally decorated. The first and last skates of the day are discounted, and free lockers are available to keep your things safe while you skate.

Winter Village at Bryant Park | 40th Street + 6th Avenue

Visitors to the Winter Village can break up their shopping spree with some time on the ice.  Time slots must be booked online, regardless of whether or not patrons are renting skates.

Wollman Rink at Central Park | 830 5th Avenue

Public skating is offered every day at this historic rink, complete with amazing skyline views. Public skating tickets can be purchased online or in person, and prices can range for adults, seniors, and children depending on the day of the week.

See More: Indoor Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City

Follow @thelocalgirlhq on Instagram + TikTok for the latest updates on Hoboken, Montclair, Bergen County, and more, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Lifestyle

The post A Guide to Ice Skating Rinks in North Jersey + NYC appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

When there’s snow in the forecast, that means city residents have to scramble to find a parking situation that works for them. It can be a struggle to find parking on the daily in the Hoboken area anyway, so snow always complicates things. But don’t stress when there’s an upcoming flurry. We’ve come up with the ultimate guide for all of the snow-related questions you might have in Hoboken so there are no worries in sight (and so you hopefully won’t have to dig your car out the next morning!) Keep reading for all the details we’ve collected about parking, snow routes, traveling, and more.

DO NOT Wait If You Want to Park Your Car in a Garage

Parking garages in town usually give discounted rates for residents (read: residents only!) wanting to get their cars off the streets for snowstorms The only catch is — get there early. The garages usually fill up fast and there’s limited capacity, so if you want a spot, you should plan accordingly.

Hoboken Municipal Parking Garages:

• Garage “B” — 28 2nd Street
• Garage “D” — 215 Hudson Street
• Garage “G” — 315 Hudson Street
• Midtown — 371 4th Street

Read More: Ski Slopes in the New York Tri-State Area to Hit this Winter

Check X for Updates on Street Cleaning Suspension

The City of Hoboken’s X account almost always gives updates on street cleaning and whether it’s suspended. Never assume it’s suspended just because the weather is bad — so make sure to confirm before leaving your car in a street cleaning spot. Check out the street cleaning schedule here if you aren’t sure.

Do NOT Park Illegally

While you might think, “my car is buried in snow, the yellow + red lines aren’t visible, I won’t get a ticket”, think again. The parking authority will still ticket your car if it is in an illegal spot (yellow lines, red lines) regardless if the officer can see the lines. The city is clear that parking regulations will remain in effect during the snowstorm.

Do NOT Park on an Emergency Snow Route or in a Fire Hydrant Spot

Various streets in Hoboken are dedicated emergency snow routes for police, fire, and ambulances to move around town safely in the event of a big storm or another emergency. On those streets, there are red signs that read “No Parking When Road is Snow Covered.”

If there is a big snowstorm coming, there are usually many reminders from the city (robocalls, tweets, and police officers driving around reminding residents on their speakers, Nixle alerts), but you should make this a habit. Your car will be towed if you are parked in an emergency snow route and a snow emergency has been declared.

Dedicated snow routes (this means you can NOT park here if the ground is snow-covered or a snow emergency has been declared):

• Observer Highway – Both Sides – Hudson Street to Henderson Street
• Washington Street – Both Sides – Observer Highway to the northern boundary
• Willow Avenue – West Side – Observer Highway to 11th Street
• 3rd Street – North Side – Jackson Street to River Street
• 4th Street – South Side – River Street to Jackson Street
• 5th Street – South Side – Clinton Street to River Street
• 9th Street – North Side – Jackson Street to River Street
• 13th Street – North Side – Washington Street to Madison Street
• 13th Street – South Side – Washington Street to Hudson Street
• 17th Street – Both Sides – Willow Avenue to Jefferson Street

As always, do not park in a fire hydrant spot. Just like emergency snow routes, this is extremely important for the safety of residents in case of emergencies. Even if you’re not parked near a hydrant, it is also illegal to shovel snow back onto streets or in the area of a fire hydrant. Again, your car will be towed if parked on one of these streets if snow-covered.

See More: The Best Sledding Spots in the Montclair Area

Hopefully, this guide will help you navigate a snowstorm without any trouble. You can sign up for alerts from the city for updates here.

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post A Guide to Parking in Hoboken During a Snowstorm appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, starts on Sunday, December 14th and ends on Monday, December 22nd, 2025. The Jewish community in Hoboken + Jersey City is hosting plenty of events before, during, and after the holiday. This time of year is a wonderful chance to gather with friends and families to celebrate cherished traditions. The Hoboken Girl rounded up a list of all the Hanukkah-related events in the area. Read on for a guide to Hanukkah events happening in Hudson County and beyond for 2025.

The post Hanukkah Events in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond 2025 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Holiday magic continues to flow on the streets of Hoboken this season with a special one-night event of shopping, dining, and fun. The Hoboken Business Alliance is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Out on Washington Street this Saturday, December 13th. There will be live music, kids’ activities, and free workshops for the more grown-up elves. Plenty of Hoboken businesses are participating in the festive event from 3PM to 7PM. Read on for details surrounding Hoboken’s first-ever holiday night out and which businesses are participating.

The post First-Ever Hoboken Holiday Night Out Happening Saturday, 12/13 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

This article is sponsored by 8th Street Tavern.

The holiday season has officially hit Hoboken, and 8th Street Tavern is getting in on the fun with a brand-new festive tradition: Ornament Decorating Nights. Every Monday and Wednesday in December, until Christmas (except 12/15 and 12/24), the neighborhood favorite will break out the ornaments, glitter, paint, and holiday cheer for anyone looking to get crafty with friends or family over good drinks and a cozy tavern atmosphere. Keep reading to find out more about 8th Street Tavern’s ornament painting nights in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Make Your Own Ornament

If you’re looking for a cozy, low-key way to get into the holiday spirit, 8th Street Tavern is turning its bar into a DIY ornament station. Every Monday and Wednesday (except 12/15 and 12/24) until Christmas, Guests can drop in anytime from 5PM -11PM (no reservations needed, first-come, first-served) to decorate ornaments using the bar’s supplies. Everything you need is included for $25 per person, so all you need to bring is your creativity, and maybe order a drink while you work.

Ornament Decorating Nights run through the week before Christmas, and ornaments are available while supplies last. Whether crafting a keepsake for yourself or making a gift for someone else, Ornament Decorating Nights are a fun way to spend a weeknight in Hoboken

Pro Tip: Come early, grab a spot, and make a night of it with friends. Bonus points if you pair your crafting session with one of 8th Street’s holiday cocktails.

About 8th Street Tavern

Located at 800 Washington Street in Hoboken, 8th Street Tavern re-opened in 2022 and has quickly become a neighborhood hotspot (as evidenced by the weekend lines, IYKYK). With a welcoming, fun vibe, it’s the place to grab a craft beer, cocktail, or comfort food while enjoying games, live music, and themed nights that keep the energy high.

The calendar is packed with weekly favorites from Monday Night Football and Souper Trivia Tuesday to Live Music Wednesday, Thursday Night Football, “work” From Home Friday, Football Saturday, and NFL Sunday.

It is no surprise that 8th Street Tavern has been voted Hoboken Girl’s “Best Bar” two years in a row — and is in the running again this year.

More Fun at 8th Street

8th Street Tavern has become a go-to spot for themed nights and seasonal happenings. Beyond December, the fun keeps going with events including:

• Taylor Swift Night
• Emo Night
• Country Night
• Themed Events
• Pumpkin Carving (October)
• Ornament Decorating (December)
• Breakfast Bingo (Sundays)
• Trivia Nights (Tuesdays)
• Live Music (Wednesday & Friday)
• Local Fundraising Events (Monthly)

To see all upcoming events, visit 8th Street Tavern or follow along on Instagram. 

8th Street Tavern is located at 800 Washington Street in Hoboken.

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