A Winter Village Pops Up in Newark — Ice Skates, Igloos and Food Near City Hall

Winter returns downtown: what’s happening and why it matters

Newark’s Winter Village is back at Mulberry Commons, bringing a string of seasonal attractions to the heart of the city through January 4. The setup hopes to give residents and visitors a warm, social spot for the holidays — a place to skate, shop and eat without leaving downtown.

The event is more than a photo background. It creates a weekend draw for families, commuters and holiday shoppers, turning quiet blocks into a lively public space at a time when local stores and restaurants need steady foot traffic. For anyone planning to visit Newark this winter, the village offers an easy way to spend an afternoon or an evening outdoors with guaranteed crowd-friendly activities.

Skating, igloos and new twists to try this year

The centerpieces are familiar: an open-air ice rink for casual skating, a rink-side area of heated igloos for small groups, and a row of pop-up stalls selling gifts and crafts. Organizers have also added ice go-karts this season, a family-friendly ride that lets kids and adults zip around a track on small, stable vehicles.

You’ll also find seasonal lights, photo-ready installations and a modest stage where local performers will play on weekends. Food and drink options range from hot chocolate and cider stands to trucks and tents serving pizza, sandwiches and local favorites. A few vendors this year are new to the event, offering handmade goods and unique holiday items you won’t catch in a mall.

How to plan your visit: hours, tickets, transport and tips

The Winter Village runs daily through January 4, with longer hours on weekends and shorter schedules on weekday afternoons. Tickets are required for skating sessions and for reserving an igloo; other parts of the market are free to walk through. Prices are kept reasonable, with single-session skate tickets and family options for igloo seating.

Mulberry Commons sits within easy walking distance of Newark Penn Station and several bus lines. Limited street parking is available nearby, and there are public garages within a short walk. The event footprint is designed to be accessible, with level paths and staff on hand to help visitors with strollers or limited mobility.

For families: bring layered clothes for kids, book skating times in advance on busy holiday weekends, and expect lines for popular food vendors at peak hours. If you prefer a quieter visit, weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded.

Small business lift: what the village does for downtown Newark

The village functions as a simple economic nudge for downtown. By drawing people to Mulberry Commons, it funnels customers to nearby restaurants, coffee shops and retailers. Local officials view the event as part entertainment and part small-business support — a way to keep foot traffic flowing during a season that can make or break shop owners.

Sponsors and partners from local groups and cultural organizations help run the market and program the music and family events. That setup keeps the village tied to neighborhood groups and gives smaller vendors an affordable place to sell during a key sales period.

Organizers on why the village matters and how to get tickets

“We wanted to give people a safe, joyful place to celebrate the season right in the heart of Newark,” said an event organizer. “The Winter Village brings neighbors together and helps our small businesses welcome guests during a crucial time of year.”

A city representative added, “Events like this show how public space can become a community living room for winter. We expect it to bring more life and more choices for downtown visitors.”

Safety measures and staffing will be in place throughout the run; organizers note standard crowd-management and cleaning routines, and they will adjust operations if local health guidance changes. Tickets for skating sessions and igloo reservations are sold through the Newark Winter Village ticketing page and at the venue box office while supplies last. Walk-through access to the market is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early on peak days to avoid lines.

Whether you live in the city or are just passing through, Newark’s Winter Village offers a short, festive stop — perfect for an afternoon outing, a casual date night or a family treat before the new year.

Sources

• prnewswire.com