Things To Do

Community Events

From the holiday tree lighting to art fairs on the plaza, the McGinley Square Partnership brings neighbors, businesses and artists together all year long.

Every December

Holiday Tree Lighting

Fri, Dec 4Save the Date
Tentative, details to come

Each holiday season the square lights up with music, treats and neighbors gathering around the tree.

Carols, music and a countdown to light the tree
Cocoa and cookies from Crema and pizza from Prince of Pizza
A special visit from Santa
In 2025 we were joined by then Mayor-Elect James Solomon, then Councilman-Elect Tom Zuppa and MSP President Reisha Baker
The tree is provided by Native Fields

Watch the 2025 Tree Lighting More From That Night

CDS staff with Santa at the McGinley Square holiday tree lighting — Our team at the tree lighting

Neighbors gathered at the McGinley Square tree lighting — Lighting up the square

Chris Bernardo with Mayor James Solomon at the tree lighting — Chris Bernardo with Mayor James Solomon

Art on the Plaza

JCAST Art Fair

As part of the 37th Annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour, McGinley Square Plaza hosted a weekend art fair this October with local artists, food trucks, live music and DJs, and a free fall art class for kids.

Watch the JCAST Reel See the Post

The JCAST Art Fair at McGinley Square Plaza — The JCAST Art Fair on the plaza

Public Art

A Wall That Sings

FREEDOM by artist Lawrence Ciarallo is a reminder that art, music and creativity are part of what gives McGinley Square its identity.

Dedicated to Richie Havens, Stanley Krause and the many people who shaped the musical history of our region, the mural tells stories, preserves culture and turns an everyday block into a place people stop and remember.