Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken is launching several family- and business-friendly initiatives this holiday season in an effort to attract customers to local businesses, including free parking opportunities and events for people of all ages. Several initiatives will make parking and transportation easier this holiday season: 1) Holiday Hop; the City will be offering free Holiday Hop service on weekends from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. beginning Saturday, November 24 ("Small Business Saturday"), and continuing through Sunday, December 30. The Holiday Hop route will operate between Hoboken Terminal and 14th Street, generally along the NJ Transit 126 bus route. Riders will be able to track the real-time location of the Holiday Hop using the SmartTraxx app (available in Apple App Store and Google Play Store). 2) Free parking in garages; the City will be offering free parking in municipal garages B, D, and Midtown for up to four hours per day on weekends beginning Saturday, November 24 ("Small Business Saturday") and continuing through Sunday, December 30. In order to redeem the free parking for up to four hours in municipal garages B, D, and Midtown, drivers will need to show the garage attendant a receipt showing purchase of at least $20 at Hoboken shopping or dining establishments. 3) Discounted metered on-street parking; the City will be partnering with Parkmobile to offer $2.00 off parking sessions through the use of a promo code on weekends beginning November 24 ("Small Business Saturday"), and continuing through Sunday, December 30. The code will be announced over the City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts within the next two weeks. Additionally, the City is hosting events throughout December to celebrate the holiday season. On Saturday and Sunday, December 1 & 2 from 11-5 p.m., the Hoboken City Hall Craft Fair will take place at 94 Washington Street. Three floors of City Hall will be open to the public, featuring unique handcrafted gift items by local artisans. Treats and refreshments are provided by Baking Mama, and Mrs. Claus will offer face painting for children. The Hoboken Christmas Tree Lighting is Thursday, December 6 at 5 p.m. in front of City Hall. Hot chocolate will be provided by Apple Montessori School. The event features MC: Elvis the Elf with a special appearance by Santa Claus and performances by:

• All Saints Day School and BOLD Arts
• Cheer Dynamic All Stars
• The HoliDates
• Studio L Dancers, Hoboken
• Brownie Girl Scout Troop 10222
• Junior Girl Scout Troop 12563
• Garden Street School of the Performing Arts

The Holiday Banding Concert is on Sunday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hoboken Elk’s Club at 10th and Washington. Local bands and musicians will perform holiday classics, including:

• The Holiday Banding House Band
• The Sensational Country Blues Wonders
• Lloyd United
• The Skullers
• The Fuzzy Lemons
• Emily Turonis
• Gene D. Plumber
• Abbe Rivers
• Elevator Pitch

Admission is $10. Proceeds go to support the Movies Under the Stars outdoor summer series.