Follow local news and events in Newark with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Dec. 4, 2025 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Stage production of “City of Hope,” a holiday musical, planned on Dec. 12-14 in Newark. Show times are 7 p.m., 6 p.m., and 5 p.m. at 695 Bergen St. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Newark City
South Ward Winter Wonderland planned on Dec. 13 in Newark. It is from 2-6 p.m. along Bergen Street between Custard and Shephard Avenues. There will be a toy and coat giveaway, hot chocolate, Santa, and crafts.
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South Ward Councilman Patrick Council
“Parent Resource Fair” planned at Irvington library on Dec. 11. It is from 6-7:30 p.m. There will be information about ways to support children and teenagers emotionally.
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Irvington Public Library
Healthcare enrollment assistance planned with New Jersey Citizen Action on Dec. 13 in Irvington. It is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Irvington library. Spanish interpretation available. Free admission.
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New Jersey Citizen Action
Coat distribution for children planned with Parents Engaging Parents Inc., a community organization based in Newark, on Dec. 13 in Orange. It is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Upper Field House Central Playground, 234 Lincoln Ave. First-come, first-served.
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Parents Engaging Parents Inc.
Webinar discussing college financial aid planned with Maplewood library on Dec. 11. The free workshop is presented by My College Planning Team and begins at 6:30 p.m. It will discuss financial aid options, costs, and the admissions process. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Maplewood Public Library
Dance fundraiser benefitting families affected by ICE planned with NJ Bomba Collective on Dec. 12 in Union City. Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be a know-your-rights training followed by a dance party. Training is free. Dance party begins at 7:30 p.m. Donations will be used to help families pay for rent, groceries, medical bills, and other expenses. Location available upon registration.
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NJ Bomba Collective
“Art in Nature” program for families planned at Essex County Environmental Center on Dec. 13 in Roseland. It is from 10-11:30 a.m. Participants will collect materials outdoors for an art craft. Admission is $15. Registration is required.
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Essex County Environmental Center
REGIONAL NEWS
Newark hotels will charge guests a $3 per-day tax to fund the city’s firefighter services under a state law that passed on Nov. 13. The law currently only applies to Newark because it affects municipalities with an international airport. Newark is required to use the hotel surcharge revenue to supplement additional funding for the fire department. According to 2024 and 2025 city documents, Newark fire department received about $90 million in city funding. Michael Giunta, president of Newark Fire Union, said training and gear costs are outpacing budgets. The law is modeled after Atlantic City’s $2 per-day hotel tax that funds its fire department. Funds will be collected by the state and revenue will be sent to Newark on a monthly basis, and are only available if firefighter costs increase year-to-year, according to the law.
TAPinto Newark.
