December in Jersey City is a bustling month filled with a diverse range of cultural events. From jazz performances to yoga sessions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Uncover the Rhythms and Rejoices of December in Jersey City

Last WPU jazz performance for 2024

Oscar Hernandez and Alma Libre are set to grace the stage at William Paterson University on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. as part of the final jazz performance of the year. Oscar Hernandez, a four-time Grammy-winning pianist, arranger, and producer, is the founder of the Harlem Jazz Orchestra. He has also arranged and produced the Broadway musical “The Capeman” and directed and conducted it. With his quintet Alma Libre, he released his latest album, “No Words Needed,” in May. The show will be preceded by Sittin’ In Meet-the-Artist, which takes place one hour prior, giving audience members a chance to interact with Hernandez. General admission is $20 and senior admission is $18. Tickets can be found at wp-presents.org or by calling 973-720-2371. The Shea Center for Performing Arts at William Paterson University is located at 300 Pompton Road, Wayne.

A Sol~Aum live sound meditation with vocalist and sound healer Kristin Hoffmann will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Urban Sadhu Yoga. During the session, various instruments will be played to bring a deep state of peace. Hoffman will also present a new Sol~Aum song inspired by the energy of the group. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and tickets can be found online at Eventbrite. Urban Sadhu Yoga is located at 171 Newark Ave., 2nd Floor, Jersey City.

Unplugged continues at Art House

Art House Productions and The Latest Noise will host the next UNPLUGGED: Jersey City on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The evening of music will include performances by Allison Strong, Steven Wright Mark, Liam Brown & The Pounds, The Pusher, and Chaya Glaser. Admission is $15 online or $20 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets can be found online at thelatestnoise.com. Art House Productions is located at 345 Marin Blvd., Jersey City.

Look at my Records Holiday show

The Look at my Records Holiday show returns with a stacked bill at Pet Shop JC on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. Featured bands for the show include Brooklyn’s Desert Sharks, John Cozz & The Wellers and Johnny Couch. Jack Silbert will emcee the show. The show is free to attend. Pet Shop JC is located at 193 Newark Ave., Jersey City.

Ugly Sweater Line Dance party

An Ugly Sweater Line Dance party to benefit Family Promise of Hudson County will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at Grace Church Van Vorst, 39 Erie St., Jersey City. A line dance instructor will teach classics like Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Wobble and Cha Cha Slide. A DJ will play soul, R & B, funk, hip hop and oldies but goodies. A cash bar is planned and food will be available for purchase. Tickets are $25 and are available at https://bit.ly/3ZlFsaa. The fundraiser benefits Family Promise of Hudson County.

Cantigas Choir has holiday concert

Cantigas Women’s Choir will hold its seasonal concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 440 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City. Titled “The Dance of Love,” the name is taken from the Rumi quote “Both light and shadow are the dance of love.” The concert explores themes of joyful dance in music from South Africa and Syria, as well as Christmas and Hanukkah music and more. Tickets are $20 and students and seniors pay $10. Advance ticket sales close at noon on Dec. 15. Cash only tickets will be available at the door.

A day of meditation

Mindfulness School Monroe will be hosting a day-long mediation retreat on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer guidance on cultivating mindfulness and tips to overcome depression. The schedule includes an introduction from 9 to 9:30 a.m., Loving Kindness Meditation from 9:30 to 10 a.m., a snack break from 10 to 10:15 a.m., Breathing Meditation from 10:15 to 11 a.m., a lunch break from 11 a.m. to noon, a Q&A Session from noon to 12:30 p.m., Walking Meditation from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., a snack break from 1:45 to 2 p.m., Vipassana Meditation and Waling Meditation from 2 to 2:45 p.m. The day-long retreat will conclude at from 2:45 to 3 p.m., allowing participants to reflect on their experiences and insights gained. You can register for the event online at Eventbrite. Mindfulness School Monroe is located at 930 Newark Ave., Jersey City.

Holiday comedy and music

New Hope ETC’s Christian Comedy and Music Night takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. The evening will feature comedy by G. L. Douglas and music by Yanikeke. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Breaking the Code Afterschool Program, which supports youth with educational support and life skills. All ages are welcome. Tickets can be found online at Eventbrite. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is located at 472 Bergen Ave., Jersey City.

The Redd Kross Story

WFMU continues their movie screenings with “Born Innocent: The Red Kross Story,” on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Monty Hall. It’s been a busy year for the California band, as 2024 has seen the release of Redd Kross’ self-titled eighth studio album, along with the documentary “Born Innocent,” which premiered in Los Angeles at the Don’t Knock the Rock Festival on May 23. The band previously performed at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City last summer. “Born Innocent” follows Jeff and Steve McDonald from the band’s humble beginnings in their garage in Los Angeles, to the razing of their neighborhood to make way for a freeway, the various versions of Los Angeles that they have seen throughout the years, and the dynamic between the two brothers as they navigated the punk scene as their band grew. The event will be hosted by WFMU DJ Evan “Funk” Davies and will feature a Q&A with Dan Epstein, author of “Now You’re One of us” The Redd Kross Story. Tickets for the screening can be found online at wfmu.org. Monty Hall is located at 43 Montgomery St., Jersey City.

Holiday pop-up shop

Silera Designs presents the Pop-Up Shop series at Tropical Image Studios in Jersey City for the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon to 3 p.m. The first 10 guests will receive a gift certificate from the Tropical Image Dance Studio. All pre-registered attendees will be entered in a free raffle with three prizes but must complete the ticket entry for contact info, but do not need to be present at the time of drawing if the ticket entry is complete. Tropical Image Studios is located at 682 Summit Ave., Jersey City.