Searching for a Holi celebration near me or Holi events near me in New Jersey? As a writer for Jersey Family Fun Lorelei put together a great guide to celebrating Holi with your family. We’re updating the event listings for 2024 to reflect NJ Holi celebrations near me and you that are happening this year.
I was born in India and I moved to the United States when I was three. The two main Indian festivals I always looked forward to as a kid were Holi and Diwali. This year, Holi falls on Monday, March 25, 2024 and there are many ways to celebrate Holi in New Jersey with kids and teens. Whether you celebrate at home, in your community, or across New Jersey you’ll find there are many Holi activities you can do.
What is Holi?
Holi is most widely known for its celebration where people throw color powder and water at each other. Holi is a joyous occasion that marks the arrival of spring. It also celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Choti Holi
Some people in India celebrate Holi over two days. Their first day is the one before Holi and it is called Choti Holi. For this, a bonfire is lit and this symbolizes the burning of evil things.
What time of year is Holi celebrated?
This year, Holi falls on Monday, March 25, 2024. The date changes each year since it is celebrated on the day of the full moon in March and at the arrival of spring.
2024 Holi Celebrations
Some years we found that the majority of Holi celebrations were very close to the Holi holiday itself when it fell in midMarch. Last year, Holi fell earlier and we’ve found it a bit harder to find Holi festivals and celebrations. There were even a few Holi events happening later in April which led us to believe that the Holi celebration season may last longer than the holiday itself. If you don’t see any event local to you below, keep checking back with us. We’ll continue to search for nearby NJ Holi events until late April.
Where is Holi celebrated?
Many people think Holi is just celebrated in India but it is actually celebrated in countries all over the world. People celebrate it in Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, the UK, Australia, and more. It is a festival celebrated by people of all ages and religions. In some places, celebrations can last as long as two weeks.
How can my family celebrate Holi?
There are different ways to celebrate Holi whether it is at home, among friends, or at events in New Jersey. Holi is also a great time to try some Indian foods that are often eaten during this holiday.
If going to an event or meeting friends to throw color powder, remember to bring a change of clothes or some drop cloths for your car for the ride home.
Holi Celebrations in New Jersey for Kids and Teens
Holi Events in New Jersey
These NJ Holi events are listed alphabetically by the name of the town where they will be held. So far, the in-person Holi events we have found are in North Jersey and Central Jersey. If you know of more events to help others celebrate Holi in New Jersey send us an email or let us know in the comments below.
East Rutherford Holi Celebration 2024
- Date: March 14, 2024
- Time: 4:00 to 5:00 pm
- Location: East Rutherford Library
- Join East Rutherford Library to celebrate the Hindu festival of colors with stories and a craft.
- Learn more in our Holi Celebration in East Rutherford event listing or at their website.
Holi Festival in Edison 2024
Date: April 22, 2023Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pmLocation: Edison YMCAPrice: FreeBollywood dance, traditional throwing of color powder, food, music, and more.For more details visit our event listing.- As of March 1, 2024 there are no details about this event for 2024.
Rang De Jersey Holi Carnival in Edison 2024
- Date: March 24, 2024
- Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
- Location: Akbar Edison, NJ — outdoor lawn
- Price: Adult admission: $50 (first 100 tickets will be sold for $40), child admission (up to age 12): $35. kids 3 and under are free.
- This will be an outdoor event with food and drink, water pools, DJ, and color packets for purchase.
- For more details visit the event listing.
Fair Lawn Holi Festival Spring Color Blast 2024
Date: March 19, 2023 with Rain Date of March 26, 2023Time: 2 to 5 pmLocation: Memorial Park in Fair Lawn, NJThis will be a festival for the community with colored powders being thrown, music, crafts and activities.The event is free.Tips: Wear white clothes that you do not mind having stained with color powder. There will be a limited amount of colored powder also available for purchase at the event.Learn more in our event listing.- As of February 26, 2024 there are no details about this event for 2024.
Hackensack Holi Celebration 2023
Date: March 18, 2023Time: 2 pm to 4 pmLocation: Hackensack Public LibraryA fun and colorful celebration of Holi.Learn more in our Holi Celebration in Hackensack event listing.- As of February 26, 2024 there are no details about this event for 2024.
Hoboken Holi Take Home Craft 2023
Date: March 8, 2023Time: 10 am to 8 pmLocation: Hoboken LibrariesVisit the specified libraries to pick up a fun Craft-to-Go in celebration of Holi!Learn more in our Holi Take Home Craft in Hoboken event listing.- As of February 26, 2024 there are no details about this event for 2024.
Hoboken Holi Celebration 2023
Date: March 7, 2023Time: 3:30 pm to 4 pmLocation: Hoboken LibraryAn afterschool story time with books, songs, movement and more to celebrate the Holi holiday!Learn more in our Holi Celebration in Hoboken at Hoboken Public Library event listing.- As of February 26, 2024 there are no details about this event for 2024.
Metuchen Family Friendly Holi – Open Air Patio Party 2024
- Date: April 13, 2024
- Time: 11 to 4 pm
- Location: The Brown Stone Bar and Grill in Metuchen, NJ
- This will be a family friendly event that will have free food for children under 12, thandaii, kids activities, a photo booth, and more.
- Tips: Wear white clothes that you do not mind having stained with colored powders.
- Price: $20 for kids and $30 for adults
- For more information visit this event listing.
Plainsboro Celebrate Holi
Date: March 8th, 2023Time: 10 am to 8:30 pmLocation: Plainsboro Public LibraryStop by and pick up your Holi craft to take homeLearn more in our Holi Celebration in Plainsboro at Plainsboro Library event listing.- As of February 26, 2024 there are no details about this event for 2024.
Sayreville Holi Celebration 2024
- Date: March 11, 2024
- Time: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Location: Sayreville Public Library
- Join others to celebrate the Hindu festival welcoming spring, love, and new life.
- Learn more in our Holi Celebration in Sayreville at Sayreville Public Library event listing.
Wallington Holi Workshop for Kids 2024
- Date: March 19, 2024
- Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Location: Wallington John F. Kennedy Memorial Library
- There will be a Holi workshop that will include role play, story time and a craft.
- Learn more and how to register in our event listing.
New Providence Cricket Club – Holi Party 2024
- Date: April 21, 2024
- Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Location: The Loop Playground, Mountainside, NJ
- All are welcome to come celebrate! Celebrators are encouraged to bring a potluck snack to share!
- Learn more and buy tickets here at the eventbrite listing!
Rang de basanti – Celebrate Holi, Plainsboro Township, NJ
- Date: March 23, 2024
- Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Location: West Windsor Plainsboro Community Middle School
- This Holi event will celebrate with music, dinner (vegetarian and non vegetarian options offered), and a drama extravaganza!
- Learn more and buy tickets here!
Holi Celebrations in Wallington, NJ
- Date: March 19, 2024
- Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Location: Wallington’s John F. Kennedy Memorial Library
- Visit the library to participate in fun crafts and activities to celebrate Holi!
- Learn more and register here!
Children’s Activity – Holi Story and Craft in Rutherford, NJ
- Date: March 24, 2024
- Time: 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm
- Location: Rutherford Free Public Library – auditorium
- Visit the library to celebrate and learn about Holi and the associated traditions. There will be a story shared about Holi and how it welcomes the spring season.
- Learn more and register here!
Holi Program in Fair Lawn, NJ
- Date: March 24, 2024
- Time: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Location: Fair Lawn Library – meeting room
- The happenings of this event have yet to be announced! Stay tuned and check back on their website for more updates!
- Learn more and register here!
Holi Storytime and Craft in Teaneck, NJ
- Date: March 25, 2024
- Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Location: Teaneck Public Library — Mayor Lizette Parker Memorial Room
- Visit the Teaneck Public Library to learn about Holi with a story and craft.
- Learn more and register here!
Holi Celebration for Kids in Secaucus, NJ
- Date: March 26, 2024
- Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Location: Secaucus Public Library — Annex, Children’s Room
- Children ages 4-8 are invited to attend a Holi celebration program. Enjoy a Holi story, craft, and learn some fun Holi dance moves.
- Learn more and register here!
Holi, The Indian Festival of Colors in New Brunswick, NJ
- Date: March 23, 2024
- Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location: New Brunswick Free Public Library
- This program will feature music and dance performances, henna, face painting, sampling of Indian food, and Holi color play! This is an outdoor event; there will be a tent. The event is free and open to all ages, though registration is required.
- Learn more and register here!
Holi Festival in Lawrenceville, NJ
- Date: March 22, 2024
- Time: The event starts at 4:30 pm but no end time is listed.
- Location: Guidepost Montessori at Lawrenceville
- Join the fun at this Holi event where participants can create their own white flower garlands, explore flower imprinting, enjoy delicious snacks and more!
- Learn more and register here!
Holi Color-Fest in Fair Lawn, NJ
- Date: April 7, 2024
- Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Location: Memorial Park in Fair Lawn
- Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, with music, dance, and color play!
Wear white or clothes you don’t mind getting colorful. Color packs will be available for purchase. - Learn more and register here!
Holi and Purim Activity in Livingston
- Date: March 19, 2024
- Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 am
- Location: Sweet Kneads by Ridhima
- Join the fun to dance and sing to celebrate the coming of spring!
- Learn more and buy tickets here!
Great Ways to Celebrate with a Holi Celebration at Home
The main memories of Holi celebrations I have from being young are of eating sweets and throwing colored water and water balloons at each other. Here are some suggestions of ways that you can celebrate Holi in your house. Be prepared to get messy!
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Throw some color during your Holi celebration.
Holi is a festival of colors. People usually wear white and have lots of fun throwing colored powder at each other. Usually, gulal powder is used. The colors also mean different things.
- Red symbolizes love and fertility.
- Yellow symbolizes turmeric.
- Blue symbolizes Krishna
- Green is the color of new beginnings.
To purchase some of this be sure to visit your local Indian grocery store. Gulal power is also available on Amazon.
Throw some water.
The throwing of water is symbolic of cleansing your body and mind. Different ways to do this are dumping buckets of water over people’s heads or throwing water balloons at each other. Some people fill pools with colored water or have fights with water guns filled with colorful water.
Read some books about a family having a Holi Celebration
Festival of Colors by Kabir and Surishtha Sengal
This picture book is written by a mother and son. It is about two siblings named Mintoo and Chintoo who gather flowers of various colors in order to make some powder for Holi. This is a great way to show kids the fun celebrations that occur on this holiday. My kids can relate to this since they had gathered marigolds for a class they had at the Rancocas Nature Center in the fall to use for dying some yarn yellow.
This book is best for ages 2 to 8.
Buy Festival of Colors on Amazon.
Watch a read-along of the book with one of the authors on YouTube.
Celebrating Holi: A Hindu Celebration of Spring by Sujatha Menon
If your kids are a little older they will enjoy reading Celebrating Holi: A Hindu Celebration of Spring. It delves into more details about Holi celebrations in different places where they do things like throw flowers, have an elephant festival, and more.
There are also some more details about the stories that led to Holi and how many people celebrate the life of Lord Krishna during this time. Celebrating Holi: A Hindu Celebration of Spring also has photos of many of the events that occur so it gives the reader a great overview of the entire holiday.
Celebrating Holi: A Hindu Celebration of Spring can be purchased online through Ebay, Amazon, or used book stores. It may also be at your local library.
Teach your kids about colors.
This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about colors. This is a good time to do a lesson on color mixing or rainbows. Kids can also try and create their own colored powders to throw at home (Ex. turmeric with rice or gram flour can make yellow powder).
Celebrate Holi with Your own Holi Celebration in Your Community
Try some local Indian cuisine.
There are many different foods and drinks that are popular at Holi.
Popular drinks during Holi
The most well-known drink on the holiday is thandai (milk with almonds and various spices). My favorite drink is mango lassi.
Popular food to eat during Holi
My favorite food to eat is papdi chaat, which is a popular appetizer eaten around the holiday. It is commonly eaten in North India. It is a mixture of papdi (crackers made of fried flour) chickpeas, chutneys, potatoes and yogurt. When you eat it this must be eaten right away so it does not get soggy. Another popular thing to eat is samosa. This is a salty fried pastry with various fillings. My favorite ones have peas and potatoes in them.
Desserts to try during a Holi Celebration
There are also many desserts and sweets eaten at Holi.
- My favorite is rasmalai. It is paneer cooked in a syrup of sugar and then it rests in thickened milk.
- Another popular holiday dessert is gujiya. This is a sweet dumpling deep fried in ghee and often filled with some dried fruit.
- Gulab jamun is another popular dessert that is often seen in restaurants. This is made up of fried balls of dough in a sweet syrup.
Often friends and neighbors give sweets to each other during this time.
Indian Restaurants in New Jersey
- One of our favorite places to eat is the Palace of Asia in Lawrenceville, Maple Shade, and Kingston. Tasty things to try: Aloo Papdi Chaat, Chicken Tikka, Paneer Kulcha, Garlic Naan, Chicken Makhani, Paneer Masala, Kheer.
- Another favorite restaurant of ours is Ming for its Indo-Chinese Food. Mind is located in Edison, New Jersey. Tasty things to try: Drums of Heaven, Vegetable Manchurian, American Chopsuey with Chicken, Singapore Noodles, Date Pancakes.
- Also in Edison is Moghul. Tasty things to try: Buffet, Moghul Bread Basket, Mulligatawny Soup, Murgh Tikka Makhani, Malai Kofta, Murgh Tikka, Kulfi Falooda, Rasmalai.
- Asian Halal Meat & Kebab House in East Windsor. This location only offers takeout. Tasty things to try: Chole Batura, Shahi Paneer, Chicken Makhani, Chicken Seekh Kebab, Chicken Malai Kebab, Chicken Tikka Biryani.
- Monsoon in Mount Laurel. We haven’t eaten there but other friends highly recommend it.
- Cross Culture in Princeton. Tasty things to try: Paneer Tikka, Chicken Cashmere.
Try cooking some Indian Food
When I was growing up my grandmother would make samosa, gujiya, and shakkar paare for Holi. In the past there were different Facebook Live events where you could learn to try different South Indian recipes through the Bergen County Cooperative Library System. For ingredients needed see the links below. Events will be through Vailabi Talati on Facebook Live. Visit their page and search through the past videos for the cooking demos.
- Paneer Wraps https://bccls.libcal.com/event/8900778
- Masala Puffs https://bccls.libcal.com/event/8901358
Visit Oak Tree Road
Oak Tree Road is also known as Little India by some people and is worthy of a visit as you make plans to celebrate Holi in New Jersey. It is full of shops and restaurants similar to ones that you may find in India. I visited here a lot to purchase items for one of my own wedding ceremonies. Our favorite restaurant to visit is Ming for its Indo-Chinese Food such as American Chopsuey, Vegetable Manchurian and Date Pancakes. We also like Jassi Sweets for its Chole Bhatura.
Read Little India in Edison to learn more about things you may find there.
Have we inspired you to celebrate Holi in New Jersey? Come back and let us know your favorite part.