The UC Scoop - December 8, 2025

Bringing you eats and arts around Union County, NJ.

December 08, 2025

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☕ The Scoop on December’s Warm-Up

As we head into the heart of December, Union County is packed with moments worth stepping out for — from new openings and seasonal performances to small-town markets and winter traditions. Consider this your guide to the week ahead, curated to help you discover something new close to home.

Last week, we asked whether you’d support a local discount card that promotes restaurants and small businesses across Union County, and the response was loud and clear.

Half of all voters — 50 percent — said “Yes! Love supporting local.”
Another 45 percent said it depends on which businesses are included, suggesting strong interest if the lineup feels valuable and relevant. Only a small sliver (5 percent) said they probably wouldn’t use it.

Thanks for your feedback. We’ll keep you posted.

Here’s the poll question for this week.

What’s your go-to comfort spot in winter?

Fun Fact: Did you know Plainfield helped build the first modern submarine?

Inventor John P. Holland sourced key precision components for his groundbreaking submarine designs from machine shops in Plainfield during the 1890s. These Plainfield-made parts eventually became integral to the Holland VI, the vessel that would enter U.S. Navy service as USS Holland (SS-1) — the world’s first modern submarine.

Got a local tip?

Discovered a hidden gem, new restaurant, or cool event? We’d love to feature it in The UC Scoop!

📩 Send your scoop to hey@theucscoop.com or message us on Instagram @ucscoop.

Westfield Market Snapshot – November

The Westfield market continues to tighten. Months of supply dropped from 1.3 last November to just 0.9 this November, signaling even fewer homes available for buyers. That competition is clearly showing up in pricing—homes sold for an average of 110% of list price in November, with 108.8% year-to-date, up from 104.8% and 107.4% in prior periods.

What this means: Sellers continue to have strong leverage, while buyers should be prepared for competition and pricing above asking on well-positioned homes.

If you’re thinking about selling in early 2026, it may be smart to start the conversation now. Talk to Suzanne.

New This Week

Godwit Coffee
2015 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains

Godwit Coffee brings a fresh, modern café vibe to Scotch Plains with house-roasted beans and a rotating selection of seasonal drinks. The shop is designed as a warm community hangout, offering crafted espresso, pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages lingering. It’s quickly becoming a local favorite for anyone looking to elevate their daily coffee ritual.

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Westfield Street Signs Auction Pickup
December 9–13 (various pickup windows)
Westfield Department of Public Works, 959 North Ave W, Westfield

If you snagged one of Westfield’s retired street signs in the town’s recent online auction, this week is pickup time. Winners can stop by the Department of Public Works during designated hours to collect their piece of local history. The auction featured dozens of classic green-and-white signs — many tied to beloved neighborhoods — and pickup is required to complete the sale. Bring your confirmation email and ID for a smooth handoff.

Weather Forecast for Union County: Dec. 8 - 14

Mon 12/8: 18° → 31° • Cold, sun and clouds
Tue 12/9: 31° → 34° • Turning cloudy
Wed 12/10: 36° → 41° • Breezy, light PM rain
Thu 12/11: 27° → 41° • Mix of sun and clouds
Fri 12/12: 28° → 39° • Mostly cloudy
Sat 12/13: 22° → 32° • Cloudy, flurries possible
Sun 12/14: 23° → 33° • Cold, mostly cloudy

Events Happening This Week

Monday, Dec. 8

The Unwitting Magician – Play Reading - 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Hamilton Stage at UCPAC, 360 Hamilton St, Rahway
American Theater Group and UCPAC present a one-night-only play reading where a lone actor opens a sealed script live on stage and discovers the story along with the audience. Expect humor, suspense, and a bit of theatrical mind-bending, followed by a Q&A. Free event; registration requested.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Christie’s Highland Group Winter Wonderland Sip + Mingle - 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Roig Art Gallery, 254 E. Broad Street, Westfield
Christie’s International Real Estate Group and The Highland Group are hosting a festive Winter Wonderland evening inside the Roig Art Gallery. Guests can enjoy a cozy sip-and-mingle atmosphere surrounded by local art and holiday decor, making it an inviting mid-week stop for anyone looking to unwind in downtown Westfield.
Adult Craft: Northern Lights Painting - 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Clark Public Library
A guided acrylic-painting workshop where adults learn to create a Northern Lights scene. A calm midweek creative break.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Beyond Wicked – A Talkback with the Cast and Crew - 6:30 PM
Cranford Theater, 25 North Avenue West, Cranford
Join this special talkback with cast and crew from the Broadway production of Wicked. The event offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life inside a major Broadway show, followed by a Q&A session. A great pick for theater fans looking for insider stories and a deeper connection to their favorite musical.

Friday, Dec. 12

It’s a Wonderful Life – An American Theater Group Production - 7:00 PM
DMK Black Box Theater, 1980 Morris Ave., Union
American Theater Group presents a staged production of the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, bringing the timeless story of George Bailey to life with a talented cast and heartfelt performances. A warm, nostalgic way to ease into the season and enjoy a beloved holiday tale on stage.
Show dates: December 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7 pm & December 14, 20 & 21 at 2 pm
Model Train Show & Open House - 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
A. Paul Mallory Railroad Center, 295 Jefferson Ave, Union Township
Kick off the holiday season with this family-friendly show featuring over 200 model train cars across an expansive layout, demonstrations, and a snack shop. It runs the first of three weekends ending December 14.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Cranford Holiday Sweets & Treats Walk - 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Downtown Cranford
Support local shops with special in-store promotions and holiday deals while browsing for gifts. From 1:00-4:00 PM, enjoy the “Holiday Sweets & Treats Walk,” where participating businesses offer festive treats and holiday cheer—great for a spirited, community-centric shopping outing
St. Joseph’s Holiday Market - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
St. Joseph the Carpenter School, 140 E. 3rd Ave., Roselle
This festive market invites the community for an afternoon of handmade crafts, treats, and Christmas cheer. It's free to attend and will also feature kids-crafts, with several local artisans and crafters offering their goods — a perfect afternoon outing to get into the holiday spirit.
Imperial Brass Holiday Concert - 7:30 PM
The Presbyterian Church, 140 Mountain Ave., Westfield
Enjoy a festive evening with Imperial Brass performing a holiday-themed brass concert titled “A Christmas Herald,” joined by the North Bergen High School Advanced Choir and vocal soloist Erin Riesebieter. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students/children.
Galaxies of Joy: The Planets in Concert - 7:00 PM
Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway
The New Jersey Youth Symphony performs Holst’s The Planets with stunning NASA space visuals for an immersive, family-friendly journey through the solar system.
Carriages and Carolers in Summit - 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Downtown Summit (starting at Lyric Park, corner of Bank St & Beechwood Rd)
Stroll through downtown Summit for free horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling musicians, holiday tunes, and caroling. A cozy, family-friendly way to soak up seasonal cheer.
Holiday in the Center - 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Union Center, Stuyvesant Ave., Union
Union’s annual holiday celebration returns with horse-drawn carriage rides, festive music, carolers, kids’ activities, photo stations, and treats from local businesses. Families can stroll through the decorated Center and enjoy seasonal fun throughout the evening.
NJ Intergenerational Orchestra Free Concert - 2:00 PM
Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School, 272 Morris Ave., Summit
The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Spirit Concert, featuring Prelude, Intermezzo, and Symphony ensembles. Enjoy classics like Vivaldi’s “Winter,” festive seasonal pieces, and an “instrument petting zoo” after the performance where kids can try out orchestral instruments. Admission is free with a suggested $10 donation.

Sunday, Dec. 14

New Jersey Opera: The Christmas Spider - 2:00 PM
Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway
Inspired by a Ukrainian folktale, The Christmas Spider is a heartwarming holiday opera performed in English by New Jersey Opera Theater on UCPAC’s historic main stage. Expect family-friendly storytelling, soaring vocals, and festive atmosphere without needing a trip into the city.
Handmade Holiday - 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Woodland, Maplewood
This long-running holiday artisan market brings together ~60 local vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, art, and seasonal goods — a perfect stop for holiday shopping and supporting small makers just outside Union County.
Summit Farmers Market - 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Park & Shop Lot #1 (DeForest & Woodland), Summit
Enjoy Summit’s farmers market — rain or shine.

🤝 Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless

Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless
Volunteers support shelter operations, children’s programs, after-school activities, and donation distribution, helping stabilize families facing housing insecurity. Opportunities range from hands-on support in the day shelter to mentoring, sorting supplies, or assisting with seasonal drives. A meaningful way to make a direct, local impact in Elizabeth.

Visit our bulletin board sponsors:

Suzanne McMahon - Real estate agent serving Union County

Nature Behind Glass - Looking for unique holiday gifts? Custom miniature terrariums and DIY workshops

Wear The Whimsy - Sustainable fashion, made easy

→ Contact us if you’re interested in adding your business to our bulletin board.

→ Email: hey@theucscoop.com

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We’d love your feedback. If you discover a new restaurant/cafe or event we should know about, email us at hey@theucscoop.com

P.S. Want to sponsor The UC Scoop, feature an event, offer a reader’s deal? Let’s chat! Email us at hey@theucscoop.com

The UC Scoop - December 8, 2025

☕ The Scoop on December’s Warm-Up

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