(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey kicks off the holiday season in style on their iconic main stage with Holiday Spirits: Festive Cocktails and Cheer, a new holiday fundraising event on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 5:30pm–8:00pm. This joyful evening of signature cocktails, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and live music, is hosted in support of making live performances accessible and affordable for everyone in the community.

Guests at Holiday Spirits will be treated to an open bar with beer, wine, and three signature holiday-themed cocktails, as well as a selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats. Highlighting the evening’s entertainment will be The New York Belles, an acclaimed female vocal group known for their captivating renditions of holiday classics and show-stopping performances. This fun, spirited experience on STNJ's historic stage promises to be an unforgettable celebration and a great way to make a positive impact in the community.

“Holiday Spirits is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with friends while supporting State Theatre New Jersey’s mission to make world-class performances and arts education experiences accessible to all,” says Wendy L. Wiebalk, Esq., chair of the 2024 Holiday Spirits Committee. “With festive cocktails, great food, and incredible entertainment, we invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening that not only celebrates the season but strengthens the arts in New Jersey.”

Support for Accessibility and Affordability: State Theatre New Jersey is committed to making the arts accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Each year, thousands of people in our diverse community enjoy free and significantly subsidized admissions to live performances and educational programs through partnerships with local organizations. Generous community support underwrites more than one-third of ticket costs, enabling children and families to experience the joys of live performance.

Holiday Spirits: Festive Cocktails and Cheer will take place on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 5:30pm–8:00pm on the main stage at State Theatre New Jersey. Space is limited; guests are encouraged to secure their spot by registering at STNJ.org/holidayspirits by Monday, December 2.

After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated its 100th Anniversary in December 2021 in a fully renovated theater. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre’s historic significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey, in the fall of 2018. “Treasures of New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey” can be streamed online.

Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have featured high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances

State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.