8am-10pm SWEET PRISCILLA presents "Botany," an exhibit featuring two-dimensional artwork by Jez Graf, Jun'ichirö Ishida, Barbara Nasto, and Tomomi Ono. The collection of paintings, prints and drawings convey a relationship to and reflection upon plant life. 530 Jersey Ave, 201-240-5021 Map

8am-10pm JANAM INDIAN TEA presents 50 UNDER $50!, 50 small works by local artists; all for under $50!  Come and explore this multi-media showcase of some of Jersey City's emerging artists! 353 Grove St., 201-432-4TEA. Barrier-free Map

11am-7pm A SOUND START presents an Open House. A day of family music activities for infants, toddlers and preschoolers age 5 and under.  Free instrument exploration, dancing, sing along, story time. Demo classes at 11:30, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00. St. Matthew's Church, 85 Wayne St (enter through the left-most door), 434-962-8433 Map

11:30am-1am BAJA presents “Objects of Desires,” an art exhibition featuring work by Jesse Wright, Natasha Wozniak, Tom Wilson, Tomomi Ono, Rene Mayorga, Jun'ichiro Ishida, Rose DeSiano, Frank De La Mercedes, Mark Argue. Each participating artist defines their own “object of desire.” Curated by Jun'ichirö Ishida. Baja, 117 Montgomery St, 201-915-0062 Map

1pm-5pm JERSEY CITY MUSEUM presents self-guided and guided tours of the Jersey City Museum's newest exhibitions: our largest group show ever at the new Montgomery Street location called TROPICALISMS; ALMOST THERE, an oil on Astroturf journey with Jane Dickson; a brand new look at our permanent collection called THEN & NOW; and Jersey City Museum's 1x1 Series of Contemporary Art. 350 Montgomery Street at Monmouth; 201-413-0303 x 141, Barrier-free Map

1pm-10pm KIM’S MEDIATRONICS presents an all-day screening of “The Short Films of James Broughton,” an avant-garde filmmaker and poet often regarded as the father of West Coast independent cinema. Schedule: 1:00PM “The Early Years” 1948-53; 4:00PM “A Middle Period” 1968-76, and 8:00PM “Finale: Films with Joel Singer” 1977-88. Kim's Mediatronics, 88 Pavonia Ave, 201-798-8008. Barrier-free Map

3pm-5pm 18 ERIE GALLERY presents "Playing with the Inanimate", a tripartite-artist exhibition featuring the works of Hamlet Manzueta, Kenneth Gomes and Travis Sweisford. Their art passionately and calmly utilizes color, shape, and brush in beautiful blends to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces of abstract expression.  Each artist has their own interpretation of revealing on the canvas, an aura of balance between making the animate, inanimate. 18 Erie St, 973-953-6497. Barrier-free Map

4pm-9pm GRACE CHURCH VAN VORST presents a first annual Arts & Crafts Holiday Bazaar and Wreath Festival.  Dozens of local artists and craftspeople will be displaying their works in our large Parish Hall.  A silent auction of handmade wreaths will be on display in the Sanctuary. 39 Erie St (Enter through Parish Hall), 201-659-2211. Barrier-free Map

4pm-8pm PROJECT 001 GALLERY presents music, art and refreshments. 131 Erie St, Barrier-free Map

5pm-8pm ASPASIA’S BOUTIQUE presents a complimentary wine and cheese Opening Reception for artist Myra Williamson. 302 A Grove St, 201-432-7600. Barrier-free Map

5pm-8pm THE STUDIO presents a trip to "The Theme Park of The Gods, “Michael Rauner's Visionary State, a Collection of Photographs from The Visionary State: A Journey Through California's Spiritual Landscape, with Erik Davis, published by Chronicle Books; and Aaron Yassin and Oliver Lyons' Post–Infinity, a photography-based video and sound installation. Also on view: Norm Francoeur's Light Installations designed specifically for Visionary State. 196 Morgan St, 201-946-2434. Map PHOTO: Sowden House, Hollywood - From Visionary State, Chronicle Books Author Erik Davis, Photograper Michael Rauner www.michaelrauner.com.

5-8:30pm COOKE CONTEMPORARY presents “Managers Picks,” an exhibition of works by a dynamic group of artists with a variety of experiences and artistic practices.  Co-organizers, Beverly Allan, Gallery Director, and Brendan Carroll, Artist, gathered together artists whose focus on common objects and daily experiences borders on the sacred or the profane. 125 First St, 201-222-1358. Barrier-free Map

5pm-10pm THE DAYLIGHT GALLERY presents “AWAKENING!” art exhibit and performance.  Artists, musicians, singers and poets celebrate joy and community.  The art exhibit will be on display through December 2006, 11am-10pm every day, closed Saturday. Rachel, 281 Grove St, 201-309-0019. Barrier-free Map

5pm-12am GRIGORY GUREVICH STUDIO GALLERY presents an open studio featuring handmade books and watercolor demonstrations (5-9), “Frame your own Work” demonstrations (6-7) and party (10-12am). Please bring your own food and spiritual solutions. 282 Barrow St, 2nd floor, right buzzer. 201-451-4862 Map

6pm-8pm JOHN MEAGHER ROTUNDA GALLERY presents a Closing Reception for the Hispanic Heritage Group Exhibition. City Hall, 280 Grove St, 201-547-4333. Barrier-free Map

6pm-8pm MANA FINE ARTS presents an Opening Reception featuring black and white images exploring themes of internal and external politics.  Within works by photographer team Leila Bowie/Arturo Toulinov, photographer Eugene Lemay, painter Aharon Gluska and featuring sculpture by Dutch artist Hanneke Beaumont, this exhibition explores the politics of land usage, immigrant issues, homelessness, and interior isolation.  Music by Bassoon in the Wild, a trio playing classical and jazz compositions. 227 Coles St (under 12th St. overpass), 800-330-9659 Map

6pm-9pm LIFE presents “DEMO,” photographs by Tyson Thorne. 112 Morris St, 201-332-1444 Map

6pm-9pm THE WALDO LOFTS present The 1st Annual Waldo Lofts Cocktail Classic. When you tour the newly furnished Waldo Lofts models, watch Jersey City's finest mixologists battle it out, as they compete to create The Waldo Loft's signature cocktail.  Cheer on your favorite bartenders from Bar Majestic, LITM, and The Merchant, listen to smooth jams and vote for your favorite libation! Feel free to bring a guest. 159 Second St, 201-216-9204. Barrier-free Map

6pm-9pm 58 GALLERY presents a viewing of current show, “John Fesken: Recent Works.” 58 Coles St, 917-349-1693 Map

6pm-2am BAR MAJESTIC presents live DJ all night.  Bar Majestic, 275 Grove St, 201-451-4400 Map

7pm-9pm JERSEY CITY ~ HOBOKEN BELLYDANCE MEETUP presents a performance by Master Dancer, Instructor and Choreographer Basmah El Enabrim and the Grace Senior Dancers Without Borders (7-7:30). Free Bellydance lessons & Hafla dance party (7:30-8:30). Join us onstage as we celebrate with our performance of Middle Eastern Dance! Middle School 4 Theater, 107 Bright St, 347-789-7508. Barrier-Free Map

7pm-9pm WORLD OF STYLE VINTAGE presents Its Holiday Fashion Show with Hairdos by Balance Hair Salon. The show will feature LIVE MODELS enjoying cocktails in our front window, all decked out in swellegant vintage style for year-end party season. Fabulous! Palace Drugs Building, 172 Newark Ave, 201-324-2992 Map

7-9:30pm JCLGO and HDAC presents the Fifth Annual "Living Quilt" In Observance of World Aids Day. A night to celebrate, remember and honor those living with HIV/AIDS, those we have lost, and anyone touched by the pandemic. A special "Sharing Wall" will display works created by people in our community. All are welcome to share a story, song, poem and to create a square for the installation. St. Matthews Church, 83 Wayne Street, 201-344-5233 Map

7pm-10pm NOBIS GALLERY presents a complimentary wine and cheese artists reception for “Jersey City Views,” an exhibit of paintings, drawing and photograph of Jersey City, old and new, by local artists. 127 First St, 201-610-1215. Barrier-free Map

7-10pm HALA VINTAGE presents a BillyKirk Holiday Sample Sale and complimentary wine and cheese reception. Meet designers Kirk and Chris Bray of Billykirk, a high-end leather accessories company for men and women.  They recently uprooted from the west coast and are now based here in downtown Jersey City. Accessories include belts, cuffs, wallets, bags, watches and more! Visit billykirk.com to view their current collection. Paintings on display by Kirk Bray. 326 5th St, 201-653-8877 Map

7:30pm-11pm LEX LEONARD GALLERY presents an Opening Reception for “eLEmental, my dear, ELeMENtal,” by Karina. Meet the artist (7:30-8:30).  “Karina and Friends” spoken word performance to follow (8:30-11), presented by OneTB2 Productions and featuring D. Sharese, Rico Steal, Beth Bentley and Mike Brown. 143 Christopher Columbus Dr, 2nd Fl. Map

8pm-10pm JCITY THEATRE presents “Tuna Christmas" a Christmas Comedy based in Tuna Texas. 39 Erie St (Enter through red doors on Second St), 201-659-2211. Barrier-free Map

8pm-11pm ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE presents a 1960's Swinging London Cocktail Party and live music event, serving your favorite English hors d'oeuvres! We invite you to shop or dress up in your best cocktail attire!! 109 Brunswick St, 347-255-6422 Map

8pm-12pm RESIDUE GALLERY presents our first-ever season ending Art Auction including work from all of our artists and items from Another Man's Treasure. 107 Brunswick St, Barrier-free Map

9pm-1am IRON MONKEY presents live performances. FREE ADMISSION. Youth Against Nature (9:30) Jersey City's own Trash Rock duo delivering primal, lo-fi hybrid of tribal garage/blues & punk/noise to shatter eardrums and sensibilities. Brine and Bastards (10:30), whose high energy brand of "Pirate Rock" ("pirate themed" folk/punk ala Shane Mcgowan & The Pogues complete with swash buckling costumes and salty attitudes) promises to deliver all the brine and barnacles you can handle. Plus DJ's spinning 80s/New Wave hits all night between bands.  97 Greene St., 201-435-5756 Map

10pm-2am ROCKSOUP presents “This is RockSoup,” a party featuring live music and work by artist John Ruddy, John Fathom, Maggie Ens, Nyugen Smith, Dennis Kline and Garfield Hall. 660 Grand St, 2nd floor, 201-320-1019 Map

11pm-? THE WATERBUG HOTEL presents “Basement Soul,” an underground dance party with your hosts Lex and Deeja. Sounds of DJ Kevin Spyker, DJ William Mccamie and DJ Danny Reynor. Vocalist Sirena Marie, percussionists Deeja and Lex. Come and groove to the sounds of soulful house and world beats. An underground treat. Rolon's Basement Lounge, 7 Erie St, Map

24 hours THE BRUNSWICK WINDOW presents cut paper work by Jad Fair: artist, musician, and former leader of the band Half Japanese. Curated by Roger Sayre. 158 Brunswick St, 201-978-8939. Barrier-free Map

24 hours PROARTS Windows and Lobby on Columbus presents “Rising,” a site specific mural in the Windows by painter Sara Wolfe and 4 enormous, beautiful brush and ink drawings of Waterfalls in the Lobby by painter and printmaker Emily Barnett. Curated by Margaret Weber. Lobby on view 7:30am-7:30pm. Mack-Cali Building Lobby, Christopher Columbus Blvd (Washington & Greene), 201-736-7057. Barrier-free Map

24 hours E. JAN KOUNITZ presents “Indefinite Exposure: Mo’ Drive-By Photos.”  Current show: Me-hood / Jersey City. LOCAL ARTISTS II. 357 Palisade Ave (Breher Brothers Bldg.), 917-447-6588. Barrier-free Map

24 hrs ART PARK featuring artists James Pustorino and Norm Francoeur. Norm Francoeur is exhibiting a site specific light installation that takes over the windows of the south stairwell tower and spills over onto several panels of the building's facing. James Pustorino has had 2 of his paintings reproduced and scaled up to billboard-sized proportions. Presented by Exeter Property Co. and organized by Paul Sullivan for Pro Arts. Erie St between 9th and 10th St, 201 736-7057.  Barrier-free Map