6pm-9pm LENAPEEPS ART GALLERY 8, INC presents “Unos Heroes.” Camilo Godoy’s “Unos Heroes” presents us with a series of portraits and an idea: that immigrants are heroes. The risks they take and the difficulties they face are recognized here, through photographs that are distinctly personal, that give us heroes who are human too. 704 Grand St (at Ivy Pl), 551-226-3632. Map

6pm-10pm BISTRO LA SOURCE invites you to an evening with artist Frank Messina. Messina incorporates cayenne, poppy seeds, pharmaceuticals and shredded poem-fragments into large, dramatic canvases to bring “abstract” to a “higher” level. While there, enjoy the fine food and spirits at Bistro La Source, Jersey City’s first French American Restaurant. 85 Morris St (at Washington St), 201-209-1717. Barrier-free. Map

9am-9pm JERSEY CITY CULTURAL AFFAIRS presents “4th Street Murals @ City Hall,” murals created at the 2009 4th Street Art & Music Festival, on display at the City Hall Rotunda Gallery. City Hall, 280 Grove St (at Montgomery St), 201-547-4333. Barrier-free. Map 

2pm-8pm ARTS IN ACTION and HDSID present “Downtown Holiday Market,” combining the CREATIVE GROVE market with our wonderful farmers market. Find locally farmed and organic produce, bakeries, hot cider, musicians, carol singing, deejays, art installations and the special designers from the area, all topped by artists with a great variety of works. The set is an outdoor living room with a projection tent. Grove St PATH Plaza (at Christopher Columbus), 201-451-4294. Barrier-free. Map

5pm-9pm STAR BAR presents “Crafty Cinema!” Join Star Bar and film expert Birbal Kaikini as we present two rare films paired with craft beer selections. Try a flight of hand crafted beer or specially priced pints and free hot popcorn while enjoying these celluloid treasures. 34 Wayne St (at Grove St), 201-367-1222. Map

7pm-11pm THE HARD GROVE CAFÉ invites you to sample Cuban favorites such as ropa vieja and picadillo while enjoying the artistic atmosphere & Latin music! 319 Grove St (at Columbus Blvd), 201-451-1853. Barrier-free. Map

7:30pm-11:30pm JC STUDIOS presents “New Beginnings,” a night of music, visual art, and mingling at one of the newest artistic studio spaces in Downtown. Live performances by Synergeez Groove, Jimmy Lopez, Dilandia, Chelo & Daveed from Grassroots Community Space. “Open Jam” (10-11pm). Bring an instrument or just your creative energy and add to the fun! 143 Christopher Columbus Dr, Fl. 1 (at Barrow St), 201-435-1024. Map

9pm-close BAR MAJESTIC invites you to enjoy their Friday night DJ and “JC Fridays Killah Drink Specials!” 275 Grove St (at Montgomery St), 201- 451-4400. Map

12pm-10pm THOMAS JOHN CARLSON ART STUDIO invites you to come and celebrate its Grand Opening. This storefront studio, will also serve as an art school for all ages, with multiple classes and instructors. With inexpensive original art, holiday gift certificates for classes, and information on figure drawing sessions, we will hope to meet you. 318 5th St, Ground Fl (Coles/Monmouth St), 732-877-9116. Map

6pm-11pm GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY SPACE presents “The Grassroots Variety Show.” Live Art, Meditation, Dance, (Au Capoeira, NBK Breaking, MarYSol Salsa, Middle Eastern by Emeline), Music (Sirena, JC Studios and DJ's DaVeed & Oviedo) & MUCH MORE! Stop by Grassroots for flier/event schedule. 54 Coles St (at Third St), 917-254-0573. Barrier-free. Map

7pm-11pm THE STOCKINETTE presents “Decay.” In her latest series, DECAY, Tatiana Godoy frames brick and mortar with her lens, aligning texture, shape, and color into abstract compositions. The beauty she finds in old, crumbling buildings is evidenced by her photographs, which attract us aesthetically to that which we do not typically value. 581 Jersey Ave (at Third St), 551-226-3632. Map

8pm-11pm 58 GALLERY presents “Animalia:new works by Dana Gannon.” On display are intimate representational sculptures in bronze, gypsum and ceramics which explore themes of evolution and the interconnectedness of species such as the role humans have within the rest of the animal kingdom. Live music performance at 9 pm. 58 Coles St (at Third St), 917-349-1693. Barrier-free. Map

12pm-3pm EL SABROSO RESTAURANT where “the customer is the heart of our business,” proudly invites you to come enjoy one of their exquisite Spanish dishes. While there, savor the flavor of Frank Messina's mixed-media paintings, bringing “abstract” to a “higher” level. 414 Central Ave (South/Thorne St), 201-216-1497. Barrier-free. Map

1pm-8pm HELLO AGAIN VINTAGE presents their “Indie Holiday Bazaar” with handmade jewelry & art by locals, such as Gale Bautista, Rianne Lozano, Rodina Mikhail, and Sarah Aponte. Get inspired and scavenger their “junk” trunk to design your own unique outfit using their mini sewing station! 120A Bowers St (Central Ave/Congress St), 201-401-9163. Map

 6am-5pm JOHN'S BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & CATERING invites you to view the vibrant new paintings of visual artist Jeffrey Villanueva. While there, discover why John’s has been serving fine homemade foods and home-style meals for almost a decade. Invites you to view beautiful paintings by Jeffrey Villanueva. 553 1/2 Newark Ave (at Baldwin Ave), 201-420-6661. Barrier-free. Map

7pm-10pm 32 JONES GALLERY presents “Pocketsize,” a group showing of small works just in time for the holidays. Find unique, one of a kind gifts for your friends and family! The Pride Connections Center of New Jersey and Hudson Pride Connections, 32 Jones St (Sip Ave/Newkirk St), 973-600-2269. Barrier-free. Map

7pm-11pm LIBERTY HOUSE RESTAURANT AND CATERING is proud to offer you their fine selection of fresh seafood and prime meats while savoring the high stepping live jazz of “Joisey Bounce” by George Glassen and Richard Connolly. 76 Audrey Zapp Dr (off Freedom Way), 201-395-0300. Barrier-free. Map

1pm-7pm IMAGO BEAUTY GROUP AT THE BASILICO, a high-end salon and spa, invites you to view the collection of local artists’ works. While there, explore their wide range of beauty services and Aveda hair and skin care products. 673 Bergen Ave (Duncan/Fairview), 201-332-6100. Map

7:30am-10:30pm MADE WITH LOVE ORGANIC BAKERY features new works by Beth Achenbach “Feathers, Flight, and Fancy.” Other events include face painting by Umpalumpa 4:30-6:30pm; childrens’ performer Jump with Jill, rockstar nutritionist; and Ace Case, performing new material and as always, smaltzie love tunes with guest stars from 8-10pm. 530 Jersey Ave (Newark Ave/Christopher Columbus Blvd), 201-451-5199. Barrier-free. Map

5pm-2am LITM presents “Little Wonders: An Exhibition of Small Works.” The 3rd annual installation of tiny delights brings you more artists and fun! Works 14" and under in a variety of media and styles. Works may be taken home at time of purchase, perfect for the holidays. Support your local economy and give a one of a kind gift! Curated by Andrea Morin. 140 Newark Ave (Grove/Erie St), 201-536-5557. Barrier-free. Map

6pm-9pm BALANCE SALON invites you to grab a drink and join us for a night of fabulous artwork from Johnny “Pens” Marto, Vincent Minervini, and other local Jersey City artists. Come, drink, and be groovy! 18 Erie St (Bay/First St), 201-324-2992. Map

6pm-10pm FISH WITH BRAIDS GALLERY presents “Robots Cocktail.” Can Robots make cocktails or do they drink them? Kid Robots, Lego Robots, Robot art in every way, various artists. Will Robots take over? 521 Jersey Ave, 1 Rear (at Christopher Columbus), 201-451-4294. Barrier-free. Map

6pm-10pm SAWADEE THAI CUISINE presents a viewing of “Small World,” digital pigment photographs by Matthew Caulfield and Feng Xiao Liu. Come by to enjoy the unique artworks and delicious food at Sawadee. 137 Newark Ave (Grove/Barrow St), 201-921-8059. Barrier-free. Map

7pm-1am RAILROAD STUDIO, presents a Holiday Mixer. Railroad Studio, a cozy haven for multi-media delight, brings you another fusion of photo, video, and audio candy. Featuring a miniature holiday artisan bizarre and live performances and DJing throughout. Centrally located, globally motivated. Hosted by Kevin and Jess. BYOB. 150 Newark Ave., #4R (Erie/Grove St), 917-254-0573. Map

7pm-close PORT-O LOUNGE invites you to join us for our first “official” JC Fridays event! We welcome you to join us for some beverages and indulge in Lorena Rios' paintings, Curated by Tara Thurber V3-vision.verb.vibe, that are inspired by dreams, memories and moods. We look forward to meeting you! 286 1st St (at Newark Ave), 201-420-9550. Map

6pm-8pm ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS and COSI CAFÉ present an Opening Reception for “Jaden Rogers: Girdle Bound.” Jaden draws inspiration from his background in illustration, design, and photography, using sketches and found objects to create eye-catching works. He is constantly evolving as an artist and designer, working with new media and learning new techniques while sticking with the roots of handmade design. 535 Washington Blvd (across from the Pavonia Newport PATH station), 201-763-6129. Barrier-free. Map

7:00pm-11pm THE POINTE AT PORT LIBERTE proudly presents the Alan Quinn Trio. Enjoy their romantic oldies and take in the Pointe’s breathtaking views of the Hudson River, New York Skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. While there, savor their signature dish, “The Pointe,” a combination of the freshest fish from the sea. 2 Chapel Ave, 201-985-9854. Barrier-free. Map

10am-8pm BIGDRUM ART AND FRAMING presents artwork by Nick Martin. You’ve seen his dogs on walls, poles, and places that shouldn’t have paint. Recently, the Jersey Journal featured his mural for the PAL. Now see Nick Martin’s whole collection of “junkyard dogs,” as well as his futuristic 3D men. 127 First St (at Provost St), 201-418-8771. Barrier-free. Map

5pm-9pm HABIB AYAT STUDIO presents “The Colors of Life.” Habib Ayat Art Studio welcomes all art lovers to enjoy a live viewing of his latest art works to the “colors of life.” It will be a special show with a lot of good surprises. Long live art. 364 Marin Blvd (at First St), 551-697-3231. Barrier-free. Map

6pm-9pm CHILLFEST @ THE WAREHOUSE presents “Trailer Park Camp,” a revealing romp of 1950's to 1970's coming attractions from films with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters. This fast-paced and colorful compilation of original movie trailers offers a crash course in the shifting perception and marketing of GLBT people by Hollywood. Continuous screenings. 140 Bay St (at Provost St), 201-984-2158. Barrier-free. Map

7pm-9pm WALDO LOFTS GALLERY presents “One Tuff,” drawings in paint by local artist Kris Brewer. Powder blue “One Tuff” brand drop-cloth becomes a canvas for enlarged images of women from vintage magazines, some just a little menacing. 159 Second St (Provost/Marin Blvd), 973-481-2229. Barrier-free. Map

5pm-8pm D.E.E.N. DESIGNER BOUTIQUE presents “Bringing the Art Back to the PAD.” Finally the fun and the art is coming back to the PAD. Join us for art from local artist and have a drink on us (wine & cheese). In addition we will have a live DJ playing the best of the best for a night of party!!!!!!!! 140 Bay St (at Provost St), 201-963-3336. Barrier-free. Map

8pm-11pm THE A CONDOS CLC presents “Open Mic Night @ The A Condos,” featuring poets, acoustic acts as well as spoken word. We will also set aside one hour for those who wish to show up and improvise. Wine and cheese will be served, so come down to the A Condos for a great open-mic night! 389 Washington St (First/Second St), 201-239-1100. Barrier-free. Map

5pm-8pm JERSEY CITY MUSEUM presents “TARGET FIRST FRIDAYS at Jersey City Museum.” Join JCM for the kick-off of TARGET FIRST FRIDAYS! Throughout the evening families can create Victorian-era art and explore the galleries with artSPY Cards. Adults are invited to visit the theater at 6:30pm for “Twitter Love,” a fun and practical guide to “tweeting.” The evening will also include wine, light refreshments, and giveaways. 350 Montgomery St (at Monmouth St), 201-413-0303 x 141. Barrier-free. Map

5pm-12am GRIGORY GUREVICH ART AND DESIGN STUDIO AND GALLERY presents Professional quality Photo Head Shots (5-8pm). RSVP to reserve your time slot: 201-451-4862. $25 for 3 different professional quality color head shots (you save $250), printed the same day. Offer is valid only for JC Fridays event. Exhibited work: Grigory Gurevich – Photographs and Watercolors, and Alex Gurevich – Drawings. Social gathering to follow. 282 Barrow St, 2nd floor, right buzzer (Mercer/Montgomery Sts), 201-451-4862. Map

8pm-9:30pm THE ATTIC ENSEMBLE presents “It's a Wonderful Life.” The Attic Ensemble presents a live radio play reading of this timeless holiday classic. Suggested donation $10. The Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne St (Barrow St/Jersey Ave), 201-413-9200. Barrier-free. Map

11am-10:30pm GREEN NEW ASHIYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT presents “The Art of Jeffrey Villanueva.” Refresh your senses with beautiful paintings by Jeffrey Villanueva, while enjoying a wonderful dinner in a cozy atmosphere. Discover Jersey City's newest Japanese Restaurant. 680 Route 440 (at Ege Ave), 201-332-9994. Barrier-free. Map