The best place to spoil mom

A Guide to Celebrating Mother’s Day in Elizabeth

Celebrate Mother's Day in Elizabeth with brunch, pampering, and thoughtful surprises

Mother's Day Brunch
Dinner
Shopping
Gifts
Spa & Wellness
Arts & Culture

Mother’s Day 2025 is Sunday, May 11—and it’s the perfect time to treat the incredible moms in your life to a day of love, flavor, and fun. Whether she’s visiting for the weekend or a proud local, Elizabeth offers plenty of memorable ways to celebrate together.

Treat Mom to a Brunch She’ll Love

Celebrate Mom with a flavorful meal at one of Elizabeth’s standout restaurants:

Valenca Restaurant serves up some of the best traditional Portuguese fare in New Jersey—perfect for a hearty, soulful brunch.

Celebrate family-style at City Tavern, a beloved spot with more than 30 years of European-Latin flavors, amazing sangria, and a warm, festive vibe.

If Mom’s flying in or you're planning a weekend staycation, Terminal One (T1) Sports Bar is just a mile from Newark Liberty International Airport and offers great food, drinks, and ambiance to wind down the weekend together.

Explore the Flavors of Elizabeth

Thanks to its culturally diverse population, Elizabeth is a true foodie haven. Surprise Mom with a taste of home—whatever her roots may be—with cuisine from Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, and Spain.

Looking for something bold and modern? Head to The Garden, where Latin American fusion cuisine is served in a chic, inviting space.

Or for something extra special, visit Rancho Mateo, a traditional Colombian steakhouse in the city, where carne a la llanera is served with love and flavor. It's the kind of family atmosphere that makes any meal feel like a celebration.

Shop, Stroll, and Soak Up the Spring Vibes

Take Mom on a walk through Midtown/Uptown Elizabeth, where English-style gardens and murals painted by local artists add charm to city streets.

Head to the Elizabeth Marina for a peaceful waterfront stroll, or go shopping Downtown, where boutiques and small businesses line the way.

Don’t miss Elmora and the West End—some of the city’s best restaurants are tucked away here, perfect for a quiet bite or evening treat.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with unique finds at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Pick Out a Thoughtful Gift

Spend time together at The Market at Elizabeth Avenue, where you can grab fresh flowers and handmade gifts for Mom, or just stroll and snack together. From delicious pastries to fresh-brewed coffee and a variety of global cuisines, this is a true taste of Elizabeth.

Bonus: There are salons and nail spots right in the market if Mom wants a little pampering while you're out and about.

Pamper Her with a Spa Day

Make time for rest and relaxation at Bodies & Faces Day Spa. This full-service spa offers everything from massages and facials to full-day packages like the “Day of Beauty,” which includes a European facial, Swedish massage, mani/pedi, sauna, and lunch.

Or head to Stunning Med Spa in Union, New Jersey for a high-quality medical spa treatment designed to elevate your beauty and wellness.

Take in the Arts

Stop by the Ritz Theatre (built in 1926!) to catch a live performance. With shows nearly every day of the week, there’s bound to be something that fits Mom’s taste.

Looking for something free and colorful? Walk around town and admire Elizabeth’s vibrant street murals, commissioned by the Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation and painted by local artists.

Head to the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) for the Oldies But Goodies Mother’s Day Concert, featuring acts like The Intruders, The Dramatics Tribute, and The Chi-lites Revue.

Or gift Mom a future night out with tickets to a show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where the week of Mother’s Day includes comedy, jazz, modern dance, and orchestral music.

However You Celebrate, Make It a Weekend to Remember

If your Mother’s Day plans include strolling the gardens, sharing sangria, or picking out the perfect pair of earrings, there’s no wrong way to celebrate Mom in Elizabeth. What matters most is time together—and maybe a few surprise desserts.

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