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2023 Downtown Denville Hot Chocolate Contest 

Can you feel the festive spirit beginning to take shape in every nook and cranny of Downtown Denville? That’s right, the holiday season is officially upon us! As we prep for this season of jollity, we’re excited to announce a brand-new tradition kicking off this year – the First Annual Downtown Denville Hot Chocolate Contest.

Part of the thrill? You get to play judge!

Yes, we’re relying on your discerning taste buds to crown the Hot Chocolate Champion. All businesses enter this tasty competition in good festive spirit, striving to claim the bragging rights to the Best Hot Chocolate in Downtown Denville for the upcoming year.

All participating businesses are listed below in alphabetical order for your convenience. Make sure you try them all before you cast your vote as you can only vote for ONE business. Your votes will shape the hot chocolate landscape of our vibrant district! Voting opens during the Holiday Open House on November, 24th and will run through December, ending on Thursday, December 21st.

The winner will be announced on Friday, December 22nd, just in time to add an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer.

With stunning decorations, irresistible shopping options, exciting events, and now the hot chocolate contest, there’s no doubt that Downtown Denville is your holiday destination!

VOTE HERE

This poll has ended (since 2 years).

A TACO AFFAIR

Molé Mexican Hot Chocolate

A Taco Affair - Hot Chocolate Contest

Indulge in the exotic blend of our Molé Mexican Hot Chocolate. Inspired by traditional mole sauce, this luxurious drink features a complex array of 12 ingredients, leading with a rich chocolate taste and finishing with a hint of earthy sweetness and a warm, spicy kick. Topped with spiced whipped cream and served with a crispy churro, it’s a unique twist on a classic. (Note: Mug not included)

BEIGNETS

Signature Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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Beignets 1 - Hot Chocolate Contest
Beignets - Hot Chocolate Contest

Signature Hot Chocolate: Experience the comfort of our Signature Hot Chocolate, elevated with a dollop of toasted marshmallow cream for a delightful, cozy treat.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Refresh your senses with our Peppermint Hot Chocolate, a festive blend crowned with peppermint whipped cream, perfect for holiday cheer.

BUBBLES IN PARADISE 

Warm Chocolate Peppermint Tea

Bubbles in Paradise - Hot Chocolate Contest

Explore the unconventional with our Warm Chocolate Peppermint Milk Tea. This unique “hot chocolate” is served warm to perfect the texture of the tapioca bubbles. Enhance your experience with optional whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and crushed candy cane. (Served in a paper hot cup, showcasing our special tapioca inclusion)

CHOCOLATINE

Oh La La Chocolat Chaud

Chocolatine - Hot Chocolate Contest

Savor the essence of Paris with our Oh La La Chocolat Chaud. Made with 61% dark chocolate, this rich and creamy hot chocolate is a decadent treat, adorned with mini marshmallows and chocolate bits to create a luxurious experience.

DOOWOP EATS

Greek Hot Chocolate

DooWop Eats - Hot Chocolate Contest

Savor the richness of Greece with our Greek Hot Chocolate. Melted imported Greek chocolate, flawlessly blended with steamed cream, fills a Nutella-rimmed glass adorned with chocolate sprinkles. Each cup is crowned with freshly made, thick whipped cream, offering a luxurious chocolate experience.

DUJOUR CAFE 

DuJour Hot Chocolate

DuJour Cafe - Hot Chocolate Contest

Savor the citrus-infused wonder of our DuJour Hot Chocolate. Infused with aromatic orange syrup and adorned with a cloud of whipped cream and marshmallows, it’s finished with a charming Terry’s Chocolate Orange garnish for a playful and elegant twist.

EL COQUI CREPES 

Gabby’s Holiday

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El Coqui 1 - Hot Chocolate Contest
El Coqui 2 - Hot Chocolate Contest

Gabby’s Holiday presents a Nutella Hot Chocolate that’s a dream come true for chocolate lovers. This rich, velvety drink is infused with cinnamon and topped with fluffy marshmallows, offering a delightful holiday indulgence.

EL MEJICANO TEX-MEX GRILL

Mexican Hot Chocolate

El Mejicano Tex-Mex Grill - Hot Chocolate Contest

Savor the rich heritage of Mexico with our Mexican Hot Chocolate. Crafted with authentic spices and deep, luxurious chocolate, this drink warms you up from the inside out, embodying the spirit of traditional Mexican warmth and hospitality.

MO’PWEEZE

Mocha Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Mo'Pweeze - Hot Chocolate Contest

Mocha Hot Chocolate: Dive into the indulgent fusion of coffee and chocolate with our Mocha Hot Chocolate, topped with homemade plant-based whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Perfect for those who enjoy a caffeine kick.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Refresh your palate with our Peppermint Hot Chocolate, adorned with homemade plant-based whipped cream and peppermint candy sprinkles.

Both drinks are top 10 allergen-free, vegan, and kosher, catering to all

MUTTS ON MAIN 

Peanut Butter Cup Hot “Carob”  & Reeces Hot Chocolate

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Mutts on Main 1 - Hot Chocolate Contest
Mutts on Main 2 - Hot Chocolate Contest

A treat for you and your pup! 

Peanut Butter Cup Hot “Carob” for Dogs: A special treat for your furry friend, our Peanut Butter Cup Hot “Carob” is a safe, delicious, and dog-friendly beverage.

Reeces Hot Chocolate for Humans: Indulge in the decadent blend of peanut butter and chocolate with our Reeces Hot Chocolate, a delightful treat for the taste buds

SMARTWORLD

Polar Express Duo 

SmartWorld - Hot Chocolate Contest

Elf Magic (Kids Size): A magical concoction of vanilla and hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and enchanting sprinkles.

Snow Drift (12 oz): Immerse yourself in the wintry blend of toasted marshmallow and white chocolate, accented with cinnamon and nutmeg, and crowned with whipped cream and marshmallows.

Available exclusively as a set for the contest.

SWEET VINYL 

The Snowball 

Sweet Vinyl - Hot Chocolate Contest

A winter wonderland in a cup, our Snowball hot chocolate combines white chocolate sauce with coconut and vanilla syrups, topped with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy delight.

THATCHER MCGHEES

McGillicuddy Cocoa

Thatcher McGhees - Hot Chocolate Contest

For those over 21, indulge in our hot cocoa with a twist – spiked with Dr. McGillicuddy Peppermint Schnaps for a minty, spirited lift to your holiday celebrations.

What’s Happening in Downtown Denville This Weekend? Nov 24 – Nov 26

The official kick-off of the holiday season starts right here in Downtown Denville! Join us all weekend long in Downtown Denville to shop small & support local.

Friday, November 24th

Holiday Open House on Ice

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Downtown Denville

Join us for the official kick-off of the holiday season with our annual Holiday Open House on Ice! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Holiday Open House for more information on activities, store promotions, and more!

Saturday, November 25th

Small Business Saturday

All Day Long | Shop Small in Downtown Denville

Explore the charm of Downtown Denville this Small Business Saturday! Shop small, support local, and discover the heart of our community. Check out our guide for Store Deals in Downtown Denville for Small Business Saturday.

Annual Tree Lighting at Rotary Santa Land

6:00 PM | Rotary Santa Land on Clark Street

Join us for Denville Rotary’s Annual Tree Lighting at Rotary Santa Land at 6:00 P.M. Santa Land is located on Clark Street behind Chase Bank.

Matthew Vincent Hair Studio Grand Opening

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 56 Diamond Spring Road

Following their ribbon cutting with Denville’s Mayor at 3:30 P.M., Matthew Vincent Hair Studio invites the community to celebrate their Grand Opening from 4:30 – 6:00 PM with snacks, spirits, and more!

Sunday, November 26th

Trucker Hat Bar

12:00 – 4:00 PM | Bluebird by Bullet Boots

Stop by Downtown Denville business Bluebird by Bullet Boots on Sunday from 12 – 4 PM for their Trucker Hat Bar event where you can customize your own trucker hat!

Denville Holiday Parade

2:00 PM | Broadway in Downtown Denville

Denville’s festive holiday parade presented by Denville’s Recreation Deparment, welcomes Santa to his Denville holiday residence at the Rotary Santa Land off of Church Street. Find more details in our blog here.

Welcoming Santa to Santa Land

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Broadway in Downtown Denville

Santa in Denville Parade

Following the parade, Santa will be available at his Denville Residence for visitors from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Check out our other blog with the full schedule of where to find Santa this holiday season in Downtown Denville, your holiday destination!

More Downtown Denville Events

To see futured Downtown Denville events head to https://downtowndenville.com/upcoming-events/

Downtown Denville: Your Holiday Destination

We’ve got all the holiday activities to make your holiday shopping experience magical !

HOLIDAY SHOPPING OPEN HOUSE ON ICE

Location: Downtown Denville

Date: Friday November 26th, 5:30-9 pm

Broadway will be closed to traffic so you can walk throughout much of downtown and enjoy shopping and holiday activities. We’ll have an ice skating rink right in the middle of Broadway, an outside Holiday Bar, Make-Your-Own-Stockings, Holiday Photo Booth, Winter Carolers, Characters, S’mores stations and more. Plus lots of store and restaurant specials. You don’t want to miss this one.

Holiday Shopping Open House Nov 26th, 5:30pm

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Location: Downtown Denville

Date: Saturday November 27th, All Day

Downtown Denville will heavily support Small Business Saturday and is encouraging everyone in the area to SHOP SMALL!    In addition, Downtown Denville is hosting Holiday Carolers from Morris Hills as they roam the downtown sidewalks from 3-5pm.

Butter and Velvet encouraging you to Shop Small !

ROTARY SANTA LAND TREE LIGHTING

Location: Santa Land, Clark Street, Denville NJ (By the Post Office)

Date: Saturday, November 27th, 6pm

Just across the street from Downtown Denville’s center is Rotary Santa Land, a small area of holiday decor, a few small village buildings with displays, and Santa’s local workshop.  While Santa does not officially cozy into his Denville location until Sunday Nov 28th, the local residents celebrate by lighting his Christmas Tree the night before. This is often accompanied by random Christmas Caroling done by attendees that gather shortly after 6:30pm.

DENVILLE HOLIDAY PARADE

Location: Downtown Denville

Date: Sunday, November 28th, 2-5pm

The holiday parade comes marching into Denville to celebrate the arrival of Santa, who naturally arrives on Denville’s oldest firetruck, Old Betsy. The parade features a great line-up including the Denville String Band, Denville Shriner cars, a sheep herder and his sheep, Holiday floats that are themed by classic holiday stories, books, and art, and so much more. This year’s Parade Marshals are the First Responders who put their lives on the line to help during Covid.

Santa arrives in Denville, NJ

MENORAH LIGHTING

Location: Outside Denville Town Hall, Denville NJ

Date: Tuesday, November 30th, 5pm

Just outside our downtown corridor at Denville Township Administrative Building (1 St. Mary’s Place) the long-standing tradition brings many people from the surrounding area to celebrate.  Chabad Jewish Center of Mountain Lakes, Denville and Boonton has hosted a menorah lighting for several years.

Menorah
Photo Credit: Josh Applegate

WINTER FARMER’S MARKET

Date: Dec. 5th, Dec. 12th, Dec. 19th at 1pm

Our Farmer’s Market (Winter Edition) still takes place every Sunday in the Bloomfield Parking lot on Bloomfieild Avenue. Come shops great local vendors, farmers and more. There is live music, great shopping and holiday cheer. See them for more info

Denville Farmer’s Market (Holiday Edition)

HOLIDAY CAROLERS

Location: Downtown Denville

Date: Dec 4th, 11-1pm (Village Carolers), Dec. 11th, 3-5pm (Morris Hills Carolers), Dec. 18th, 11am-1pm (Village Carolers)

We’ll have holiday carolers every weekend in Downtown Denville. We are your Holiday Destination and make sure to do all your holiday shopping along our beautifully decorated streets and sidewalks while the Carolers serenade you.

Holiday Carolers
Photo Credit: David Beale

AND MORE…

And as always, the holiday music will be playing throughout downtown Denville’s state of the art speaker system, as well as beautifully decorated streetscapes and stores (they hold a contest for the best decorated store window), the beauty of a winter Rockaway River and more making Downtown Denville a destination for the holidays.

For more information about Downtown Denville’s stellar Holiday Events / Activities, stay tuned to downtowndenville.com or follow our social media channels @downtowndenville on Facebook and @dwtndenville on Instagram and Twitter.

Spread the cheer! Take photos or post about your great holiday experiences downtown using the hashtag #downtowndenville all season long!

Denville After Dark – The Finale

Denville After Dark was created to continue to support our downtown community through the pandemic, while keeping our residents and visitors safe. Streets are closed to allow for extra space while mingling, shopping, and eating, and to focus on bringing people together in a low key way. Live music, a caricature artist, and other happenings create a fun vibe that our charming downtown is known for. And tonight is the last one for 2020!

Join us for one more night of community fun. The Fall weather is perfect for celebrating outdoors, we have two new bands (Almost Autumn and Maggie Pietrucha Live) and Denville Sunrise Rotary will be on hand for last minute duck purchases for their virtual races.

Broadway, Center Street, and a portion of First Avenue will be closed to allow for extra space, but there is plenty of parking available in the First Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue parking lots, and along Diamond Spring Road, Main Street, Bloomfield Avenue, and more.

These events are not possible without the generous donations from our sponsors (Saint Francis Residential Community, Denville Strong, Hunan Taste, Duphiney Financial Network, The Peer Hyatt Selling Team, Brad Resnick Photography, Gateway to the Arts, and The Sheeran Real Estate Group), and the tireless efforts of our Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff.

See you tonight!

*Want to help our community to continue to have more events like this? Our businesses need you – donate to our Relief Fund right here.

Downtown Denville’s Restaurant Week Begins!

Downtown Denville’s Annual Restaurant Week kicked off on Sunday, September 20, and there are 15 restaurants downtown sharing delicious specials to entice you to eat local. You’ll find everything from a different ten dollar special at Thatcher McGhee’s every day to a 10% discount off chalkboard specials at Carver’s. This is a great way to discover a new restaurant or revisit an old favorite.

With many of the downtown Denville restaurants recently voted “best in Morris County,” this is the perfect time to celebrate with them, and to continue to support our restaurant community. Restaurant Week continues through Thursday, September 24, and you can find a full list of participants at Dine Out Denville. There is an interactive map this year – just click on the orange pins to find the details from each participating restaurant. Even if a restaurant doesn’t have a special this week, they all would appreciate your patronage. This year has been challenging for many small business owners, and this is the perfect time to give our restaurants a little boost of support. With many offering outdoor and indoor dining, take out and delivery, you’ll find a convenient and delicious way to eat your way through Denville this week!

Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram – we’d love to see and share! Happy eating!

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