New York City (Photo: Envato)
Passover 2026 begins on Wednesday night, April 1st, and ends on Thursday night, April 9th. While many families enjoy using the holiday to travel farther afield, not everyone can take a full week off work or devote extra days to long travel. For many people, especially those based in the New York and New Jersey area, the easiest solution is simply loading the kids into the car and driving an hour or two to a nearby Passover program.
The Benefits of Staying Close to Home
For those who live or work in New York or the tri-state region, there are excellent Passover program options within comfortable driving distance. Escaping for the holiday doesn’t have to mean flying across the country. With programs located just a short drive away, you can enjoy a meaningful and relaxing Pesach without the stress of long travel days.
This is particularly convenient for anyone who needs to be in the office during Chol Hamoed. Staying close to home means you can commute to work during the day and still return in time for dinner at your Passover program. It’s the best of both worlds — maintaining your work commitments while still enjoying a beautiful Yom Tov experience with your family.
Why Local Programs Make Life Easier
The appeal of these regional programs goes far beyond proximity. Passover at home requires a tremendous amount of preparation — deep cleaning, stocking up on kosher-for-Passover essentials, hours of cooking, and the mental load that comes with it all. For many busy families, especially those juggling work and school schedules, the pressure can feel overwhelming.
Nearby Passover programs eliminate that stress completely. You enjoy hotel accommodations, catered gourmet meals, a festive atmosphere, and the freedom to participate in Yom Tov and Chol Hamoed activities without worrying about cleaning the stove, kashering the kitchen, or preparing multiple meals a day.
For 2026, programs in New Jersey and Maryland offer the perfect balance — close enough to remain practical for work and family life, yet far enough away to feel like a true getaway. Whether you want convenience, comfort, or a stress-free holiday experience, these options allow you to enjoy Pesach in a meaningful setting while staying within easy commuting distance of home.
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Passover programs at the Jersey Shore (Photo by Tommy Fawcett on Unsplash)
Passover Programs Near NYC for 2026
While there are no Passover programs in New York for 2026, there are excellent options just a short drive away. These New Jersey and Maryland programs are close enough to make commuting during Chol Hamoed possible, yet far enough to feel like a real Pesach getaway.
Passover Programs in New Jersey
Leisure Time Tours at Ocean Place Resort & Spa – New Jersey Shore
Enjoy Pesach at a full-service beachfront resort less than 90 minutes from NYC. Ocean Place offers ocean-view rooms, a 14,000-square-foot spa, indoor and outdoor pools, kids’ programming, and gourmet kosher dining. It’s a great choice for families looking for a relaxed Pesach by the beach without traveling far.
Pesach Time Tours at The Doubletree Hotel by Hilton – Somerset, New Jersey
Pesach Time Tours returns to New Jersey with a convenient hotel-based program that’s ideal for families who want an easy, comfortable, and budget-friendly Pesach close to home. With kids’ activities, daily minyanim, and a warm holiday atmosphere, it’s a great option for those who want to stay local while enjoying full-service meals and programming.
Learn more: Pesach Time Tours New Jersey 2026
Passover Programs in Maryland
Elevated Passover 2026 – Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Just a few hours from the New York/New Jersey area, this waterfront resort offers a luxury Passover experience with beautifully renovated rooms, a full spa, marina, golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, and extensive family activities. It’s an excellent choice if you want a resort-style Pesach within driving distance but with a true vacation feel.
Passover programs in Maryland (Photo: Shutterstock)
A Pesach Vacation Within Reach
Passover programs close to home eliminate the stress of the holiday. These programs take care of all the details—from providing a clean, chametz-free environment to serving gourmet kosher-for-Pesach cuisine. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Yom Tov without the pressure of cleaning, shopping, or cooking.
Staying nearby also gives you the flexibility to manage work commitments more easily. Many people find they can take care of work responsibilities at night or go into the office for a day or two during Chol Hamoed without giving up the entire holiday. It’s the perfect balance for anyone who needs to stay connected while still enjoying a meaningful Pesach getaway.
These programs offer more than convenience—they create a complete, stress-free holiday experience. You get all the comforts of a Pesach program while staying close enough to maintain your routine and work-life balance.
If you're on the West Coast and looking to stay local this year, explore our guide to Passover programs on the West Coast.
And for those dreaming of warm weather, sunshine, and endless Chol Hamoed activities, take a look at our roundup of Passover programs in Florida.
And for those dreaming of warm weather, sunshine, and endless Chol Hamoed activities, take a look at our roundup of Passover programs in Florida.