have only gone for an event or concerts.  I'm sure for security it's not open all the time.  They have tours...call the office at 973-484-4600 to schedule  or check their website for concert schedule and information. 

I'm sorry I don't know when it will be decorated for Christmas. You might want to call the office to find out. The number is: 973-484-4600

NJ Transit reports that the GO28 bus, which leaves from all the terminals at Newark Liberty Airport, goes within 3 blocks of the Basilica, but you'd have to walk from the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Clifton Street along Clifton to reach the Basilica. If you're not comfortable walking around a strange area, then call Lyft or Uber. It's worth your time to visit this wonderful place, however.

I was just there, no tripod, and NO camera with a big lens alowed.

You don't have to buy ticket...but normally I always donate a few dollars into the donation box right next to the secretary's window. As for visiting hours...this is the best part...you can visit it any time even when there is no service. A true house of God will never deny anybody from entering...believers or not. But the trick is you must enter from the side street small door entrance. When you get inside where the secretary can see you thru the glass door, ring the door bell she will buzz you in. Once inside, say out loudly "Thank you!" Then turn right thru the hallway until you turn left then right again to the main Church. If the lights are not on...you can still see the magnificent church. By the way before you walk around notice the red triangle umbrella with a seat under it? That shows the Pope was there. If you remember your bible, you can recognize a lot of the events such as the camel's head trying to go through the needle? which is on top of one of the entrances in front of the main hall. Good luck? The pillars at the back of the altar were so big it takes three persons to wrap around it with their arms fully stretched! You'll never forget such a beautiful church.