Holiday Events: Tree & Menorah Lightings, Concerts & Wagon Rides

Holiday Harmonies – Saturdays, Now through December 24th

Silver bells will be ringing throughout the streets of Red Bank this holiday season! Catch live music all throughout town by groups such as The Wag, Aura, and the Tower Hill Bell Choir. Check out redbank.org for the performance schedule and other details.

Holiday Horse and Wagon Rides – Every Saturday now through December 23

From 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., an easy way to get into the spirit this holiday season is to hop on a classic horse drawn wagon in Red Bank and tour the town’s business district. Board at either of these two locations: 11 Bridge Avenue (near Danny’s Steakhouse) or 26 Broad Street (near The Robinson Ale House). Rides are free and available all throughout December!

The Christmas Express with Santa Claus – Now through December 17th

Come to the New Jersey Museum of Transportation for their traditional holiday train ride! Santa will make an appearance and make sure he talks to every child on the train. Order tickets ahead at the station as they run out fast. Check out njmt.org for more information

Holmdel Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting

Thursday, December 7th, 6:00PM to 8:00PM

The holiday celebrations will include live music and carolers, along with a visit from a special someone from the North Pole at Holmdel Town Hall. Check out holmdeltownship-nj.com for more information.

Monmouth County Historical Association Mix & Jingle

Come join in the merriment and support MCHA! Celebrate the holiday season on Friday, December 8, 2017, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Taylor-Butler House, 127 Kings Highway, Middletown! This Victorian gem in the heart of historic Middletown will have its halls decked awaiting your arrival to mix and mingle with friends old and new. Come join in the merriment!

Sea Bright’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 9th – 5:00PM

Both Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance at Sea Bright’s tree lighting at Anchorage Park (located just North of the Sea Bright/Rumson bridge), bearing small gifts for the children. Refreshments will also be served! Visit seabrightnj.org for more information.

The Santa Run is back! – December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Take to the streets of Asbury Park and support Lunch Break with an army of Santas running (or walking) a 5K race. Once the run is done head on over to the after party featuring live music from the legendary Brian Kirk & the Jirks, plus food and drink specials. There will also be a massive toy drive so Lunch Break can provide local kids with a happy holiday season. More info at apsantarun.com.

Asbury Park SantaCon – December 9th

Can you think of a better way to spend this December than surrounded by hundreds of Santas in the streets of Asbury Park? Dress up, grab some friends and explore the many bars and restaurants the town offers—all the while spreading the holiday spirit. Be sure to note that the first 500 “Santa Crawlers” to sign up will earn a complimentary SantaCon.org Santa Hat.

Ocean Grove Victorian Holiday Festival & House Tour – December 9th and December 10th

Stop by Ocean Grove this holiday season to embark on a wonderful self-guided tour of the historic homes and inns in the beloved beach town, featuring a free jitney service, holiday bell ringers and even a gift boutique for your holiday shopping needs!

Country Christmas in Colts Neck – December 10th

Photos with Santa Claus, seasonal refreshments, exclusive Colts Neck gift items, and more will fill the historic Montrose one-room schoolhouse. The Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee is sponsoring this free traditional holiday fest at the school at the corner of Montrose Road and Cedar Drive. Santa Claus will take time out from his busy schedule to pose for free photos taken by guests who should bring their own cameras. Seasonal goodies, hot chocolate, and drinks will be provided. The fir tree outside the school will be lit during the afternoon. A small Christmas tree inside the school will be festooned with decorations appropriate to the period.

Shrewsbury Menorah Lighting

December 13th (rain or shine) – 6:30 PM

The fun will take place at Shrewsbury Borough Hall Gazebo, including live entertainment, jelly donuts, and dreidels. Visit shrewsburyboro.com for more details.

Red Bank Menorah Lighting

Wednesday, December 13th – 6:30PM

Enjoy the Festival of Lights in a beautiful ceremony at the Red Bank Train Station! Check out redbank.org for more information.

Colts Neck Public Menorah Lighting

Thursday, December 14th – 6:00PM

Celebrations will include the lighting of a 12ft Menorah and musical entertainment, along with latkes and donuts for refreshments, all at The Orchards at Colts Neck. Check out jewishholmdel.org for more information.

Christmas Lantern Tours – December 15th

Take a holiday stroll through the Historic Village at Allaire in Farmingdale. Not only will you be celebrating the holidays, but learning to. As you walk the tour, you can enjoy music and theater educating you about Christmas in 1836. Tickets are $15 per person. Be sure to buy in advance as there’s limited space

The Rainbow Fish at Two River Theater – December 15th through December 18th

The Rainbow Fish is recommended for audiences age 3-7. Tickets are on sale now for $25 at tworivertheater.org.

Longstreet Farm to Host Family-Friendly Holiday Events

Head over the Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel the weekend of December 16th and 17th for some FREE holiday cheer!
Christmas Sing-Along
Saturday, December 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
This holiday season come to the farmhouse and visit with Rick Garland as he plays the piano for an old-fashioned sing-along.
Visit with Santa
Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Children can visit with Santa and walk to the farmhouse for a cup of cider. Be sure to bring your camera.

Lincroft Annual Christmas Tree Trimming and Lighting

Saturday, December 16 – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Enjoy a wonderful family holiday celebration at Church of Saint Leo on Hurley’s Lane, featuring Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, coffee, and donuts. Check out stleothegreat.com for more information

Count Basie Happenings

The Nutcracker at Count Basie – December 9th and 10th
Santa for Lunch Break starring Brian Kirk and The Jirks – December 16th at 8:00 p.m.
Monmouth Civic Chorus Joy to the World Concert – December 17
Little Steven and The Disciples Of Soul Holiday Homecoming – December 23rd at 8:00 p.m.

Kick Cancer Overboard! – December 17th at 7:00 PM

KCO presents RockIt! – a three-hour concert, four course dinner at Buona Sera Palazzo in Ocean Township Tickets visit kickcanceroverboard.org. For more information, call Ted Friedli at 732.571.1960