Holiday Events in Monmouth County
December has always been the month of hurried shopping, holiday decorations, and great preparation. It’s very rare that people stop and relax between the lights and the gifts and inflatable snowmen. But in Monmouth County, there’s so much to do in the community that relaxing is the last thing on a person’s mind.
For example, this Thursday, December 1 at the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, NJ is the “All Things Jersey” annual Holiday Exhibition. The annual exhibit celebrates New Jersey’s rich history, culture and traditions. For only $7 a ticket, the “All Things Jersey” Holiday Exhibition should be on everyone’s to-do list, whether you live in New Jersey, or just attend school here.
Sometimes, the best place to go is right in your own backyard. On Friday, December 2, Father Alphonse Stephenson and the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea will be performing some holiday favorites at Pollak Theatre, like he has been for the past 21 years. Tickets are $39.
But if concerts aren’t your thing, the annual Tree Lighting and Caroling in Auditorium Park of Ocean Grove that night is another great holiday tradition that will get you ready for this holiday season.
On Saturday, December 3 at 3:30 pm the Historic Inns of Spring Lake present “Candlelight Christmas Inn Tour.” For $25, you get not only the tour but also complimentary tea at the Breakers that day from 2:00 pm to 3:30pm and access to a Christmas Boutique at the Ocean House from 2:00 pm until 7:30pm. Tickets are available at The Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce, Kate & Co., Urban Details, Milestones and Ocean House.
If you aren’t into tea, but still love celebrating Christmas, the Longstreet Farmhouse is hosting “The Sounds of Christmas” on Sunday, December 4 at 1:00pm in Holmdel for free. Larry Mosser and Mary Nagen team up to bring you the tranquil sounds of beloved Christmas carols on the hammered dulcimer and fiddle.
On Tuesday, December 6, the Jersey Shore Fashion Show is being held at Jacques in Middletown at 5:30 pm. The show supports local boutiques and features some of the best boutiques and models around. Tickets are $20.
If you plan on staying more with the Christmas Theme, the “Nutcracker Ballet” is being presented by Company of Dance Arts School at the Count Basie Theatre. This annual show has allowed soloists from the NYC ballet companies to join local dancers for the passed 26 years in one of the most well known ballets. With tickets set at $15, $25 and $35, there is a seat for everyone to enjoy.
Every Friday and Saturday between December 9 and 17, Coastal Artists Productions present “A Christmas Carol” at Allaire Village. Student tickets are $10 and regular admission is $20.
Another performance set for the holiday season, “A Christmas Survival Guide,” presented by ReVision Theatre, is a new musical being shown only four times. With shows on Friday, December 16 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sunday, December 18 at 3:00 pm, at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, there is a time and show for everyone. Tickets start at $10 to $50 and are available at the Paramount Theatre box office.
And for all those Polar Bears, the 48th Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races are being held Saturday, December 31 at 10:00 am at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. With events like the five-mile run at 1:00 pm, the 10-mile walk at 10:00 pm and the five-mile health walk at 10:00 am, there is something to keep everyone busy until the post-race Polar Bear Swim. Register at the Convention Hall located on Ocean Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Pre-entry, which is defined as being before December 26, is $20 and comes with the famed “Polar Bear” t-shirt and hot soup. There will be special random drawings for a various prizes and trophies given to the top 10 men and women of each race.
With so many things to do this December, be sure to make time to do it all and make the most out of what Monmouth County has to offer.
PHOTO COURTESY of therunninggourmand.blogspot.com
