County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:

November 19, 2015

 

‘Tis the season in Monmouth County

 

FREEHOLD, NJ –The month of December is upon us and the holiday season is here. With classic holiday theater, breakfasts with Santa and festive town lightings and house tours there’s plenty to do, see, taste and hear. Monmouth County is the place you want to be during the most wonderful time of the year!
 
“The holiday season, with the lights, shows and festivities, really brings out a joyful side of Monmouth County,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “So, take in a play with your family, go for a walk downtown to see the decorations, light the Menorah and Christmas tree with you community and enjoy everything the County has to offer all month long to get you in the holiday spirit.”

You can get in the holiday spirit just by strolling down one of our lit-up downtown districts. Speaking of downtown, Red Bank is bustling with activity this month. From weekend visits with Santa, holiday harmonies and horse & carriage rides to exciting Christmas shows and decorated shop windows, the town is sure to please.

It wouldn’t be December without these holiday theatre favorites:

  • “Miracle on 34th Street” at Algonquin Arts on Dec. 4, 5 and 6.
  • “Scrooge” at Spring Lake Community Theatre on weekends from Dec. 4 through Dec. 19.
  • The humorous “Santaland” will be performed at the Navesink Arts Center on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13.
  • “Winter Tapestry: A Holiday Concert” will showcase seasonal music at Monmouth University on Dec. 10.
  • “A Christmas Carol” will appear at Historic Allaire Village Dec. 11 and also at Count Basie Theatre on Dec. 14.
  • On Dec. 12 and 13, The Nutcracker comes to Count Basie and Algonquin Arts.
  • The Holiday Express Benefit Concert, a Jersey Shore favorite, comes to Count Basie Dec. 17.

The County is overflowing with holiday lightings and entertainment this month:

  • Downtown Freehold will be hosting its tree lighting Dec. 1.
  • There will be a lighting of a Christmas tree and Menorah at the Holmdel Town Hall on Dec. 3.
  • On Dec. 4 there will be tree lightings in Belmar, Highlands, Manasquan and Wall.
  • Spring Lake presents its Christmas Celebration Dec. 5 with a candlelight Christmas Inn tour of the town’s famous B&B’s decorated in their holiday splendor.
  • Asbury Park hosts there annual tree lighting on Dec. 5.
  • On Dec. 6 there will be tree lightings in Colts Neck and Middletown.
  • Visit Ocean Grove Dec. 12 and 13 for holiday house tours.
  • Downtown Freehold will host a Menorah lighting on Dec. 10.

Not in the Christmas spirit? No problem! Here are some great events happening this month that everyone can enjoy:

  • The Pollak Theatre features the ballet “Jewels” on Dec. 3.
  • Count Basie will host country artist Travis Tritt on Dec. 4, The Sinatra Birthday Bash on Dec. 6, Bobby Bandiera & Friends on Dec. 23 and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes on New Year’s Eve.
  • At Algonquin Arts Theatre, enjoy the sounds of the Newark Boys Chorus on Dec. 9 and see the Desert Highway Band perform a tribute to the Eagles on New Year’s Eve.

As always, Monmouth County’s Calendar of Events will provide you with even more December entertainment. For a complete listing of events, go to www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the Tourism tab to find the Calendar of Events. Compiled by the Monmouth County Department of Public Information and Tourism, it is a comprehensive source for things to do and places to go and is updated regularly. You can also call 1-800-523-2587 to have a packet of information mailed to you, or stop by 3 East Main St., Freehold to browse the extensive literature between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

The next time you are on Facebook be sure to “like” the Monmouth County Tourism page. If you use Twitter, follow us on there, too.


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