For Immediate Release:
December 2, 2011
Happiest holidays are here in Monmouth County
Caroling, shopping and Scrooge make for a unique time of year
FREEHOLD, NJ – The holiday season is in full swing and everything and anything needed to make merry is right here in Monmouth County.
Santa, trains, caroling, Christmas trees, decorations, shopping, dance, carriage rides and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge make this a unique time of year. The abundance of good cheer, parties and energy bring a special kind of life to the county – and it’s everywhere, all month long.
Let’s start with tree lightings, then move on to house tours, horse-drawn carriage rides and indoor and outdoor concerts. Take a fun look at Christmas past and the many ways to help the less fortunate and you have a month of memories to carry you through winter. In fact, there are so many opportunities available, you and your family could be enjoying a different event almost any day or night.
To find them all, log onto www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the Tourism tab to find the Calendar of Events. It’s updated daily, so check it often. You can call 1-800-523-2587 to receive a packet of information by mail, or visit the office at 1 E. Main St., Freehold, to browse the extensive selection of literature.
We should also take a moment to remember Dec. 7, 1941. It’s the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which propelled the United States into World War II, changing global politics and history forever. The Monmouth County Library System commemorates the event with words and music at its headquarters in Manalapan on Dec. 4.
Monmouth County’s rich history gets a holiday dress-up that lures thousands of people. There are:
· Tree lightings in Ocean Grove and Atlantic Highlands are Dec. 2.
· Pictures with Santa in Red Bank through Dec. 18.
· “The 1940s Radio Hour” recreating Christmas Eve, 1942 with a live radio broadcast in Manasquan Dec. 1-4.
· Father Alphonse and the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea perform holiday favorites at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, Dec. 2.
· “Christmas from Dublin” featuring the Three Irish Tenors at Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre, Dec. 2.
· The Christmas musical “Scrooge” debuts in Spring Lake Dec. 2. Asbury Park’s rendition of this fun and family oriented play is Dec. 8-11.
· “The North America Christmas Tour” of the Vienna Boys Choir is in Freehold Dec. 2.
· “Holiday Harmonies” brings carolers, choirs and bands to Red Bank sidewalks Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Classic horse and carriage rides are there Dec. 3, 10 and 17, too.
· “Christmas at Allaire” is a traditional favorite at Historic Allaire Village, Wall Township, Dec. 3 and 4.
· The beauty of Spring Lake’s bed-and-breakfast inns is highlighted during the candlelight Christmas Inn Tour, Dec. 3.
· The annual Atlantic Highlands Holiday Concert is Dec. 7.
· Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Ballet” appears at Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre Dec. 9 and 10.
· “A Christmas Carol” is performed at Historic Allaire Village Dec. 9 and 16, and look for the Christmas lantern tours there, too, on Dec. 10 and 17.
· “The Ocean Grove Victorian Holiday Festival: A House and Inn Tour” is Dec. 10 and 11.
· Bring the kids to Freehold Dec. 10 for the Santa Train. It’s a real train.
· “Christmas in Manasquan” has carolers, hayrides and Mr. and Mrs. Santa on Dec. 11.
There’s much, much more at the Tourism Calendar of Events, from fine dining, doll houses and Swan Lake to a guided tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Learn more by logging on to www.visitmonmouth.com.
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