🧸Holiday Made in Monmouth!!

Together With

Good morning Monmouth County! We’re three days from Hanukkah and two weeks from Christmas and Kwanzaa. The holiday season is in high gear. As we begin our final descent, please try to keep your neighbors in mind. For all the great things this season can bring it can also be especially challenging, stressful, and isolating for others. What better way to celebrate the true spirit of the season than by loving your neighbors? Take care of yourselves and each other!

TODAY’S BUZZ 🐝 

🧸 Holiday Made in Monmouth

🎅 Santa Breakfasts and Brunches 🥞 

☃️ Winter Fresh Farmers Market

🎄 Christmas House at Freehold Raceway Mall

🍸️ December Cocktail Class

🍻 Asbury Ale House Howell

❄️ Middletown Outdoor Winter Wonderland

🎭️ The Nutcracker

🎸 A Bluegrass Christmas at Belmar Arts Center

🥊 Dead Serious MMA at iPlay America

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

📰 NEWS

🧸 Holiday Made in Monmouth

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has reminded shoppers that the 2025 Holiday Made in Monmouth event will take place this Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Robert J. Collins Arena and the Warner Student Life Center at Brookdale Community College. Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Economic Development, called the event "the perfect place to do some holiday shopping," noting that this year's installment will feature the most vendors ever—more than 300 Monmouth County-based vendors offering products like art, accessories, food, drink, jewelry, and home décor, along with prize opportunities and free take-your-own photos with Santa. Arnone added that the event, which started in 2012 as a once-a-year effort to support local businesses, has since grown into a cherished tradition that celebrates and strengthens the County's small business community, making it a must-visit for those looking to shop local.

🥶 Code Blue Alert Extended in Monmouth County

A “Code Blue” alert has been extended across Monmouth County, opening warming centers and shelters for those who need immediate assistance during dangerously cold weather.

The “Code Blue” designation is activated when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, posing a threat to unsheltered individuals.

• When: The current alert is in effect from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. now through Sunday, according to 211 New Jersey.

• Need Help? If you or someone you know requires shelter, please see the list of available locations here or call 2-1-1.

🎄 HOLIDAYS

🎅 Santa Breakfast & Brunch 🥞 

Breakfast with Santa | 12/13 8:30am | Wall Twp. Municipal Park (Wall) | info

Santa Brunch Cruise | 12/13, 12/20, 12/21 10:30am-1:30pm | Seastreak (Highlands) | info 

Breakfast with Santa | 12/13 9am-12:30pm | Sweet Lew’s Cafe (Freehold) info

Breakfast with Santa | 12/13 9:30am-12pm | Amelia's by the Sea (Spring Lake) | info 

Breakfast with Santa | 12/13 11am-2pm | Branches (W. Long Branch) | info

Barkfest with Santa | 12/14. 9am-11am | Doggie Sweets-Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Brunch with Santa | 12/14, 12/21 10am-3pm | Bella Vista Country Club (Marlboro) | info 

Brunch with Santa | 12/14, 12/21 10am-3pm | The American Hotel (Freehold) | info 

Santa Brunch | 12/14, 12/20 11am-2pm | The Bistro-iPlay America (Freehold) | info

Brunch with Santa | 12/21 10am-3pm | The Proving Ground (Highlands) | info 

Breakfast with Santa | 12/14 9am-11:30am | Jumping Brook Country Club (Neptune) | info 

Brunch with Santa | 12/14, 12/21 10am-3pm | McLoone's Pier House (Long Branch) | info 

Brunch with Santa | 12/14, 12/21 10am-3pm | The Rum Runner (Sea Bright) | info 

Brunch with the Grinch | 12/14 10am-4pm | The Proving Ground (Highlands) | info 

Sunday Brunch with Santa | 12/14, 12/21 11am-3pm | MJ's at The Buttonwood Manor (Matawan) | info

Santa Brunch at Waypoint 622 | 12/14 10am-3:30pm | Waypoint 622 (Brielle) | info

Breakfast with Santa | 12/14 10am-11:30am | Magnolia Equine Sanctuary (Farming) | info

Frosty, Grinch, Santa Brunch | 12/21 11am-2pm | The Bistro-iPlay America (Freehold) | info

🎄 Holiday Events

Christmas House | 12/12-12/14 F 5pm-9pm, S 11am-9pm, Su 11am-8pm | Freehold Raceway Mall (Freehold) | info

Red Bank River Center Elf Scavenger Hunt: 11/28-12/21 All Day | Multiple Locations (Red Bank) | info 

Christmas Train Village: 11/29-12/31 Wed-Su 12pm-5pm | Duggan Hall (Spring Lake) | info 

Magic of Lights: 12/4-1/3 Su-Th 5pm-10pm, F/S 5pm-11pm | PNC Arts Center (Holmdel) | info 

The Village at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm: 12/4-12/30 5pm-9pm | Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm (Manalapan) | info 

Merry Mile of Lights: 12/4-12/31 5:30pm-9:30pm | A. Casola Farms (Holmdel) | info 

Christmas Wonderland - Maple Leaf Farms: 12/10-12/12 12pm-5pm | Maple Leaf Farms (Manalapan) | info 

Christmas on the Farm | 12/12 4pm-8pm | Magnolia Equine Sanctuary (Farmingdale) | info

New School Holiday Caroling: 12/12 11am-11:30am | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info 

Downtown Freehold Jolly Trolley: 12/12 5pm-8pm | The American Hotel (Freehold) | info 

Sea Glass Winter Tree Workshop: 12/12 6pm-8pm | Masons Famous Lobster Rolls-Pier Village (Long Branch) | info 

Holiday Wrapping Paper Workshop: Carve, Ink, Print: 12/12 5:30pm-7:30pm | Mutiny Beach (Asbury Park) | info 

Grinchmas & Light Fight: 12/12, 12/13 F 6pm-10pm, S 4pm-8pm | Program Activity Center (Farmingdale) | info 

The Holiday Evening Stroll: 12/12, 12/13 6pm-9pm | Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info 

Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm: 12/12-12/14 4pm-8pm | Allaire Community Farm (Wall) | info 

Hannukah Storytime & Crafts: 12/12-12/14 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info 

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar Series: 12/12-12/14 F 3pm-8pm, S/Su 12pm-5pm | Convention Hall, Asbury Hotel, Whitechapel Projects (Asbury Park, Long Branch) | info 

Allaire Christmas VIP Lantern Tours: 12/12, 12/13 4:30pm-7pm | Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info 

Sea Bright Holiday Market | 12/13 1pm-4pm | Eleven Jiu Jitsu & Cafe 11 (Sea Bright) | info

Friends of Keyport Library Holiday Bazaar | 12/13 11am-5pm | Keyport Library (Keyport) | info

Storytime with Mrs. Claus: 12/13, 12/14 12pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info 

Red Bank Holiday Trolley: 12/13, 12/14 12pm-4pm | Multiple Locations (Red Bank) | info 

Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market: 12/13, 12/14 11am-4pm | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info 

The Sweetest Season: Wine & Trees at 4 JG's: 12/13, 12/14 11am-3pm | 4 JG's Orchard & Vineyard (Colts Neck) | info 

Christmas at G & G Stables: 12/13, 12/14 11am-4pm | G & G Stables (Howell) | info 

Santa Express at Pine Creek Railroad: 12/13, 12/14 S 11am, 6pm Su 11am | New Jersey Museum of Transportation (Farmingdale) | info 

Visit with Santa at Historic Longstreet Farm: 12/13, 12/14 12pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info 

Holiday Made in Monmouth: 12/13 10am-4pm | Brookdale Community College (Lincroft) | info 

Made in Asbury Pop-Up Holiday Market: 12/13 10am-2pm | Monmouth Habitat for Humanity (Asbury Park) | info 

Holly Jolly Market Square: 12/13 11am-8pm | Pyanoe Plaza (Belmar) | info 

Manasquan Visit with Santa at Christmas Central: 12/13 11am-12pm | 114 Main St. (Manasquan) | info 

Winter Workshop at Dick's House of Sport: 12/13 12pm-3pm | Dick's House of Sport-Freehold Raceway Mall (Freehold) | info 

Paint with Santa: 12/13 10am-4pm | Indigo Shore Art Studio (Middletown) | info 

Santa by the Sea: 12/13 12pm-2pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info 

Strolling Christmas Carolers: 12/13 12pm-3pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info 

Belmar Christmas Light Show: 12/13 6pm-8pm | Pyanoe Plaza (Belmar) | info 

Strolling A Capella Entertainment: 12/14 12pm-3pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info 

Christmas at Allaire: 12/14 11am-4pm | Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info 

Bradley Beach Menorah Lighting: 12/14 4pm-6pm | Riley Park (Bradley Beach) | info 

Fair Haven Menorah Lighting: 12/14 4:30pm-5:30pm | Memorial Park (Fair Haven) | info 

Ocean Twp. Menorah Lighting: 12/14 4:30pm | Historical Museum (Ocean Twp) | info

Holiday Market & Storytime | 12/14 11am-2pm | Beach Haus Brewery (Belmar) info

🥳 FAMILY FUN!

Outdoor Winter Wonderland: 12/12-3/8 11am-7:30pm | Middletown Sports Complex (Middletown) | info 

U-Pick Tulips Winter Wonderland: 12/12-12/14 5pm-8pm | Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge) | info 

Carter's DIY Day: 12/13 10am-12pm | Carter's-Freehold Raceway Mall (Freehold) | info 

Tiny Hands Studio: 12/13 10am | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info 

Pinecone Feeder Event: 12/13 10am-12pm | Environmental Building at Natco Park (Hazlet) | info 

Open House at Lake House Music Academy: 12/13 11am-3pm | Lake House Music Academy (Red Bank) | info 

Snow Much Fun: 12/13 2pm-4pm | Red Bank YMCA (Red Bank) | info

📍 LOCAL EVENTS

Colts Neck Collectibles Expo | 12/13 9am-3pm | Colts Neck Fire Dept. #2 (Colts Neck) | info

Bingo Loco | 12/13 5pm, 9pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

JSAC Pet Adoption Event | 12/14 10am-12pm | Driftwood Coffee House (Spring Lake) | info

🍔 FOOD & 🍹 DRINK 

🍻 Asbury Ale House in Howell

Asbury Ale House has expanded its presence with a new location in Howell-taking over the former Arooga's Sports Bar and Pub space at 5169 Route 9. Their new spot, which held its soft opening on Sunday, offers 30 different beers on tap, a diverse gastropub menu, and specialty cocktails, according to its social media page. AAH is also known for its seasonal cocktail menu featuring signature drinks like watermelon kegs and frozen margarita flights, mirroring its original location at 531 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. The operating hours for the Howell location are Monday through Thursday from noon to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Fresh Pasta for the Holidays: 12/12 6:30pm-9pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info 

Cork & Explore: Walk Around Wine Tasting Experience: 12/12 6pm-8pm | Avenue-Pier Village (Long Branch) | info 

Gingerbread House Workshop: Mommy & Me Style!: 12/13 9am-10:15am | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info 

Gingerbread House Workshop: 12/13 10:45am-12pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info 

Holiday Cookie Workshop: Sweet Traditions & Treats: 12/13 1pm-4pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info 

Mexi-Boys Food Truck: 12/13 2pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info 

Winter Fresh Farmers Market: 12/14 10am-1pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info 

Hott Carl's Pizza: 12/14 12pm-5pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info 

Holiday Vendor Event: Santa is Coming to Bakes: 12/14 12pm-4pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info 

Scoops with Santa: 12/14 1pm-4pm | Taylor Pavilion (Belmar) | info 

December Cocktail Class: 12/14 5pm-7pm | Asbury Park Distilling Co. (Asbury Park) | info

🎨 ART, HISTORY & EDUCATION

Born to Run 50: Photographs by Eric Meola: 9/5-12/18 M-F 10am-5pm | DiMattio Gallery (W. Long Branch) | info 

Dennis McNett & Ben Venom: Double Trouble Exhibit: 10/10-12/18 M-F 10am-5pm | Rotary Ice House Gallery (W. Long Branch) | info 

Seen & Unseen: Charles Sills' Memorial Group Art Exhibit: 11/1-12/10 M-F 9am-7pm, S/Su 10am-4pm | Pollak Gallery (W. Long Branch) | info 

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend: Now-3/1 T-Su 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info 

Members Showcase: Celebrating Creativity Exhibit: Now-1/11 T-Su 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info 

Great Beads for Good Causes: 12/12-12/31 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info 

Manasquan River Group of Artists Art Exhibit: 12/12-12/31 9am-5pm | Wall Library (Wall) | info 

The Creative Arts Center Exhibit & Sale: 12/12 11am-4pm | Thompson Park Creative Arts Center (Lincroft) | info 

Writers Workshop: 12/12 10:30am-12pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info 

Keyport Candlelight House Tour: 12/13 2pm-7pm | Keyport Historical Society Museum (Keyport) | info 

Winter Beach Walk at Fisherman's Cove: 12/13 11am-12:30pm | Fisherman's Cove (Manasquan) | info 

Weekend Workshop: Clay Impression Ornaments: 12/13, 12/14 10:30am, 1pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info 

The Sounds of Christmas at Historic Longstreet Farm: 12/13 1pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info 

Nature Lecture: Explore the Galapagos Islands: 12/14 1pm-2pm | Freneau Woods Park (Aberdeen) | info 

Blacksmith Demonstration: 12/14 1pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info 

The 29th New Jersey Infantry at the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862: 12/14 2pm | Monmouth Battlefield Visitor Center (Manalapan) | info 

Under the Winter Stars: 12/14 7:30pm-8:30pm | Dorbrook Recreation Area (Colts Neck) | info

🎭️ THEATER, CINEMA, & COMEDY

The Spring Lake Community Theater’s annual production of Scrooge is sold out for all of it’s remaining shows.

White Christmas The Musical: 12/12-12/14 F 7:30pm, S 2pm, 7:30pm, Su 3pm | Algonquin Theater (Manasquan) | info 

My Three Angels: 12/12-12/14 F/S 7:30pm, Su 2:30pm | First Ave. Playhouse (Atl. Highlands) | info 

The Nutcracker: 12/12-12/14 F 7pm, S 1pm, 5pm, Su 1pm | Count Basie-HMH Theater (Red Bank) | info 

Ella McCay (Cinema): 12/12 4:30pm, 7pm | Basie Center Cinemas (Red Bank) | info 

ComedySportz: Live Improv...Played as a Sport: 12/13 7pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info 

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play: 12/13 7pm | Basie Center Cinemas (Red Bank) | info 

Love Actually (Cinema): 12/13 7:30pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info 

Elf, Jr. The Musical: 12/13, 12/14 S 3pm, Su 2pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info 

WTO/99 (Cinema): 12/14 1:15pm | Basie Center Cinemas (Red Bank) | info

🎸 LIVE MUSIC 🥁 

Shore Regional High School Chorus Performance: 12/12 12pm-1pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info 

Jesse Malin: 12/12, 12/13 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info 

A Carole King Christmas: 12/12 7:30pm-9:30pm | Bell Theater (Holmdel) | info 

Frontiers: The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band: 12/12 7:30pm | Count Basie-The Vogel (Red Bank) | info 

The Taylor Party: 12/12 8:00 PM | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info 

Princeton Symphonic Brass Ensemble | 12/13 2pm | First Baptist Church of Freehold (Freehold) | info

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - Andrea Chenier: 12/13 1pm | Pollak Theater (W. Long Branch) | info 

Red Bank Holiday Harmonies: 12/13, 12/14 12pm-4pm | Red Bank River Center (Red Bank) | info 

Shadows of the 60's - A Holiday Tribute to Motown: 12/13 2pm, 8pm | Bell Theater (Holmdel) | info 

Holiday Hootenanny: 12/13 7pm-9pm | Belmar Arts Center (Belmar) | info 

A Big Band Holiday to Remember: 12/13 7:30pm-11pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info 

The Sensational Soul Cruisers: 12/13 7:30pm | Count Basie-The Vogel (Red Bank) | info 

Sal Valentinetti: 12/14 2pm, 6:30pm | Count Basie-The Vogel (Red Bank) | info 

Band of Two Rivers Joy of the Season Concert: 12/14 2pm-3pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info 

A Bluegrass Christmas: 12/14 3pm, 7pm | Belmar Arts Center (Belmar) | info 

The Last Waltz Celebration: 12/14 3pm | Axelrod PAC (Deal) | info 

The Joys of Jazz with Jon Faddis & The Next Gen Quartet: 12/14 5pm-7pm | Two River Theater (Red Bank) | info 

Ember Choral Arts Presents GLOW: Light & Miracles: 12/14 5pm | Trinity Church (Asbury Park) | info 

The Callous Daoboys: 12/14 7pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info 

Holiday Homecoming with the Pedrito Martinez Group: 12/14 7pm | Transparent Clinch Gallery (Asbury Park) | info 

Swinging Sundays: Jazz Night: 12/14 7pm-10pm | The Asbury Hotel (Asbury Park) | info 

Hungerthon Benefit Concert: 12/14 6pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

⚾️ SPORTS & FITNESS 🏃‍♂️ 

Wrestling Fundraiser for Cooperstown: 12/12 7:00 PM | Bayshore Middle School (Middletown) | info 

Dead Serious MMA 65: 12/13 6pm | iPlay America (Freehold) | info

🌊 ☀️ BEACH

Asbury Park - Ocean Temp. 48°F

Fri 12/12: High 1:07 am | Low 7:10 am | High 1:15 pm | Low 7:43 pm | Sunrise 7:10 am | Sunset 4:31 pm

Sat 12/13: High 1:59 am | Low 8:13 am | High 2:08 pm | Low 8:33 pm | Sunrise 7:11 am | Sunset 4:31 pm

Sun 12/14: High 2:51 am | Low 9:08 am | High 3:03 pm | Low 9:18 pm | Sunrise 7:11 am | Sunset 4:31 pm