We can’t think of anything more jolly than free or inexpensive family activities happening in the community this holiday season. Although the temperatures might be dropping, grab your friends and family (and winter coats) to enjoy the countless festive events throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties this December.

December 3

Tree Lighting (Freehold) – Stop by the Annual Christmas Tree lighting at the Hall of Records from 5pm-7pm, with a rain date of Wednesday, December 4th. Not only will there be a free choir performance and hot cider, but the Freehold Fire Department may stop by with a very special holiday guest! Additional information can be found here.

December 4

The Village at Anne Ellen (Manalapan) – Every Wednesday to Sunday through December 30th, Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm is creating a magical and enchanting winter wonderland between 5pm-9pm. A nostalgic hayride through Anne Ellen’s Christmas tree fields will captivate you with a 400,000 holiday light show and conclude by dropping you off at a bustling holiday village with houses and displays. Various shops among the quaint village offer you the chance to wrap up some of your holiday shopping, too! Tickets are $22 per adult and $12 per child ages 3-12 and can only be purchased online. You can learn how to embark on this mesmerizing holiday adventure and purchase tickets here.

December 5

Festival of Trees (Toms River) – Toms River Elks #1875 is welcoming everyone to a gala-style display of beautifully decorated trees and holiday decor from 5pm-9pm. As you walk through the display of trees and Dr. Seuss inspired decorations, you can enjoy the S’mores Bar, light fare and beverages, children’s activities, and a live performance by the Toms River Orchestra. Santa will also be in the house! Admission is free, and more information can be found here.

December 6

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar will take place every weekend (12pm-5pm), including Fridays (3pm-8pm), at Convention Hall and Asbury Park Hotel (select dates) through December 22nd. Consistently rated as one of the best holiday markets in New Jersey, this bazaar will feature handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts made by vendors from far and wide. Aside from shopping, you and your crew can enjoy photos with Santa, craft workshops, activities for your youngsters, holiday music, and more. Admission is free for all ages. Click here to learn more.

Seaport Holiday Boat Rides (Tuckerton) – Tuckerton Seaport is spreading holiday cheer with one-hour long narrated boat tours on various days through December 21st. The holiday fun doesn’t stop after you learn about holiday traditions of the past and present on your ride through Tuckerton Creek—there are plenty of activities to enjoy once you are back on land. Your admission includes holiday displays, make and take craft areas, an outdoor reindeer scavenger hunt, and more. Admission is $16 per person, and Tuckerton Seaport will welcome those ages 2 and older “aboard.” To learn more information and purchase tickets, click here.

December 7

Holiday Fun with Santa (Neptune) – Stop by the Summerfield Elementary School cafeteria between 10:30am-12pm to enjoy holiday fun with a special guest from the North Pole. Admission is free and can help get you in the holiday spirit with a DJ, dancing, arts and crafts, and pictures with Santa. Learn more here.

Winter Wonderland (Toms River) – Bring your friends and family to Washington Street between 11am-5pm to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year! Enjoy family activities, crafts – including ornament painting, holiday music and stories, as well as caroling in Downtown Toms River. For more information, click here.

December 8

Barnyard Celebration (Howell) – Grab your friends and family for a magical afternoon of celebrating Christmas at Liberty Haven Farm from 1pm-4pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $15 for children, with all proceeds benefiting special causes, including providing for their farm animals. Included in admission are pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, family-friendly games, and donut decorating. Certain activities have an additional cost – including pony rides, face painting, and feeding the animals. You can find additional information and purchase event tickets ahead of time here.

Christmas at Allaire (Wall) – On December 8th and 15th from 11am-4pm, join the Historical Village at Allaire for a day of family fun. Arriving at the Historical Village promises to be like stepping into the North Pole—from visits with Santa to stepping back in time to celebrate among live carolers, you are sure to get in the holiday spirit. Tickets are $10 for those ages 2 and older, and includes a visit with Santa, crafts, games, admission to all buildings on site, and more. To find additional information and purchase tickets, click here.

Holiday Market (Howell) – Visit Echo Lake Park from 10am-2pm for a shopping experience that promises to bring you some holiday cheer! This holiday market is bringing together a variety of local vendors, giving you the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone on your “nice list.” Additional information can be found here.

December 12

Old Fashioned Christmas (Wall) – Allaire Community Farm is turning their farm into a life-sized seasonal village once again, and you can visit Thursdays-Sundays from 4pm-8pm through December 29th. Sporting thousands of holiday lights, visits with Santa, a Model Train House, petting zoos, and more—you’ll truly feel like you are at the North Pole. Tickets must be purchased at the door, with admission costing $10 per adult and $6 per child 18 and under. Click here for more pricing and event details.

December 15

Pine Barren Bonfires (Freehold) – Warm up around a bonfire at Turkey Swamp Park from 6-8pm. The park will be lit up by a full moon as you enjoy games and s’mores around the fire. Admission costs $15 per family of four and can be paid with cash or check, and those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You can find additional information here.

December 20

Holiday Evening Stroll (Wall) – Use one of your last chances to get into the holiday spirit by taking a stroll at the Historic Village at Allaire between 6-9pm. Aside from a tree lighting at 7pm, you can wander through the Allaire Village paths to view the lit-up exteriors of their various historic buildings. Additionally, the Allaire Bakery and General Store will be open in case you’re looking for some odds and ends to tie up your holiday shopping. Admission is $10 per person, and free for those ages 2 and under. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets.

December 22

Brunch with Santa (Freehold) will take place at the American Hotel from 10am-3pm. Santa will be making a guest appearance, so be sure to bring your wish lists and an empty stomach to enjoy the various brunch specialties. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (732) 431-3220.

December 26

Menorah Lighting (Howell) – The Howell Municipal Building will have a Menorah Lighting beginning at 5:30pm. In addition to lighting the Menorah, there will be free hot drinks and pastries for all who attend. Additional information can be found here.

December 27

Christmas Train Village (Spring Lake) – Come down to Duggan Hall on Washington Avenue from 12pm-5pm through December 31st to view the holiday train display. The holiday train display encapsulates the holiday spirit, and with admission being free-of-charge—you won’t find a more inexpensive way to stay merry this month! You can find more information here.

December 31

Twilight Fun Run/Walk & Party (Manasquan) – Think about your New Year’s Resolutions for 2025 over a fun 2.5 mile run or walk, starting at Leggett’s Sand Bar at 4pm. This event promises to help you start the New Year on a good “foot,” with a buffet and party with all participants afterward. The Twilight Fun Run costs $35 per runner/walker, or $20 for those just looking to join in on the fun at the Twilight Party afterwards. Registration and additional information can be found here.

Happy holidays to you and yours from the team at First Financial! We look forward to ringing in the new year and continuing to serve the Monmouth and Ocean County community in 2025.