Are you still waiting to feel the holiday spirit or have you been decorating since Thanksgiving? No matter where you’re at on the spirit meter, these Central Jersey holiday events are sure to get you right into the swing of things. From caroling to partying, dining with Santa to being Santa, and even seeing decorations under the sea, there’s something for everyone on your Christmas list (even you) to do this month! So get out there and get going, after all this is the most wonderful time of the year!
(As for those traveling around the state, check out our Jersey Shore Guide to Holiday Events and North Jersey Guide to Holiday Events!)
Hailey Harp-cade
15 Station Place, Metuchen
(732) 515-9767
On December 9th, Hailey’s Harp-cade will be hosting a Country Christmas Music Celebration dedicated to one of their own, Kim Tyrell and her family. With great music, holiday fun with Santa Claus, and amazing bands including Bob O’Connell and the Summer Project, there’s plenty to feel good about (so feel free to donate to the Tyrell family while you’re there.)
Red Knot Restaurant
3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth
(908) 241-2211
Santa is coming to town… a bit early thanks to Red Knot Restaurant who will be hosting their Breakfast with Santa on December 17th from 9am – 12pm. Your little ones can share their wish lists as they enjoy the breakfast buffet complete with the guest of honor’s favorite things – a milk and cookie station! Reservations are recommended.
Downtown Metuchen
316 Main Street, Metuchen
(732) 515-9660
“The best way to spread holiday cheer is sing loud for all to hear!” If that’s your elf-philosophy then be sure to join the Metuchen Downtown Alliance and the Rise Up Chorus at 5pm on December 9th outside of Cai’s Café to carol along the streets of Downtown Metuchen. All ages and voices (even if you’re completely off-key) are welcome! The caroling will commence at What’s The Scoop at 6:15 to sing along with Santa and Pre-School of Rock!
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach
(732) 892-0600
One of our favorite events that we look forward to all year is Jenkinson’s Aquarium’s Sea of Lights. An indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular, this special event will be held from December 15-16th, 22-23rd, and 26-30th from 6-9pm and will feature an indoor winter wonderland complete with treats, crafts, pictures with Santa and friends, games, holiday gifts, and more!
iPlay America
110 Schanck Road, Freehold
(732) 577-8200
Leave it to the party animals over at iPlay America to host not one, not two, but a number of holiday events including Breakfast with Santa on December 10th where you can enjoy a hot breakfast buffet and get that perfect family photo with Santa himself. Then there’s the Broadway Stars Dinner Show on December 17th, a Magic Show on December 30th, and of course, a NYE party that will help you and your family ring in 2018.
Exit 82 Seaside Heights
1214 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
(732) 830-3700
This weekend, show off your best Santa Claus outfit during Exit 82’s Annual SantaCon. On Saturday, December 9th, meet at the Hooks Bar at noon and join in with the other Santa’s to spread some holiday cheer. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy and two non-perishable food items for local charities. Now this is a convention we’re excited to attend!
Downtown Toms River
53 Main Street, Toms River
(732) 341-8738
Bring your kids to meet the man himself, Santa Claus, during Downtown Toms River’s meet and greet. Santa will be hanging out at The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main on Saturday, December 9th from 10:00am – 12:00pm, posing for photos and listening to their present wishes (just be sure to bring your own camera!) There will also be plenty of crafts and activities for all the kids in Santa’s workshop (all while you do some Christmas shopping!)
27 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 997-8767
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten’s Annual Weihnachtsmarkt Rooftop European Holiday Market. Held every weekend leading up to Christmas, the rooftop (yes, up top!) will feature over 25 unique vendors with artisanal gifts, specialty foods, handcrafted toys, and more along with hot drinks (and Gluwein – aka German mulled wine), live music, and entertainment as well as pictures with Santa from 2-5pm.
Mister C’s Beach Bistro
Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst
(732) 531-3665
On Sundays, give yourself and a loved one a lobster dinner out on the town. At Mister C’s Beach Bistro you’ll dine on two courses of lobster for just $22, all with stunning views of a very beachy Christmas tree. If lobster isn’t your cup of tea, why not try out their Prix Fixe Menu featuring three courses for just $32. After all, you deserve to get out and dressed up for the holidays!
House of Independents
572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
(732) 977-5284
You know you love the 90s, so why not live it up with the help of House of Independents as they prepare for their 90s by Nature Dance Party… Part Two: Winter Edition on Saturday, December 9th! You’ll hang out with DJ Tyler Valentine as he spins all of your favorite 90s throwbacks so you can dance off all of those cookies! The best part is, tickets are free!
MJ’S
845 Route 34, Matawan
(732) 566-6220
There are still two opportunities left to enjoy brunch with your favorite jolly old saint at MJ’s! On December 10th and 17th from 11am – 3pm, you and your family can hang out with old Saint Nick, creating memories that will last lifetime. Reservations are required ($32.99 per adult and $16.99 for children under 12). If that’s not enough, MJ’s has officially gone to the dogs, donating $1 for every Tito’s Vodka Cocktail purchased to Rescue Ridge Charity. It’s a Cocktails for Canines event worthy of toasting!
The Court Jester
16 East Main Street, Freehold
(732) 462-1040
With two locations to party, it’s not shocking that The Court Jester has doubled up their events for December. First, on December 12th from 8-10pm, their Freehold location will be hosting an Ugly Sweater Party featuring “keep the 22oz Miller Lite Ugly Sweater Cup.” A few days later, they’re inviting you to come in for drink after a long day of shopping and let the Coors Light Girls wrap your gifts for free (at both locations)! Then on Christmas Eve it’s time to bring the little ones to Christmas Eve Brunch at their Aberdeen location from 11:00am – 3:00pm for just $11.95 per person!
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