12 Days Of Cheer In Berkeley: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Berkeley. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Berkeley feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Enjoy a night of holiday magic at the Ferone Family Holiday Light Show.

Pile into the car and cruise over to 184 Yellowbank Road in Toms River to see this neighborhood favorite glow from dusk to 9 PM throughout the holiday season. The Ferone Family Holiday Light Show covers the property in colorful, twinkling displays. Admission is free, and donations are collected on site and via Venmo to support local causes. Check their Facebook page before you go for updates, special nights and parking tips.

2. Get swept up in Laser Holidays at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium.

Swap your usual movie night for a seat under the dome at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, where Laser Holidays turns classic songs into a full-on light show. You’ll hear everything from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “Jingle Bell Rock,” all synced to vibrant laser patterns overhead. The family-friendly show feels festive without the chill, since you watch from comfy seats indoors. Reserve tickets in advance through the Ocean County College booking site.

3. Lace up for DJ Skate nights at Winding River Rink.

Head to Winding River Rink in Toms River for an old-school skating outing on indoor and outdoor rinks. Friday and Saturday DJ Skate nights through Mar. 28 feature music, lights and plenty of energy, perfect for teens and adults. Admission is $15 per person, plus $5 for skate rental. The rink opens daily at 9 AM, but closing times vary, so check the rink calendar before you go.

4. Slow down with a Holiday Victorian Tea at The Mathis House.

Step inside a Victorian mansion decked with more than 35 Christmas trees and settle in for a five-course holiday tea at The Mathis House in Toms River. Choose the Christmas quick lunch or Lady Samantha Cream Tea, both featuring hearty bites, scones with clotted cream, and pots of gourmet holiday blends. Live music adds to the glow while you sip, chat, and tour the beautifully decorated inn. Seating is offered daily at 11 AM and 3 PM through Jan. 31, with advance reservations required.

5. Level up your gifting game at Gifted on Washington.

Stroll into downtown Toms River’s Gifted on Washington and let the shop’s curated displays do the brainstorming for you. Two sisters run this bright, modern space with a focus on thoughtful, personal gifts. Shelves are stacked with unique finds, from home decor and accessories to small-batch treats and little extras that make great stocking stuffers. Keep an eye on their in-store events page for seasonal pop-ups, maker markets and holiday happenings.

6. Warm up with seasonal sips and bites at The Coffee Zone.

Plan a pit stop at The Coffee Zone, where delicious coffee and comfort food make for a welcoming Toms River hangout. The menu features simple, clean ingredients, with breakfast sandwiches, salads and hearty specials that pair well with lattes and seasonal drinks. The space feels relaxed and friendly, so you can grab a festive drink to go or linger over brunch.

7. Turn up the fun with glow bowling at Playdrome Toms River.

Slip on your bowling shoes and step into the fun at Playdrome Toms River. During glow hours, the lights drop, the music kicks in and lasers set the lanes aglow. Kids can use bumpers, while adults can bring beer or wine thanks to the center’s B.Y.O.B. policy for guests 21 years and older. Call ahead or check their schedule to time your visit with glow hours and open-lane availability.

8. Make a day trip to the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar.

Cue up a festive playlist and drive 40 minutes north to the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar at the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. This time of year, the historic space transforms into a holiday market with local makers, vintage vendors, food, drinks and live entertainment. Browse handmade jewelry, art, decor and more while snacking and taking photos under the lights. Check the schedule for exact dates and hours through Dec. 21, 2025.

9. Hunt for one-of-a-kind finds at The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main.

Spend an afternoon exploring The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main, a collection of small retailers in downtown Toms River. The project helps local business owners grow, which means you get to browse an ever-changing mix of booths and products. You might spot home decor, thrifted treasures, artwork, sneakers, charcuterie boards and more, all under one roof. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 4:30 PM. Check the website for each shop’s store hours.

10. Build the perfect holiday coffee stash with Jersey Charm Coffee.

Bring a little Jersey flair to your morning routine by ordering from Jersey Charm Coffee, a local company in nearby Lanoka Harbor specializing in variety-packed pods. The brand grew out of a family cafe and now ships coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino and chai in K-Cup-compatible options across the country. Stock up on a variety of flavors for your own kitchen, then grab a few extra boxes to use as hostess gifts or stocking stuffers. While you’re here, be sure to check out their special Peppermint Mocha flavor of the month.

11. Take a drive through Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center.

Take your holiday light viewing up a notch with a 40-minute drive to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel for Magic of Lights. This drive-through display stretches more than a mile and features glowing scenes, towering holiday characters, a sparkling Holiday Barbie installation, a Bigfoot monster truck, and festive dinosaurs. You pay one price per vehicle, so load up the car with family and friends and enjoy the lights all together. Buy online through Ticketmaster for a discount compared to paying at the gate.

12. Enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm at Allaire Community Farm.

Head about 30 minutes north to Allaire Community Farm in Wall Township for Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm. The event runs from 4 to 8 PM, Fridays through Sundays, until Dec. 28. Come see the farm transformed into a life-sized Christmas village complete with a farmers market, petting zoos, a model train house, and classic holiday movies. Santa appears nightly from 5 to 7 PM, and add-ons like feed bags and Yuletide Wagon rides add to the experience. Be prepared to pay admission at the door and wear comfortable shoes to navigate the uneven terrain.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Berkeley!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.