Holiday Markets, Santa Brunch & More: This Weekend In Monmouth County

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The weekend has officially arrived.

As the winter holidays get closer, there are plenty of festive events planned around Monmouth County.

Whether you’re looking to do some holiday shopping, have brunch with Santa, or see a local production of The Nutcracker, here are five local events you can check out this weekend:

Holiday Made In Monmouth

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Brookdale Community College (765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft)
• Details: Shop for art, accessories, home decor and more from local vendors when they come together for Holiday Made In Monmouth on Saturday.

Bell Works Fresh Holiday Gift Market

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Bell Works Main Atrium (101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel)
• Details: Join Bell Works at their Fresh Holiday Gift Market on Saturday, where you can shop from local makers, bakers, creators and more. Live music will take place from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and pictures with Santa are from 1-3 p.m.

• Date: Saturday & Sunday
• Location: Pyanoe Plaza (700 9th Avenue, Belmar)
• Details: Shop for food, drinks, crafts, holiday decor and more at Belmar's Holly Jolly Market. Presented by the Belmar Lake Como Chamber of Commerce.

The Nutcracker

• Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
• Location: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre (99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank)
• Details: Kick off the holiday season by watching the Company of Dance Arts bring the story of The Nutcracker to life on the Count Basie Center campus. Tickets required.

Santa Brunch

• Date: Sunday
• Location: The Bistro at iPlay America (108 Schanck Road, Freehold)
• Details: Join Santa Claus for a brunch full of festive fun on Sunday, including a kids coloring book, a specialty kids' menu and free photos. Reservations can be made online.