Holiday Trolley, Jingle Bell Run, Concerts: This Weekend In Monmouth County

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The first weekend of December has officially arrived.

As the holiday season gets underway, there are plenty of festive events planned around Monmouth County.

Whether you’re looking to see a group of Santa Clauses run through Asbury Park, hear some live music, or take a holiday trolley through Downtown Red Bank, here are five local events you can check out:

Jingle Bell Run

• Date: Saturday (9-11 a.m.)
• Location: Bell Works (101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel)
• Details: Wear your favorite holiday gear and jingle all the way toward a cure for the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run. Registration details can be found here.

Asbury Park Santa Run

• Date: Saturday (10 a.m.)
• Location: The Stone Pony (913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park)
• Details: For its ninth year, the Asbury Park Santa Run returns with an army of Santas running (or walking) through the streets of Asbury Park to benefit the local non-profit Lunch Break. Details on the event, afterparties and a waitlist for registration to participate can be found here.

Downtown Red Bank Holiday Trolley

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday (12-4 p.m.)
• Locations: Bridge Avenue, Mechanic Street & Broad Street
• Details: Enjoy festive tunes, colorful lights and the sights of Downtown Red Bank as the Holiday Trolley takes you through the area. The trolley is free to ride.

Elf In Concert

• Date: Sunday (2 p.m.)
• Location: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre (99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank)
• Details: Relive the holiday classic movie “Elf” on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s score is played live to picture. Tickets can be purchased here.

Into The Garden

• Date: Sunday (4-5 p.m.)
• Location: Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (54 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands)
• Details: Hear Pianist & AHART’s Music Chair Julia Muench perform the music of Claude Debussy in a recital of his featured piano works, alongside related artworks projected onto the screen. Registration details can be found here.