12 Days Of Cheer In Lacey: 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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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. Watch the Ferone Family Holiday Light Show sparkle through the season.

A local favorite for years, the Ferone Family Holiday Light Show transforms 184 Yellowbank Road in Toms River into a glowing wonderland of synchronized lights and music each night. Open from dusk until 9 p.m. now through just after Christmas, the show is free to enjoy, but donations are welcomed both onsite and via Venmo to help keep the tradition shining bright. Follow their Facebook page for nightly updates, special surprises and behind-the-scenes fun from this community favorite.

2. Indulge in a Holiday Victorian Tea at The Mathis House.

Step back in time at the beautifully decorated Mathis House at 600 Main in Toms River, where 35 twinkling Christmas trees set the scene for an elegant Holiday Victorian Tea. Enjoy a five-course tea complete with hearty sandwiches, soup, and mini desserts, plus live music in a turn-of-the-century setting. Reservations are required for the seating held daily at 11 AM and 3 AM through Jan. 31. Seniors and military guests enjoy 10 percent off on Mondays and Wednesdays. Contact The Mathis House directly to reserve your spot.

3. Warm up with homestyle Italian at Dina’s Bistro.

When the chill sets in, Dina’s Bistro in Toms River delivers comfort on a plate with its lineup of Italian classics, fresh seafood and homestyle American favorites. This family-owned gem is known for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and special themed events throughout the season. Whether you’re stopping in after a day of holiday shopping or looking for a warm dinner on a cold night, Dina’s makes every meal feel like a family gathering.

4. Sip local flavor with a cup from Jersey Charm Coffee.

Start your morning with a local twist with Jersey Charm Coffee, a small Lanoka Harbor shop offering coffee, tea and hot chocolate inspired by the spirit of the Garden State. With over 25 years of brewing experience, they’ve perfected the art of great flavor and offer a special rotating flavor of the month (it’s currently Peppermint Mocha). You can also gift friends and family a delicious brew with their new single-serve pods. Each purchase supports local fundraising and donation efforts, making every sip a way to give back to the community.

5. Find the perfect holiday gift at Gifted on Washington.

Skip the big-box stores and discover something special at Gifted on Washington in downtown Toms River. Founded by two sisters with a passion for thoughtful giving, this boutique is filled with handpicked treasures for every occasion, from one-of-a-kind home décor to personalized keepsakes. Check out their in-store holiday events and pop-ups throughout December to shop local and spread cheer in true Jersey style.

6. Bring home traditional holiday flavors from The German Butcher.

For a taste of Old World tradition, visit The German Butcher in Forked River. Established by the Barsch family, the shop continues to make everything in-house, from authentic sausages to smoked hams and deli favorites, using recipes passed down for more than a century. Stock up on holiday meats, imported goods and freshly baked bread to create a festive feast at home.

7. Go Glow Bowling at Playdrome Toms River.

Add some neon sparkle to your weekend with Glow Bowling at Playdrome, where the lanes light up in rhythm with music and lasers. This 24-lane center offers family-friendly fun during afternoon sessions and a B.Y.O.B. option for adults 21 and over in the evenings. Catch the glow Friday through Sunday nights from 9:30 to 11:30 PM, or enjoy afternoon sessions from 1 to 6 PM.

8. Skate under the stars at Winding River Rink.

Bundle up and glide through the season at Winding River Rink in Toms River, where both indoor and outdoor rinks make skating a local winter tradition. Open on Friday and Saturday nights through Mar. 28, the rink brings a festive “DJ Skate” experience complete with music, lights and plenty of good vibes. Admission is $15 per person plus $5 for skate rentals.

9. Shop local finds at The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main.

Step inside The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main for a dose of local creativity and community spirit. This collection of small storefronts in downtown Toms River features everything from handmade art and custom charcuterie boards to thrifted treasures and personalized décor. Stop by the Welcome Center Monday through Friday to learn about featured vendors and find the perfect gift this holiday season.

10. Experience ‘Laser Holidays’ at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium.

For a holiday show that truly lights up the night, head to the Robert J. Novins Planetarium for Laser Holidays, a festive laser concert set to timeless and modern holiday hits. Classic favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bell Rock” dance across the dome in a dazzling display of color and sound. A great option for a family outing, tickets can be reserved online via the Ocean County College booking portal.

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

Just 45 minutes away, the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar turns the historic Grand Arcade of Convention Hall into a festive marketplace filled with local artisans, food vendors, and live music. The bazaar runs every weekend from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21, with extended hours on Fridays and daytime shopping on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a great place to find handmade gifts, sip seasonal drinks and soak up some Jersey Shore holiday charm.

12. Stroll through an Old-Fashioned Christmas at Allaire Community Farm.

Just a short drive from Lacey, Allaire Community Farm transforms its 25 acres into a glowing Christmas village from Nov. 28 through Dec. 28. Open on Fridays to Sundays from 4 to 8 PM, the Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Farm features light tunnels, petting zoos, a model train house, wagon rides and visits with Santa from 5 to 7 PM. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children, with extra treats like hot cocoa available for purchase.

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

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