12 Days Of Cheer In Manchester: 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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 the Fazio Family Lights holiday display in nearby Whiting.

Down the road in Whiting, the Fazio family is known for intricate holiday light displays at their home on 1860 Trenton Avenue. You can tune your radio to 107.7 FM to enjoy the show with synchronized holiday music. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates and weather-related closures.

2. Fill up with a hearty breakfast at Sandy’s Cozy Corner.

Nearby in Lakehurst, Sandy’s Cozy Corner has been serving up classics like pancakes, waffles and BLT sandwiches since 1999. Stop in to fuel up before a busy day of shopping and enjoy a delicious meal in a friendly environment. Sandy’s Cozy Corner is open daily from 7:30 AM to 3 PM.

3. Play a round of mini-golf at Manchester Family Golf Center.

The 18-hole Championship Mini-Golf course at Manchester Family Golf Center is a great place for friends and families to enjoy some friendly competition during the holiday season. This establishment features a driving range, indoor golf studio and golf lessons. The Golf Center is open seven days a week; check the website for daily hours.

4. Check out the Laser Holidays show at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium.

The Robert J. Novins Planetarium is presenting its Laser Holidays show about 30 minutes away in Manahawkin. This 40-minute show features a set list of over a dozen classic holiday songs, accompanied by a dazzling laser display. Laser Holidays begins on Nov. 29 and runs most Fridays and Saturdays in December. Tickets are $12 and are available online.

5. Find handcrafted gifts at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar.

Take a drive over to Asbury Park for the town’s Holiday Bazaar, which will be held at the Grand Arcade of the Convention Hall on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. This event features vendors, crafters and small businesses from the local area and surrounding region. In addition to shopping, you can have your picture taken with Santa, check out a crafting workshop or bring the family to enjoy some kid-friendly holiday-themed activities.

6. Experience the elegance of Holiday Victorian Tea at The Mathis House.

Located nearby in Toms River, Holiday Victorian Tea at The Mathis House offers a one-of-a-kind experience in a historic mansion. The five-course Afternoon Tea service includes a fresh pot of tea, a fresh salad, a handmade scone with lemon curd and clotted cream, a small cup of soup and a variety of tea sandwiches and desserts. The Holiday Cream Tea service includes two scones with lemon curd and clotted cream and a pot of tea. Advance reservations are required, and seatings are available seven days a week at 11 AM and 3 PM.

7. Lace up your ice skates for a DJ Skate night at Winding River Rink.

For a fun winter evening outing, head over to Winding River Rink in Toms River for DJ Skate. This event is held on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 PM and on Saturdays from 8 to 10 PM through March 28. The entrance fee for DJ Skate Night is $15 per person, and ice skate rentals are available for $5. Winding River Rink also offers hockey leagues for youth and adults, figure skating and events for teens.

8. Support local businesses at The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main.

The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main in Toms River is more than a shopping center. It’s an incubator for small businesses providing support, coaching and resources for local entrepreneurs. Among The Downtown Shops, you’ll find stores offering street wear and sneakers, art, home decor, metaphysical items and thrifted clothing. The Welcome Center is open Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 4:30 PM, and each store maintains its own hours.

9. Taste handcrafted wines at Cream Ridge Winery.

A short drive away in Manahawkin, the Cream Ridge Winery has been creating unique, small-batch wines since 1988. Tastings are $15 per person and include 10 wines. Reservations are required for groups larger than eight. Cream Ridge Winery is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 to 5 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 6 PM.

10. Explore a 25-acre Christmas village at Allaire Community Farm.

About 30 minutes from Manchester, Allaire Community Farm has transformed its 25-acre farm into a magical Christmas village. You can explore a dazzling walk-through light display, petting zoos and model train displays or watch holiday movies at the pavilion. Christmas on the Farm runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 28, Friday through Sunday from 4 - 8 PM, and Santa will be available from 5 - 7 PM each day. Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults, $6 for children under 18 and free for children under one.

11. Enjoy fine Kosher dining at Estréia.

You can enjoy a delicious meal and excellent service in a sophisticated atmosphere at Estréia. Their menu is fully Kosher and features holiday-worthy dishes like stuffed mushrooms, lamb skewers and short ribs. In addition, they offer a curated selection of wine, beer and spirits. Estréia is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10:30 PM.

12. Find the perfect gift at Gifted on Washington.

Gifted on Washington in Toms River offers a wide selection of home goods, jewelry and accessories, along with holiday-themed events and pop-ups throughout the season. You can create truly unique gifts at the Press Bar by choosing patches, charms and pins to decorate a tote bag on the spot, or create personalized necklaces and bracelets at the Charm Bar. Gifted on Washington is open daily except Mondays.

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

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