All The December Events In Monmouth County Parks

LINCROFT, NJ — From nature walks to visits with Santa, the Monmouth County Park System filled December with activities the whole family can enjoy. Here’s what is planned:

Wondrous Winter Walks

Wednesday, December 3 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands - Meet in the Rocky Point parking lot.

Wednesday, December 17 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Big Brook Park, Marlboro - Meet in the Lower Pond parking lot.

Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore nature in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

Holiday Tree Trimming

Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Create a Victorian ornament to be displayed on the Visitor Center's Christmas tree for all to see. FREE!

19th Century Christmas Ballads

Saturdays, December 6 & 20 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Listen to 19th century Christmas ballads played on the piano in the Longstreet farmhouse. FREE!

Creative Arts Center Exhibit & Sale

Saturday-Friday, December 6-12 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft

Celebrate the original artwork of the Creative Arts Center's students and instructors during this exhibit and sale. Admission and parking are free.

Casual Birder

Tuesday, December 9 at 9 a.m.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch - Meet at the Pavilion.

Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Winter Beach Walk

Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

Collect and identify some of the ocean’s natural treasures during this Park System Naturalist-guided walk along the beach. Dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells in. FREE!

The Sounds of Christmas

Saturday, December 13 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Enjoy the tranquil music as Max Rowland and the Stark & Steady band play Victorian-era Christmas carols in the Longstreet farmhouse. FREE!

Visit with Santa

Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14 from 12-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Father Christmas is coming! He invites young visitors and their families to join him and welcomes them to bring their letters for him to read. No appointment needed and pictures are encouraged. FREE!

Blacksmith Demonstration

Sunday, December 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See the blacksmith at work turning iron into functional tools and hardware. FREE!

Nature Lecture: Explore the Galapagos Islands

Sunday, December 14 from 1-2 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Listen to one of our Park System Naturalists share her experiences of a recent trip to the Galapagos Islands, and her thoughts on issues facing them today. FREE!

Under the Winter Stars

Sunday, December 14 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck – Use the soccer field parking lot.

Search for key objects and constellations in the night sky. Bring a camp chair to sit on and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Program may be cancelled due to overcast skies or inclement weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!

To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000.