Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Red Bank, Shrewsbury

RED BANK-SHREWSBURY, NJ — There is no shortage of things to do in the Red Bank and Shrewsbury area to get the winter holiday season off to a rollicking good start.

Christmas and Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, intersect this year, with Hanukkah running Dec. 18-26. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the holidays.

Holiday tree and menorah lightings in the Red Bank and Shrewsbury area include:

Red Bank: Westside Tree Lighting is Friday, Dec. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Johnny Jazz Park Friday, There will a be a special visit from the North Pole, too. The park is at 270 Shrewsbury Ave. Contact: 732-530-2782 or email Parks and Recreation.

Red Bank: T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center Holiday Bazaar, Dec. 4, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., 94 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank. Stained glass artist Ras Scott; free crafts class; light refreshments; free admission. Vendor tables are $25. Email Shanel@tthomasfortunefoundation.org to reserve vendor space.

Red Bank: Various holiday events kicked off Friday, Nov. 25, but you can enjoy them all season long. The Red Bank Christmas tree in Riverside Gardens Park makes for a pretty photo op, and the borough thanks the Ortiz Family for the donation. Holiday Harmonies will be in town through Dec. 18. Nov. 27 look for Holiday Mannequins. Visit redbank.org for more information on downtown events.

Shrewsbury: Shrewsbury Borough was to have its 14th annual tree lighting, Saturday, Nov. 26, at 4 p.m. at Borough Hall. The menorah lighting is Dec. 20. Socks are being collected for Holiday Express.

Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in Monmouth County are:

In Holmdel:
PNC Bank Arts Center: Magic of Lights show through Dec. 30. See website for tickets and times.

In Wall:

Allaire Community Farm: Christmas Light Spectacular fundraiser for a sanctuary farm in Wall. There is also a large dreidel display this year. Take in the twinkling lights surrounding the farm as seen from our tractor-pulled holiday wagon as you spend the evening with family and friends. Tickets are $17 for anyone over age 2 and must be purchased online. No walks ups will be accepted. Christmas plants, baked goods, hot chocolate, hot cider and more will also be available for purchase inside the market; 1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall.

More holiday tips:

Look here for suggestions for nearby places to visit Santa. And check out this Patch story to see where to get fresh Christmas trees.