Free Parking Returns To Red Bank In Time For More Holiday Cheer

RED BANK, NJ — Holiday cheer just got cheerier with the start Monday of free parking in Red Bank through Christmas, Red Bank RiverCenter reminds us.

"We are very appreciative that the Mayor and Council have provided this free parking for us once again this year," said RiverCenter Executive Director Bob Zuckerman.

And, apart from your own plans for shopping or eating out at downtown restaurants, Zuckerman is recommending more holiday outings in town:

• Holiday Pop-Up at The Count Basie Center: To accompany the three presentations of "The Nutcracker" at the Basie this weekend, Fresh Markets is putting on a holiday pop-up in the Basie’s grand lobby. The event is free and open to the public (no tickets to "Nutcracker" needed.) Look for local makers selling their distinctive creations and feel good about supporting artists and small businesses. It's open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can visit the Basie’s website here to see the list of vendors.
• Menorah Lighting at Riverside Gardens Park: For Hannukah, join the Borough of Red Bank for its official Menorah Lighting at Riverside Gardens Park on Monday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be led by Rabbi Dovid Harrison of Congregation Beth Shalom of Red Bank and joined by Rabbi Renee Edelman. There will be latkes and donuts for everyone, as well as chocolate coins for the kids, and there will also be live music.
• Winter Wonderland at the Women's Club: On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Women's Club has its second annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration. It runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 164 Broad St. There will be hot chocolate and sweet treats, children’s book readings, carolers, and local artists along with their artwork. The Woman’s Club is also asking folks to bring a non-perishable food item for the Lunch Break social services agency. You can also bring a new or gently used ornament to hang on their tree.
• The Shops of White Street: On Thursday, Dec. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., White Street stores will be celebrating the holidays with drinks, raffles and holiday cheer. Stores such as Sweetest Sin Boutique, Cabana 19, Red Bank Chocolate Shop, Little Waves Kids, Hair & Co, Rook Coffee and Semolina Restaurant and Pasta Shop will all be open late and celebrating the holidays with their customers, RiverCenter said.
• Spot the Red Bank Elf: Through Dec. 21, visit participating businesses to spot the Red Bank Elf. Completed forms can be dropped off at Fourchette, at 132 Broad St., Toy Utopia at 19 E. Front St. or The Mercantile at 25 Bridge Ave. You can also drop off your completed forms at the Red Bank Visitors Center (46 English Plaza Suite 6B). All will be entered to win a Red Bank Prize Pack. You can also participate in a social media photo challenge, RiverCenter says. Share your experience on social media by snapping photos of the Elves and tagging the business, @redbank_nj and hashtagging #RedBankElf #RedBankNJ. You can download and print your scavenger form on the RiverCenter website or you can pick one up at its office.