Red Bank Town Lighting Friday Night - With Free Parking

RED BANK, NJ – Red Bank RiverCenter has been gearing up for what what's been dubbed the "most magical weekend of the year." And now it's here - with free parking included.

RiverCenter, Red Bank's local business district promoter, said the borough will offer free parking on Friday, Nov. 24; Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 26 - just in time for shopping and taking in all the music, the holiday lights and the overall ambiance of Red bank's walkable downtown.

Red Bank will head into the holiday season with a list of family-friendly events and a "Red Bank Bucks" giveaway:

• The annual Town Lighting and Holiday Express concert ushers in the season on Friday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. on Broad Street in front of Garmany.
• Prior to Holiday Express’ arrival, attendees will be treated to a performance from the Basie Center for the Arts Monmouth Conservatory of Music Students and Instructors at 6:30 p.m.
• A pre-show will light up the plaza between the Two River Theater and Triumph Brewing on Bridge Avenue at 5:30 p.m., featuring performances from the Arthur Murray Dance Center, the Academy of Dance Arts, and violinist Maggie Wolarik. Triumph Brewing will have hot apple cider on hand.
• Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in the plaza with the Red Bank Fire Department at approximately 6:30 p.m. and lead a parade up Monmouth Street to the Holiday Express performance site on Broad Street.
• The tree at Riverside Gardens Park will be lit earlier in the evening of the Town Lighting to give visitors a chance to see it and take pictures before the Broad Street Town Lighting event.
• RiverCenter will bring The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular to Riverside Gardens Park on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy original music, classic Christmas covers, and maybe a visit from Santa. Admission is free, Learn more at thewagband.com.

Red Bank RiverCenter Executive Director Bob Zuckerman explained more about the Town Lighting on Friday:

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Tim McLoone and our friends at Holiday Express for our annual Town Lighting. It is the most magical evening of the year here in downtown Red Bank, where we get together for some great music and entertainment to kick off the holiday season," he said.

Zuckerman said all the excitement will be followed Saturday morning with RiverCenter's $5,000 Red Bank Bucks giveaway at Toast on Monmouth Street, starting at 10 a.m.

"And we’re thrilled that the borough is providing everyone with free parking on both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. There’s no better place to shop and dine then downtown Red Bank for the holidays," he said.

And there are other traditional Red Bank happenings now that the holiday season is officially upon us:

• The hunt for the Red Bank Elf is back. Stroll the downtown and arts and antiques district between Nov. 24 and Dec. 24 and visit participating shops to spot the Red Bank Elf. A full list of participating businesses is coming soon.
• Holiday Harmonies: Get into the holiday spirit as you shop and enjoy performances throughout downtown on Saturday and Sundays, Nov. 25 through Dec. 24. Traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, handbells, rock, folk and jazz musicians bring their individual flavor of holiday tunes to the sidewalks of Red Bank. The line-up announcement is coming soon.
• Holiday Windows come to life as models from Barbizon of Red Bank pose as Holiday Mannequins in selected stores on Sunday, Nov. 26th. Stroll throughout downtown Red Bank from 1 to 4 p.m. to spot them all. you can find some hints at RiverCenter's website.

And there is more to come leading up to the holidays:

• The Westside Tree Lighting is Friday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Johnny Jazz Park, corner of Shrewsbury Ave. & Drs. James Parker Boulevard. There will be a special guest from the North Pole, the borough Recreation Department says, perfect for pictures.
• Menorah Lighting at Riverside Gardens Park is Dec. 11, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. led by Rabbi Dovid Harrison, with donuts, latkes and live music.