Red Bank Decked Out For Busy Shopping Weekend, Free Parking

RED BANK, NJ – With lots going on in downtown Red Bank this Black Friday weekend, shoppers can also take advantage of free parking in the borough.

Red Bank RiverCenter, Red Bank's local business district promoter, said the borough will offer free parking through Sunday, Nov. 26 - along with a festive feel as the downtown is all lit up for the holidays.

Here are some events to start enjoying now, or a little later in the holiday season:

• RiverCenter's $5,000 Red Bank Bucks giveaway is Saturday at Toast on Monmouth Street, starting at 10 a.m. See the RiverCenter website for details.
• 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 www.thewagband.com.

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.