Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Fair Haven and Rumson

FAIR HAVEN-RUMSON, NJ — There is no shortage of things to do in the Fair Haven and Rumson 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 to 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 Fair Haven and Rumson area include:

Fair Haven: Friday, Dec. 9, Christmas time arrives in the borough. The festivities begin with a holiday stroll through the business district from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm. Then Santa himself arrives at Memorial Park at 6 p.m., with the tree lighting at dusk. On Sunday, Dec. 18, celebrate the beginning of the Festival of Lights at the menorah lighting at 4:30 p.m. at Memorial Park.

Rumson: Rumson Christmas tree lighting is Sunday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. at Victory Park. All are welcome to enjoy the music and cheer.

Rumson: Nativity blessing and tree lighting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, Holy Cross Academy, 40 Rumson Road.

Rumson: Waterspirit will offer Lament with Earth, Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a virtual event. To explore ecological grief in community as the ecological and spiritual organization delves into themes of illumination and possibility. Go here to register and get information on joining the virtual event.

Red Bank: Various holiday events kicked off Friday, Nov. 25, but you can enjoy them all season long. Holiday Harmonies will be in town through Dec. 18. Nov. 27 look for Holiday Mannequins. Visit redbank.org for more information on downtown events.

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.