Lido Breaks Ground, NYE Parties, and Peanut Butter Perfection

👋Hey there, Monmouth friends!

From luxe new condos on the Asbury waterfront to New Year’s Eve galas, fireworks, and one heck of a peanut butter bar recipe, we’ve packed this edition with everything you need to coast through the last week of 2025 — and ring in 2026 like a pro.

So pour a cup of cocoa (or something bubbly) and dig in…

Up first…

There’s a whole lot more than sea spray rising along the Asbury Park waterfront. Construction just kicked off at Lido Asbury Park, a luxe eight-story condo project going up next to the Wonder Bar. The 112-unit development has already made waves with strong early sales — including a $7.6M penthouse that might be NJ’s priciest condo ever.

The homes? One- to four-bedrooms ranging from 970 to 3,800+ sq. ft., many with private terraces, plunge pools, and Atlantic views. Expect 50,000 sq. ft. of amenities, including a saltwater spa, with saunas, steam bath and an oceanfront fitness center. Completion is slated for 2027. Learn more here.

Unwind after the holidays with three days of deals in Downtown Red Bank — Dec. 26–28. Local shops are offering major markdowns during the Year-End Sale & Celebration, and yes, the Holiday Trolley is back on Saturday, Dec. 27 (12–4 PM) with free rides, festive tunes, and scenic stops around town.

🛒 Participating shops include:
Amanda Jean NYC, Red Bank Artisan Collective, Sweetest Sin, Toy Utopia, Molly Boards, Sorella Bella, and more. Info

So grab your tote, bundle up, and make a day of it — Red Bank is going out in style.

Von Maur is finally heading east. The 152-year-old Midwestern department store is opening its first NJ location at Freehold Raceway Mall (taking over the old Nordstrom) in Fall 2027. Expect three floors of elegant shopping, live piano music, luxe lounges, free gift wrap, and top brands like Free People, Peter Millar, and Vuori.

Why the hype? Von Maur has been crowned America’s Best Department Store four years running. Think Nordstrom… with Midwestern charm.

📍 Route 9 & Business 33
🛒 Explore the brand »

🎼 Father Alphonse & the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea
Sunday, Jan. 4 | 3–5 PM at the Algonquin Theatre, Manasquan
A beloved tradition featuring festive favorites and joyful strings.
👉 Info & Tickets »

From flapper parties to fireworks, here’s your guide to celebrating in style — whether you're staying close to Ocean County or heading out for a special overnight adventure.

🍽️ NYE Gala at The American Hotel – Freehold
Celebrate in elegance at this beloved Freehold tradition. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, champagne toast, and live entertainment in the historic Majestic Ballroom. Perfect for couples or a night out with friends in a local, familiar spot.
📍 18-20 E Main St., Freehold
🔗 More info »

🎩 Great Gatsby Party – Mathis House, Toms River
Dine like it’s 1926 with a 5-course dinner, live jazz from Atlantic City’s REK’D4Jazz, and a best-dressed contest! Wear your finest flapper dress or fedora — the winner scores a free overnight stay at the inn.
📍 600 Main St., Toms River
🔗 More info »

🌊 NYE Dinner Cruise – City Cruises, Weehawken
Board at Lincoln Harbor Marina for a three-hour cruise featuring a romantic dinner, open bar, live DJ, dancing, and fireworks over the Hudson. Includes panoramic views of NYC and a sparkling wine toast at midnight.
📍 1500 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken
🕤 Boarding at 9:30 PM, Sailing 10 PM–1 AM
🔗 More info »

🏨 Cape May NYE at The Grand Hotel – Cape May
Party in the penthouse with a surf & turf dinner, 5-hour open bar, live band, DJ, and midnight toast. Stay overnight and enjoy brunch at Hemingway’s the next day — or extend your stay for extra relaxation.
📍 1045 Beach Ave., Cape May
🗓️ Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 packages available
🔗 More info »

💎 Glitter Ball – Congress Hall, Cape May
A stylish pre-NYE bash on Dec. 30, complete with dinner, dancing, live music, and cocktails in one of NJ’s most iconic seaside resorts. Come dressed to sparkle!
📍 200 Congress Pl., Cape May
🗓️ Dec. 30, 7 PM
🔗 More info »

🎹 NYE Bubbly Bash – Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Ring in 2026 with David Clark: The Music of Billy Joel, a high-energy concert full of hits like “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl.” A crowd favorite and likely to sell out fast!
📍 201 Engleside Ave., Beach Haven
🔗 More info »

🎻 Capital Philharmonic NYE Concert – Trenton
Spend a cultured evening with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey at the War Memorial. After the music, enjoy a backstage champagne reception with a live jazz trio.
📍 1 Memorial Dr., Trenton
🕗 Concert starts at 8 PM
🔗 More info »

🎼 Salute to Vienna – State Theatre, New Brunswick
Waltz into 2026 with a symphonic tribute to Johann Strauss Jr., including “The Blue Danube” and other beloved works of Vienna’s Golden Age.
📍 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
🕔 Show starts at 5 PM
🔗 More info »

🎠 First Night Ocean County – Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Celebrate early with the grandkids! Enjoy arcade games, prizes, magic shows, photo ops, live entertainment, and a balloon drop at 5 PM, followed by fireworks on the boardwalk (weather permitting).
📍 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights
🕐 1 PM – 5 PM
🔗 More info »

🎇 First Night Ocean City – Ocean City, NJ
This town-wide New Year’s Eve celebration features live shows, music, family activities, and fireworks at midnight. Extend the fun with three special events on New Year’s Day:

Paper, puzzles, and a little peace of mind — your weekly Monmouth County Library lineup is here.

🦢 Circle of Origami Paperfolders
Saturday, Dec. 27 | 1–4:30 PM
If you’re an experienced folder who loves the art (and challenge) of origami, stop by this monthly meetup to swap techniques and fold with fellow paper artists. No registration needed.
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan – Room 7

💬 Lost and Found: Bereavement Support Group
Monday, Dec. 29 | 12:30–2:00 PM
A gentle space to share and heal. Led by support facilitator Beth Stamp, this in-person session offers connection and tools for navigating loss.
📍 Marlboro Branch

🃏 Learn to Play Bridge
Monday, Dec. 29 | 6–8:30 PM
Already know your tricks and trumps? Join fellow bridge fans for casual evening play. First come, first seated.
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan

🪑 Chair Yoga with Lisa Broad
Tuesday, Dec. 30 | 10–11 AM
Gentle, grounding yoga—no floor work required. Boost balance, stretch, breathe, and feel great in this accessible, supportive class for all levels.
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan

🃏 Bridge at West Long Branch
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 11 AM–1 PM
Intermediate players are invited to join this friendly weekly game. No seat saving — just bring your best game face.
📍 West Long Branch Library

🃏 Learn Duplicate Bridge
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 12–4:45 PM
Ever wanted to try Duplicate Bridge? Here’s your chance! Learn and play in this afternoon session. First come, first seated.
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan

🎬 Movie Matinee: The King’s Speech (2010, R)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 2–4 PM
Watch Colin Firth as King George VI navigate leadership and a stammer — with help from his unlikely speech coach. A stirring, Oscar-winning drama.
📍 Hazlet Township Branch

Looking for something to watch between cookie batches and cocoa refills? Here’s what’s new this week on the small screen — from spy thrillers to holiday tearjerkers and reality TV drama.

🎭 Must-Watch Movies

📺 Binge-Worthy Series

🎄 Bonus Pick:
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade — Tune in for festive fun, with performances by Gwen Stefani and Nicole Scherzinger.

Looking way ahead? Like… 2027 and 2028 ahead?

🚢 Norwegian’s 2027–28 Lineup
370+ voyages across 47 countries, including new Asia sailings, overnight port stays, and two Prima-class ships in San Juan. Free at Sea Plus™ perks apply to cruises starting Feb. 2026.
📞 888-NCL-CRUISE | ncl.com

🌍 Seabourn’s 2028 “Cape to Cape” World Cruise
120-day expedition from Miami to Dover, with stops on 5 continents, over 38 UNESCO sites, and Zodiac adventures in Antarctica. Book early and save up to 10%.
📞 1-800-929-9391 | seabourn.com

Need a last-minute snack for the grandkids? Try this no-bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bar recipe from SKIPPY® and Milk Bar®.

Main ingredients:
🥄 SKIPPY® Creamy Peanut Butter
🍚 Toasted rice cereal
🍫 Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Just mix, chill, and slice. It’s sweet, salty, and stress-free.
📌 Get the recipe at peanutbutter.com

Heads up, Jersey drivers — your commute just got jollier. The NJDOT is swapping out boring traffic messages for festive (and punny) safety reminders. These light up daily unless there’s an emergency or construction update — and they’re pure holiday gold:

Only in Jersey can a traffic sign roast you and spread holiday spirit at the same time. Buckle up — and drive safe! Santa’s watching. 🎅

Watch out for this new (and fake!) Medicare card scam.

The New York StateWide Senior Action Council just flagged December’s Fraud of the Month — and it’s a big one: scammers pretending to be from Medicare are calling seniors, claiming new plastic Medicare cards are on the way and asking you to “verify your number.” Spoiler: It’s 100% fake.

Here’s what you need to know:

🛑 Medicare isn’t sending out new plastic or metal cards. Your paper Medicare card doesn’t expire and doesn’t need replacing.
📞 Medicare and your doctor will NEVER call to ask for your Medicare number.
📅 This scam shows up every New Year — don’t fall for it.
📋 Check your Medicare statements regularly for charges you don’t recognize.
📵 If someone calls asking for your Medicare info, hang up.
🔐 Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. Keep it private.

If you think your Medicare number has been misused or you’ve been signed up for a plan without your permission, trained counselors at the Senior Medicare Patrol are ready to help:
📞 Call 800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org

Medicare fraud costs over $60 billion a year nationwide — but staying alert, asking questions, and reporting suspicious activity makes a big difference.

Big birthday shoutout to Ronnie S. of Freehold, who’s celebrating 79 years young today — we’re raising a cupcake in your honor! 🎉

A few other notable people blowing out candles this week include:

If you stopped by Holiday Made in Monmouth this year, you already know — it was packed! Over 300 local vendors, thousands of shoppers, and more handmade jams, ornaments, soaps, and scarves than you could shake a peppermint stick at.

But here’s the thing: it wasn’t just about shopping. It was about connection.

Neighbors bumping into each other between candle booths. Grandkids picking out gifts for mom. Aisles full of “Ooh, look at this!” and “Remember her from last year?” The whole place felt like one big holiday hug — and we need more of that these days.

So a big round of applause to the County crew who made it all happen, and to everyone who came out to support our hometown makers. If you missed it, don’t worry — the Spring Made in Monmouth event is just around the corner.

Until then, keep showing the love to your favorite local spots. They’re not just businesses — they’re part of what makes Monmouth feel like home.

👉 Learn more or find your new favorite maker at www.MadeinMonmouth.com

🎄 Wishing you a peaceful, cozy, cookie-filled Christmas and a joyful start to 2026. Thanks for reading — we’ll see you next week!

📝 Got news or events to share? Email: [email protected]
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— The Monmouth Senior Scoop Team