📰 Monmouth Senior Scoop | Dec. 17–24 edition

From Freehold to Fair Haven, we’ve rounded up the best local events, news, and senior-friendly fun across Monmouth County. Here’s what’s going on this week.

👀 What’s on tap this week:

Up first…

Still need to upgrade your license? Skip the MVC chaos — the Real ID Mobile Unit will be in Marlboro Jan. 5–9, so you can get it done locally and conveniently. Appointments are required and can be made on the MVC mobile unit site. That same link lets you check other mobile stops around New Jersey too. The mobile unit works just like a regular MVC center — minus the long lines. Book early — spots fill fast!

Not to alarm you, but this is less of a gentle nudge and more of a “drop that sugar cookie and grab a shipping label” situation. According to the USPS, if you want your gifts to actually arrive by Dec. 25 (and not star in a “Sorry this came late” text), you need to ship by today, Wednesday, Dec. 17. That’s the cutoff for regular service.

Running late but still hopeful? First Class and Priority Mail buy you a little wiggle room — but by Dec. 21, it’s game over. And if you're shipping overseas? Priority Mail Express International gives you until Dec. 16. After that, your gift’s just taking a scenic tour of customs.

🎁 Check out all the deadlines here.

📍 Bell Works Fresh Market (Holmdel)
Wed, Dec. 17 • 11AM–4PM | Info »
Inside, warm, and full of local flavor. Fresh produce, handmade gifts, and snacks that make great stocking stuffers. Bonus: it smells amazing.

🎶 Carolers in Downtown Freehold
Thu, Dec. 18 • 6–8PM | Details »
Main Street turns into a holiday postcard. Carolers, gazebo sing-along, and a spot to hang your handmade ornament. Local, lovely, and low-key magical.

🎼 Vienna Boys Choir @ Count Basie (Red Bank)
Thu, Dec. 18 • 7:30PM | Tickets »
A choir so iconic, they’ve been around since the 1400s. Gorgeous harmonies and timeless carols — no glitter, just goosebumps.

🎄 Christmas on the Farm @ Allaire (Wall)
Fri, Dec. 19 & 26 • 4–8PM | Info »
25 acres of lights, a Yuletide wagon, animals, hot cocoa, holiday movies, and 20,000 more twinkly lights than last year. Sold.

🎸 John Denver Christmas @ Algonquin Theatre (Manasquan)
Sat, Dec. 20 • 2PM & 7:30PM | Tickets »
Take a trip down memory lane with Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon as they channel Denver’s holiday spirit. Nostalgic and heartwarming — bring tissues.

🎷 Swing in the Holidays @ Two River Theater (Red Bank)
Sat, Dec. 20 • 7PM | More info »
Old Hollywood meets Broadway jazz. Big band sound, crooner vibes, and Bryan Carter on the drums. Dress sharp, if you feel like it.

🕯️ Christmas at Allaire Village (Wall)
Sun, Dec. 21 • 11AM–4PM | Details »
Step back in time for an old-fashioned village Christmas. Santa, carolers, open hearths, bakery treats and homes all decked out 1800s-style.

🛍️ Porta Holiday Pop-Up (Asbury Park)
Sun, Dec. 21 • 12–4PM | Info »
25+ handmade vendors, last-minute gifts, and killer pizza next door. Grab a latte and browse — no mall crowds here.

🎶 Monmouth Civic Chorus @ Count Basie (Red Bank)
Sun, Dec. 21 • 4PM | Tickets »
Handel’s Messiah + holiday carols + a full orchestra. Powerful, classic, and a beautiful way to close out the weekend.

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Should You Really Wait Till 70 to Take Social Security? The standard advice is to hold off, but most retirees claim the benefit as soon as they can, at age 62. Here’s what to know when you’re planning the unplannable. The New York Times, Dec. 7.

Missed Medicare Open Enrollment? Here Are Your Options: If you missed Medicare open enrollment, you may still be able to change your Medicare selections, depending on your current coverage and why you fumbled the deadline. Kiplinger, Dec. 8.

Being the Executor of an Estate is a Thankless Job: Here's How to Do It Well Anyway: While carrying out someone's final wishes can be challenging, there's a proper way to manage these important duties and be viewed as a "good" executor. Kiplinger, Dec. 12.

What Older Adults Need to Know About Connecting and Staying Safe Online: Get expert tips on the benefits of online and social media connection, along with important tips for seniors to stay safe and protected. U.S. News & World Report. Dec. 10.

Time to pack your daydreams — here’s what’s trending in travel this week.

🎄 Silver Dollar City: Christmas, But Make It Huge
This Missouri theme park keeps winning “America’s favorite Christmas park” for a reason. We’re talking 6.5 million lights, a massive Christmas tree, classic holiday shows, a sing‑along steam train, and one last season of Rudolph’s parade. Info

🗻 Alaska 2027: Yes, People Are Already Planning
If Alaska is on your someday list, now’s the time to peek. Holland America’s new 2027 cruisetours combine glacier cruising with extra land time in Denali National Park and the Yukon. Early bookers score a free land dining package — covering most meals at wilderness lodges and lunch aboard a glass‑domed train. Big scenery, less planning stress. Info

🌴 Trade Snow Boots for Sandals
Dreaming of rainforests instead of snowbanks? These Latin America stays lean into nature and comfort — from eco‑luxury in Costa Rica to jungle‑meets‑ocean hideaways and colorful small towns in Colombia. Think soft adventure by day, good food and great beds by night. Info

🚢 Meet MSC World Atlantic (Sailing 2027)
Launching November 13, 2027, this new cruise ship will sail year‑round Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. Expect 30+ bars and restaurants, bumper cars, a massive kids’ club, a Latin‑themed lounge, and a luxe “ship within a ship” experience for grown‑ups. Bonus fun fact: Drew Barrymore has declared herself the ship’s “cool god‑aunt.” Info

Holiday calendars are packed and grocery lists are long, so simple, hearty recipes are the real MVPs. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand (funded by beef farmers and ranchers) has a few crowd-pleasers to keep everyone happily fed from breakfast to leftovers.

👉 Find these dishes and more on the Holiday Entertaining page at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

If you don’t feel like baking this year, Paris Baguette is more than happy to play “holiday hero.” Their bakeries are rolling out a Holiday Cake Collection packed with French-inspired showstoppers and cute, kid-approved classics. Favorites include:

🎂 Sweet treat alert: PB Rewards members score perks like BOGO cake slices on National Cake Day, coffee freebies, and bonus points when picking up those gorgeous holiday cakes. Paris Baguette is serving up the goods in Red Bank and Holmdel — and keep your forks ready, Manalapan: Towne Pointe is next!

Asbury Ale House has opened a new location in Howell, bringing its Shore‑favorite vibe to Monmouth County. The spot, at 5169 Route 9, takes over the former Arooga’s Sports Bar and Pub and offers 30 beers on tap, along with a full gastropub menu and specialty cocktails. Known for its seasonal drink lineup — including fan favorites like watermelon kegs and frozen margarita flights — the Ale House is already drawing attention after a recent soft opening. The original Asbury Ale House remains at 531 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. Hours at the Howell location are Monday–Thursday, noon to midnight, and Saturday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Because your library card unlocks more than just bestsellers. See what’s happening at Monmouth County Library branches this week.

🕎 Menorah Lighting – Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Wed, Dec. 17 • 6:30PM
Led by Rabbi Dovid Harrison. Songs, stories, and community light.

🎺 Swingin’ the Season – Manalapan HQ
Fri, Dec. 19 • 2PM
The Sentimental Journey Big Band brings jazzy carols & ‘40s vibes. Doors at 12:30PM, no reg. required.

🎵 Band of Two Rivers – Howell Branch
Sat, Dec. 20 • 2PM
From teens to retirees, this community band brings the warm & fuzzy.

🧘 Yoga for Beginners – Manalapan HQ
Mon, Dec. 22 • 6:30PM
Gentle, beginner-friendly, and a great reason to exhale.

🪑 Chair Yoga – Manalapan HQ
Tues, Dec. 23 • 10AM
Stay seated, stretch anyway. Boosts balance & mood, no mat needed.

Skip the scroll — we’ve done the couch-surfing for you.

🎬 Him (Peacock – Dec. 19)
A football thriller with a dark side. Produced by Jordan Peele. Gripping, a little surreal, and very bingeable.

🎬 Relay (Netflix – Dec. 12)
Riz Ahmed plays a covert fixer. Fast-paced, slick, and worth your popcorn.

📺 Fallout S2 (Prime – Dec. 18)
Return to the wasteland. Now with Macaulay Culkin, Justin Theroux, and Kumail Nanjiani. Yes, really.

💄 Emily in Paris S5 (Netflix – Dec. 19)
Emily’s in Rome now. Same outfits. Different drama.

🐾 Born to Be Wild (Apple TV+ – Dec. 19)
This heartwarming docuseries follows orphaned critters raised through global conservation efforts — all narrated with charm by Hugh Bonneville.

Happy belated 73rd birthday on Dec. 14 to Monmouth Senior Scoop reader Greg P. of Hazlet.

And here’s a few other notable people celebrating birthdays this week. On Dec. 17, actor‑comedian Eugene Levy turns 79 and actor Marilyn Hassett (The Other Side of the Mountain) is 78. Dec. 18 brings a big lineup: Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards hits 82, legendary director Steven Spielberg turns 79, actor Brad Pitt is 62, and wrestler‑turned‑actor Stone Cold Steve Austin celebrates 61.

Ever think “I want to live there!” during a Hallmark Christmas movie? Connecticut heard you. The Nutmeg State just launched the first-ever Christmas Movie Trail — a choose-your-own-festive-adventure featuring 22 real filming locations from your favorite Hallmark holiday flicks.

We’re talking actual gazebo smooch zones, cozy inns wrapped in twinkle lights, and snow-globe-worthy town squares that feel suspiciously like a movie set (because… they are). Fans are already descending on Wethersfield — Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane vibes in full force — and local shops are decking the halls for all the feel-good foot traffic.

📍 Plot your holiday rom-com detour here.

🙏Thanks for reading! And if you go to Connecticut, but we fully expect you to return with a flannel scarf, a fiancé, and the deed to a struggling but charming inn!

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

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🤶See you next week!

The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

📌 Note to our readers: This newsletter shares ideas, events, and resources — not medical or financial advice. Always check with a pro before making important health or money decisions.