Monmouth Senior Scoop: Your Holiday Fun Starts Now!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Monmouth Senior Scoop! From sparkling drive-thrus to cozy strolls through Dickens-style villages, we’ve packed this issue with festive finds, cozy fun, and can’t-miss happenings around Monmouth County (and beyond). Let the merry-making begin!

👀What’s on tap today:

🎄 Holiday Events Roundup – Lights, markets, sleigh rides & more all across NJ
🎭 What’s Happening This Week – Concerts, comedy, crafts & farmers markets
📚 Beyond the Books – Cranberries, creativity & community at local libraries
🌳 In the Parks – Hammerheads, cider-making & vintage piano tunes
✈️ Wanderlust Weekly – Disney dreams, snowy escapes & river cruise goals
🥕 Farm Markets This Week – Where to get your local produce fix
🍽️ What’s Cookin’ – Potatoes get a healthy new spin
📺 TV Time – What to stream this week (hello, Freakier Friday!)
🎁 Take the Grandkids – Holiday trains, diving Santas & twinkly cheer

Up first…

From seaside villages to snowy hayrides and dazzling drive-thru displays, here are some can't-miss holiday events lighting up New Jersey this season. Grab your cocoa, rally the grandkids, and make it merry!

🛷 The Village at Anne Ellen – Manalapan
🗓️ Now – Dec. 30
Start with a hayride, enter a glowing forest of lights and displays, and wander through a magical winter village.
📍 Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
💰 $24–26 adults, $12–14 kids

🚗 Magic of Lights – Holmdel
🗓️ Nov. 21 – Jan. 3
Drive through dazzling digital light displays at PNC Bank Arts Center. One carload, one price!
📍 PNC Bank Arts Center
💰 From $27 per car

🚜 Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Farm – Wall Township
🗓️ Fridays–Sundays, Nov. 28 – Dec. 28
Petting zoos, Santa pics, holiday movies, and a magical wagon or train ride through tunnels of light. Info
📍 Allaire Community Farm
💰 $12 adults, $6 kids, under 1 free

🎅 Christmas at the Hangar – Cape May
🗓️ Nov. 29 • 10 AM–4 PM
A WWII-era hangar gets the holiday glow-up! Free event with live music, Santa, crafts, face painting, cocoa, cookies & 20% off the gift shop. Info
📍 Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
💰 Free

🎄 Dickens Days & Winter Village – Clinton
🗓️ Nov. 28–30
Step into a real-life Victorian snow globe as Clinton transforms for the holidays! Stroll Main Street during Dickens Days, where carolers, carriage rides, and Santa’s Workshop bring the charm. Then head to the Red Mill Museum Village for the Winter Village—a heated outdoor market with 50+ craft vendors, food trucks, horse-drawn rides, the Festival of Trees, and theatrical Dickens carolers. Info
📍 Main Street & Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton
💰 Free on Main Street; Museum admission supports the Red Mill

🎩 Dickens Festival & Holiday Lights – Historic Smithville
🗓️ Nov. 29–30 • 1–7 PM (Festival)
🗓️ Nightly, Nov. 27 – Jan. 6 • 5:30–8:30 PM (Light Show)
Historic Smithville goes full Dickens with a two-day outdoor Dickens Festival, featuring A Christmas Carol performed live by Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre, plus Scrooge, holiday charm, and costumed characters. Stick around after dark for the Holiday Light Show, where over 100 Christmas trees appear to float on Lake Meone, blinking in sync with festive music. Info
📍 Historic Smithville, NJ
💰 Free

🌟 An Old-Fashioned Christmas – Cape May
🗓️ Nov. 22 – Jan. 2026
Victorian Cape May goes full Dickens with garlands, gaslights, trolley tours, and old-timey cheer. Info
📍 Cape May, NJ
💰 Tour costs vary

🎡 Skylands Stadium Christmas Village – Augusta
🗓️ Select Dates, Nov. 22 – Jan. 2026
Drive-thru lights, outdoor skating, carnival rides, artisan shops, and s’mores with Santa. Info
📍 Skylands Stadium
💰 $29 per car

🚙 Winter WonderLights Drive-Thru – East Brunswick
🗓️ Begins Nov. 21
New Jersey’s largest animated light show with synchronized music, magical tunnels, and festive scenes—all from your car. Info
📍 Middlesex County Fairgrounds
💰 $35 Sun–Thurs, $45 Fri–Sat

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

How Americans Are Thinking About Aging: For older adults, income largely shapes the aging experience. Pew Research Center, Nov. 6.

The Mulligan Rule of Retirement — Seven Mistakes You Can Fix: Use the Mulligan Rule to undo these seven costly retirement errors. While you can’t go back in time, some retirement choices allow for a “correction shot.” Kiplinger, Nov. 8

5,000 Steps a Day May Help Protect the Brain from Alzheimer’s, Study Finds: Being physically active helped slow older adults' memory loss, even when they already had early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s. HealthDay News, Nov. 4

There are More Than 100 Autoimmune Diseases, and They Mostly Strike Women. Here’s What to Know: Our immune system has a dark side: It’s supposed to fight off invaders to keep us healthy. But sometimes it turns traitor and attacks our own cells and tissues. Associated Press, Nov. 6

Dementia Tests: What to Know and How They Work: Learn about the different dementia tests used to assess cognitive function and screen for dementia or mild cognitive impairment. U.S. News & World Report, Nov. 7

Certain Obesity Drugs Will Cost as Little as $149 and Medicare Will Start Covering Them Under White House Deals: The arrangements with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are the latest in the federal government’s efforts to lower drug prices. CNN, Nov. 8

Markets, musicals, magic shows, and more — here’s your weekly dose of fun around Monmouth County!

🎭 Into the Woods – Monmouth University
📍 Lauren K. Woods Theatre, Long Branch
🗓️ Thurs, Nov. 13 – Sun, Nov. 16 (multiple showtimes)
Sondheim’s fairy tale mash-up hits the stage in this magical, witty, and darkly charming production.
Get Tickets »

🍽✨ A Taste of Magic – iPlay America, Freehold
📍 The Bistro at iPlay America
🗓️ Fri, Nov. 14 • 6–8 PM
Dinner meets jaw-dropping table-side illusions. Reserve a spot for food, fun, and a little “how did they do that?!”
Details Here »

🕯️ Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen & The Beatles
📍 Pollak Theater, Monmouth University
🗓️ Fri, Nov. 14 • 7–9 PM
Enjoy legendary hits from two rock giants—under thousands of flickering candles. This one’s pure magic.
Buy Tickets »

🎸 The Nerds – The American Hotel, Freehold
📍 18 E Main St, Freehold
🗓️ Fri, Nov. 14 • 7–10 PM
The high-energy party band hits Freehold with outrageous outfits and danceable classics. Get ready to rock.
Event Info »

🎤 Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute – Bell Theater
📍 Bell Works, Holmdel
🗓️ Fri, Nov. 14 • 7:30–9:30 PM
From “Close to You” to holiday hits, relive the soft pop magic of Karen & Richard Carpenter.
Reserve Seats »

🎁 Holiday Craft & Vendor Show – Allaire Village
📍 Wall Township
🗓️ Sat, Nov. 15 • 10 AM–4 PM
160+ local artisans, live demos (blacksmith, tinsmith, bakeries), food trucks, and festive vibes galore.
Details »

🩰 New Jersey Ballet Presents Visionary Voices – Red Bank
📍 Two River Theater
🗓️ Sat, Nov. 15 (7 PM) & Sun, Nov. 16 (2 PM)
Three brilliant ballets with modern energy, classical grace, and costumes by Zac Posen.
Get Tickets »

🎶 Hallelujah: Songs of Leonard Cohen – Bell Theater
📍 Holmdel
🗓️ Sat, Nov. 15 • 8–10 PM
Pat Guadagno and friends return with a soulful tribute to the master of moody, poetic ballads.
Tickets Here »

Events across Monmouth County Libraries from Nov. 12–19

🍒 Discover the New Jersey Cranberry
Wed, Nov. 12 • 1–2:30 PM
HQ, Manalapan
Food and tea historian Judith Krall-Russo dishes out juicy stories about NJ’s tart little treasure—the cranberry! Learn its Native American roots, farming history, and even some Early American recipes.

🧶 Yarn Works: Crochet & Knit Drop-In
Wed, Nov. 12 • 1–3 PM
Allentown Branch
Stitch, chat, repeat! Bring your yarn project and join this casual meetup of knitters and crocheters. No instruction, just good vibes and great company.
➡️ BYO supplies, no registration needed.

🩺 Pre-Diabetes: Are You At Risk?
Wed, Nov. 12 • 1:30–2:30 PM
Holmdel Branch
A free health talk with RD Karen Campbell of Hackensack Meridian Health. Learn the signs of pre-diabetes and what dietary changes can help. Includes a free blood pressure screening!

🤖 Understanding Artificial Intelligence
Thurs, Nov. 13 • 6:30–8 PM
Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Curious about AI tools like ChatGPT, Suno, and Adobe Firefly? This intro session breaks it all down—opportunities, concerns, and the tech that’s changing the world.

✍️ Creative Writer’s Workshop
Thurs, Nov. 13 • 7–8:45 PM
Allentown Branch
Writers, assemble! Bring 5 copies of your latest 1,500–2,000 word piece and share feedback with fellow storytellers. Hosted by local author Michael Pedowitz.

📚 Colts Neck Friends Fall Book Sale
Sat, Nov. 15 (10–4) & Sun, Nov. 16 (10–3)
Colts Neck Branch
Book lovers, rejoice! $5 bag deals on Sunday. Saturday preview hour (9–10 AM) also $5. Teachers score special savings.

🖊️ Local Authors Book Fair
Sat, Nov. 15 • 11 AM–3 PM
Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Meet local authors and get a jump on your holiday shopping! Featuring adult, YA, and children’s books—all ages welcome.

🌱 Native Seed & Plant Swap
Sat, Nov. 15 • 2–4 PM
Howell Branch
Calling all green thumbs! Bring NJ native seeds, cuttings, or plants to swap and connect with fellow gardeners. Light refreshments included.

🎶 Classic Rock Reimagined with Chris Pinnella
Sun, Nov. 16 • 2–4 PM
HQ, Manalapan
From Bruce to Billy Joel, hear rock legends like never before with powerhouse vocalist Chris Pinnella and his 10-piece orchestra. FREE concert, unforgettable energy.

🪑 Chair Yoga with Stacy Newfeld
Mon, Nov. 17 • 9:30–10:30 AM
Holmdel Branch
Start your week with mindful movement, seated stretches, and sound immersion. A gentle, grounding experience.

💬 One-on-One SHIP Medicare Q&A
Mon, Nov. 17 • 2:30–4 PM
HQ, Manalapan
Confused about Medicare? Get free, unbiased help from certified SHIP counselor Kalpana Sheth. Walk-ins welcome.

🧘 De-Stress: Meditation, Yoga & Breathwork
Mon, Nov. 17 • 7–8:30 PM
Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Let your stress melt away in this soothing session with certified Art of Living instructor Dhan Goboori.

💡 Monmouth ACTS in My Community
Tues, Nov. 18 • 10 AM–1 PM
Allentown Branch
Need help with SNAP, Medicaid, NJ Family Care or more? County reps are here to answer questions and assist with applications.

🍵 Intro to the Japanese Tea Ceremony
Tues, Nov. 18 • 1–2:30 PM
Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Experience the art and tradition of Chado with Dr. Drew Sodo Hanson. An elegant journey into peace, mindfulness, and tea.
➡️ Registration required.

🎖️ The Vietnam War, 1964–1973
Wed, Nov. 19 • 2:30–4 PM
Allentown Branch
Historian Paul Zigo unpacks the history and impact of one of America’s most complex wars.

🎤 Colors of the Wind: Concert with Jay Daniels
Wed, Nov. 19 • 6–7 PM
Ocean Township Branch
Celebrate autumn with an intimate evening of vocals and piano from the ever-talented Jay Daniels. Free and cozy!

🧘‍♀️🎨 Yoga with Nicole: Affirmation Art
Wed, Nov. 19 • 6–7:30 PM
Hazlet Branch
Stretch, breathe, then create! A blend of gentle yoga and DIY art to help you reset and reflect.
➡️ Registration required.

🎨 Horn of Plenty Cornucopia Craft
Wed, Nov. 19 • 7–8:15 PM
Holmdel Branch
Celebrate fall with a symbolic “Horn of Plenty” pop-down card craft. Gratitude never looked so good.
➡️ Seats are limited—register ahead!

🗓️ More events and details at www.MonmouthCountyLib.org
☎️ Questions? Call your local branch!

Fun, accessible, and senior-friendly events happening across Monmouth County this week.

🦈 Hammer Time at the Shore
Wed, Nov. 12 • 7–8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Think you know your local sea life? Dive into the fascinating world of hammerhead sharks with a Park System Naturalist. Learn about their Atlantic adventures and the threats they face. Jaw-some and FREE!

🍂 Awesome Autumn Amble
Wed, Nov. 12 • 10–11:30 a.m. at Clayton Park, Upper Freehold
Wed, Nov. 19 • 10–11:30 a.m. at Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen
Breathe in that crisp fall air while strolling scenic trails and chatting about cool plants and critters. All ages welcome (under 18 with an adult). Also FREE!

🎹 Piano Ballads at the Farmhouse
Sat, Nov. 15 • 1–3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Travel back in time with cozy piano tunes from the turn of the 19th century. It’s pure old-fashioned charm—no time machine needed. Free to enjoy!

🍏 Cider Making, the Old-School Way
Sun, Nov. 16 • 12–2 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Roll up your sleeves and help turn apples into cider! Sip some fresh samples and chat about how farm folks put cider to work. (Spoiler: It’s not just for drinking.) Also FREE!

🍁 More details at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
Questions? Call 732-842-4000 (TTY/TDD: 711)

Magical escapes, Mediterranean winters & Myrtle Beach magic.

🎄 Orlando Magic, Four Seasons-Style
Deck the halls at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World®! From Nov. 30–Dec. 30, enjoy life-sized gingerbread houses, cookie decorating, Santa sightings, and a Christmas Day feast. Bonus: the rooftop fireworks views from Capa Steakhouse? Pure holiday sparkle.
👉 fourseasons.com/orlando

🚢 Howdy, Galveston: MSC Seascape Arrives in Texas
MSC Cruises has officially launched sailings from Galveston! The MSC Seascape will whisk you away on 7-night Caribbean itineraries with stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel, and MSC’s private island Ocean Cay. Big ship energy, Texas style.
👉 msccruisesusa.com

✨ Myrtle Beach: Holiday Central
In Myrtle Beach, the holidays come with palm trees and parade floats. Enjoy tree lightings, oceanfront festivals, holiday markets, and dazzling light shows through New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles—absolutely breathtaking.
👉 VisitMyrtleBeach.com

⚓ Oceania Cruises Does Winter in the Med
For the first time ever, Oceania Cruises will offer a full winter season in the Mediterranean (Nov. 2025–April 2026). Think Greece, Italy, Spain, and more—minus the summer crowds. Plus: culinary tours, ancient ruins, and warm(ish) weather.
👉 oceaniacruises.com

❄️ Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Returns
Through early January, Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland transforms its resorts into wintry wonderlands, complete with indoor snow showers, holiday crafts, visits from Santa, and a frosty Frosty Fest Family Dance Party. Cozy cabins meet snowy fun.
👉 greatwolf.com/snowland

🎅 Palm Beaches = Pure Holiday Vibes
From boat parades and ballet to menorah lightings and snow falls in the tropics, the Palm Beaches deliver major festive flair. Check out Sandi Land in West Palm and classic performances like The Nutcracker and The Messiah Sing-Along.
👉 thepalmbeaches.com/holiday

🚤 Nat Geo + Lindblad = River Cruise Goals
Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic are adding 12 new river itineraries for 2027–2028—including the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, and Mekong Rivers. You’ll get stunning scenery and top-tier storytelling from onboard experts.
👉 expeditions.com

Fresh, local and senior-friendly spots to shop, stroll and savor.

🥕 Organic Fall Farm Market – Brielle
📍 Brielle Public Library
🗓️ Weds, Nov. 12 & 19 • 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
Fresh fall produce from Muth Family Farm. Think crisp greens, root veggies, and that perfect farmstand vibe.
View Info »

🧺 Bell Works Fresh Market – Holmdel
📍 Bell Works, Holmdel
🗓️ Weds, Nov. 12 & 19 • 11 AM–4 PM
Farmers, makers, bakers, and local creators take over Bell Works. Get your midweek goods indoors in style.
More Info »

🌽 Highlands Farmers Market – Huddy Park
📍 329 Bay Ave, Highlands
🗓️ Sat, Nov. 15 • 8:30 AM–2 PM
Last call for the season! Shop Jersey produce, pies, ravioli, handmade soaps, and more by the bay.

Ever heard someone say “potatoes spike your sugar and wreck a healthy meal”? Turns out—a big myth! American Diabetes Association (ADA) is teaming up with Idaho® Potatoes to set the record straight.

What’s the deal?

Try it at home:
Here are three recipe ideas to give potatoes the good‑for‑you makeover:

Tip for seniors: Go for a medium‑sized Idaho potato, leave the skin on for extra fiber, skip the heavy butter/sour cream, add herbs and a side of lean protein and your favorite green veggie. Delicious and diabetes‑smart.

🍿 Grab your remote and your popcorn—there’s something for every screen and mood this week!

📺 They’re back! Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are switching bodies again in Freakier Friday, the long-awaited sequel to their 2003 hit. It drops Wednesday on Disney+, bringing chaos, heart, and a whole lot of déjà vu.

🎭 Drama alert! Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys sizzle in The Beast in Me (Netflix), a twisty thriller with Pulitzer prizes, suspicious neighbors, and a side of murder. Premieres Thursday.

🎬 Movie buffs, don’t miss this:
— Nouvelle Vague (Netflix, Fri) is Richard Linklater’s stylish, French New Wave love letter to Breathless. It’s in black and white and all kinds of cool.
— Eddington (streaming now): Ari Aster’s eerie pandemic-era tale stars Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal. Unsettling, philosophical, and very 2020s.
— Come See Me in the Good Light (Apple TV, Fri) is a moving doc about two poets facing illness and love—emotional, inspiring, and full of heart.

📚 Streaming picks with a twist:
— Palm Royale (Apple TV) is back with Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, and all the 1960s social-climbing glam you can handle.
— Surviving Mormonism (Peacock) follows Heather Gay’s post-Housewives journey as she explores life after the LDS church.
— Malice (Prime Video): David Duchovny + shady tutor = vacation from hell.
— The Saints (Fox Nation): Martin Scorsese tells the tale of Saint Patrick. Holy binge, Batman.
— Landman (Paramount+): Oil, ego, and drama deep in Texas. Season 2’s got Sam Elliott, Andy Garcia, and Demi Moore.

Looking for memory-making magic with the little ones? Here’s a statewide sleigh-full of seasonal adventures.

🚜 Diggerland Drive-Thru Light Show
Nov. 14 – Jan. 2026 | $37.99 per car
Drive through a construction-themed light wonderland complete with glowing tunnels, festive displays, and music synced to your car radio.
📍 West Berlin, NJ
More Info »

🚂 DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Select Dates, Nov. 15 – Dec. 23 | $22.95+ per person
All aboard! Ride the holiday train through sparkling lights, meet Santa, enjoy cookies, and stroll through the festive Holiday Village.
📍 Hammonton, NJ
More Info »

🌟 Christmas Fantasy with Lights – Storybook Land
Nov. 15 – Dec. 30 | Cost of Admission
Every night at 5 PM, Santa waves his magic wand and Storybook Land lights up with over a million twinkling lights. Rides, fairy tales, and festive fun await!
📍 Egg Harbor Township, NJ
More Info »

🎅 Christmas Underwater – Adventure Aquarium
Nov. 21 – Dec. 24 | Cost of Admission
Santa in scuba gear? Yup! Watch Scuba Santa swim with sharks and turtles, see snow flurries in the Snowtunda, and check out the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree.
📍 Camden, NJ
More Info »

⛸️ Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
Select Dates, Nov. 22 – Jan. 2026 | $29 per car
Drive through the Lightfest, then park and enjoy skating, s’mores, carnival rides, shopping, and pics with Santa in the outdoor Christmas Village.
📍 Augusta, NJ
More Info »

🚂 The Polar Express – Phillipsburg
Begins Nov. 28 | $38 Kids, $48 Adults
Step into the classic holiday tale! Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, dancing chefs, storytime, and a special visit from Santa—plus every guest gets a silver sleigh bell.
📍 Phillipsburg, NJ
More Info »

🐠 Seas and Greetings – Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Dec. 13, 20, 27 & 28 | 12–5 PM | Cost of Admission
Santa meets sea life in this magical boardwalk bash featuring holiday princesses, ice skating, snow bubbles, face painting, and “Fishmas Tales” at the aquarium.
📍 Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
More Info »

🎂 A big Better With Age happy birthday to Keith Peterson of Keyport, who’s turning 79 this week! Wishing you a year full of laughter, great company, and plenty of cake!

A few other famous folks blowing out candles this week include:
Nov. 10 – Comedian Sinbad, 69; actor Mackenzie Phillips, 66; Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville, 62; comedian Tracy Morgan, 57; Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo, 56.
Nov. 11 – Actor Stanley Tucci, 65; actress Demi Moore, 63; actress Calista Flockhart, 61.
Nov. 12 – Rock legend Neil Young, 80.
Nov. 13 – Actor Joe Mantegna, 78; actor Chris Noth, 71; actor-TV host Whoopi Goldberg, 70. 🎂

After more than a decade of deals, donations, and do-gooding, Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity is preparing to close its Freehold ReStore in Spring 2026.

The decision wasn’t easy — rising rents and tough times for nonprofits made it unsustainable — but the mission isn’t ending. It’s just evolving. Habitat will keep building affordable housing across the county, and you can still shop, donate, and support the Asbury Park ReStore moving forward.

🛒 Until the closing date arrives, the Freehold location remains open — so go grab that gently loved lamp or vintage end table and know you’re helping a family find their forever home.

❤️ Thank you to everyone who made the Freehold ReStore a community gem. You built more than homes — you built hope.

📬 Questions? Visit their website for more information.

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Email us: [email protected]

👀First time reading? Join thousands of Monmouth County seniors. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.

😊See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team

_{Disclaimer: We’re here to share community news, events, and a little joy—never medical, legal, or financial advice. Take what’s useful, share what’s fun, and always check with the pros when it really counts.} 😉

_{Senior Wisdom Tip: If you didn’t ask for the call, text, or email, don’t answer it—especially if it’s after your money or personal info.}