The Monmouth Senior Scoop: Holiday Lights, Local Delights & a Very Famous 100th Birthday

👋Hey there, Monmouth friends — It’s a busy, twinkly week across the county. We’ve got menorahs lighting, Christmas trees ready to chop (close to home, promise), trolley rides through time, and holiday concerts to keep your toes tapping. Feeling like a day trip? Cape May’s got the candlelight. Prefer the couch? Brad Pitt and Benoit Blanc are streaming soon. Also — someone you know just turned 100. (Hint: chimney sweep, dancing legend, national treasure.)

Let’s get into it ⬇️

👀 What’s Inside This Week:

Up first…

Still checking names off your list? These holiday markets have the cheer and the charm — with handmade gifts, tasty treats, and local flair galore.

🎅 Holiday Made in Monmouth
📍 Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
🗓️ Saturday, Dec. 13
Explore 300+ vendors offering everything from baked goods to home décor, handmade soaps, wine, ornaments, and more. If it’s made with heart, it’s made in Monmouth.
👉 Nearby: Check out the Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend exhibit at Monmouth Museum!

🎶 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
📍 Grand Arcade @ Convention Hall + The Asbury Hotel (Sundays)
🗓️ Weekends through Dec. 21
This seaside Weihnachtsmarkt-style bazaar blends funky Asbury vibes with festive cheer—live music, artisan gifts, tasty bites, and more.
👉 Nearby: Hit the lanes at Asbury Lanes or dine in style at Pascal & Sabine.

🛍️ Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets
📍 Bell Works, Holmdel
🗓️ Fridays through Dec. 20
The area’s largest local shopping series features 75+ artisans and makers, farm-fresh goodies, and one-of-a-kind finds. There are nine markets total—go once or go weekly!
👉 Nearby: Treat yourself to an Italian feast at Patricia’s of Holmdel (BYOB).

If cutting down your own Christmas tree is on your holiday bucket list—but long drives are not—we’ve got four nearby spots where you can hand-pick the perfect pine, spruce, or fir… and still be home in time for cocoa.

🌟 Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
📍 114 Daum Rd, Manalapan
With 50,000+ trees, a festive shop, and a ticketed Christmas Village, Anne Ellen is a full-on holiday experience.

🌟 Keris Tree Farm & Christmas Shop
📍 848 Route 524, Allentown
Choose & cut, or go green with a balled tree you can replant. Their shop is loaded with ornaments, ribbons, and everything in between.

🌟 Woodfield Christmas Tree Plantation
📍 310 Route 537 East, Colts Neck
Hot tip: They sell out fast—so grab your saw and your sense of adventure early.

🌟 Yuletide Tree Farm
📍 138 Evergreen Rd, New Egypt
Look for the giant inflatable snowman, then choose from 500+ trees packed with that fresh evergreen scent.
👉 Nearby fun: Stroll the quirky New Egypt Flea Market Village (open Sundays & Wednesdays year-round).

🎁 ‘Tis the season to bring home a tree—and a few new memories, too.

Grab your mittens and your loved ones — these local menorah lightings are all about community, warmth, and celebrating the Festival of Lights together.

🕯️ Bradley Beach Menorah Lighting
📍 615 Main St, Bradley Beach
📅 Sunday, Dec. 14 | 4:15–5:15 PM
Join the Bradley Beach community for a festive menorah lighting in the heart of town.

🎶 Fair Haven Menorah Lighting
📍 749 River Rd, Fair Haven
📅 Sunday, Dec. 14 | 4:30–5:30 PM
Live entertainment, light refreshments, and cheerful company await at this welcoming celebration.

✨ Belmar Menorah Lighting
📍 700 9th Ave, Belmar
📅 Monday, Dec. 15 | 6:30–9:00 PM
Gather for the candle lighting, then head over to Brandl’s for a cozy after-dinner gathering. A great way to connect with neighbors and soak in the season.

🌟 Downtown Freehold Menorah Lighting
📍 1 E Main St, Freehold
📅 Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Downtown Freehold keeps the holiday spirit glowing with this community menorah lighting — simple, joyful, and perfect for all ages.

☕ Howell Township Menorah Lighting
📍 4579 Route 9, Howell
📅 Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Light the candles, sip a warm drink, and enjoy sweet pastries with friends and neighbors at this beloved Howell tradition.

New Jersey Blood Services just opened a new donor center at 4345 Route 9, Freehold — and they need blood donors AND volunteers to help fight a critical shortage.

🅾️ Blood types like O+, O-, and B- are especially low
🗓️ You can donate every 56 days
🚶 Walk-ins & appointments welcome
🙋 Not eligible to donate? Volunteer to support lifesaving efforts.

📍 nybc.org | 📞 1-800-933-2566

Give a little, help a lot ❤️

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

Medicare Scammers Are Calling Seniors 50 Times a Day, Trying to Trap Them: Complaints about the calls have risen, and some older Americans have discovered that their Medicare accounts were already compromised. The New York Times, Dec. 5.

The Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids and Other Hearing Solutions: For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, over-the-counter hearing aids could be a more affordable and accessible alternative to a prescription pair. Wirecutter, Dec. 2.

Obesity Could Speed Alzheimer's Progression: Some blood markers associated with Alzheimer’s increased nearly twice as fast among people with obesity compared to people who didn't have obesity. HealthDay News, Dec. 2.

How to Deal with the Holiday Blues: The holidays can be a stressful time for all, but especially so for older Americans as the challenges of entertaining family, shorter daylight hours and loneliness can all affect mental health. U.S. News & World Report, Dec. 1.

🚜 Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Farm – Allaire Community Farm (Wall Twp.)
📅 Dec. 12–14, 19–21, 26–28 | 4–8 PM
The entire 25-acre farm transforms into a glowing Christmas village with petting zoos, Santa photos, a model train house, wagon rides, movies, cocoa, and 20,000 more lights than last year!
👉 Details & tickets

🚎 Jolly Trolley – Downtown Freehold
📅 Fri, Dec. 12 | 5–8 PM
Take a 45-minute trolley ride through historic Freehold with costumed performers reenacting local wintertime stories from 100 years ago. Produced with Howell High’s drama club—holiday history meets hometown fun.
👉 More info

💡 U-Pick Tulips Winter Wonderland – Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge)
📅 Dec. 12–23 & Jan. 1–4 | 5–8 PM
Tulips meet twinkle lights at this one-of-a-kind winter walk-through with dazzling displays across the farm. Holiday lights, festive vibes, and family photo ops galore.
👉 Tickets & times

🕯️ Holiday Evening Stroll – The Historic Village at Allaire
📅 Dec. 12–13 & 19–20 | 6–9 PM
Take a peaceful candlelit walk through the historic village with music, carolers, tree lighting at the mansion, and visits from the glowing “Light Up Ladies.” A quiet, lovely way to wind down the week.
👉 Event info

🚂 Santa Express – Pine Creek Railroad, Wall Twp.
📅 Dec. 13–14 & Dec. 20–21 | Day + Night rides
Hop aboard a vintage train with Santa himself! Ride during the day or under the stars — a holiday favorite for families of all ages.
👉 Get tickets

🎭 White Christmas – Algonquin Theatre, Manasquan
📅 Dec. 12–14 | Various showtimes
This classic holiday musical brings song, dance, and feel-good fun to the stage. Gather the family and get swept away by the story and timeless tunes.
👉 Showtimes & tickets

🎹 A Carole King Christmas – Bell Theater, Holmdel
📅 Fri, Dec. 12 | 7:30 PM
Celebrate the songs of Carole King with Michelle Foster and her band — featuring iconic hits and holiday favorites in one heartwarming show.
👉 Ticket info

🎤 Shadows of the 60s: Motown Holiday Tribute – Bell Theater, Holmdel
📅 Sat, Dec. 13 | 2 & 8 PM
Motown classics meet holiday cheer in this high-energy show featuring hits from the Supremes, Temptations, and more — plus your favorite Christmas covers.
👉 Grab tickets

🎺 A Big Band Holiday to Remember – Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove
📅 Sat, Dec. 13 | 7:30 PM
Local fave Remember Jones leads a 17-piece big band in this throwback holiday concert. Expect powerhouse vocals and retro seasonal joy.
👉 Limited seating – book now

🎶 Holiday Express Benefit Concert – Basie Center, Red Bank
📅 Tue, Dec. 16 | 7:30 PM
50+ musicians come together in this annual concert full of gospel, rock, and holiday spirit. All proceeds support local communities in need.
👉 Get tickets

Lace up and head out — here’s what’s happening in our local parks this week, all for free!

🐚 Winter Beach Walk
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13 | 🕚 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Bundle up and stroll the shoreline with a Park System Naturalist to hunt for shells, driftwood, and other ocean treasures. Bring a tote for your finds—and maybe a thermos of cocoa! FREE

🎶 The Sounds of Christmas
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13 | 🕐 1–3 p.m.
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step into the farmhouse and soak up the Victorian holiday spirit as Max Rowland and Stark & Steady bring 19th-century carols to life. FREE

🎅 Visit with Santa
📅 Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 13–14 | 🕛 12–3 p.m.
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
He’s jolly, he’s old-school, and he wants your wish list! No appointment needed—just swing by, snap some photos, and soak up the cheer. FREE

🌍 Nature Talk: Galapagos Edition
📅 Sunday, Dec. 14 | 🕐 1–2 p.m.
📍 Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen
Hear firsthand stories from a Park System Naturalist’s recent trip to the Galapagos Islands—and dive into the unique wildlife and conservation issues. FREE

🌌 Under the Winter Stars
📅 Sunday, Dec. 14 | 🕢 7:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Dorbrook Rec Area, Colts Neck (Soccer Field Lot)
Gaze up at winter constellations on this stargazing stroll. Bring a flashlight and a camp chair—and check the skies before you go! All ages welcome. FREE

🔥 Blacksmith Demo
📅 Sunday, Dec. 14 | 🕐 1–3 p.m.
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Watch iron get shaped the old-fashioned way as the resident blacksmith shows off tools, sparks, and skill. FREE

🖼️ Last Chance! Creative Arts Center Exhibit & Sale
📅 Now through Friday, Dec. 12 | 🕚 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft
Support local talent and score one-of-a-kind gifts at this festive exhibit featuring works by Creative Arts Center students and instructors. FREE admission & parking

👉 More info at MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000

Looking for a festive escape close to home? This week’s pick is worth the drive!

🎄 Cape May’s Christmas Candlelight House Tours
📍 Cape May Historic District
🗓️ Dec. 13 & 20
Cape May’s most charming homes, inns, churches, and B&Bs open their doors for these magical self-guided tours through the town’s beautifully decorated “Painted Ladies.” Carolers, Santa sightings, and sleigh bells add to the storybook vibe. Part of the larger “Christmas in Cape May” celebration, running through Jan. 1. Advance tickets highly recommended.
👉 Get tickets

Near or far, these trip-worthy tidbits are worth a spot on your travel radar.

🎢 Mouse House Magic Continues
Disneyland’s 70th party rolls on through August — with glowing night parades, new shows, and Bluey’s big stage debut starting March 22, 2026.
👉 Get the details

🪪 Flying Without REAL ID? That’ll Be $45.
Starting Feb. 1, 2026, TSA will charge folks without a REAL ID or passport. Time to upgrade or risk a pricey surprise.
👉 Learn more

🧳Berlin, But Make It Fancy
The Four Seasons is opening in Germany’s capital — luxe rooms, world-class service, and the perfect Euro getaway.
👉 Take a peek

🚢 Cruise Winners for 2025
From casual escapes to luxe adventures, Cruise Critic just dropped the Best Cruises of 2025 — voted by travelers like you.
👉 Explore the winners

🎄 Winter Wonderland in AC
Ocean Casino Resort is bringing full holiday sparkle to the Shore — lights, décor, and festive fun for a mini escape close to home.
👉 Check it out

Grandkid-approved and full of holiday cheer — here’s where to make merry memories across New Jersey this week!

🚗 Skylands Stadium Light Show (Augusta)
Drive through 2 million lights, then warm up with cocoa in the Christmas Village. Sparkly, scenic, and zero walking required. Details

🦈 Christmas Underwater (Adventure Aquarium, Camden)
Scuba Santa, a 18-foot underwater tree, and the most sharks in the Northeast? Yes, please. Through Dec. 24. Info here

🦒 Turtle Back Zoo in Winter? Yup! (West Orange)
Think sloths, giraffes, storytime, and behind-the-scenes animal fun — all December long. Plan your visit

🌟 Storybook Land Lights Up (Egg Harbor Twp.)
Rides, wonder, and Santa lighting up 1 million+ twinkling bulbs at dusk. USA Today calls it one of the best holiday park events. More info

New week, new binges — here’s what’s fresh and streaming later this week.

🎬 Wake Up Dead Man (Netflix, Dec. 12)
🔍 Murder, mystery, and a megachurch? Benoit Blanc’s latest case is his darkest yet.

🏎️ F1 (Apple TV, Dec. 12)
🏁 Start your engines — Brad Pitt’s racing for redemption (and maybe an Oscar).

🎸 Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (HBO Max, Dec. 12)
🎤 Rock’s most dysfunctional band reunites for one last encore—whether we asked for it or not.

🏠 Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House (HBO Max, Discovery+, HGTV, Dec. 10)
🔨 Chip and Jo take their shiplap to new heights — hello, Colorado makeover!

🎤 Simon Cowell: The Next Act (Netflix, Dec. 11)
🎶 Simon’s searching for the next boy band sensation — and betting big on himself.

👩‍⚕️ Little Disasters (Paramount+, Dec. 12)
🚨 One hospital visit unravels a web of secrets in this twisty British drama.

From stick-figure skeptics to festive singalongs, this week’s library lineup has something for every curious (and creative) spirit!

🎨 Art for the “Non-Artist” Workshop
📍 Manalapan HQ | Wed, Dec. 10 | 11:00 AM
Always said you "can't draw a stick figure"? Teaching artist Jenny Santa Maria is here to prove you wrong (in the nicest, most empowering way possible). Discover your creative voice—no art degree required!
👉 Limited seats – registration opens Nov. 26

🍽️ Eating Well with Diabetes (Holiday edition)
📍 Holmdel Branch | Wed, Dec. 10 | 1:30 PM
Yes, you can enjoy holiday food without wrecking your blood sugar. Tonja Werkman, RD, shares easy tips to balance joy and health.

🎶 Traveling Troubadour Holiday Show
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury | Wed, Dec. 10 | 1:30 PM
Banjo? Bagpipes? African talking drum? Yes, yes, and yes. Join Richard Stillman for carols, Hanukkah songs, and Kwanzaa rhythms—with a Hanukkah hat dance, too!

🎺 Winter Melodies with Band of Two Rivers
📍 Holmdel Branch | Wed, Dec. 10 | 7:00 PM
All-ages concert featuring seasonal tunes and good vibes, no auditions required—just music from the heart.

💃 Social Dance Club
📍 Manalapan HQ | Thurs, Dec. 11 | 12:00 PM
Foxtrot, rumba, swing—no partner, no pressure. Come dance, mingle, and move at your own pace.

🎼 Liberty Oak Chorus: Holiday Harmony
📍 Marlboro Branch | Thurs, Dec. 11 | 1:00 PM
This high-energy women’s barbershop chorus brings rich harmonies and serious seasonal cheer.

🦜 Birdwatching 101: Merlin & eBird Tools
📍 Manalapan HQ | Thurs, Dec. 11 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Learn how to ID local birds by sight and sound with free apps from Monmouth Audubon Society. Plus, insider tips on nearby birding hotspots.

📻 It’s a Wonderful Life – Live Radio Play
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury | Thurs, Dec. 11 | 7:00 PM
Old-school radio magic meets holiday nostalgia in this live performance—complete with vintage commercials and trivia fun!

🖋️ Creative Writers’ Workshop
📍 Allentown Branch | Thurs, Dec. 11 | 7:00 PM
Bring your pages, your passion, and your red pen. Local author Michael Pedowitz hosts this monthly share-and-critique circle.

🖍️ Travel Sketching, Part 2
📍 Atlantic Highlands | Sat, Dec. 13 | 11:00 AM
Keep those travel memories alive with simple sketching techniques you can take on the go.

🎸 Randal Graves Band Holiday Bash
📍 Hazlet Branch | Sat, Dec. 13 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Rock out with this beloved NJ cover band as they serve up classics from the ’60s–2000s + a dash of Christmas cheer.

🎷 Joy of the Season: Band of Two Rivers
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury | Sun, Dec. 14 | 2:00 PM
An encore performance full of carols, sleigh bells, and the warm fuzzies. Bring the whole family!

🎁 More programs available all week long—check your local branch or visit the library’s website to register!

Big hearts, big impact — Monmouth County’s November Food Drive collected 1,700 pounds of food, all thanks to the generosity of local residents and County employees. Donations were delivered to the Belmar and Casa Freehold Food Pantries, where they’re already helping neighbors facing food insecurity. It’s a reminder that small acts add up — and compassion never goes out of season. 💛

It’s a big week for big names! Kim Basinger kicks things off on Dec. 8, celebrating her 72nd birthday. On Dec. 9, Dame Judi Dench turns 91, Beau Bridges is 84, John Malkovich hits 72, and Donny Osmond marks 68 years of music and charm. December 10 brings birthdays for Partridge Family star Susan Dey (73), actress Nia Peeples (64), and celebrity chef Bobby Flay (61). Rita Moreno turns a dazzling 94 on Dec. 11, joined by Donna Mills (85), Brenda Lee (81), and Jermaine Jackson (71). On Dec. 12, Dionne Warwick celebrates 85, and gymnast-turned-actor Cathy Rigby turns 73. And finally, a true Hollywood icon, Dick Van Dyke, turns 100 on Dec. 13 — and we’re tipping our chimney-sweep hats in his honor!

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

👀First time reading? Join thousands of Monmouth County seniors! Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter here, or forward it to a friend.

🙏Thanks for spending part of your week with us — we’ll be back next week with more ways to connect, explore, and celebrate all things Monmouth County. Until then, stay warm, and enjoy every light, latte, and little moment. ✨And if you hear sirens in your neighborhood, it’s probably Santa on a fire truck! 🚒🎅
– The Monmouth Senior Scoop Team

Disclaimer: We don’t offer medical, legal, or financial advice — just local news, helpful tips, and a dash of fun. Nothing here is sponsored (yet!), and it’s always best to double-check with a pro when making decisions.