The holiday season in Monmouth County, New Jersey, brings endless opportunities for joy and merriment. From enchanting light displays to taking pictures with Santa, Monmouth County boasts a plethora of festive activities that capture the spirit of the season. To narrow things down, we’ve compiled a list of some of the holiday experiences that should be on your calendar this season.
The Holiday Lights Spectacular at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel is a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights, festive decorations and holiday cheer. Visitors can drive through this enchanting wonderland, adorned with millions of sparkling lights, dazzling displays and themed sections like Barbie, Fairytales and Prehistoric. It's a perfect family-friendly activity - and you can cozy up with hot chocolate and popcorn in the car!
Monmouth County is steeped in history, and during the holiday season, historic sites such as the Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel or the Strauss Mansion Museum in Atlantic Highlands offer guided tours adorned with festive decorations and period-specific displays. Candlelight strolls through these beautifully decorated historic homes immerse visitors in the traditions and charm of holidays past.
iPlay America in Freehold transforms into a Winter WonderFest during the holiday season. This indoor amusement park offers a magical experience with a spectacular light show, themed rides, holiday games, visits with Santa and live entertainment. It's a fantastic destination for families looking to get out of the house and make memories over winter break.
The charming downtown area of Red Bank turns into a holiday wonderland during this time of year. Visitors can stroll along the streets adorned with festive decorations, shop at unique boutiques for special gifts and enjoy events like the Holiday Harmonies, featuring carolers spreading cheer throughout the town. Each year, Red Bank also puts on an Elf Scavenger Hunt that includes dozens of participating shops.
The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park hosts an ice skating rink during the holidays. Visitors can glide across the ice while enjoying beautiful views of the ocean. It's a picturesque way to embrace the holiday spirit and create cherished moments with friends and family. You can rent ice skates at the rink, so don’t worry if you don’t own a pair!
Throughout Monmouth County, various venues host holiday-themed performances and concerts, including classic holiday shows and ballet performances like The Nutcracker. The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, for example, offers a lineup of shows that bring the joy of the season to life, such as A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Holiday Doo Wop.
The holiday season in Monmouth County offers a tapestry of experiences that cater to everyone's festive tastes. Whether it's twinkling lights, historical charm, shopping or cultural performances, the county embraces the spirit of the holidays with open arms.
La Rosa Chicken and Grill has locations in Monmouth County - and we invite you to dine with us! Whether you need a bite to eat before ice skating or you want to serve finger foods in the car while looking at lights, we have you covered. Our meals are healthy, nutritious and delicious, and we have something for everyone, even the kids!