A horse named Prince makes his way down Broad Street during the 2011 holiday season. Horse-powered carriage rides resume on Saturday. (Click to enlarge)
Friday, November 30
MIDDLETOWN: Each year, Poricy Park Nature Conservancy hosts a seasonal shop with the help of a volunteer staff. Entering its 25th season, the handcrafted holiday craft shop runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 2. Items for sale include all homemade quilts, jewelry, ornaments, jams and jellies and more. Kids can also get their picture taken with Santa for a small fee. 345 Oak Hill Road.
RED BANK: Free yoga session at the Red Bank Public Library by Amy Richardson at 1 p.m. No registration required, bring your own mat. 84 West Front Street.
LINCROFT: The directing and voice students of Brookdale perform a “FestivALL” showcase of one act plays and musical numbers presented in four shows at the campus theater at 7 p.m.. Admission is $5. Repeat performance Saturday at 7. Newman Springs Road.
RED BANK: Jersey Shore musicians Joel Krauss and Harry Filkin will play several sets at Basil TÂ’ starting at 7 p.m. 183 Riverside Avenue.
LITTLE SILVER: At 7 p.m., students of Red Bank Regional High School will debut their stage performance of the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale classic, “The Little Mermaid,” made famous by the Disney film adaptation. The ‘junior’ musical will feature a score of famous songs such as, “Under the Sea.” Admission is $10. Repeat performances Saturday at 2 and Sunday at 3. 101 Ridge Road.
RUMSON: The Tower Players of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School present a dramatic adaptation of Charles DickensÂ’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol at 7:30 p.m. The play coincides with the birthday bicentennial celebration as well as a winter clothing drive on behalf of Holiday Express. Tickets are $10 ($6 for students and seniors) and are available at the school website or each boroughÂ’s library. Repeat performance Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 1 p.m. 74 Ridge Road.
RED BANK: Celtic Fire, the international touring company of Irish dancers, live musicians and Riverdance star vocalist Michel Londra will take the Count Basie stage at 8 p.m. for $25, $35, or $45 per ticket. 99 Monmouth Street.
Saturday, December 1
LINCROFT: Thompson Park will host a seasonal sale of homemade pottery, ceramics, crafts, knitting, paintings, jewelry and more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Only cash and checks will be accepted. Newman Springs Road.
MIDDLETOWN: To coincide with the Middletown Arts Center‘s hosting of An Exhibition and Sale Celebrating the 85th Anniversary of the duCret School of Art, professional comic book artist and fantasy illustrator Mark Romanoski presents a two-hour lecture and demonstration that ‘will show guests how to make the unbelievable, believable in all mediums’ at 11 a.m. Free admission. 36 Church Street.
RED BANK: Holiday Harmonies takes to the streets of downtown Red Bank every Saturday afternoon for three hours starting at noon throughout the shopping season to bring tunes ranging from traditional caroling to rock, blues, and folk to those out trying to find the perfect gift.
RED BANK: Rest those tired shopping feet with a free classic horse and carriage ride through downtown Red Bank starting at 1 p.m.. Rides run from 1 to 5 p.m. from two locations: 11 Bridge Avenue (across from The Galleria) and 26 Broad Street (in front of Murphy Style Grill).
RED BANK: Organized by former Rumson resident Corey Cummins, Red Bank’s The Downtown will host a Restore the Shore benefit to raise money for Sea Bright families. Admission is $25 for this all ages 1 p.m. event, with proceeds going directly toward Hurricane Sandy relief. The three-hour fundraiser will also collect needed supplies for residents throughout Monmouth County. The event will include food, drink specials, open bar, a performance by No Standards, a chance auction, and “Restore the Shore” T-shirts. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. 10 West Front Street.
RED BANK: The Avice Noblett Children’s Room at the Red Bank Public Library hosts a holiday party for kids of all ages to make decorations, play games, and enjoy some snacks at 2 p.m.. Registration is required for this free program. 84 West Front Street.
RED BANK: Also at 2 p.m., the public library teams up with Two River Theater Company for a One Book, One Community event tied to TRTC’s new production of A Wind in the Willows Christmas. Children 5 and over can enjoy story-themed games, crafts, snacks and a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the show. Registration is required for this free program. 84 West Front Street.
MIDDLETOWN: To coincide with the Middletown Arts Center‘s hosting of An Exhibition and Sale Celebrating the 85th Anniversary of the duCret School of Art, acclaimed illustrator and duCret instructor Peter Caras presents a lecture and demonstration offering insight on his own experiences being mentored by Norman Rockwell, as well as ‘what it is to be an illustrator and artist in today’s world.’ Admission to the 2 p.m. event is free. 36 Church Street.
MIDDLETOWN: Bayonet Farm offers an all-day/night Winterfest of carnival rides, ice skating, Santa photo opps, food and drink, and a vendor village from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. ThereÂ’s also a finale concert by Brian Kirk & the Jirks. Unwrapped toys will be collected for Toys for Tots. $5 per car. 41 Middletown Road.
RED BANK: The public library hosts its first meeting of a new program for young adult (grades 6 through 12) lovers of anime at 3:30 p.m. A chance to meet new people with similar interests, the meeting will also offer a viewing of Fruits Basket.
SHREWSBURY: All are invited for cold weather refreshments and treats, caroling, holiday music, a visit from Santa and more, at the gazebo by Borough Hall at 4 p.m. Sycamore Avenue.
RED BANK: [UPDATE: This event has been postponed until December 8] The Westside Community Group sponsors its annual tree lighting, complete with candy canes, Christmas carols by local students, and a possible ‘surprise’ appearance by a special guest at 4 p.m. All are welcome. Corner of Shrewsbury Avenue and Drs. James Parker Boulevard.
RED BANK: The Holiday Doo Wop Spectacular rolls into the Count Basie Theater for a package show that includes Kenny Vance & the Planotones joined by The Heartbeats, Jimmy Gallagher & the Passions, Linda Jansen of The Angels, and Gene Chandler. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. extravaganza are $40, $45, and $50. 99 Monmouth Street.
Sunday, December 2
SHREWSBURY: The Shrewsbury Hose Company and Ladies Auxiliary present breakfast with Santa at the fire house at 9 a.m. Admission is $7 (kids under 2 years old are free) and for an additional donation, kids can get their photo taken with Santa. 783 Broad Street.
LINCROFT: The New Jersey Shore Comic-Con is a one-day show that features vendors, creators, and a 4 p.m. charity auction of ‘some fantastic comic book art.’ The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Recreation and Events Center at Brookdale CC’s Lincroft campus.
LINCROFT: Singer Marion Guerrera, accompanied by Michelle Cashman, visits the Monmouth Museum for a set of holiday season standards as part of the annual holiday exhibition at 2 p.m.. Free with museum admission. 765 Newman Springs Road.
MIDDLETOWN: The fourth annual free holiday tree lighting event takes place at 3 p.m. at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC). Featured are the NJ TubaChristmas performance, a 50/50 raffle, a tap performance by Miss Deena and the MACettes, plus holiday refreshments and carols — with Santa arriving by fire truck after the tree lighting. He’ll be posing for photos afterward inside the MAC. 36 Church Street.
RUMSON: Tim McLoone & the Shirleys, joined by guest members of Holiday Express, the RFHRHS Tower Singers, as well as the Deane-Porter Third Grade Chorus, perform as the borough lights up the traditional tree in Victory Park at 5 p.m.
