Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! I hate to be the person talking about the holidays this early, but they're sneaking up on us. There are already so many things happening around Monmouth County, and I'm starting to think I need to get a head start on making plans and shopping.

On the docket:

• Three Bands, One Great Cause

• A Little Holiday Cheer by the Sea

• Take a A Drive Through Monmouth County's Winter Wonderland

• Girls Night Plans Are Covered in Belmar

• Live Music Lowdown

Three Bands, One Great Cause

Good music for an even better cause. Rock to Fight Alzheimer's is coming to Proving Ground in Highlands on Saturday, November 21 from 1:30 to 6 PM, bringing an afternoon of live music and fundraising to support Alzheimer's New Jersey.

Three bands, West End Dogs, Edoro Bandits and Shut Up Gus, will be taking the stage to keep the music going all afternoon. There will also be a cash 50/50, door prizes and a gift basket raffle, so plenty of chances to leave with a little something extra.

Tickets are $20, with proceeds supporting the fight against Alzheimer's. Grab some friends, enjoy a few hours of live music and help make a difference while you're at it. A Saturday afternoon well spent, if you ask us.

A Little Holiday Cheer by the Sea

The holiday season is making its way to the Jersey Shore, and Pier Village in Long Branch is getting into the festive spirit. Season by the Sea is happening November 27 through 29, bringing a weekend of holiday shopping, seasonal dining and plenty of Christmas cheer to the oceanfront.

Visitors can browse local shops, enjoy special holiday offers, spot Santa strolling through participating retailers and listen to holiday carolers on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 3 PM. The festivities wrap up on Sunday, November 29 with the annual Tree Lighting celebration from 4 to 6 PM, with the big lighting happening at 6 PM.

Pier Village is also collecting nonperishable food donations for Fulfill Food Bank, so bring a few pantry staples along to spread some extra holiday cheer. Between the shopping, festive music and ocean views, it's a pretty good excuse to get out of the house after all that Thanksgiving turkey.

Take a A Drive Through Monmouth County's Winter Wonderland

It's almost time to turn up the Christmas music and pile everyone into the car. Magic of Lights is coming to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel from November 20 through January 3, bringing a dazzling drive-through holiday light experience to the Jersey Shore.

Visitors can cruise through a sparkling display of festive scenes, holiday characters and colorful light installations featuring LED technology and digital animations. The best part is that you get to enjoy the whole thing from the comfort of your car, so pajamas and heated seats are fully encouraged.

The lights will be on Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM and Friday + Saturday from 5 to 11 PM. Grab some hot chocolate, queue up your favorite holiday playlist and enjoy a little Christmas magic without having to brave the cold.

Girls Night Plans Are Covered in Belmar

Girls night is getting a little crafty at Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar. Tiers & Cheers with Bee Stamped By Dawn is happening on Wednesday, November 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, bringing together vintage finds, a little creativity and, of course, something to sip on.

During this hands-on workshop, guests will design and assemble their own two- or three-tiered serving stand using vintage saucers, teacups and decorative hardware. Perfect for serving desserts, holiday entertaining or just making your kitchen counter look a little fancier.

Tickets include your choice of a craft beer or Haus wine. Grab your friends, enjoy a drink and leave with a one-of-a-kind creation you actually get to use. Spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to reserve yours before they're gone!

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, November 13
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Ripetide | 8 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Dark City Strings | 8 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Wavelength | 8 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Joe Baracata Band | 7 PM
Bar A, Lake Como | The Cliffs | 6:30 PM
Jack’s by the Tracks, Belmar | So Shot | 7 PM
McCann’s Tavern, Belmar | Aguilar Family | 8 PM

Saturday, November 14
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Inside Drivers | 8 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Josh Zuckerman Band | 7 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Tramps Like Us | 7 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Moroccan Sheepherders | 7 PM
Bar A, Lake Como | Tommy T Memorial Show | 9 PM
Jack’s by the Tracks, Belmar | Take Five Band | 7 PM
McCann’s Tavern, Belmar | Power Tones | 8 PM

Sunday, November 15
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Sandy Mack’s Wonder Jam | 5 PM
Jack’s by the Tracks, Belmar | Shut Up Gus | 4:30 PM
McCann’s Tavern, Belmar | Jenny Barnes Band | 6 PM