Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! I’m still brushing pine needles out of my coat after attempting the most wholesome holiday activity of all time…nothing like bonding over crooked trees, questionable sawing skills, and enough pine needles to last until April.

But we survived, the tree made it home, and holiday season is officially on.

On the docket:

• Strolling Santa by the Sea at Pier Village

• Olea Opens at The Shore Club

• The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular Brings Holiday Magic to Middletown!

• Holiday Made in Monmouth Returns

• Live Music Lowdown

Strolling Santa by the Sea at Pier Village

Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to Pier Village on Saturday, December 13th and 20th from 12 PM to 2 PM for Strolling Santa by the Sea! Santa Claus will be wandering the charming Village, spreading holiday cheer, greeting families, and pausing for festive photos, all set against the stunning ocean backdrop.

It’s the perfect opportunity to make a day of it: explore unique boutique shops for holiday gifts, enjoy seasonal menus at oceanfront restaurants, and check out fun activities like Pier Pins bowling and Boardwalk Fun & Games.

Bring your own camera to capture those special moments. Photos with Santa are complimentary! Celebrate the holidays in a magical seaside setting that’s sure to delight the whole family.

Olea Opens at The Shore Club

Spring Lake just scored a major dining upgrade with the opening of Olea, the new coastal inspired restaurant inside The Shore Club. Launched at the beginning of December, it’s already making waves for its stylish space and elevated yet relaxed atmosphere.

Created by ECS Hospitality Group and former Executive Chef of the Butcher’s Block, Chef Brandon (Bud) Carter, Olea has that perfect “night out” energy. It is polished enough for a celebration and comfortable enough for a casual dinner or a drink at the bar. The room feels warm and modern, the cocktails are top tier, and the menu hits all the right notes with standout steak, seafood, and pasta dishes.

Reservations are recommended (they go quickly), but you can sometimes snag a seat at the bar or walk in if the timing’s right.

The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular Brings Holiday Magic to Middletown!

Get ready for a night of pure holiday joy as The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular hits the stage on Saturday, December 20th at 7:00 PM. Returning to the Middletown Arts Center, this festive throwback to classic holiday TV specials is packed with holiday tunes, dance numbers, comedy sketches, and original Christmas music that will have you fully in the spirit.

This year’s theme, “Christmas Around the World,” brings global traditions and songs from Ireland, Germany, Spain, and more to life, all unfolding on December 20th as audiences are taken on a musical trip across continents. From lively cultural performances to heartfelt classics, it’s a celebration of holiday cheer from around the globe.

With handmade props, colorful costumes, and plenty of family-friendly fun, this one-night-only performance at 7:00 PM promises festive energy from start to finish. Grab tickets for you and the crew in the link below!

Holiday Made in Monmouth County

Looking to cross everyone off your holiday gift list in one place? Holiday Made in Monmouth is back and it’s bringing more than 200 local makers, artists, and small businesses under one roof for a one-day shopping event.

Swing by Brookdale Community College on Saturday, December 13th from 10 AM to 4 PM to browse handmade goods, unique finds, gourmet treats, home décor, apparel, toys, accessories, and plenty of one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find in big-box stores. Whether you’re shopping for parents, grandparents, kids, friends, or that impossible-to-shop-for coworker, there’s something for everyone.

This annual county-supported market is all about celebrating Monmouth’s local talent while making holiday shopping stress-free. Grab a coffee, explore at your own pace, and support small businesses while knocking out your gift list early.

If you want to feel very on top of your holiday game, this is the place to start.

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, December 12
Ocean House Tap + Grill, Sea Bright | Pat Roddy Band | 9:30 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Note Leaving Sober | 8 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Waiting on Mongo | 7 PM

Saturday, December 13
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Promised Land | 7 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | 10 String Band | 8 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Desert Jellies | 7 PM

Sunday, December 14
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Brendan Brophy | 5 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Sandy Mack’s Wonder Jam | 5 PM