Monmouth Guide

Christmas & holiday events in Monmouth County 2026

Tree lightings, menorah lightings, Santa, holiday markets, lights and New Year’s, from Nov 20–Jan 1. Updated every day.

Tree lightings · Menorah lightings · Santa visits & breakfasts · Holiday markets & shopping · Light displays · Holiday shows & concerts · Holiday runs · More holiday events

Tree lightings

Town Christmas tree lightings by date. Check each listing for what’s planned.

Every tree and menorah lighting by town →

Menorah lightings

Public Hanukkah menorah lightings around the county.

Santa visits & breakfasts

Breakfasts, brunches and photos with Santa (and a few Grinches).

Holiday markets & shopping

Holiday markets, craft fairs, open houses and Small Business Saturday events.

Light displays

Holiday light shows and displays listed on local calendars.

Holiday shows & concerts

Nutcrackers, holiday concerts and Christmas shows at local theaters and venues.

Holiday runs

Santa runs, jingle jogs and other festive races.

More holiday events

Everything else with a holiday theme: house tours, crafts, soirées and more.

Skating & winter outings

Places in our guide known for winter skating or sledding. Check hours and conditions before you go.

Holiday events by town

Quick answers

When is the Long Branch tree lighting?

Annual Tree Lighting Celebration is listed for Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM, per Pier Village. Check the organizer’s page before you go.

When is the Freehold Borough tree lighting?

Tree Lighting - Freehold is listed for Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Hall of Records, 1 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728), per Monmouth County Tourism. Check the organizer’s page before you go.

When is the Aberdeen tree lighting?

Aberdeen Tree Lighting Ceremony is listed for Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Aberdeen Municipal Building, 1 Aberdeen Square, Aberdeen Township,…), per Monmouth County Tourism. Check the organizer’s page before you go.

When is the Sea Girt tree lighting?

Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market - Sea Girt is listed for Friday, December 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Borough of Sea Girt Library Plaza, Sea Girt Library, The Plaza, Sea…), per Monmouth County Tourism. Check the organizer’s page before you go.

When is the Bradley Beach tree lighting?

Bradley Beach Tree Lighting is listed for Friday, December 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Riley Park), per Bradley Beach. Check the organizer’s page before you go.

When is the Atlantic Highlands tree lighting?

Tree Lighting is listed for Saturday, December 5, 2026, per Atlantic Highlands. Check the organizer’s page before you go.

Where are menorah lightings in Monmouth County?

Listed lightings include Spring Lake (Dec 6), Aberdeen (Dec 7), West Long Branch (Dec 7) and Freehold Borough (Dec 8).

Where can kids see Santa in Monmouth County?

Local calendars list Breakfast with Grinch in Long Branch (Nov 27), Photos with the Grinch in Long Branch (Nov 27) and Breakfast with Santa in Long Branch (Nov 28), plus 5 more.

Where can I see holiday lights in Monmouth County?

Magic Lights - PNC Bank Arts Center (Nov 20–Jan 3) is on local calendars this season.

Are there holiday markets in Monmouth County?

Yes, including Holiday Art Market - Jersey Shore Arts Center (Nov 28), Small Business Saturday - Ocean Grove (Nov 28) and Small Business Saturday - Lincroft (Nov 28).

More seasonal guides

Listings come from town, library, venue and county calendars and can change, so check with the organizer before you go. Towns, libraries and venues post holiday events through November and December, and this page is updated every day as they do.