Guests creating fresh evergreen wreaths at a Fleur de Mer holiday wreath workshop in Monmouth County, NJ.

6 Holiday Things to Do in Monmouth County NJ (2026)

1. Get Creative at a Holiday Wreath Workshop

Locations: Ocean Township, Shrewsbury & Farmingdale, NJ

If you're looking for a holiday activity that's a little different from your usual dinner or drinks, a wreath-making workshop is a fun way to spend an evening with friends while creating something beautiful for your home.

At Fleur de Mer, we're hosting our 2026 Holiday Wreath Workshops at three locations throughout Monmouth County!

During each workshop, you'll create your own fresh evergreen wreath with guidance from our floral team, using beautiful greenery including white pine, balsam pine, and juniper.

You'll also get to visit our Wreath Bar, filled with ribbons, ornaments, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and other festive decorations to make your wreath your own.

No experience is necessary, and we provide all the materials!

Explore Our Holiday Wreath Workshops & Reserve Your Seat

2. Shop Local at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

Location: Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ

Dates: November 27 – December 20, 2026

If you love holiday shopping, the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar is one event you'll want to add to your calendar!

Held inside the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, this festive market brings together local makers, artists, designers, and small businesses offering unique gifts, handmade goods, vintage finds, and more.

Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar is a fun way to spend an afternoon shopping small while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.

Beyond shopping, visitors can look forward to festive decorations, live entertainment, food and drinks, craft workshops, kids' activities, and opportunities for photos with Santa.

Whether you're checking names off your holiday shopping list or just looking for an excuse to spend a festive afternoon in Asbury Park, it's a great way to celebrate the season while supporting local businesses.

Explore the 2026 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

Festive holiday shopping at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

3. Drive Through Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center

Location: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ

Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027

There's something about driving through thousands of twinkling Christmas lights that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit!

Magic of Lights returns to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel for the 2026 holiday season, bringing a drive-through experience filled with colorful light displays, illuminated holiday scenes, and festive animations.

The best part? You can enjoy the experience from the comfort of your own car, making it a fun and easy holiday outing for families, couples, or groups of friends.

Grab your favorite holiday drink, put on some Christmas music, and make a night of it!

Tickets are purchased per vehicle, with different admission options and special promotions available throughout the season.

It's a great choice for a holiday date night, family tradition, or a festive evening out without having to travel far from home.

Explore Magic of Lights Holmdel & Purchase Tickets

Colorful Christmas light displays at Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ.

4. Enjoy a Festive Dinner at Charlie's of Lincroft or Bay Head

Locations: Lincroft & Bay Head, NJ

Sometimes getting into the holiday spirit is as simple as getting dressed up and going out for a festive dinner with your favorite people!

If you love restaurants that go all out with their Christmas decorations, Charlie's of Lincroft and Charlie's of Bay Head are two local spots worth adding to your holiday plans.

Both locations embrace the holiday season with beautiful Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, festive greenery, and a warm atmosphere that makes a night out feel a little more special.

Whether you're planning a family gathering, a holiday date night, or an evening catching up with friends over dinner and cocktails, it's a great excuse to get together and enjoy the season.

Make a night of it by dressing up, enjoying a delicious meal, and taking in the holiday decorations with your favorite people.

We recommend making reservations ahead of time, especially during the busy holiday season.

Explore both locations:

Festive Christmas decorations at Charlie's restaurant in New Jersey.

5. Attend a Local Christmas Tree Lighting in Monmouth County

Locations: Throughout Monmouth County, NJ

There's something special about gathering with your community to kick off the holiday season! From twinkling Christmas trees and festive music to visits from Santa, local tree lighting ceremonies are one of our favorite holiday traditions.

Several towns throughout Monmouth County host annual Christmas tree lighting celebrations, making it easy to find one close to home. Many are free to attend and offer a fun way to spend an evening with family or friends.

A few 2026 Christmas tree lighting events to add to your calendar:

  • Freehold Borough: Tuesday, December 1 at 5 PM
  • Aberdeen: Thursday, December 3 at 6 PM
  • Sea Girt: Friday, December 4 at 5 PM
  • Bradley Beach: Friday, December 4 at 5 PM
  • West Long Branch: Saturday, December 5 at 4 PM

Some celebrations also include live music, holiday shopping, seasonal refreshments, and other family-friendly festivities.

Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and enjoy a little holiday magic right in your own community!

Since outdoor events can be affected by weather, we recommend checking with the individual towns for any schedule changes before heading out.

Explore More 2026 Monmouth County Holiday Events

Festive Christmas tree lighting celebration in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

6. Host a Private Holiday Party or Girls' Night

Location: Fleur de Mer in Ocean Township, NJ & Off-Site Locations

Sometimes the best holiday celebrations are the ones you plan yourself! Whether you're getting your girlfriends together for a festive night, organizing a family gathering, or planning a holiday party with coworkers, hosting a private event is a fun way to make the season feel extra special.

At Fleur de Mer, we offer private holiday wreath-making workshops where your group can get creative, enjoy time together, and leave with a beautiful handmade wreath to display at home.

Our private workshops include fresh evergreen greenery, all the supplies needed to create your wreath, and access to our festive Wreath Bar filled with ribbons, ornaments, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and other seasonal decorations.

Private workshops are available for groups of eight or more and can be hosted at our Ocean Township flower shop or brought to an off-site location of your choice.

Looking for something beyond wreath making? Our Ocean Township space is also available for private celebrations, making it a great option for holiday parties, Friendsmas gatherings, and other special occasions.

Whether you're planning something intimate or bringing a larger group together, we'd love to help you create a memorable holiday celebration!

Learn More About Private Holiday Parties & Workshops at Fleur de Mer

Make This Holiday Season One to Remember

From Christmas tree lightings and festive dinners to holiday markets and creative workshops, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in Monmouth County.

Whether you're starting a new tradition, planning a night out with friends, or simply looking for something fun to do with family, we hope this guide inspires you to enjoy everything our local community has to offer.

And if wreath making is on your holiday bucket list, we'd love to see you at Fleur de Mer this season!

View Our 2026 Holiday Wreath Workshops & Book Your Tickets

 

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