Community Corner

Santa, Holiday Express Kick off Holidays


Santa Claus is coming the everyone's downtown in Red Bank on Friday at 6:44 p.m.

And from that point on, holiday activities that draw crowds from all over the tri-state area will abound, from photos with Santa to horse-drawn carriage rides through town.

Red Bank officials like to refer to the borough as a hub — a destination spot. And it is and has been just about since its founding. Like any destination spot, holidays are an expansive draw with a hometown hook — tradition.

Some of the traditions in town have remained the same. Others have been altered and expanded.

Santa has come to town for a tree lighting and/or downtown lighting since most can remember — or at least 21 years with the whole concert gala. But, it's a more recent trend — or recent for old-timers — for jolly Ol' St. Nick to arrive via Santa Express train from Little Silver to Red Bank Train Station from which point he rides a fire truck down Monmouth Street to Broad where the downtown will be lit and a Holiday Express concert will kick off the season.

Red Bank Fire Department will have hot chocolate on hand, Thunder 106.3 will have giveaways and, for the first time this year, Radio Disney New York will be on hand with music, games and prizes.

This year, the tree will be in Riverside Gardens Park. For many years, it was on Broad Street at the end of Monmouth.

Last year, due to leftover Hurricane Sandy transit problems, Santa did not arrive by train, RiverCenter Director Jim Scavone said at Monday's meeting, but he will this year.

With that, on behalf of RiverCenter, the non-profit downtown business alliance, the invitation to the main event was extended to all.

After the lighting, here's what happens in Red Bank through Christmas, directly from RiverCenter:


TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SCAVENGER HUNT

Friday, Nov. 29 through Thursday, Dec. 12, 9 p.m.

Visit over 50 participating businesses to find an item inspired by “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in their holiday decorated windows. Once shoppers find the items in store windows, they can enter to win Red Bank prize packages. Pick up an entry form in any participating store.

HOLIDAY HARMONIES

Saturdays, Nov. 30 to Dec. 21, 12-3 p.m.

Red Bank Business District, 12 to 3p.m. Traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, rock, folk, jazz & blues musicians bring holiday tunes to the sidewalks of Red Bank. Sponsored by Thunder 106 and 107.1FM.

CLASSIC HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES

Saturdays, Nov. 30 to Dec. 21, 1 to 5 p.m.

Every Saturday afternoon, from 1 to 5 p.m., ride through the Red Bank Business District and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Two locations: Bridge Avenue (across from the Galleria) and 26 Broad St. (at Murphy Style Grill)  FREE!  Sponsored by Pauline Poyner.

PICTURES WITH SANTA

Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 22, 12 to 4p.m.

 Kids young and old will enjoy Pictures with Santa taking place from 12 to 4 p.m., at The Galleria, 2 Bridge Avenue. Photo packages are available from TSS Photography. Go to www.thegalleriaredbank.com or call 732-530-7300 for more information.

BARBIZON HOLIDAY MANNEQUINS

Sunday, Dec. 1, 1 to 4 p.m.

Come out and see Barbizon's best models "liven up" the store windows at participating businesses throughout the Red Bank business district. Sponsored by Barbizon of Red Bank Modeling, Acting and Professional Development.

MENORAH LIGHTING

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.

Join in the fun with Chanukah songs and dance at the Red Bank Train Station
 
WESTSIDE COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING

Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m.

Westside Park, Drs. James Parker Boulevard & Shrewsbury Avenue
 
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

December 12, 6 to 9 p.m.

Red Bank will be alive with holiday decorations, open stores, refreshments, sales, specials and so much more. Holiday carolers and live music will fill the streets. Special night of Pictures with Santa at The Galleria from 6 to 9 p.m.


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