10 low-cost or FREE things to do this weekend at The Jersey Shore (December 19th – 21st)

When the tourists go away, the Jersey Shore and its communities continue to provide its residents with fun, affordable and new things to do. In the coming months, we will be highlighting these happenings for our fans and shedding some light on what is going on in our own backyards. Please let us know about any future events or fun & educational things to do in the area and we will include them when we can. Send us a message @ Jersey Shore InMotion

#1

Event: American Idol Winner Lee DeWyze at iPlay
Location: iPlay America, Freehold
Date: Friday, December 19th
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: Free

Description:

American Idol Winner Lee DeWyze will perform a FREE show at iPlay America Friday, December 19. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m. General admission is free. VIP tickets are available for $60 and include an artist meet and greet, event poster, and $20 Game Card. Check some other events at iPlay America here – iPlay InMotion

#2

Event: Open Ice Skating in Red Bank
Location: Red Bank Armory Ice Complex, 76 Chestnut Street
Date: Friday, December 19h
Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Cost: $9 adults, kids 12 and under $8, skate rental $4

Description:

Take a break from Christmas shopping and set aside some time for ice skating fun. Weather you are taking the kids or have a special date night planned ice skating is an experience you will never forget. You can always point to that time that you went ice skating. Make it a tradition! Red Bank is also known as one of the culinary capitals of the Jersey Shore. Check out some of these local restaurants that are guaranteed to have your taste buds wanting more  – Red Bank’s Top Restaurants InMotion

#3

Event: Annual Christmas on The Island Parade & SantaCon
Location: Boulevard in Seaside Heights
Date: Saturday, December 20th
Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: Free to attend

Description:

A Free Christmas Parade along the Boulevard in Seaside Heights. This Event is open to all of Ocean Counties residents with giveaways, Santa’s Workshop, Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a special Santa’s send-off at 4:00 PM. Enjoy live entertainment as Santa’s way back home to the North Pole is lit up.

Once you’ve had your fill of Holiday Cheer head on over to Bum Rogers and fill your belly with The Most Delicious Seafood Around. Check out Bum Rogers specials and events calendar here – Bum Rogers InMotion

Santacon is a non-denominational, non-commercial, non-political and non-sensical Santa Claus convention that occurs once a year for absolutely no reason. It’s your chance to spread holiday cheer in the most magical and absurd way possible. For more information on SantaCon click here – SantaCon

#4

Event: Asbury Park Winter Bazaar
Location: The Grand Arcade, 1300 Ocean Avenue
Date: Saturday, December 20th
Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: Free to attend

Description:

The day will feature vendors selling the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, and more for perfect presents and holiday-party additions! It will also feature photos with Santa, a 30 foot Christmas tree, fake snow, and a European-insipired seasonal menu and Hot Chocolate, Coffee, and Cider Bar at the Anchors Bend.

Wrap up your day with dinner at Brando’s Citi Cucina. Brando’s was founded on the premise of great food made from quality ingredients, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere. Checkout some of the events and specials being offered at Brando’s here – Brando’s Citi Cucina InMotion

#5

Event: Santa & Mrs. Claus visit Laurita Winery
Location: Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Date: Saturday, December 20th
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost: Free

Description:

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be listening to children’s holiday wishes. Come out and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies during the visit, all of the day’s activities are FREE and open to the public. Imagine the look on the children’s faces! Cameras are encouraged to capture these unforgettable memories. There is also a brunch with Santa on Sunday – Click here for more information Laurita Winery InMotion

#6

Event: Laser Beatles
Location: Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Ocean County College in Toms River
Date: Saturday, December 20th
Time: 8:30pm
Cost: $10 for adults and $7 for children

Description:

Come out and listen to the Beatles best (spanning 11 albums) as you watch an amazing and unforgettable laser art and special effects display. This is a fun, relatively inexpensive and unforgettable experience for all ages. Strawberry Fields Forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before and/or after heading over to the show stop by Tuscan Bistro Bar for the BEST PIZZA around. This Saturday Ned Ryerson and the Groundhogs will also be performing LIVE. Check out Tuscan’s specials and event calendar here – Tuscan Bistro Bar InMotion

#7

Event: Meet Santa at iPlay
Location: iPlay of America, Freehold
Date: Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st
Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Cost: Free

Description:

If you haven’t brought your children to see Santa yet this is the absolute perfect venue- IPLAY OF AMERICA!!! Santa stops his sleigh at iPlay America and are invited to greet our jolly friend and take pictures. Check out what else is going on at iPlay of America here – iPlay InMotion

#8

Event: Holiday Light Spectacular @ PNC Bank Arts Center
Location: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Date: November 20th – January 4th
Time: Dusk to 10:00pm weekdays and dusk to 11:00pm weekends
Cost: $20 per car on weekdays and $25 on weekends

Description:

ITS BACK! The Holiday Lights Spectacular is back at the PNC Bank Arts Center for the 2014 holiday season. Over 2.5 miles of holiday scenery makes this the most wonderful ride of the year. With over 150 light displays, Holiday Lights Spectacular creates a magical winter wonderland in the heart of New Jersey.

For the first time this year the all new JCP&L Holiday Village will open at the end of the drive for more holiday excitement. The holiday village is a heated area within the park where families can take pictures with Santa, kids can make their own gingerbread cookies and everyone can enjoy some festive refreshments & snacks.

The holiday fun doesn’t stop there! Also new this holiday season is the AmeriHealth NJ skating rink located in the North Plaza and a 100ft long Retro Fitness Snow Luge located near the North Plaza.

Check out The Shore Cafe on the way there or the way home. These guys are right on Route 36 in Hazlet and you will not be disappointed – Click Here – Shore Café InMotion

#9

Event: The Christmas Light Show 2014
Location: Woolley Road in Wall Township
Date: Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st
Time: 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Cost: Free but please consider bringing a donation to benefit Challenged Youth Sports

Description:

The Christmas Light Show is a world class computerized lighting and pyrotechnic show that will make you feel like you are in Disney World. The Thousands of lights synchronized to music broadcast over a rock concert quality sound system is sure to WOW all in attendance.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early as time is needed to park and walk to the show. Parking will be at the North Wall Little League Field which is 2744 Belmar Boulevard, Wall Township, NJ 07719. Last years shows attracted over 12,000 people

Check out this video – Christmas Light Show

#10

Event: Shop Local at The Jersey Shore
Location: The Jersey Shore
Date: ongoing
Time: 24 x 7
Cost: Free to browse

Description:

Jersey Shore InMotion is a social community of followers that have an interest in the #allthingslocal movement. Our social channels coupled with our website give our fans a place where they can find information on the local promotions, specials and events being offered by the Jersey Shores locally owned businesses. We do not work with national chains or big box stores and ONLY support locally owned businesses.

As you wrap up your holiday shopping with last minute gifts and gift cards please consider the locally owned businesses at the Jersey Shore that help support our communities. You can find them here – Jersey Shore InMotion

45 cents of every dollar spent at a locally owned business is reinvested back into the community

Next week at Jenkinson’s Aquarium is The Annual Sea of Lights Festival. For more information stay tuned and please visit Jenkinson’s InMotion

Have a GREAT Christmas & Holiday Season!

***HOLIDAY RECIPE SERIES

Cheese Cave Elevates Mac ‘N Cheese
An Apple Pie Cocktail Recipe To Warm Your Guests
A Touch of Chocolate, The Secret to DISH’s Famous Short Ribs

***Recent Jersey Shore InMotion Aerial Videos

From The Eye of a Drone, The Jersey Shore Like You Have Never Seen It Before
Part 2: From The Eye of a Drone, The Jersey Shore Like You Have Never Seen It Before
Red Bank’s Oyster Fest

Last weekends events – December 12th – 14th