The month of December is known to be the “most wonderful time of the year.” We think they were talking about the family get togethers, food, and presents, but we can’t help but think it has something to do with this long list of Jersey Shore holiday events too! With events aimed at those young and old (and young at heart too!), there is plenty to keep you, your family, and your friends occupied over the holiday weeks.

Dine with Santa Claus himself, rock out to some throwbacks, visit an underwater winter wonderland, sip on holiday cocktails, and even transport yourself to a German holiday festival. So come one and come all… it’s a list of Jersey Shore Holiday Events that will make your month of December a bit more magical!

Jersey Shore Holiday Events

iPlay America
110 Schanck Road, Freehold
(732) 577-8200

Leave it to the party animals over at iPlay America to host not one, not two, but a number of holiday events including Breakfast with Santa on December 10th where you can enjoy a hot breakfast buffet and get that perfect family photo with Santa himself. Then there’s the Broadway Stars Dinner Show on December 17th, a Magic Show on December 30th, and of course, a NYE party that will help you and your family ring in 2018.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach
(732) 892-0600

One of our favorite events that we look forward to all year is Jenkinson’s Aquarium’s Sea of Lights. An indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular, this special event will be held from December 15-16th, 22-23rd, and 26-30th from 6-9pm and will feature an indoor winter wonderland complete with treats, crafts, pictures with Santa and friends, games, holiday gifts, and more!

Rory’s Pub
1124 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright
(732) 383-7685

The 12 Days of Christmas have never tasted so good thanks to Rory’s Pub’s 12 Cocktails of Christmas. They’ll feature 12 different cocktails that range from a Blue Christmas to a White Christmas, a Winter Wonderland, Pa Rum Pun, and even Krampus (for those who are a bit naughty). The best part? If you drink 11 cocktails, you’ll get the 12th free!

Mister C’s Beach Bistro
Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst
(732) 531-3665

On Sundays, give yourself and a loved one a lobster dinner out on the town. At Mister C’s Beach Bistro you’ll dine on two courses of lobster for just $22, all with stunning views of a very beachy Christmas tree. If lobster isn’t your cup of tea, why not try out their Prix Fixe Menu featuring three courses for just $32. After all, you deserve to get out and dressed up for the holidays!

Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant
100 Ocean Ave, Long Branch
(732) 870-1200

This season, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant. From their Sunday Brunch Buffet with Santa Claus (December 17th) who will be handing out tons of goodies and listening to the wishes of girls and boys to the Holiday Paint Night on on December 18th. Grab your friends for the perfect chance to bring some holiday cheer to a vintage wood canvas (with the help of a professional of course). Finally, on Christmas Eve, for those who don’t feel like doing any of the work, make a reservation for their fabulous Sunday Brunch from 10:30am – 2:00pm or for dinner, all with a side of an ocean view. (In addition, all month long Rooney’s will be collecting toys for “Toys for Tots.”)

Latitudes on the River
361 E. Lacey Road, Forked River
609-242-2648

The big man himself will be visiting the Latitudes on the River ballroom on December 10th and bringing some very special guests along with him. The 4th Annual Brunch with Santa event will host two seatings (10:00am and 1:00pm) and will include a full brunch as well as pictures with Santa. All you have to do is bring the kids and your camera (and an appetite!) Be sure to make your reservation before some coal finds its way into your stocking.

Marina at Oceanport
10 Riverside Avenue, Oceanport
(848) 456-4396

After all the shopping, wrapping, and ornaments are hung, why not bring the family to a special North Pole Express Christmas Eve Brunch. No need to get dressed up, families are encouraged to don your favorite pajamas to enjoy bottomless hot chocolate and breakfast dishes – just like the beloved movie! Reservations are strongly recommended. Following the big day, on December 29th, The Marina at Oceanport will be calling all Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins to join in a special afternoon of Harry Potter trivia, food, drink, and prizes all for just $15.

MJ’S
845 Route 34, Matawan
(732) 566-6220

There are still two opportunities left to enjoy brunch with your favorite jolly old saint at MJ’s! On December 10th and 17th from 11am – 3pm, you and your family can hang out with old Saint Nick, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Reservations are required ($32.99 per adult and $16.99 for children under 12). If that’s not enough, MJ’s has officially gone to the dogs, donating $1 for every Tito’s Vodka Cocktail purchased to Rescue Ridge Charity. It’s a Cocktails for Canines event worthy of toasting!

Temple Gourmet Chinese
91 Broad Street, Red Bank
(732) 212-8858

Bring your family to one of the best Chinese restaurants in not only New Jersey, but in America! With countless accolades, Temple Gourmet Chinese is an unexpected, yet extremely welcome change to your typical holiday dining. Make your reservations now for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve and experience what everyone has been talking about!