December 10
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 800 from Bergen County and the Jewish War Veterans, Department of New Jersey, will host the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, Garden State Parkway exit 116, Holmdel.
The ceremony will include the lighting of the Christmas tree and Menorah, and readings about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The Brick Memorial High School Caroling Choir will lead the singing of patriotic and holiday songs. The festivities are open to the public at no charge, and hot chocolate and cookies will be offered.
Call (732) 335-0033 ext. 100 for additional information.
The Shrewsbury Chorale, conducted by Anthony LaGruth, presents “Family Holiday Traditions-Christmas Pops” at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 818 Tinton Ave., Tinton Falls. After the concert, there will be a reception. Tickets at the door are: $25 – General, $20 – Senior or Student and $10 for children under 12. Call (732) 513-8413 or visit www.shrewsburychorale.org.
The 50-voice Tower Hill Choir presents a program of lessons and carols in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church at Red Bank, beginning at 7 p.m.
This Christmas concert is a wide-ranging exploration of seasonal choral music and the sacred texts that inspired it. It includes classics—such as Michael Praetorius’ “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah—as well as newer works such as Andre Thomas’ “African Noel” and the traditional “Comfort, Comfort Now My People,” in a contemporary arrangement by Chester Alwes.
Admission is free; an offering will be taken to defray expenses.
255 Harding Rd., Red Bank
(732) 747-1348 www.towerhillchurch.org
The Company of Dance Arts brings the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, to the Count Basie Theatre on Dec. 10 -11 at 1 and 5 p.m.
The Company of Dance Arts Nutcracker features the choreography of Peter Anastos, with elaborate Victorian costuming and a Christmas tree that “grows.”
Tickets are $15 – $35, with discounts for seniors and children.
Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
(732) 842-9000 www.countbasietheatre.org.
December 11
The St. Agnes Catholic Church’s 17th annual Christmas choral concert at 3 p.m.
The concert will consist of performances by the St. Agnes adult and children’s choirs and the new St. Agnes Men’s Community Chorus.
For the 17th consecutive year, the program will be directed by G. Thomas Elliott, the now-retired musical director at Henry Hudson Regional School. Accompaniment will be provided by Corina Pauta, the church’s new organist.
The public is welcome and admission is free. Attendees are urged to bring donations for the Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry.
Center Avenue and Avenue C. Atlantic Highlands
StAgnesNJ.com
December 13
The Traveling Literary Theater presents A Christmas Carol, one hour performance featuring British stage actor James Dyne. Free.
7 p.m.
Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury
1-866-941-8188
December 15
Holiday Express presents a rock n’ soul holiday concert for all ages, featuring the Jersey Shore’s most philanthropic musicians performing holiday favorites, all to benefit those less fortunate.
The more than 30 professional musicians and singers blend a unique mixture of traditional, gospel, blues, and rock music into a performance showcasing the entertainment they’ve been providing the less fortunate in the tri-state area for the past 18 years.
Holiday Express is a non-profit organization that delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Tickets are $25 – $125.
Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
(732) 842-9000 www.countbasietheatre.org
December 17
The Arcadian Chorale presents “O Great Mystery,” a holiday concert directed by Marina Alexander. Tickets are $10; $4 for students.
St. Rose of Lima RC Church, 16 McLean St., Freehold.
(732) 583-4007 ArcadianChorale.org
December 17
Celebrate the holidays with a joyous musical event. Colts Neck Community Church will present their annual Cantata, this year titled “The First Noel Born is the King.” Members of five churches from Monmouth County will come together for an evening of music beginning at 7 p.m.
Immediately following the music will be a dessert reception. Admission is free; childcare is available.
25 Merchants Way, Colts Neck
www.ourcncc.org
December 18
Enter the mystery of the Winter Solstice and await Earth’s turning toward the sun. As the days begin to grow longer, take some quiet time to reflect. The Waterspirit ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace marks the solstice through song, readings, and liturgical dance, explore the meaning of darkness and light in your life and the life of Earth.
Reservations are necessary. Call (732) 923-9788 or email waterspirit@stellamaris.comcastbiz.net. Donations are according to means.
7:30 – 9 p.m.
Stella Maris Retreat Center, 981 Ocean Ave., Elberon
Waterspirit.org
