Story and photos by Patrick Olivero
RED BANK – Snowflakes may not be falling, but the spirit of the season is alive and well on Broad Street during “Holidays in July,” a festive celebration brought to life by the Red Bank RiverCenter in partnership with the beloved nonprofit Holiday Express.
The week-long event transformed Red Bank’s bustling Broadwalk pedestrian plaza into a merry winter wonderland – complete with live music, holiday characters, face painting and family-friendly activities – all under the summer sun. Each evening, professional musicians from Holiday Express fill the air with joyful tunes, making the summer heat feel just a little more like the winter holidays.
“Holiday Express has been part of our town lighting for years, so we couldn’t have picked a better partner to help us celebrate the holidays in July,” said Mairin Bennett, executive director of Red Bank RiverCenter. “We also wanted to heighten awareness that a lot of nonprofits in our community need benefits year- round, not just during the holiday season.”
Holiday Express, now in its 33rd year, is known for bringing cheer and compassion to people often overlooked – from veterans and those experiencing homelessness to individuals with special needs.
Volunteer Renee Alshul, also known as “Jingle the Elf,” has been part of the organization for two decades. “We go to places that people don’t go to,” she said. “We do a two-hour show,… we dance with them and, if one person smiles, that just made my Christmas.”
The Broadwalk event features nightly surprises for families, including guest appearances from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and even Elmo, much to the delight of the youngest attendees. Several local businesses are joining the fun, too, contributing ornaments, running kids’ crafts, and hosting themed activities each day. “This is actually my first year doing the programming for Broadwalk,” Bennett said. “I grew up in the neighborhood, so I’m happy to be home and to bring something joyful and meaningful to our community.”
The celebration will culminate Friday, July 25, with a live musical performance by none other than Tim McLoone, the founder of Holiday Express, featuring members of the Holiday Express Band. The grand finale promises to be the highlight of a week that was already brimming with summer cheer and Christmas charm.
Whether it’s the carols echoing down Broad Street or the sight of Santa under a sunny sky, Holidays in July is delivering the gift of human kindness, wrapped in music, laughter and community spirit.
The article originally appeared in the July 24 – July 30, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
