Holiday Events This Weekend

Kids Toy Making and a Visit With Santa at The Grand Arcade in Asbury Park: From 12 to 2p.m. on Dec. 17 & 18 head over to the Asbury Park boardwalk's Grand Arcade (located in the Convention Hall) and make a fun holiday craft to take home, and visit with Santa! There is a $3 donation OR you can bring a non-perishable food item(s) for donation (per each craft made) which goes to local charity Move For Hunger, helping families in need this holiday season. Limit one craft/toy per child. 

See Santa at Riverfront Park in Point Pleasant Boro: If you love Santa Claus and trains, head to  on Saturday or Sunday. Santa brings his workshop to  from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for "an old-fashioned Christmas," according to Richard Morris, who led the volunteer effort to move and rebuild the historic home. Visitors can enjoy Santa, his trains, antique and wooden toys and more. The Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce will be serving hot cocoa and cookies. The park is at the corner of River Road and Maxson Avenue, on the Manasquan River, in Point Borough.

Green Party at Pier Village: Long Branch's premiere shopping and dining center is holding their grand finale Holiday Shopping Party this weekend. There will be holiday trolly rides from 4 to 7p.m. that start off with Ms. Claus and her elf and end at Santa's workshop for a photo! 

"Fill a Truck of Food" community-wide food drive is being held from 9a.m. to 4p.m. on Sunday, Dec 18 at the Acme parking lot (route 71 and east Main Street, Manasquan). The goal is to collect a truck full of food to donate to the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean County. Canned and dry boxed goods only. For questions call Xander Bossone at 732-581-8765

"Babes In Toyland" at Algonquin Arts Theatre: If you're looking for a fun holiday show go see Algonquin Arts Theater's production of "Babes in Toyland" directed by Ian Moore featuring the Algonquin Youth Ensemble. Performances are Saturday Dec. 17 at 7p.m., Sunday Dec. 18 at 3p.m., and Monday Dec.19 at 10 and 11:45a.m. Visit http://www.algonquinarts.org/ for tickets. 

Buffet Breakfast With Santa: The Harvey Memorial United Methodist Church (1120 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Boro) is hosting a Buffet Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. The menu includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, bagels, fruit and beverages. Adults $11; kids ages 5-11 years $5; kids under 5 years are free.

Pet Pictures with Santa at Pet-Asylum: Bring your furry friend and take pictures with Santa from 12 to 4p.m. on Dec. 17 & 18 at Pet-Asylum (285 22nd Ave, Brick). Pictures free with any purchase. All species of pets welcome. Children welcome as well. Refreshments will be served and homebaked treats will be made for the dogs.

Southern Regional High's ROTC Breakfast with Santa: Award-winning Southern Regional High School's ROTC will be holding their Breakfast with Santa Claus from 8 to 11a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Ocean Acres Community Center (489 Nautilus Drive, Manahawkin). Photos will be available with your moment with Santa. All proceeds go to the Southern Regional AF ROTC.

InfoAge Holiday Spectacular and Craft Show: Santa Claus has been making stops all over, but his workshop and elves have moved their home from the North Pole to the InfoAge Science History Learning Center and Museum in Wall. Located at 2201 Marconi Road, Clause and Company have joined forces with the Holiday Spectacular and Craft Market now running on December 17 & 18. Entrance is $10.