Hundreds Celebrate Christmas in Manasquan

Manasquan is big on supporting local merchants and holding community events to attract visitors, as was the case Sunday when the borough had its annual "Christmas in Manasquan" sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

“We work with the Manasquan Chamber of Commerce to try to get people in the town,” said the Manasquan Tourism Commission’s chairman, Ray Summers. “The Tourism Commission gets money from the Borough and sponsors throughout the year to run this event.”

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed free hot cider, holiday cookies, hayrides, holiday music and local shopping. Plus, every hour between noon and 3 p.m., the Tourism Commission gave away $100 gift certificates for local businesses to an attendee who was present.

For many, this Manasquan Christmas event has been a holiday tradition throughout the years.

“We love this event and come every year. It has become one of our favorite traditions,” Jennifer Pupa, of Wall, said of her family. “We spend the whole day going shopping and and we go on the hayride.”

One of the volunteers in attendance was Councilman-elect Michael Mangan who was giving out cider and cookies.

“These events are what makes Manasquan a special place to be,” Mangan said. “I’m so glad so many turned out to help support the businesses.”

Mayor George Dempsey was also in attendance and noted that it’s a great event for the town.

"The town always tries to help the merchants through events," Dempsey said.

Most of the shops were open, including ones that are normally closed on Sundays, Summers said.

“The Manasquan Tourism Commission does a great job,” said Gerry Geiger, of Allen Avenue, who has been attending since the event started 15 years ago. “I like seeing all the kids get excited for Santa.”

And, they did. Children had huge smiles on their faces as they dug into sparkling holiday cookies, got greeted from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and took a spin on the Christmas-themed hayride.

“The weather’s great and we have a great crowd,” Summers said.