Have Holiday Fun At These Toms River Area Events

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The holiday season is in full swing. The town’s Christmas tree has been lit, and Santa Claus has made his appearance, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over.

If you’re looking for holiday events or other ways to celebrate the season, whether it's a performance of The Nutcracker or breakfast with Santa, look no further: Here’s a list of events in the Toms River area to add a little extra pizzazz.

Ferone Family Christmas Light Show: Nightly starting at 5 p.m., 184 Yellowbank Road, Toms River. Disney-themed holiday light show.

Christmas Carol Tea Party: Dec. 7, 6 p.m. at the Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River. A live reading of "A Christmas Carol" and creme tea with scones. Also set for Dec. 14 and 21. Reservations required.

Pictures, Tea and Scones with Santa: Dec. 8, 6 p.m. at the Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River. Scones, tea and photo opportunities with Santa. Dec. 15 and 22 as well. Reservations required.

Starry, Stary Night-Festival of Trees: Dec. 9, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Toms River Elks Lodge 1875, 600 Washington St., Toms River. Each charity decorates their tree to represent their mission. Donations to each tree will result in a winner for the best tree in several categories. Refreshments, crafts and more. For information, contact Eileen Coynes, 732-267-7216.

Ugly Sweater & Karaoke Dinner Party: Dec. 10, 6 p.m. at the Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River. Karaoke Christmas music, tours of the Inn, a night of holiday shopping and a buffet catered meal. $35 per person, $20 for kids 12 and under and children 5 and under are free. Call for tickets, 732-818-7580.

Sea of Lights: Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach. Entertainment nightly including crafts, treats, games, holiday entertainment, photos with Santa (Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18), Diving Santa (Dec. 26-28) and more.

Brick Marching Dragon Caravan Winter Craft Fair: Dec. 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Brick Township High School, 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick. The 55th annual winter craft fair is loaded with handcrafted items by local artists and much more.

Winter Solstice Celebration: Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Cattus Island County Park, Fischer Boulevard, Toms River. Games, crafts, live animal talks, horse carriage rides, campfire, food, a visit from Santa and a Candy Cane Nature Walk. It is first come first served; call 732-270-6960 for more information.

A Very Merry Christmas Market: Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at East Dover Baptist Church, 974 Bay Ave, Toms River. Shop local artisans and vendors.

Holiday Cheer Concert: Dec. 12, 1 p.m. at the Ocean County YMCA, West Whitty Road, Toms River. This free holiday concert performed by the Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra. Light refreshments will be served, and registration is required. www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-c...

Holiday Open House at the Mathis House: Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The Victorian inn at 600 Main St., Toms River, is offering complimentary scones, tea and beautiful music. There are 17 Christmas trees, a year-round Christmas Shop and learn the history of the Inn. This is a complimentary event and parking is located in the rear of the property. RSVP as a courtesy to ensure they have scones for all. Call 732-818-7580 to respond.

Christmas in the Pines: Dec. 11, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. at 108 Lacey Road, Manchester. Food, vendors, live music, craft market, hot cocoa, photos with Santa.

Breakfast With Santa: Dec. 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Toms River Elks Lodge 1875, 600 Washington St., Toms River. Supports Toms River Fire Company No. 2. $10 for those ages 10 and up, $6 for those 4 to 9 years old, ages 3 and younger free.

Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair: Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Point Pleasant Fire Department, 1 Memorial Drive. Homemade and handcrafted items from 30 vendors. Supports the Point Pleasant Fire Department.

It's A Wonderful Life: Dec. 17-19, Exit 82 theater, 73 Main St., Toms River. The beloved holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of an idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers all of his blessings one fateful Christmas Eve. Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Dec. 18, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Dec. 19 at 2 p.m.

SantaCon: Dec. 18, noon to 11:59 p.m. in Seaside Heights. Starts at Hooks Bar & Grill on the boardwalk. SantaCon is more than a festive gettogether. First & foremost, it's a 3-fold charity event: food drive, toy drive, & fundraiser all in one. Buy tickets online.

The Nutcracker:Dec. 18, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Grunin Center for the Performing Arts at Ocean County College, Toms River. The Ballet for Young Audiences production brings the Christmas favorite to Ocean County. Buy tickets online.

Atlantic City Ballet's The Nutcracker:Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood. Buy tickets online.