Upcoming Holiday Festivities in Little Silver and Oceanport

As the lights and decorations begin going up on homes and businesses around Little Silver and Oceanport, both towns are planning to usher in the holiday season with these special community events:

Wednesday, Nov. 30

LSBPA Holiday Party and Networking Event at , 5:30 to 8 p.m.

The Little Silver Business and Professional Association (LSBPA) will be serving food and drinks at the bank, which is sponsoring the networking event. Organizers say the holiday party is a great opportunity to meet the membership, and they've extended an open invite to any prospective members. The LSBPA is asking guests to bring canned food to be donated to local charities that feed the hungry.

Saturday, Dec. 3

at , 11 a.m.

Class for children to make Christmas or holiday presents and decorations. Two more sessions to be held Dec. 10 and 17. Cost: $50

Sunday, Dec. 4

Free Pictures with Santa at , 1 to 5 p.m.

Santa will be posing for free 5 x 7 photographs in front of the store Christmas tree.

Holiday Tree Lighting at , 4 p.m.

Residents are invited to gather downtown for the annual lighting of the borough's holiday tree. Mayor Neff will be officiating, with performances by the band and chorus, Chorus, EMS ladies auxiliary serving cider and donuts, and Santa arriving by fire truck.

Photos from last year's event can be seen . 

Little Silver Post Office Museum Open, 4:30 p.m. (approx.)

Museum will be open immediately following the tree lighting.

Friday, Dec. 9

at , 5 to 8 p.m.

The LSBPA is providing horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Little Silver for the second year in a row. Santa is expected to join the rides and sing with the kids. Revelers are invited to decorate stockings and enjoy baked goods from and hot apple cider from . Some downtown stores will be open late for shopping and meeting local merchants. Christmas Trees can be purchased at the event from the Little Silver Volunteer Fire Department.

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Thursday, Dec. 1

at Branches, 6 to 10 p.m.

A variety of caterers will be providing their cuisine to accompany a wine tasting at the fundraising event for the Oceanport Sports Foundation, a nonprofit for the improvement of recreational and athletic facilities in Oceanport.

Saturday, Dec. 3

PTO Holiday Festival at , 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Sunday, Dec. 4

at , 5 p.m.

Families are invited to come a wassailing and sing carols as the town tree is lit. The will be bringing Santa by to pose for photos. Refreshments to be served by the Recreation Committee at the .

To see video of last year's lighting, .

Saturday, Dec. 10

at , 5 p.m.

Prizes and gifts from local merchants will be raffled off, homemade items from local crafters will be on sale and refreshments served. Christmas trees, wreathes and grave blankets to be sold.

Know of any other local holiday events or activities coming up? If they're happening between now and the new year, help me spread the word! and send an e-mail to Greg.Kulaga@patch.com to let me know.