Although temperatures are dropping and the sun is setting earlier – we’re grateful for the countless ways we can enjoy the season (with a warm sweater) in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We’ve rounded up a list of some great budget-friendly or free events happening in a town near you this November – check it out!
Be sure to review dates, times, locations, and weather for any of the events you plan to attend, as details may be subject to change.
November 6
Monmouth & Ocean Counties | Jersey Shore Restaurant Week
Taste your way through the Jersey Shore from November 6th through November 15th. There are 71 participating restaurants (and counting), offering mouth-watering three course meals with your choice of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for $32.26 or $42.26. If trying as many restaurants as possible is on your agenda, the interactive map makes it easy for dinner plans! Keep checking back, as new restaurants and menus are added daily.
Manalapan | Fall Festival | 10am-5pm
Are you hoping to enjoy another fall weekend before the holiday rush sets in? Soak up autumn at Happy Day Farm on November 6th, 7th and 8th! Pick your last pumpkin of the season, find your way through a Dolly Parton themed corn maze, make a pit stop at “Pumpkinville,” and more – there are over 35 fun activities you can enjoy with admission! Tickets are $29 and are required for adults and children ages 2 and older.
November 7
Tinton Falls | Fall Craft Show | 9am-2pm
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Fall Craft Show at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center! There will be more than 40 unique craft vendors offering handmade items, seasonal gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds. With everything from jewelry and home décor to pottery, candles, and pet items – you’ll find the perfect gift for someone on your list. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase.
New Egypt | Food Trucks & Fireworks | 12pm
Who says fireworks are only for summer? You can still enjoy classic fall activities with a fireworks display at Laurita Winery! Grab your favorite fall snacks like apple cider donuts and hot cider, enjoy Laurita wines (ages 21+), explore the local vendors and food trucks, and hop on a wagon ride to Dancer Farm. Tickets are $15 online up to 6pm the day before and $20 at the door – and all tickets include a souvenir glass. Those under age 21 will receive free admission.
November 13
Cream Ridge | U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland | 5pm
Holland Ridge Farm is transforming into a winter wonderland with a floral twist, from November 13th through January 10, 2027. Begin your enchanting experience by trekking through millions of twinkling lights, including 80,000+ illuminated tulips. Don’t forget to stop for interactive activities like light-up seesaws and swing sets, a jump in the igloo snowball pit, have a cozy cup of hot chocolate, and festive beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails (ages 21+). Plus, with faux snow flurries falling around the farm – it’s sure to feel magical! Tickets are required for each person ages 3 and up, and begin at $17 online.
November 15
Howell | Turkey Trot 5K & 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk | 9am-12pm
Lace up your sneakers and “trot” your way to the finish line at Oak Glen Park. Whether you participate in the 5K run or the casual 2-mile walk – it’s a fun way to begin the holiday season or work up an appetite for your Thanksgiving feast! Pre-registration is $25 and required for all participants. The first 150 registered participants will also get a shirt and medal. Additionally, there will be coffee and snacks to help you fuel up before the run and to celebrate after.
November 21
Middletown | Granny’s Attic Craft Show | 9am-4pm
This local tradition is back for its 45th year at Thompson Middle School (1001 Middletown-Lincroft Road). Get everything on your holiday shopping list, and then some – by exploring 250+ vendors. There will also be a Super 50/50 and a $1,000 Visa Gift Card raffle. Admission is $6 plus fees online or $10 at the door (cash only). Children under 5 will receive free admission. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Thompson Middle School.
Aberdeen | Family Nature Days | 10:30am-12pm
Bring the whole family to Freneau Woods Park (360 Monastery Lane) to enjoy the crisp autumn air and learn about nature. This program includes a guided walk through the Freneau Parks woodland ecosystem, an animal presentation, and a craft for all ages. This event is for ages 4 and older, and those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost per adult/child pair is $18.00 and each additional person is $9.50. Visit the Monmouth County Parks & Programs Guide for Fall 2026 for more information.
New Egypt | Give Thanks Festival | 12pm-6pm
Laurita Winery is giving the fall season a sendoff on November 21st and 22nd. Take a scenic wagon ride through the vineyard to Dancer Farm and pick the last pumpkins and flowers of the season, soak up the beauty of autumn, and enjoy Laurita wines (ages 21+). Tickets are $15 online up to 6pm the day before, and $20 at the door – and all tickets include a souvenir glass. Those under age 21 get free admission. All proceeds will benefit Lunch Break, a community-centered non-profit.
Toms River | Thanksgiving Homecoming & Harvest Celebration | 12pm-6pm
Everything there is to love about Toms River will be brought together in one place at 1 Drake Lane. Spend the day catching up with old friends, enjoy family-friendly activities and a Kids Zone activity area, shop local vendors, and take advantage of the winding down of autumn. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase.
November 22
Holmdel | Morning Farm Chores | 8am-9:30am
Rise and shine – the Historic Longstreet Farm staff need help with morning chores before the farm opens for the day! Gain firsthand experience of farm life by milking a cow, collecting eggs from chickens, and feeding the livestock. This event is for ages 6 and older, and those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no entry fee to attend. Visit the Monmouth County Parks & Programs Guide for Fall 2026 for more information and instructions on how to register.
November 27
Pt. Pleasant Beach | Christmas Tree Lighting | 5:30pm-8pm
The Pt. Pleasant Beach Christmas tree (Bay Avenue) will be twinkling to life and so will your holiday spirit! Santa will arrive by fire truck shortly after the tree lighting, ringing in the start of the holiday season. He will also be taking pictures with your little ones. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage and fire truck rides, and karaoke with a live DJ. There is no entry fee to attend.
November 28
Toms River | Holiday Open House | 10am-2pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Ocean County Historical Society (26 Hadley Avenue)! The Victorian-style house will be complete with decorations and festive music, holiday-themed refreshments, and gifts for the children attending. Families can take pictures and read their holiday wish lists to Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11am-2pm. There is no entry fee to attend, but donations will be accepted.
Ocean Grove | Small Business Saturday | 10am-5pm
Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping event that encourages people to shop local and support small businesses during the holiday season! You can expect hometown service, one-of-a-kind finds, and hidden gems by exploring somewhere new in Ocean Grove. The town is offering photos with Santa and giveaways from 1pm-3pm. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase.
Spring Lake | Small Business Saturday | 12pm-5pm
Small Business Saturday kicks off the holiday shopping season in Spring Lake! Local shops, boutiques, and restaurants will open their doors with personalized service and festive atmospheres. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase.
On behalf of the team at First Financial, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope your table is full of good company, good food, and countless reasons to be grateful.
