Middletown, Lincroft

Dec 15, 2017

Holiday Fun in Middletown

The historic town of Middletown comes alive during the holidays and there is fun for all! Here are a few highlights of the good times in store for the month of December, most of which will be held at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located at 36 Church Street in Middletown, across from the Middletown train station.

Middletown Arts Center’s Annual “Giving Tree” 

The Giving Tree is set up in the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) lobby and includes tags for Christmas gifts for a Middletown family that is struggling. The family they have chosen to assist includes five children. Please give Santa a helping hand and stop in to participate. Choose a tag, purchase the gift, and return it to the MAC by December 12. Thank you for your anticipated generosity.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Sunday, December 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

This free event at the Middletown Arts Center is for Middletown residents only, but all are welcome to enjoy the tree throughout the season. This exciting celebration includes a wide variety of free art activities and entertainment, an art exhibition, tree lighting, carols, children’s crafts, cartooning, a 50/50 raffle to support MAC community arts programming, and a visit from Santa, escorted by friends from the Old Village Fire Company. Bring your camera to capture those festive photos! This event is funded and managed by the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and always attracts hundreds of guests, so get there early and enjoy the spirited fun. For more information, please call (732) 706-4100.

Holiday House Light Decorating Contest

Last year’s response was incredible and the contest returns for 2017! Are you the best holiday decorator in town? Then enter to win and help Middletown get in the holiday spirit by decorating your house. All residents are welcome to enter. Entry forms and decorated houses must be submitted by December 6. Participants may email a photo or a five-second video to be published. Awards will be given out for first, second, and third place based on Facebook “likes,” as well as an award for Recreation Advisory Committee’s Choice. The online voting for People’s Choice awards will be open from 8:00 a.m. on December 11 through 12:00 p.m. on December 15. Winners will be notified on December 15 and awards will be given out at the Middletown Township Committee meeting on December 18.

Dodgeball Tournament and Toy Drive on Saturday, December 9 at 8:00 p.m. at Croydon Hall Gymnasium  

Get ready for some family fun at the Ninth Annual Dodgeball Tournament and Toy Drive. Registration for teams is closed, but you are still welcome to watch the matches and bring an unwrapped toy to the tournament. All toys will be given to Middletown Social Services. Division start times will be announced later.

Christmas DooWop Spectacular on Saturday, December 16 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this unbelievable holiday show featuring five amazing groups: Frankie and the Fashions, Joel Katz and the Dynamics, The Fabulous Larkings, Nostalgia 5, and Grand Central Echoes with emcee and host King Arthur. Tickets are $35 per person, with reserved seating. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. For tickets, call (732) 706-4100.

NJSYO Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Middletown High School South

Tickets are $15 per person, with proceeds going to benefit the Middletown Arts Center’s programs. Call (732) 706-4100 or visit the box office. Mark your calendar and attend this concert to show your support of these talented young musicians.

The RockNRoll Chorus’ Everybody’s Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 17 at 1:30 p.m. 

The RockNRoll Chorus is America’s most exciting voices-only, arena-style rock music show! After 10 years, more than 300 shows, and several appearances on Grammy ballots, The RockNRoll Chorus has just released their sixth full-length album, “No Guilt ‘Til Monday!” Tickets are $15 per person. Call (732) 706-4100 for tickets.

Also of Note at the Middletown Arts Center 

Café Capri is now open! Tentative hours are 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with additional afternoon, evening, and weekend hours. Stop in for a fresh cup of coffee and some treats!

Also, membership matters at the MAC! Become an individual/family/senior/student member and receive discounts on classes and events at the MAC throughout the year.

Local businesses are invited to join the Middletown Arts Center Business Partners in the Arts Program. For more information, please contact Jen Packer, director of development, at mobrien@middletownnj.org or (732) 706-4100.

The Middletown Arts Center also gives cheers to volunteers! Learn ways you can volunteer at the MAC by calling (732) 706-4100 today.

For information and a complete calendar of programs and events at the Middletown Arts Center, please visit www.middletownarts.org/events. The Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all area residents by supporting and promoting the arts throughout the community.

Holidays at the Middletown Public Library

Additionally, you are encouraged to visit the Middletown Township Public Library to find out what seasonable celebration they have “booked,” with several holiday-themed December events. Visit www.hip.mtpl.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp to learn more.

The mayor and municipal staff members wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!