This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Holiday Concerts to Lift Even Scrooge's Spirits

From light shows to sing-alongs with Santa, Ocean County has something for everyone

Has the holiday bug caught you yet? No? Then let your spirits be lifted by attending one of the many Christmas concerts and holiday plays in and around Ocean County.

There's the presentation of "Plaid Tidings," a special holiday edition of Forever Plaid, continues the story of the singing group whose lives were lost in an accident involving a busload of teens en route to see "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Encouraged by a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, the high-spirited boys of Forever Plaid -- Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge -- are transported from the ethereal cosmos to stage a nostalgic holiday extravaganza for world-weary mortals on Earth. Enjoy standards such as "Mr. Santa," "Let It Snow" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Performances are scheduled Mondays through Saturdays through Saturday, Dec. 17.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The at Ocean County College is offering holiday shows beginning Friday, Dec. 2.

  • Wonders of the Holiday Sky: Fridays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.
  • Season of Light: Fridays at 8:15 p.m., Saturdays 2:30 and 8:15 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
  • Laser Holiday: Saturdays at 7 p.m.

There also are a group of shows scheduled for Christmas week, Dec. 26 to 30:

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • The Stars from My Backyard at 11:30a.m. 
  • Wonders of the Holiday Sky at 1p.m.
  • Season of Light at 2:30p.m.
  • Laser Holiday at 4p.m.

Weekend events

The will present "It's Beginning to 'Sound' a Lot Like Christmas" at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Enjoy such favorites as “Sleigh Ride” and “Bugler’s Holiday."

Ballet for Young Audiences presents Arts and Community Center on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. 

"A dream story is magically brought to life through music, dance and beautiful costumes. Wonderfully narrated and beautifully presented, The Nutcracker is a magical journey for children of all ages!"  This is a Young People's Production.

On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. the Strand Center for the Arts presents, a White Christmas musical songfest with performers singing all your favorite holiday classics. From "Winter Wonderland" and "Santa Baby" to "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Dreamgirls," this show is a celebration of the most memorable holiday melodies and Broadway show-stoppers. 

On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. Ocean County College presents the Yates Musical Theatre's "" the timeless tale of Scrooge, a miserly man who hates Christmas, and as a result, is visited by three ghosts. They reveal to him, in vivid scenes, how the love of money has changed him and how his actions affect others. This lively production includes music and dancing."  This is a Young People's Production.

presents its Christmas Holiday Show on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m., with live music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Santa Claus appears for a sing-a-long on the 8-through-9 p.m. set!

Featuring:

  • Warm-Hearted Country Carolers
  • Sing-Along with Santa & Bluegrass Road
  • Ladies Night Out
  • Southern Specific
  • Robbin & The Hoods
  • Pickin' Shed Jam

Sunday, Dec. 18 brings even more holiday cheer with the at 3 p.m. Enter the spirit of the holidays with the Garden State Philharmonic, under the direction of Maestro Anthony LaGruth, featuring the vocal talents of Tenor Christopher Macchio.

Holiday classics, both old and new, performed in true POPS style, promise to make the Yuletide merry for the entire family.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?