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[Update: The time of the tree lighting and details of photo opportunities with Santa Claus have changed since this article was first published. This version reflects those changes.]

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in Convention Hall on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Boardwalk representatives have announced festivities for the annual tree lighting will begin at 5 p.m. in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall and the lighting of the 26-foot tree will take place at 6 p.m. Live bands are set to perform and attendees are invited to show up to the lighting ceremony wearing their unsightly sweaters in preparation for the annual “Ugly Sweater Party” which starts at 7 p.m. Santa Claus will also be in attendance from noon to 2 p.m. and for the evening festivities, ready to pause at a moment’s notice for do-it-yourself holiday photos.

The sweater party is “a lot of fun,” said Carrie Turner, director of retail for boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette. “We’ve been building momentum every year with attendance and we’d be excited for people to show up at the tree lighting in their ugly sweaters.”

The fourth annual Ugly Sweater Party takes place at The Anchor’s Bend bar. The Anchor’s Bend will also serve seasonal food offerings, festive cocktails and Christmas craft beers throughout the day.

Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade has limited capacity so attendees will be admitted on a first come, first admitted basis.

The annual tree lighting will once again mark the end of Small Business Saturday, held the day after Black Friday. Started by American Express, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to patronize small businesses. Many businesses also offer discounts throughout the day. Small Business Saturday in Convention Hall starts at noon.

OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS 

In exchange for a new toy or coat, holiday shoppers will be afforded the opportunity to have a professional photo taken with Santa Claus in the Grand Arcade from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Photos will be made available in hardcopy and digital form. The coats and toys benefit the Asbury Park Toy and Coat Drive. Donation boxes will also be in place all month long in the Grand Arcade.

On December 7, holiday shoppers are invited to the Winter Bazaar in the Grand Arcade, a one-day-only pop-up gift market where local vendors and existing businesses in the Arcade will offer unique holiday gifts. The bazaar starts at noon.

Saturday, Dec. 14 The Anchor’s Bend will host their second annual Mingle Jingle dance party. Admission to the party is free for Asbury Park residents, and $5 for others. A portion of the proceeds of door sales will benefit the 2014 Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Office Party-Palooza returns on Friday, Dec. 20. Starting at 4 p.m., office workers 21 and up  are invited to enter the Grand Arcade for a muliti-company holiday party. Live music, entertainment, happy hour drink pricing and buffet style food are just a portion of the perks. RSVP is recommended for the event.

Holiday events scheduled to take place within the Paramount Theatre include three presentations of Scrooge: The Holiday Musical for Everyone on Saturday and Sunday,  Dec. 7 and 8, and Saturday and Sunday Dec. 14 and 15. Saturday shows start at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows start at 1 p.m. Visit premiertheatre.com for tickets.

On Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. through the season, Convention Hall, dubbed “Convention Mall,” will see regular retailers in the Grand Arcade and other boardwalk vendors set up to sell their wares for the holidays.

For more information, visit apboardwalk.com. 

[Photo at top is of last year’s tree lighting festivities.]

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