---

The delivery this week of a 35 foot Douglas Fir tree inside Asbury Park’s historic Convention Hall marks the tallest indoor live Christmas tree in the state, according to organizers.

It took a dozen people a day to set the tree in place at the north end of the boardwalk venue. It will take over 160 hours to string some 40,000 lights ahead of its Nov 24 debut during the 11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.

The often sold out tree lighting celebration launches a full lineup of planned holiday events and performances occurring through year’s end along the Asbury Park boardwalk. The holiday tree will remain on display through early January.

Curated by boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette, Nov 24 also marks the launch of the popular Holiday Bazaar inside the Grand Arcade and Convention Hall.

“The Annual Asbury Park Tree Lighting is an event that not only introduces the holiday season to all, but it also represents something much more important – togetherness,” said George Ladyman, senior vice president and senior director of Madison Marquette, in a written statement. “Creating a memorable experience for visitors and vendors alike is a significant part of what the Asbury Park Boardwalk represents and we are honored to be able to share in this moment of joy during the most wonderful times of year.”

The 6:45 pm 11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is free and open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis, with doors opening at 5:30pm. The celebration features live musical performances and a visit from Santa, who will be at the tree for photo opportunities noon to 3 pm every Sunday thereafter until Christmas.

Headlining the musical lineup is the Asbury All Stars Holiday Band, who will perform prior to and following the lighting and during various live shows throughout the holiday season [see calendar].

Small Business Saturdays kicks off with the 11 am to 10 pm Nov 24 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar at Convention Hall.

The Holiday Bazaar showcases a curated roster of local and regional artists, and vendors and shops selling vintage and handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, and food every Saturday and Sunday through December 23. Each weekend, the Holiday Bazaar features live music and special performances, kids’ classes and holiday workshops, Shoreline Media’s holiday photo booth, a fireplace lounge and the holiday decor.

Inspired by the traditional ‘Weihnachtsmarkts’ Christmas markets in Germany, the Asbury Park Bazaar includes a hot drink bar that will serve the traditional glühwein [hot mulled wine], hot chocolate and hot cider. There’s also a seasonally-inspired menu and holiday drinks available at the Anchors Bend and Asbury Oyster Bar.

There’s also a toy and gently used coat collection in support of the Asbury Park Toy Drive. Those who donate will receive a 4×6 print and emailed photo with Santa.

“We’re so excited for the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar this year,” said Jenny Vickers Chyb, founder of the Asbury Park Bazaar. “Convention Hall, one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Asbury Park, will be transformed into a winter wonderland – reminiscent of holiday markets you would find in Europe. You can listen to holiday music and drink spiced wine or hot cider while shopping for amazing holiday gifts or take photos with Santa under a giant tree. It’s an incredible celebration of the creative community right here in Asbury Park.”

Below is the full lineup of scheduled events:

Saturday, November 24:

Holiday Bazaar, Kick-Off Weekend & Small Business Saturday, 11am-10pm (Convention Hall)

A Grand Tree Lighting, Doors open 5:30pm, Tree Lighting 6:45pm (Grand Arcade)

Get The Led Out, 8:30pm (Paramount Theatre)

Sunday, November 25

Holiday Bazaar, Kick-Off Weekend, 11am-6pm (Convention Hall)

Photos with Santa – Sundays through Christmas, 12pm-3pm (Grand Arcade)

Saturday, December 1

Holiday Bazaar, 11am-6pm (Grand Arcade & Convention Hall)

Sunday, December 2

Holiday Bazaar, 11am-6pm (Grand Arcade & Convention Hall)

Photos with Santa – Sundays through Christmas, 12pm-3pm (Grand Arcade)

Thursday, December 6

Neil DeGrasse Tyson: The Cosmic Perspective, 8pm (Convention Hall)

Friday, December 7

Movie Screening: Polar Express – Door 7 PM / Film 7:30 PM (Paramount Theatre)

Saturday, December 8

Holiday Bazaar, 11am-6pm (Grand Arcade & Convention Hall)

Pop Break’s Fifth Annual Christmas Party with Matt McAndrew, doors 7pm, show 8pm

Sunday, December 9

Holiday Bazaar, 11am-6pm (Grand Arcade & Convention Hall)

Photos with Santa – Sundays through Christmas, 12pm-3pm (Grand Arcade)

The First Annual A Very Asbury Holiday Show, 6pm (Paramount Theatre)

Thursday, December 13

Hip Hop Nutcracker with Kurtis Blow, 7:30pm (Paramount Theatre)

Friday, December 14

Movie Screening: Elf – Door 7 PM / Film 7:30 PM (Paramount Theatre)

Saturday, December 15

Holiday Bazaar, 11am-6pm (Grand Arcade & Convention Hall)

Sunday, December 16

Photos with Santa – Sundays through Christmas, 12pm-3pm (Grand Arcade)

The Front Bottoms Present: Champagne Jam, 5pm-11pm (Convention Hall)

Saturday, December 22

Last Minute Shoppers Bazaar, 11am-6pm (Grand Arcade)

Sunday, December 23

Last Minute Shoppers Bazaar, 11am-6pm (Grand Arcade)

Photos with Santa – Sundays through Christmas, 12pm-3pm (Grand Arcade)

Saturday, December 29

Punk Rock Flea Market, 10am-5pm (Convention Hall)

Monday, December 31

New Year’s Eve Ball – From Asbury With Love, (Grand Arcade)

Tuesday, January 1

Sons of Ireland Polar Plunge, complete with after party in Grand Arcade

For more information on the Asbury Park Boardwalk holiday events, visit apboardwalk.com and via social media at #ChristmasAtAsburyPark; #MyAPB; @AsburyParkBoardwalk

——————————————————————————————-

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---