Convention Hall Christmas tree lighting set for Saturday
Boardwalk officials hope for 'levity and holiday cheer during what are some trying times for so many'
Despite storm damage on the boardwalk, Convention Hall is opening up for the holidays and kicking off the season with a tree lighting this Saturday.
“The Asbury Park Boardwalk is moving forward with our holiday programming,” said Pasqualina DeLucia, Madison Marquette’s director of marketing and events. “We still want to provide a shorefront destination surrounding the holidays that will allow for some levity and holiday cheer during what are some trying times for so many.
The tree lighting will kick off the holiday season on the boardwalk, with all shows and events resuming as scheduled from now on after a few cancellations and postponements post-Sandy.
The tree lighting will be held this Saturday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m. in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. The Billy Lawlor band will perform and Santa Claus will meet and greet all of the guests. Additional special guests will be in attendance.
The tree [pictured at right] is 30 feet tall and was cut down in upstate New York, according to Madison Marquette’s director of operations, Jon Butler.
The Grand Arcade has limited capacity so attendees will be admitted on a first come, first admitted basis. Parking on the beachfront is free for three hours at a time until Jan. 1.
MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE BOARDWALK
Following the tree lighting, the Jersey Shore Roller Girls Roller Derby Championship Final Bout will take place in Convention Hall, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. with the first round at 8 p.m. For tickets and info, visit jerseyshorerollergirls.net.
The Holiday Bazaar featuring booths from the Asbury Park Boardwalk shops will open at 12 p.m. on Saturday, and every weekend throughout the season. The hours are Fridays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
For the Holiday Bazaar, the Grand Arcade “will transform into a magical holiday marketplace where buyers and browsers will be able to shop for unique gifts while enjoying seasonal music, sipping on warm winter drinks and of course rocking around the 30-foor-tall lit and decorated tree,” according to an AP Boardwalk press release.
The boardwalk’s Third Annual Ugly Sweater Party will be held Dec. 1 in the Grand Arcade at 7:30 p.m., with music from DJ Values. Attendees are encouraged to wear garish Christmas sweaters.
“Scrooge” returns to the Paramount Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9, and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16. Visit premiertheatre.com for tickets.
The Grand Arcade will also host children’s toy-making events on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 15 from noon to 3 p.m. To participate, bring an unwrapped toy or make a $2 donation for the Asbury Park Police Department and Mayor’s Ball Foundation annual toy and coat drive.
