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Holiday cheer officially kicks off with the return of the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar and the 10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting inside Convention Hall.

Neptune native Nicole Atkins headlines tree lighting ceremony before her Wonder Bar Show later that evening.

Joining the lineup are the holiday beach sounds of Uke and Drum, DJ Foggy Notion spinning Christmas classics, Kristian Rex and The St. Nick’s bringing classic Beach Boy sounds, master of ceremonies Rich Robinson of 90.5 The Night, and of course, Santa will be spreading that cheer.

The 30-foot tree lighting ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 inside the Grand Arcade. Madison Marquette organizers warn to arrive early since space is limited and subject to capacity. And after the ceremony, complimentary hot chocolate will be distributed inside Convention Hall while supplies last.

Just in time for Small Business Saturday, the noon to 10 p.m. Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar launches. Dozens of specialty vendors will offer unique gift ideas ranging from vintage and  handmade wares to jewelry, home goods, and food items, through Dec 23.

Styled after the traditional Weihnachtsmarkts of Nuremberg, Germany, the event feature holiday performances, live music, DJs, and photos with Santa. The remaining noon to 5 p.m. lineup is as follows:

Sun Nov 26 in Convention Hall

Sat and Sun, Dec 2 & 3 and 9 & 10 in the Grand Arcade and Convention Hall

Sun, Dec 17 in the Grand Arcade

Sat, Dec 23 – a last minute shopper’s bazaar in the Grand Arcade

Also on tap will be a Free Movie Friday on Dec 1 screening featuring the 1985 adventure-comedy Goonies at the Paramount Theatre.

Pop Break’s Locals’ Christmas Party on Dec 9 features Deal Casino EP Release Party, w/ Gay Guy/Straight Guy, Latewaves, and The Vaughns in The Grand Arcade.

Then, astrophysicist, author, and super science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson lands on the Convention Hall stage Dec 15.

The next day, Champagne Jam 2017 brings The Front Bottoms, AJJ and American Trappist to Convention Hall.

And, closing out the year, will be the Punk Rock Flea Market return to Convention Hall on Dec. 30; and the Annual New Year’s Eve celebration at The Grand Arcade on Dec 31.

For more details, visit apboardwalk.com.

[photos courtesy of Madison Marquette]

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