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Holiday festivities on the Asbury Park boardwalk kick off on Saturday, Nov. 29 with a performance of the Nutcracker, the annual tree lighting ceremony and the Ugly Holiday Sweater Party.

Shops in the Grand Arcade will open at noon on both Black Friday, Nov. 28, and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 and boardwalk representatives are encouraging holiday shoppers to stay local and shop small.

Free metered parking is available in the city on Small Business Saturday. All surface parking lots on the waterfront will remain open through the holiday season.

Here’s a full breakdown of events scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29 on the Asbury Park Boardwalk:

· Performing Arts Ensemble presents Nutcracker in the Paramount Theatre at 2 p.m.. Tickets range from $15 to $23. To purchase, call 732-614-5426.

· Annual Tree Lighting ceremony in the Grand Arcade starts at 5 p.m. with live music by The Billy Lawlor Band. The tree will be lit at 6 p.m.

· Annual Ugly Sweater Party starts 7 p.m. at The Anchor’s Bend. Contests, prizes, giveaways, and music by DJ John Herguth of Arcade Radio.

· The Grand Arcade is also a drop location for anyone who wants to donate to the Asbury Park Toy Drive. New toys and new or gently used coats are gladly accepted.

For more information, visit apboardwalk.com.

[Photo at top provided by Madison Marquette.]

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