It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Asbury Park Boardwalk. Thanksgiving menus, Black Friday shopping (while keeping it local), Santa! Giving back to our community. Bundle up and come see for yourself.
Don’t feel like cooking this year? We’ve got you! Make a reservation at one of our restaurants below:
The Giving Tree 2023
A Tradition to Honor the Holiday Spirit of Giving
To continue with the spirit of giving, that has long been a part of the Asbury Park Holiday tradition, we
partnered with Wooden Walls Project to unveil our third annual holiday art tree in the Grand Arcade at
Convention Hall. “The Giving Tree” is a symbol of our commitment to the creative spirit that is the
foundation of our community. As a focal point of Asbury Park’s thriving arts and music community, we
installed a unique design conceptualized and brought to life by the internationally renowned and locally
based artists Porkchop and Bradley Hoffer. For the third year in a row, our local artists have installed an
art sculpture in the outline of a “traditional” tree, complete with shapes that facilitate custom lighting.
The lighting scheme, created in cooperation with Jason Dermer of Asbury Audio, casts a mesmerizing
glow that transforms the Grand Arcade into a holiday wonderland, delivering warm hues reminiscent of
home and community. The innovative 17-foot tree, constructed entirely of cardboard, is also an
environmentally responsible testament to the evolution of the Boardwalk’s holiday traditions and a
modern rendition of a cherished symbol intended to ignite the community’s festive spirit in a new and
cutting-edge way. This modern marvel of cardboard craftsmanship showcases the creative crossroads
where creativity and sustainability best complement one another. The concept also symbolizes the
importance of connectedness, shining a light on the Boardwalk’s conscious effort to support local arts
and charities, and as the centerpiece for the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, and our commitment to
provide a platform for local makers and musicians. The Giving Tree will be available for viewing from 9
a.m. to 9 p.m. November 22nd through December 30th.
The Asbury Park Holiday Toy Drive Returns
Community Karma has joined forces again with Asbury Park Little League and St. Stephen AME Zion Church to continue to expand the Asbury Park Holiday Toy Drive! With continued support from Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park and Church of Philadelphia, the goal this year is to support 500+ families in need in the Asbury Park area with holiday gifts for the children and grocery gift cards for the family.
Additionally, during the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, the Asbury Park Holiday Toy Drive will be hosting the Santa Photo Station. Kids of all ages, including “fur babies”, are welcome to make a donation and/or bring a toy to the AP Holiday Toy Drive, meet Santa and take a photo. The Santa Photo Station will be open weekends beginning November 24th through December 17th from Noon to 5:00 PM. We will also have some fantastic treats available from Confections of a Rockstar!
The Giving Shop
The Giving Shop is a new addition for the 2023 Holiday Season. We’ve given the Giving Tables of previous years a more permanent location within the storefronts of The Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. Nestled between Fun House and Sanctum Handmade, our giveback pop-up shop gives shoppers a place to accomplish their holiday shopping while supporting local organizations that give back to our community. Participating organizations include:
Asbury Park Historical Society
Asbury Park African American Music Project
Asbury Park Bazaar Returns Staring Black Friday
The Asbury Park Bazaar is kicking off Friday, November 24th, and will run every Saturday and Sunday November 25th-December 17th 12-5pm. Shop your favorite local vendors, take a selfie, enjoy food specials and live music every weekend 12-2pm.
Brunch with Santa at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club
All the usual McLoone’s favorites with a side of Santa on Sunday, December 17th. Don’t forget your cameras to capture the perfect photo with Santa!
Purchase tickets here
