📰 Ocean Senior Scoop | Dec. 17–24 edition

From Barnegat to Bay Head, we’ve rounded up the best local events, news, and senior-friendly fun across Ocean County. Here’s what’s going on this week.

👀 What’s on tap this week:

Up first…

Still need to upgrade your license? Skip the MVC chaos — the Real ID Mobile Unit may soon be arriving in a town near you, so you can get your Real ID locally and conveniently. Appointments are required and can be made on the MVC mobile unit site. The mobile unit works just like a regular MVC center — minus the long lines. Book early — spots fill fast!

Not to alarm you, but this is less of a gentle nudge and more of a “drop that sugar cookie and grab a shipping label” situation. According to the USPS, if you want your gifts to actually arrive by Dec. 25 (and not star in a “Sorry this came late” text), you need to ship by today, Wednesday, Dec. 17. That’s the cutoff for regular service.

Running late but still hopeful? First Class and Priority Mail buy you a little wiggle room — but by Dec. 21, it’s game over. And if you're shipping overseas? Priority Mail Express International gives you until Dec. 16. After that, your gift’s just taking a scenic tour of customs.

🎁 Check out all the deadlines here.

🎅 Tea and Scones with Santa
📍 Mathis House, 600 Main St, Toms River
🗓️ Thursday, December 18 • ⏰ 6:30 PM
📞 (732) 818-7580 | 💵 $20 Adults / $10 Kids / 10% off for Seniors & Military
Scones, Santa, and over 35 Christmas trees set the scene for this charming holiday tea party. Enjoy gourmet teas, chocolate chip scones, and sweet treats — plus photo ops with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Parking in rear.

🎷 Holiday Concert: The RB Express
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch, Ocean County Library
🗓️ Thursday, December 18 • ⏰ 6:30 PM
Get into the groove with this doo-wop group serving holiday cheer with a side of harmony. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🩰 ’Twas the Night Before Christmas – Ballet Performance
📍 Barnegat Branch, Ocean County Library
🗓️ Thursday, December 18 • ⏰ 7:00 PM
Basically Ballet brings the classic holiday poem to life with twirls, leaps, and sugarplum magic. All ages welcome. Registration required.

🎄 Holiday Light Spectacular at Corliss Park
📍 182 Wells Mill Rd, Waretown
🗓️ Friday and Saturday, December 19, 20 • ⏰ 6:00–9:30 PM
Walk through a winter wonderland filled with lights, music, and festive spirit. A great photo op stop and a favorite for families.

🏠 Home for Christmas at AGC
📍 Abundant Grace Church, 108 Indian Head Rd, Toms River
🗓️ Friday, December 19 • ⏰ 6:30–9:30 PM
A free community celebration with carols, fellowship, and festive fun. All are welcome!

🌟 Let It Snow – Planetarium Show
📍 Novins Planetarium, OCC, Toms River
🗓️ Friday, December 19 • ⏰ 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets required (ages 3+)
A dazzling holiday light show with music from Sinatra to Trans-Siberian Orchestra — all set under a domed sky full of stars and special effects. Runtime: 32 mins.

🎭 Broadway for the Holidays 5
📍 Grunin Center, OCC, Toms River
🗓️ Friday, December 19 • ⏰ 7:30 PM
💵 $26 Adults / $24 Seniors
OCC’s Performing Arts Company brings showstopping seasonal hits to life in this lively revue — a local favorite with songs you’ll be humming all week. General admission.

🎇 Laser Holidays – Light Show
📍 Novins Planetarium, OCC, Toms River
🗓️ Friday, December 19 • ⏰ 8:15 PM
🎟️ Tickets required (ages 3+)
Holiday music gets a high-tech twist with lasers, lights, and unforgettable visuals. Runtime: 40 mins. Family-friendly and very wow-worthy.

🧣 Tuckerton “Crik” Museum Holiday Hours
📍 220 South Green St, Tuckerton
🗓️ Saturday, December 20 • ⏰ 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Local history, quirky holiday shopping, and an old jail house turned museum. Find books, antiques, and coastal charm in every corner.

🛍️ Winter Frenzy Vendor Fair (Rescheduled!)
📍 Check Facebook for event updates
🗓️ Saturday, December 20 • ⏰ 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
After a snowy delay, the vendor fun is back! Shop local, support makers, and snag last-minute gifts at this festive indoor market.

🐠 Seas & Greetings @ Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
📍 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach
🗓️ Saturday, December 20 • ⏰ 12:00–5:00 PM
Photos with Santa, a seaside Fun House, ice skating, snow shows, holiday characters, and sweet treats. A beachy way to celebrate the season.

📚 Book Signing: A Walk Along the Jersey Shore
📍 Gifted on Washington, Toms River
🗓️ Saturday, December 20 • ⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
Meet local author Gregory Andrus of Portraits of the Jersey Shore and pick up a signed copy of his new book — a heartfelt beachside memoir.

🎶 Carols and Classics with Island Singers
📍 Community Reformed Church, 36 Lacey Rd, Whiting
🗓️ Saturday, December 20 • ⏰ 2:00 PM
Free concert featuring beloved holiday songs and timeless choral pieces. Donations appreciated.

🔍 Murder Mystery Dinner Show: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
📍 Mathis House, Toms River
🗓️ Saturday, December 20 • ⏰ 7:00–9:30 PM
💵 $75 per person | 10% off for Seniors & Military
A cozy inn. A festive dinner. And a Christmas whodunit! Includes full meal, dessert, and a side of suspense. Reservations required: (732) 818-7580.

🎅 Breakfast with Santa – VFW Post 9503
📍 383 Veterans Blvd, Bayville
🗓️ Sunday, December 21 • ⏰ 8:00–10:30 AM
Free breakfast featuring eggs, pancakes, hash, and holiday cheer. Donations support local scouting programs. All are welcome!

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Should You Really Wait Till 70 to Take Social Security? The standard advice is to hold off, but most retirees claim the benefit as soon as they can, at age 62. Here’s what to know when you’re planning the unplannable. The New York Times, Dec. 7.

Missed Medicare Open Enrollment? Here Are Your Options: If you missed Medicare open enrollment, you may still be able to change your Medicare selections, depending on your current coverage and why you fumbled the deadline. Kiplinger, Dec. 8.

Being the Executor of an Estate is a Thankless Job: Here's How to Do It Well Anyway: While carrying out someone's final wishes can be challenging, there's a proper way to manage these important duties and be viewed as a "good" executor. Kiplinger, Dec. 12.

What Older Adults Need to Know About Connecting and Staying Safe Online: Get expert tips on the benefits of online and social media connection, along with important tips for seniors to stay safe and protected. U.S. News & World Report. Dec. 10.

Time to pack your daydreams — here’s what’s trending in travel this week.

🎄 Silver Dollar City: Christmas, But Make It Huge
This Missouri theme park keeps winning “America’s favorite Christmas park” for a reason. We’re talking 6.5 million lights, a massive Christmas tree, classic holiday shows, a sing‑along steam train, and one last season of Rudolph’s parade. Info

🗻 Alaska 2027: Yes, People Are Already Planning
If Alaska is on your someday list, now’s the time to peek. Holland America’s new 2027 cruisetours combine glacier cruising with extra land time in Denali National Park and the Yukon. Early bookers score a free land dining package — covering most meals at wilderness lodges and lunch aboard a glass‑domed train. Big scenery, less planning stress. Info

🌴 Trade Snow Boots for Sandals
Dreaming of rainforests instead of snowbanks? These Latin America stays lean into nature and comfort — from eco‑luxury in Costa Rica to jungle‑meets‑ocean hideaways and colorful small towns in Colombia. Think soft adventure by day, good food and great beds by night. Info

🚢 Meet MSC World Atlantic (Sailing 2027)
Launching November 13, 2027, this new cruise ship will sail year‑round Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. Expect 30+ bars and restaurants, bumper cars, a massive kids’ club, a Latin‑themed lounge, and a luxe “ship within a ship” experience for grown‑ups. Bonus fun fact: Drew Barrymore has declared herself the ship’s “cool god‑aunt.” Info

Holiday calendars are packed and grocery lists are long, so simple, hearty recipes are the real MVPs. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand (funded by beef farmers and ranchers) has a few crowd-pleasers to keep everyone happily fed from breakfast to leftovers.

👉 Find these dishes and more on the Holiday Entertaining page at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

If you don’t feel like baking this year, Paris Baguette is more than happy to play “holiday hero.” Their bakeries are rolling out a Holiday Cake Collection packed with French-inspired showstoppers and cute, kid-approved classics. Favorites include:

🎂 Sweet treat alert: PB Rewards members score perks like BOGO cake slices on National Cake Day, coffee freebies, and bonus points when picking up those gorgeous holiday cakes. Paris Baguette is serving up the goods in Red Bank and Holmdel — and keep your forks ready, Manalapan: Towne Pointe is next!

🐟 Feast of the Seven Fishes — Lobster Shanty Style
📍 The Lobster Shanty, 83 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach
🗓️ Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24 • ⏰ 3:00–8:00 PM
💵 $60 Adults | $18 Kids under 12
📞 Call (732) 295-0350 for reservations
🌐 View full menu & details

Celebrate the Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition in seaside style! The Lobster Shanty is serving up a holiday feast that’s equal parts elegant and epic — with seafood, pasta, carving stations, and desserts for days.

🍤 Menu Highlights:
• Lobster Bisque, Raw Bar, Seafood Salad, Antipasto
• Shrimp & Scallop Scampi, Flounder Piccata, Mussels Fra Diavolo
• Prime Rib, Stuffed Pork Loin, Penne Vodka, Chicken Francaise
• Cakes, Pies, Cookies, and Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Reservations recommended — this one books fast!

Cozy up with something new at your local branch! This week’s Ocean County Library lineup has everything from doo-wop concerts and holiday ballets to tech help, chair yoga, crafty DIYs, and book sales you’ll want to bring a tote bag for.

🎄 Friends of the Upper Shores Book Sale
📍 Upper Shores Branch • 🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 18 – All day
Support your branch and score some gently loved books — the perfect last-minute gift or winter read.

😴 Sleep Health Talk
📍 Long Beach Island Branch • 🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 18 – 10:00 AM
Light sleeper? Chronic napper? Learn about sleep cycles, REM, and how to get better rest with the LBI Health Department.

🧶 String of Purls Knit & Crochet Circle
📍 Stafford Branch • 🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 18 – 1:00–3:00 PM
Beginners welcome! Bring your yarn, your hooks, or needles — and maybe your holiday stress — and stitch it out with friendly folks.

📖 Jackson Friends of the Library Meeting
📍 Jackson Branch • 🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 18 – 4:00–6:00 PM
Curious about volunteering? Help shape future programs and fundraisers. New members always welcome.

🎤 Holiday Concert: The RB Express
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch • 🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 18 – 6:30 PM
Back by demand! This Jersey Shore doo-wop group will fill the room with harmonies and holiday spirit. Sponsored by the Friends.

🪡 Stitch It Club
📍 Lacey Branch • 🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 18 – 6:30–8:30 PM
Whether you knit, crochet, sew, or embroider — join the crew and share tips, ideas, and conversation. All skill levels welcome.

🩰 Basically Ballet Presents: ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
📍 Barnegat Branch • 🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 18 – 7:00 PM
A charming ballet performance for all ages based on the holiday poem. Festive, family-friendly fun! Registration required.

🧵 Waretown Woolies Knitting Club
📍 Waretown Branch • 🗓️ Friday, Dec. 19 – 1:00–3:00 PM
Bring your latest fiber project and enjoy stitching with fellow yarn lovers. Newcomers welcome!

🃏 Adult Gaming: Canasta
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch • 🗓️ Friday, Dec. 19 – 2:00–4:00 PM
Learn or play the classic card game in a friendly setting. Registration recommended.

🪑 Chair Yoga
📍 Berkeley Branch • 🗓️ Friday, Dec. 19 – 2:00–3:30 PM
Stretch, breathe, and relax — all from a chair. Certified instructor Linda Higley leads the session. Registration and waiver required.

🎥 Documentary: Christmas Lights
📍 Barnegat Branch • 🗓️ Saturday, Dec. 20 – 11:00 AM
Take a virtual holiday tour of epic Christmas displays from around the world. No ladder required!

🀄 Mahjongg Mondays
📍 Upper Shores Branch • 🗓️ Monday, Dec. 22 – 12:00–3:00 PM
Tiles, table talk, and timeless fun. Bring your group or join a new one.

📺 Documentary: Celebration: Craft in America
📍 Brick Branch • 🗓️ Monday, Dec. 22 – 2:30 PM
Explore how handmade traditions shape the holiday season. From PBS’s award-winning series. Runtime: 55 min.

💻 Tech Help Tuesday
📍 Waretown Branch • 🗓️ Tuesday, Dec. 23 – 1:30–3:30 PM
One-on-one help with phones, email, ebooks, or computer basics. Call to register: (609) 693-5133.

🍊 DIY Pomander Workshop
📍 Island Heights Branch • 🗓️ Tuesday, Dec. 23 – 2:30–4:00 PM
Learn the history of these fragrant holiday decorations — and make your own! Ages 18+. Sponsored by the Trustees.

🎵 Vinyl Record Night
📍 Toms River Branch • 🗓️ Tuesday, Dec. 23 – 6:30–8:00 PM
Kick back and groove to curated vinyl under the atrium stars. It’s like a listening party for grown-ups.

There’s no place like Cape May for the holidays — especially when the lights are twinkling, the carolers are singing, and the cider is warm. If you're looking for one last festive getaway (or a cozy winter day trip), here’s what’s happening down the shore this December:

🏰 Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall
📍 Congress Hall, Cape May
📅 Thurs–Sun, Nov. 28 – Dec. 31
🎠 Carousel rides, shopping village, twinkly lights, family activities, and Breakfast with Santa in the ballroom — this grand hotel goes all in for the holidays.
🕓 Hours vary by day: Thursdays 3–8PM, Fridays 2–9PM, Saturdays 11AM–9PM, Sundays 11AM–7PM
🌐 More info

🏡 Christmas Candlelight House Tour
📍 Cape May Historic District
📅 Saturday, Dec. 20 • ⏰ 5:30–8:30 PM
💵 $45 Adults | $30 Kids
Cape May MAC’s most beloved tradition! Walk through gaslit streets and peek inside historic inns, homes, and B&Bs — all dressed up for the season. Self-guided, with map & wristband pickup at the Physick Estate.
🌐 Details & Tickets

🍽️ Candlelight Tour + Dinner at the Washington Inn
📍 Washington Inn + Historic District
📅 Saturday, Dec. 20 • 🕓 Dinner at 4 PM + Tour at 5:30 PM
💵 Tour & 3-course meal package available
Make it a night out! This special combo includes dinner at the renowned Washington Inn (appetizer, entrée & dessert) followed by the evening Candlelight House Tour. Wine pairings available for purchase.
🌐 More info

🎶 Caroling in Victorian Cape May Walking Tour
📍 Starts at Washington Street Mall Info Booth, Ocean St
📅 Sunday, Dec. 21 • ⏰ 3:30–4:30 PM
💵 $15 Adults | $5 Kids
Warm up your vocal cords! Join this guided holiday sing-along through Cape May’s decked-out downtown, complete with stories behind the carols and plenty of festive cheer.

🏛️ Evening Yuletide Tours at the Physick Estate
📍 Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St, Cape May
📅 Evenings in December • ⏰ Tours at 5:30 PM & 6:30 PM
Step back in time on this guided, living history tour of the first floor of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum. Includes access to the Old-Fashioned Christmas exhibit with model trains and a Dickens village in the Carroll Gallery.

Skip the scroll — we’ve done the couch-surfing for you.

🎬 Him (Peacock – Dec. 19)
A football thriller with a dark side. Produced by Jordan Peele. Gripping, a little surreal, and very bingeable.

🎬 Relay (Netflix – Dec. 12)
Riz Ahmed plays a covert fixer. Fast-paced, slick, and worth your popcorn.

📺 Fallout S2 (Prime – Dec. 18)
Return to the wasteland. Now with Macaulay Culkin, Justin Theroux, and Kumail Nanjiani. Yes, really.

💄 Emily in Paris S5 (Netflix – Dec. 19)
Emily’s in Rome now. Same outfits. Different drama.

🐾 Born to Be Wild (Apple TV+ – Dec. 19)
This heartwarming docuseries follows orphaned critters raised through global conservation efforts — all narrated with charm by Hugh Bonneville.

Happy belated 82nd birthday on Dec. 15 to Ocean Senior Scoop reader Celeste M. of Stafford.

And here’s a few other notable people celebrating birthdays this week. On Dec. 17, actor‑comedian Eugene Levy turns 79 and actor Marilyn Hassett (The Other Side of the Mountain) is 78. Dec. 18 brings a big lineup: Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards hits 82, legendary director Steven Spielberg turns 79, actor Brad Pitt is 62, and wrestler‑turned‑actor Stone Cold Steve Austin celebrates 61.

Ever think “I want to live there!” during a Hallmark Christmas movie? Connecticut heard you. The Nutmeg State just launched the first-ever Christmas Movie Trail — a choose-your-own-festive-adventure featuring 22 real filming locations from your favorite Hallmark holiday flicks.

We’re talking actual gazebo smooch zones, cozy inns wrapped in twinkle lights, and snow-globe-worthy town squares that feel suspiciously like a movie set (because… they are). Fans are already descending on Wethersfield — Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane vibes in full force — and local shops are decking the halls for all the feel-good foot traffic.

📍 Plot your holiday rom-com detour here.

🙏Thanks for reading! And if you go to Connecticut, but we fully expect you to return with a flannel scarf, a fiancé, and the deed to a struggling but charming inn!

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

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🤶See you next week!

The Ocean Senior Scoop team

📌 Note to our readers: This newsletter shares ideas, events, and resources — not medical or financial advice. Always check with a pro before making important health or money decisions.