Step Into 2026, Ocean County

Hey Ocean County 👋
New year, new calendar. We’re kicking off 2026 with fresh-air fun, live music, smart tips, and plenty of reasons to get out (or stay cozy with a good audiobook). Bundle up, scroll on, and let’s ease into January together.

👟 First Day Hikes to start 2026 right
🎄 Holiday lights still shining
🎟️ Concerts, plunges & local happenings
📰 Smart reads on money, health & aging
📚 Library programs worth bookmarking
🎧 Top audiobooks for winter walks

Up first…

Lace up and head out! New Jersey’s beloved First Day Hikes return January 1st — and they’re the perfect way to kick off the new year with fresh air, local history, and good company. All hikes are free, family-friendly, and guided by park pros or historians.

🕐 1–2 PM
📍 Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park
A casual beach walk (1.5 miles round trip) with bonfire + s’mores after, weather permitting. Unguided and ultra laid-back — just follow the sand and the crowd.

💡 Pro Tip: Dress in layers, wear good shoes, and bring water. Most events are held rain or shine (except blizzards — no thank you).

📍 Full hike list available at NJDEP’s First Day Hikes page.

You’re in luck—New Jersey is still glowing. Here are some festive light shows still happening all across the Garden State.

Now – Jan. 3 | Holmdel
Drive through a glowing wonderland of LED lights and digital scenes. A holiday tradition with a one-car, one-price setup.
🎟️ From $27 per car

Now – Jan. 3 | West Orange
Wander through 50+ glowing animal displays. Visit the carousel, petting zoo, and grab photos with Santa. Bring a coat or food donation if you can.
🎟️ Free admission

Now – Jan. 3 | Augusta
Drive-thru lights plus ice skating, rides, artisan shops, and festive eats.
🎟️ $29 per car

Now – Jan. 4 | Cream Ridge
Glowing tulips, pony rides, snowball pits, character meet-and-greets, and holiday treats galore.
🎟️ $17–$20 (ages 3+)

Now – Jan. 6 | Smithville
Floating Christmas trees that dance to music, 50 shops, and an old-fashioned village feel.
🎟️ Free

Now – Jan. 11 | Princeton
17 decorated trees & mantels inside a historic mansion. A colorful, creative way to wrap the season.
🎟️ $10–$12 (seniors & veterans discounted)

Jan. 2–5 & 9–12 | Paramus (Bergen County Zoo)
Walk among 30+ glowing animal lanterns in a magical nighttime stroll through the zoo.
🎟️ Tickets via Eventbrite

If you or someone you know receives SNAP (food assistance) benefits, heads up: Ocean County officials are warning about a rise in scams targeting EBT "Families First" cards, especially those belonging to seniors and people with disabilities.

“SNAP is a vital lifeline for many in our community,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, “and we want to ensure residents know how to protect what’s theirs.”

Here’s how to keep your card safe:

🛠️ Ocean County’s Consumer Affairs team recently added high-tech skimming detectors to crack down on fraud at gas stations and stores. The county is also stepping up help for older adults applying for or managing SNAP benefits.

Need Help?
📞 Apply or check benefits: Ocean County Board of Social Services — 732-349-1500
📞 Seniors & disabled adults: Ocean County Office of Senior Services — 732-929-2091
📞 Report fraud: Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs — 732-929-2105

Stay safe and spread the word — your benefits are too important to risk.

A recent measles case linked to Newark Liberty International Airport has NJ health officials urging caution. A traveler passed through Terminals B and C on December 12 (between 7 AM and 7 PM) while contagious — and because measles is highly contagious, anyone in those areas during that time may have been exposed.

Measles symptoms? Think: high fever, cough, red watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads. It’s no joke — complications can include pneumonia and brain swelling, especially for young kids, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems.

The best defense? MMR vaccination. If you’re unsure whether you or your loved ones are up to date, now’s a good time to check. And if you think you might have been exposed, call your doctor before showing up at any medical facility.

🧬 More info and updates: nj.gov/health/measles

Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 | Doors open 1 PM, Music starts 2 PM
Albert Music Hall, 131 Wells Mills Rd., Waretown
🎟️ $10 adults | $1 kids under 12 | Cash only

Kick off 2026 with toe-tappin’ tunes and home-cooked comfort at Albert Music Hall’s Winter Hootenanny, a beloved tradition blending Folk, Country, Americana, and Bluegrass—plus a heartfelt tribute to Pete Seeger, performed by Pete Curry (yep, the guy who named the Hall!).

🎸 Got an instrument? Head to the Pickin’ Shed Jam Session at 1 PM—newly renovated and open to all playing levels!

🍽️ Food & Amish Treats:
Come hungry! Enjoy pulled pork, kielbasa & kraut, vegan chik’n patties, and $3 Amish donuts. A full plate + drink + dessert runs under $10!

🛍️ Gift Shop Goodies:
Browse Pinelands-themed gifts, music & history books, and crafts from local makers.

🎟️ No advance tickets—just show up and enjoy!

📍 More info: alberthall.org/special-events

🧶 Knit, Chat & Create with the Waretown Woolies
Mondays @ 1–3 PM | Jan. 5, Jan. 26, Feb. 23
Waretown Library Branch – 112 Main St.
Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just figuring out your first stitch, the Waretown Woolies welcome all. Yarn and needles provided—or bring your own! No registration needed. Just show up and stitch. 🧵

💰 Smart Money Moves for Women 50+
Wednesday, Jan. 14 @ 11 AM
Plumsted Library Branch – 119 Evergreen Rd., New Egypt
Learn how to stretch your budget, tackle debt, protect retirement savings, and dodge scams. Ameenah Hill, CEO of Invest Her Way, leads this empowering workshop tailored for women over 50.

🎸 Rockin’ the Library: Tony Pileggi Live in Concert
Wednesday, Jan. 14 @ 7 PM
Upper Shores Library Branch – 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette
It’s a time-traveling jukebox of hits from the ’50s to ’70s! Sing along with Tony Pileggi as he covers legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, the Beatles, and more. Brought to you by the Friends of the Upper Shores Library.

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

Older Americans Quit Weight-Loss Drugs in Droves
In some studies, half of patients stopped taking GLP-1s within a year despite the benefits, citing the expense and side effects.
— The New York Times, Dec. 20

How to Tell Your Adult Kids the Bank of Mom and Dad Is Closed
In trying to help grown children, parents can hurt their own retirement security. Here’s how to stop the flow of money.
— The New York Times, Dec. 20

A Look at Aging Baby Boomers in the United States
The oldest baby boomers — once the vanguard of an American youth that revolutionized U.S. culture and politics — turn 80 in 2026.
— The Associated Press, Dec. 23

When to Expect Your Social Security Checks
Here's how to find out when your Social Security direct deposits will arrive.
— U.S. News & World Report, Dec. 19

Hosting last-minute guests on New Year’s Eve? Skip the stress (and the takeout) with this easy-but-fancy Shrimp Spaghetti. It’s warm, cozy, and just elevated enough to impress—without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. Bonus: It comes together in a flash, so you can still toast at midnight. 🎉Find the full recipe and more quick crowd-pleasers at Culinary.net.

See what’s happening at Ocean County libraries this week!

🧩 Puzzle Packs: Australia Edition
Jan. 2 | 12–1 PM | LBI Branch
Grab themed brainteasers while supplies last!

🧶 Knit & Crochet Drop-In
Jan. 3 | 10 AM–12 PM | Stafford
Beginners welcome! Bring yarn & size 9 needles or “I” hook.

🧩 Puzzle Swap
Jan. 3 | 3–4 PM | Brick Branch
Trade a gently used puzzle for something new!

📖 Book Chat: The Vanishing Half
Jan. 5 | 11 AM | Stafford
Join this monthly discussion.

🧠 Alzheimer’s Support Group
Jan. 5 | 12–2 PM | Stafford
Find help, info & connection.

🧵 Loom Knit Baby Hats
Jan. 5 | 2:30–3:30 PM | Island Heights
Age 12+ welcome. Volunteer hours available!

💙 Feeling Blue?
Jan. 6 | 10–11 AM | Jackson
Stress & anxiety tips from a health educator.

💻 Tech Help Tuesday
Jan. 6 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Waretown
1-on-1 help with tech. Call: 609-693-5133

🩺 Blood Pressure Checks
Jan. 6 | 11 AM–12 PM | LBI Branch
Free monthly clinic. Walk-ins welcome!

🧘‍♀️ New Year, Healthier You
Jan. 6 | 11 AM | Little Egg Harbor
Kick off wellness with a mental health talk.

🎨 DIY Sketchbook Journals
Jan. 6 | 2:30–4 PM | Island Heights
Create your own journal!

🌀 Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Jan. 6 | 2:30–3:30 PM | Brick
Tips from SCAN on trying something new.

❤️ Heart-Healthy Eating
Jan. 7 | 10–11 AM | Stafford
Learn what to eat for heart wellness.

🎶 60s Music Bingo
Jan. 7 | 2:30–3:30 PM | Stafford
Sing, play, and groove through the afternoon!

Audible best-sellers • Week ending Dec. 19

Whether you’re walking, driving, cooking, or cozying up with a cup of tea, these are the audiobooks everyone’s pressing play on right now.

🎧 Listening tip: Many libraries offer free audiobooks through Libby or Hoopla — all you need is your library card.

Raise a glass and cue the birthday playlist—because it’s celebration time! This week, a few famous faces (and our very own John Thompson of Stafford, turning a fabulous 73) are marking another trip around the sun. 🎂✨

🎉 December 31:
🎭 Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs) turns 88
👑 Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Iron Man 3) celebrates 82

🎆 January 1:
🎬 Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon) hits 88
🎧 Grandmaster Flash (hip-hop pioneer) is 68

🐾 January 2:
📺 Jack Hanna (Into the Wild) turns 79
🎬 Wendy Phillips (Falcon Crest, I Am Sam) is 74
🏆 Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) celebrates 58
💄 Christy Turlington (supermodel, activist) turns 57

🎸 January 3:
🎶 Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills & Nash) is 81
🎸 John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin bassist) hits 80
💅 Victoria Principal (Dallas) is 76
🎥 Mel Gibson (Braveheart, The Patriot) turns 70

Thanks for welcoming Ocean Senior Scoop into your inbox this year! Here’s to good neighbors and staying connected. Forward this email to a friend, invite someone to chair yoga, or spot a cardinal with your grandkid — we’ll be back next week with more local goodness.

Stay warm,
— The Ocean Senior Scoop team

💌 Subscribe for our free weekly editions »

We’re not doctors, lawyers, tax pros, or park rangers — just your friendly neighborhood newsletter crew sharing info we think you’ll love. Double-check event details before heading out, and always talk to your real-life professionals before making big health or money moves. We just bring the scoop — you bring the smarts. 💌