Down the Shore

Vol. 15 - Week of December 14th

December 15, 2025

Well we finally got the snow we’ve been asking for! The Jersey Shore is looking like a boardwalk funnel cake when we get a little too heavy handed on the powdered sugar. Although the sidewalks were not fit for man, beast, or stroller, we still made it out to the Fair Haven Fire Station for our little one’s first visit to Santa. No tears were shed so we’re calling it a win!

🛍️Holiday Shopping Guide: Downtown Red Bank

There are only 9 more shopping days until Christmas Eve! (How did we get here already?)

And while 2-day shipping might be tempting for us procrastinators out there, did you know you might be able to hit most people on your list just within the expanse of Red Bank’s Broad Street? And to make things easier for shoppers, parking is free through 12/26!

Your very own Down the Shore Editors tested it ourselves this weekend, and here’s what made our nice list:

  • Rook Coffee: Start out with a hot Gingerbread style to keep your hands warm while you stroll. And while you’re at it, one of their seasonal cold brew bottles or limited release roasts make an excellent alternative to bringing wine for your holiday host. We know we’d appreciate a growler or bag of beans!

  • Toy Utopia - This charming toy store has wonderful selections for all ages and includes high quality German, Italian, and French brands. Check out their cabinet of Steiff plush toys while you’re there (a German company that claims to have created the first factory-made Teddy Bear). 

  • Little Waves: Once you’ve checked off the toys, your little ones need to look the part for their festive occasions. This store has adorable children’s clothing, and of course more play things if you didn’t find what you were looking for at the first stop. 

  • Earth Spirit New Age Center: For your cousin who knows her sun, rising, and moon sign. This store is packed with unique gifts like crystals and amulets of every color and size, funky incense, and even some high quality woolen items to keep you warm. 

  • Sweetest Sin: For that special someone (and not your dad, Buddy!) this lingerie and bra shop also has high quality pajamas, luxe robes, bodysuits and more.

  • Lucki Clover: This trendy boutique has soft loungesets, cozy sweaters, fun accessories, and a second location in Manasquan. The oversized Lucki stitched mockneck sweatshirt is a personal favorite.

  • Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash: Owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith, stop here if you want some serious cred with that family member who makes an annual pilgrimage to Comic Con.

  • Jack’s Music Shoppe: In business for over 50 years, this treasure trove of vinyls will have you spinning in glee.

  • Dublin House: Take a break from shopping with a festive pub lunch in front of a roaring fire. There’s also a cute Irish goods shop in the little alleyway across the street if you’re feeling inspired by your Guinness.

Psst: If you’ve been streaming Netflix’s “The Beast in Me”, some of the scenery may look familiar. Claire Danes and crew filmed up and down West Front Street and the Molly Pitcher Inn.

🎟️Grab Your Tickets to:

The Bradley Beach Jazz Festival, 2/6-2/7: If you’re already worried about what to look forward to in the post-New Year slump, this event will put pep back in your step! Tickets are only $25 for a Main Stage All Access Weekend Pass.

La Dolce Vita New Year’s Eve at The St. Laurent - It’s not too late to ring in this Roman Holiday with Judy and Harry’s fare and Italian disco fun. And for all our New Years event picks, check out Vol. 14’s roundup.

🍸 Recipe Corner: Italian Cookie Espresso Martini

We eagerly await the annual debut of Rook’s Italian Cookie Style Cold Brew like it’s Christmas morning (infused with the taste of Rainbow cookies as they are also commonly known). And so we were extra excited to see NJ influencer @megthings_ shake up a festive martini with this magical elixir. We decided to put our own spin on it, but unlike your Nonna’s cookie recipe, we’re sharing the secret. Here’s our DTS take if you want to make your own at home:

  • 1 oz Rook Italian Cookie Cold Brew

  • 2 oz Asbury Park Distilling Co. Vodka

  • 0.5 oz Licor 43

  • Giant ice cube served in a coupe glass

🌤️ Weekend Forecast

⛅️ Thursday 12/18 - 56°/33° Partly Sunny

☀️ Friday 12/19 - 54°/29° Sunny

⛅ Saturday 12/20 - 41°/29° Mostly Cloudy

🌧️ Sunday 12/21 - 48°/30° Light Rain

🎁 Holiday Market Roundup

As a reminder, here some Jersey Shore holiday markets that are running through December:

We’re excited to be checking out the Bell Works Holiday Market this upcoming weekend and will be sure to report back!

And if we are missing any other holiday markets, let us know!

🎷 Live Music Roundup

Thursday 12/18

Brielle - Aloha Monkey at The Pig & Parrot (7 pm)

Friday 12/19

Asbury Park - Wall Carpets and Echo Plum at Low Dive (9 pm)

Brielle - Overboard at The Pig & Parrot (8 pm)

Belmar - So Shot at Marina Grill (8 pm)

Holmdel - Pickin Pair at Fox Hollow Vineyard (6 pm)

Manasquan - Todd Robbins at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Red Bank - Billy Walton Band at Jamian’s (9 pm)

Saturday 12/20

Asbury Park - The Boardwalk Christmas Party with Foggy Notion at Low Dive (9 pm)

Asbury Park - Make NJ House Again at Palmetto (9 pm)

Brielle - The Brue Crue at The Pig & Parrot (8 pm)

Belmar - b'Elt'n Joel at Marina Grill (8 pm)

Holmdel - A Real Human Jazz Band Duo at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm)

Manasquan - Kids at Play at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Red Bank - Moroccan Sheepherders at Jamian’s (9 pm)

Sunday 12/21

Holmdel - Brittany Hadley at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm)

Red Bank - Abe Ovadia Trio at Triumph Brewery (1 pm)

Did we miss a show? Let us know.

Thanks for reading and if someone forwarded this to you, please subscribe via the link below. See you next week!