4 Reasons to Visit Asbury Park, NJ in Winter

By Holly Corbett

United States Travel Expert, about.com

A New Jersey transplant from New York, I had one of my first trips to the Jersey Shore this summer. My family went to the northern part, Asbury Park, to celebrate my son's second birthday. There was a water park, boardwalk, a mile-and-a-half of white-sand beach, and enough ice cream cone shops to suit our nearly insatiable tastes. Random side note: I learned that a double stroller also comes in handy as a kid-beach-gear transporter.

[post_ads_2]

But I digress.

The hometown of famous musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, Asbury Park is about 90 minutes from Manhattan by train, car or bus and is home to a renowned set of live music and entertainment venues like The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, Asbury Lanes and Convention Center. 

[post_ads_2]

While some might know of this destination for it's music lineup or laid-back, quirky beach scene, many might not know that Asbury Park is not only a summer destination: Cold-weather festivals and events also put it on the map for winter fun.

Here is a roundup of activities:

1
The Activity: Annual Asbury Park Tree Lighting

[post_ads_2]

The Date: December 5, 2015

What it is: The first weekend in December kicks off with the lighting of a 20-plus foot tall tree in the center of town and a visit from Santa Claus.

2

The Activity: Polar Plunge in Asbury Park

The Date: New Year's Day

What it is: The Sons of Ireland’s 13^th annual Polar Bear Plunge invite New Year’s revelers to plunge into the frigid ocean off Asbury Park. All proceeds from the event go to Monmouth County-based charities.

[post_ads_2]
3

The Activity: Light of Day Concerts and Asbury Angels Inductions

The Date: January 10th, 11th, 14th through the 18th

What it is: Rock our for a cause: Proceeds go to The Light of Day Foundation to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses such as PSP and ALS.

4

The Activity: Asbury Park Beerfest

The Date: January 30th and 31st

What it is: Calling all beer lovers: This festival has “craft” beers from all over the world as well as ciders and iconic retro beers. If you have a competitive streak, check out the beer sports, such as “Masskrugstemmen” (a beer-stein-holding contest).