The holiday season is tarting NOW in Monmouth County. Photo of a sign

Happy Wednesday, Monmouth County! As the days get shorter and the weather finally commits to being chilly (time for my Hallmark movie marathon prep!), there’s no shortage of fantastic ways to stay warm, connected, and entertained right here in our backyard.

This time of year is all about creating that perfect, cozy environment. Whether you’re a First-Time Home Buyer dreaming of where you’ll hang your stockings or a Greenbriar Marlboro resident ready for low-maintenance holiday fun with visiting family, the local community vibe is one of the biggest—and often overlooked—factors that make Monmouth County Real Estate so valuable. The quality of Monmouth County living truly sets us apart.

So, grab your hot cocoa (or my preferred strong cup of coffee), and let’s dive into your expanded weekly dose of local happenings and, of course, a little real estate insight. Finding the perfect home is part of enjoying Monmouth County Real Estate.

🎄 Drive Through a Holiday Wonderland: Magic of Lights in Holmdel

If you’re looking for a guaranteed way to crank up the festive spirit without even unbuckling your seatbelt, The Magic of Lights is back to brighten up Holmdel! This is one of the premier family events that highlights the best of Monmouth County living.

Starting November 21, the PNC Bank Arts Center will transform into a glowing drive-thru wonderland. We’re talking millions of sparkling LED lights, festive tunnels, and larger-than-life light sculptures, all perfectly synced to holiday music you can play right from your car speakers. It’s the kind of over-the-top cheer that proves New Jersey goes big or goes home—and in this case, we’re driving right through it.

This annual tradition features themed scenes ranging from classic Christmas icons to new surprises for 2025. You can visit nightly through January 3rd.

  • When to Go: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays, and 5:00 PM–11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Pro Tip: Look out for the Holiday Village area where you can park, grab treats, and get those all-important photos with Santa. (Because, let’s be real, even Sadie Mae would want a picture with the big guy.)

The Real Estate Vibe: Community Amenities & Home Value

Holmdel, being right next door to Marlboro, is a perfect example of how phenomenal local amenities drive demand and home value. People aren’t just buying houses; they’re buying into a lifestyle that includes traditions like the Magic of Lights. When you’re looking at homes—whether selling or buying—remember that these fun, family-focused events are selling points that go far beyond the square footage. Thinking of moving to this area? Let’s chat about the best neighborhoods for year-round fun. This is why Monmouth County Real Estate remains a strong investment.

🛍️ Modern & Makers: Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets

For a truly modern twist on holiday shopping that happens right in our backyard, you must check out the Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets in Holmdel! This market perfectly encapsulates the modern side of Monmouth County living.

Starting November 29th, the stunning “Metroburb” atrium transforms into a vibrant marketplace on select Wednesdays and weekends. This isn’t your dusty, old-school flea market—it’s a beautiful setting where local artisans, farmers, and makers gather to sell unique gifts, crafts, and food. You can snag a coffee, wander the incredible mid-century modern space (which is just good for the soul), and support local New Jersey businesses all at once. This experience is quintessential Monmouth County Real Estate culture.

  • Dates: Markets start the weekend of November 29th and continue on various dates in December (Wednesdays 11 AM–4 PM; Weekends 12 PM–4 PM).
  • Bonus Shopping Tip: If you’re tackling your list early, don’t forget the massive 44th Annual Granny’s Attic Craft Show on November 22nd in Middletown. It’s a local institution for handmade goods!

The Real Estate Vibe: Live, Work, & Shop Local

Bell Works embodies the future of community design. For buyers relocating to New Jersey, seeing a hub like this—where work, fitness (like a certain Pilates studio!), dining, and retail all coexist—is a major draw. It highlights that the Monmouth County Real Estate market offers sophisticated, forward-thinking options. The ease of running errands and finding a great gift without driving all over town? That’s premium Monmouth County living, and it’s why locations near these hubs hold their value.

📚 Local Charm & Literary Gems: Andrew Manning’s The Seagull Who Wanted to be an Eagle

Monmouth County local, Andrew Manning, has hit the ground running (or perhaps, flying) with his first children’s book, The Seagull Who Wanted to be an Eagle. It’s another example of the unique talent found in Monmouth County living.

The inspiration for the book is pure Jersey shore charm: while clamming with friends in the Shrewsbury River, he wondered, “What if a seagull covered himself in mud to look like an eagle? He might look the part, but he sure wouldn’t be able to fly.”

That spark gave birth to the story of Sammy the Seagull, reminding us that character is defined through one’s actions, not one’s looks. It’s a fantastic, witty message that’s brought to life with charming illustrations and printed locally. With the holidays right around the corner, this makes a wonderful, thoughtful gift for the little readers in your life—and supports a local author! This kind of local connection is part of the appeal of Monmouth County Real Estate.

The Real Estate Vibe: Character and Good Bones

I love this book’s message because it applies perfectly to real estate, especially for First-Time Home Buyers. Don’t let a superficial coat of “mud” (i.e., outdated wallpaper, old paint, or a kitchen that needs a refresh) scare you away. Just like Sammy the Seagull, character counts. We look past the superficial details to see the home’s great location, solid structure, and true potential. If you’re a buyer, I can help you see the “eagle” hiding under the “seagull” mud! When searching for a home in this region, look for quality Monmouth County Real Estate.

🚂 Old-School Magic: The Christmas Train Village in Spring Lake

For a classic, gentle dose of holiday nostalgia, head south to the Christmas Train Village in Spring Lake (Duggan Building). This charming event adds another layer to the appeal of Monmouth County living.

This beloved local tradition is a miniature recreation of the town, featuring a charming holiday train display, detailed village scenes, and seasonal moments—perfect for all ages. It’s quiet, mesmerizing, and a beautiful way to spend an afternoon in Monmouth County.

The Real Estate Vibe: Perfect for Downsizing Grandparents

This event is absolutely ideal for my clients who are downsizing into Adult Communities like Greenbriar Marlboro. When your time is freed up from home maintenance, the goal is to enjoy low-effort, high-impact activities like this with visiting grandkids. No need to set up a complicated train set at home; just grab the grandkids and a few dollars for admission, and you’ve created a beautiful holiday memory. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle that maximizes time for these traditions, let’s talk about finding your next move in Monmouth County Real Estate.

🍻 Sip and Shop: The Maker’s Harvest in Keyport This Sunday

Need a weekend activity that leans a little more… adult? If you’re looking for the perfect fall afternoon, The Maker’s Harvest is calling your name this Sunday, November 23rd, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. This event captures the unique local flavor of Monmouth County living.

This cozy, craft-only vendor market is popping up at 3BR Distillery in Keyport, bringing together local makers, handmade goods, and all the warm autumn vibes. While you wander through the mini marketplace, you can also enjoy a free tasting of 3BR Distillery’s spirits—they’re famous for making the world’s first 100% pea vodka (which is about as non-clichĂŠ as it gets)! This is another reason why Monmouth County Real Estate attracts so many people.

This is a fantastic way to unwind after a busy week of showings, Pilates, or Saturday soccer games. It’s the ideal way to sip, sample, and toast the season while getting a jump start on finding unique holiday gifts.

🎧 Live Music Lowdown

  • Friday, November 21
    • The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Mothguts | 7 PM
    • The Proving Ground, Highlands | Family Reunion | 7 PM
  • Saturday, November 22
    • The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Marshall Crenshaw | 7 PM
    • Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Brian Kirk and The Jirks | 1–4 PM
    • The Proving Ground, Highlands | Guns for Hire | 8 PM

🏡 Monmouth County Real Estate Pulse Check

As we head deeper into the holiday season, you might think the Monmouth County Real Estate market is taking a nap. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Serious buyers who are relocating or need to close before the new year are actively searching. The current market conditions for Monmouth County Real Estate remain competitive for desirable homes.

If you’ve been considering selling your home in Marlboro or anywhere in Monmouth County, listing now means you avoid the Spring rush and target highly motivated buyers. Your home needs to shine online, which is why we focus on the 3 C’s of SEO when marketing your Monmouth County Real Estate:

  • Content: High-quality photos, video tours, and descriptive text that highlight the amazing local life (like these holiday events!) in Monmouth County.
  • Code: Ensuring our listings are technically perfect so they appear instantly in every search for Monmouth County Real Estate.
  • Credibility: Leveraging my reputation and network to attract the best offers for your property.

Whether you’re ready to list now or just curious about your home’s value, let’s talk about creating a strategic plan that gets your property seen by the right people at the right time. Investing in Monmouth County Real Estate is a decision for your future.

✨ Ready to Make Your Next Move?

Whether your next chapter involves simplifying life in a wonderful Adult Community like Greenbriar Marlboro, or moving your family into the perfect Holmdel or Manalapan neighborhood, I’m here to help you navigate the process of buying or selling Monmouth County Real Estate with expertise and maybe a few good laughs. Discover the difference in Monmouth County living.

  • Disclaimer: I am a Real Estate professional, not a financial advisor. Please consult a licensed tax or mortgage professional for legal or tax-specific financial advice.

Looking to buy or sell Monmouth County Real Estate before the New Year? Send me a quick text today at 732-213-0325 to schedule a confidential Home Strategy Session!

💬 Let’s Make Your Real Estate Goals Happen

Hi, I’m Cori Dunphy, your trusted Monmouth County real estate expert and a local agent with RE/MAX Central. I proudly serve buyers and sellers across Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties.

After over two decades helping clients across New Jersey, I bring a unique blend of deep local knowledge, sharp market insight, and a focused, confident approach to every transaction. Think of me as your seasoned guide, ready to make your real estate journey straightforward and successful.

How Can I Help You Next?

✅National Relocation: Moving out of NJ? I connect you with vetted, top-tier agents nationwide through my trusted network.

✅First-Time Home Buyers: Guiding you through the entire process, from understanding financing basics to receiving your house keys with confidence and clarity.

✅Downsizing Experts: Specializing in seamless transitions for clients moving into Adult Communities (like Greenbriar Marlboro).

✅The Local Edge: Deep-rooted expertise in areas like Marlboro, New Jersey, to give you a strategic advantage in a competitive market.

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