Pier Village Carousel of Hope to be Unveiled

By Christopher Sheldon

Long Branch's holiday season will kick off at Pier Village with the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. in Festival Plaza

This year's tree lighting will also showcase the unveiling of the Carousel of Hope. The carousel will run throughout December and each $1 ride will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Central and South Jersey.

Carousel rides will be available during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tim McLoone & The Holiday Express will perform at the tree lighting. McLoone's Pier House will be donating cookies and hot chocolate to keep the crowd full and warm.

Santa Claus will also be stopping by with free toys for the children in attendance.

The following day, a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration will take place at 4:30 p.m., also a Festival Plaza.

Rabbi Leibel Shapiro of Chabad at The Shore in Long Branch will be on hand for the festivities as guests enjoy traditional hot latkes, music and family entertainment.

“Our focus this year is shop, dine, and give,” says Megan Oliveira, Director of Marketing and Events at Pier Village. “We have also joined efforts with the Long Branch Fire Department for their Annual Food and Toy Drive.”

The Pier Village drop off station for the food drive is next to RSI Bank on Chelsea Avenue. It will be open from 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and from 1-4 p.m. every Saturday in December until Christmas.  

Santa and members of the fire department will be present during drop off hours to visit with children, take photos and show off Long Branch Fire Department vehicles and equipment.

Local groups including the Shore Regional High School Dance Team, the First Baptist Church of Long Branch Choir, and The Amerigo Anastasia School Choir will be visiting Pier Village throughout December for live performances in and around the shopping and dining areas.