If you’ve been thinking about ways to give back, why not join a charity event this December, where the whole family can participate? Get your jingle on at a holiday fun run supporting the Arthritis Foundation at the Jingle Bell Run in Holmdel, give back this holiday season at the Santa Annual Charity Event in Freehold, or vote for your favorite tree, see Santa, enjoy a s’mores bar, stop by storytime, and more at the 2025 Festival of Tree Charity Fundraiser in Toms River. Want to know more about NJ charities that will put you in the giving spirit? Find one near you with our charity guide. (featured photo credit: iStock/mattjeacock)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
2025 Festival of Trees Charity Fundraiser
December 4 at 5 PM
Come “vote” on your favorite tree at this joyous festival. This year’s theme is inclusion, and many local charities will participate by decorating a tree for the display. Check them out, vote by making a cash donation for your favorite, and the charity will collect the funds for the tree you pick. Beyond the tree display, the whole family will have a blast seeing Santa, enjoying a S’mores bar, hot cocoa, snacks, baked goods, kids’ activities, storytime, and more.
Cost: Free admission
Toms River Elks Lodge #1875; 600 Washington St., Toms River, New Jersey, 08753
Jingle Bell Run
December 6 at 9 AM
Get your jingle on at a holiday fun run supporting the Arthritis Foundation. Have the whole fam don their merriest apparel and strut your stuff as you walk or run the 5K. Feel good about doing good, and help jingle all the way to a cure–100% of your registration fee goes straight to the foundation, which helps to raise funds and awareness about this crippling disease.
Cost: Pricing depends on registration
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Asbury Park Santa Run
December 6 at 10 AM
Ho Ho Ho! Back in its ninth year, this popular event features thousands of Santas running through the streets of Asbury Park in support of Lunch Break, a charity that provides food, clothing, and life skills to those in need. Support the event by entering and dressing up like the big guy–kids can dress up too, while they cheer on the Santas that whiz by them. If you can get kid coverage, there’s an exceptional adults-only after-party performance from Brian Kirk & the Jirks at The Stone Pony.
Cost: $49.95
Race starts at The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa
December 7 at 9 AM
Ready for Santa? Head to this event, where each family member can have breakfast with Santa. All proceeds benefit the Port Monmouth First Aid Squad.
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per kid, Free for kids 3 and under
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
2025 Jingle All The Way 3K
December 7 at 11:30 AM
Lace up your running shoes, grab your costumes, and have fun being active for a good cause. This year’s theme brings the beautiful spirit of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, featuring beads, a dance party, food, and awards for race participants. This race will benefit the Special Olympics of New Jersey.
Cost: Registration cost
SONJ Sports Complex, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Hoboken Jingle Bell 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
December 13
Put on your Santa suit and lace up your elf shoes. It’s time to sprinkle some holiday cheer. All runners will receive a Santa Suit to wear on race day. And if you do not want to run the 5K, you can join the 1-Mile Fun Run. Bring a donation of paper goods and toiletries to be distributed to local charities.
100 Sinatra Drive South, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Santa Annual Charity Event
December 13 at 11 AM
This annual event is a great way to give back during the holiday season. Freehold Ford is collecting donations of new, unused toys for the Ronald McDonald House. There will be a free photo with Santa for kids of all ages, family members, or individuals. Refreshments and light food will be served.
Freehold Ford, 3572 Route 9 South, Freehold, NJ 07728
Asbury Park Polar Bear Races
December 27
It’s the 62nd anniversary of the Polar Bear races, benefitting Interfaith Neighbors, which provides food pantries to the community. You can participate in a 1-mile run, a 5K run, or a 5K Racewalk. There will be commemorative t-shirts for all participants, awards for the top three male and female finishers, and age group awards.
Asbury Park Convention Center, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
