Every New Jersey resident can agree that the Jersey Shore feels like a magical place in the summer. This 2024 holiday season has plenty of beachside bars and restaurants hosting festive pop-ups, proving that these beachside towns can be just as much fun to visit during the winter. From restaurants with festive events, bars with a good holiday-themed cocktail list, or cafes with decked-out decor, The Jersey Shore Girl has all the go-to locations to get in a merry mood down the shore. Keep reading for a breakdown of 15 Jersey Shore restaurants and bars to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Asbury Ale House | 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park

Asbury Ale House always goes over the top with cocktails reflecting each season, and this winter is no different. Asbury Ale House has its winter cocktail menu, which includes favorites like the Jack Frosty — a shareable drink served in a snowman that is perfect for a holiday-themed Instagram post. The restaurant + bar is also decked out in holiday season decor, and fun winter-themed events take place in the month of December.

Barrel + Roost | 160 NJ-35, Red Bank

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Barrel + Roost is a Red Bank restaurant that serves pizzas, steaks, burgers + bar snacks. The restaurant, which has an extensive wine list, is dressed up this holiday season into a Christmas Wonderland — the entire space is filled with cute decor that sets a festive vibe while indulging in comfort foods. FYI: JSG‘s favorite addition to decor is the ornaments hanging from the ceiling.

Read More: December 2024 Events at the Jersey Shore 

Beach Haus Brewery | 801 Main Street, Belmar

 

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Beach Haus is a brewery with a rooftop bar + lounge in Belmar. Beach Haus makes the list of restaurants that are getting Jersey Shore locals in the holiday spirit due to its fun holiday cocktail list. JSG‘s favorites include the Sugar Cookie Shot, Mistletoe Martini, and the Grinch’s Gold Rush.

The Bistro NJ | 108 Schanck Road, Freehold

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The Bistro is an American eats restaurant located at iPlay America. But, until January 1st, Miracle Pop-Up Bar has taken up residence. This fun pop-up has 12 holiday-themed cocktails and floor-to-ceiling holiday decor. The Miracle Pop-Up Bar also has various festive events and cocktails perfect for feeling the holiday spirit, like the Christmapolitan or Run Run Reindeer. JSG also loves that customers can purchase one of its holiday-themed mugs (used for those festive cocktails on the menu) to take home.

Brothers Daly | 1124 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright

Brothers Daly is a casual Irish pub located in Sea Bright. The restaurant has its own Holiday Spectacular, including a special menu of holiday food and cocktails. Its outdoor dining area has heat lamps that keep everyone warm while enjoying the setting of the trees wrapped with twinkle lights. The inside is equally as festive as the ceiling, which, wrapped with garland and bright red bows, is the most merry aesthetic.

Charlie’s of Bay Head | 72 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head

 

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Charlie’s of Bay Head is an upscale restaurant with waterfront dining + American cuisine, and seafood options. Charlie’s is completely transformed for the holiday season, starting with the bar filled with fun multi-colored hanging ornaments. The dining room, decked out in gold, silver, and green holiday decor, feels upscale and gives date night vibes.

Jive’s Cafe | 2212 US-9, Howell Township

 

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Jive’s Cafe is a cozy eatery + cafe with a welcoming vibe in Howell. Jive’s Cafe is converted into a winter wonderland this season: picture twinkling lights, hanging garlands, and cinnamon scent floating in the air. Its menu has festive items like the Peppermint Mocha Latte, Grinch Waffles, and holiday treats baked fresh daily. JSG recommends trying the Christmas Latte Flight, which includes four ornaments (filled with holiday-inspired latte flavors), three cupcakes, a candy cane, + a present to unwrap.

Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits | 208 Main Street, Asbury Park

Johnny Mac’s is a staple bar in the Asbury Park nightlife scene, and while most love it for its free pizza, this winter, it has the cutest holiday decorations. Johnny Mac’s inside bar area, which is typically dimly lit, is outlined with garland and lights. There are cute snowmen, Santas, and candy canes in each corner — making it hard to stop looking at all the festive decor. The hanging stockings, Christmas tree, and Santa’s hats also give the bar a home away from home feeling.

Laylow | 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park

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Laylow is an underground speakeasy bar beneath Reyla, a Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Asbury Park. From now until December 21st,  customers can step down into Laylow’s holiday hideaway, known as SleighLow. This vibey bar puts a cool twist on holiday decor that inhabits every inch of the speakeasy for December. Customers can expect holiday-themed cocktails served in fun + merry cups at SleighLow.

Porta Asbury Park | 911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park

Porta Asbury Park is an Italian restaurant that hosts various live entertainment and a popular nightlife scene. It makes JSG’s list of restaurants to get everyone in the holiday spirit because of its ‘Pizza and a Porta Tree’ deal that locals love. Customers can grab two pizzas, two pints of beer, a carafe of house wine, + a small tree (for $85), or a large tree (for $100).

Scarborough Faire | 1414 Meetinghouse Road, Sea Girt

 

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Scarborough Faire, a New American restaurant in Sea Girt, is perfect for celebrating any special occasion. Scarborough Faire’s building is an old farmhouse, which makes for a romantic setting, especially when garnished with glistening decor this holiday season — imagine white, gold, and blue twinkling lights, hanging stars, and nutcracker soldier displays. The restaurant also has merry treats like the Mrs. Grinch Martini or the Snowbird Martini that can be sipped on while taking in the holiday aesthetic.

Seahorse | 1300 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park

Seahorse is a casual restaurant + bar located in Asbury Park. Seahorse is conveniently located in the Conventional Hall, which also happens to be the location for Asbury Park’s Holiday Bazaar, which takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the month of December until December 22nd. After participating in the festive events at the bazaar, Seahorse is a fun location with cute photo ops and festive drinks like the Gingerbread Ol’ Fashioned or JSG’s favorite, the Decked Halls Martini.

The Sea Crest Grille |  700 NJ-71, Spring Lake

 

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The Sea Crest Grille is an American restaurant serving comfort food in Spring Lake. The restaurant has a holiday pop-up, Santa’s Hideaway, until January 6th. The decor at Santa’s Hideaway includes oversized holiday photo props, sparkling ornaments, and twinkling lights. The pop-up also has holiday-inspired cocktails like the Eggnog White Russian and Hot Honey Cranberry Margarita.

Sinner’s Steakhouse | 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach

 

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Sinner’s Steakhouse is a Point Pleasant Beach restaurant converted into Sinner’s Christmas Experience until January 15th. During this time, Sinner’s has craft Christmas cocktails, food specials, and Santa’s favorite desserts. After enjoying all the festive decor + menu items, JSG recommends topping off the night by trying the Grinch’s Key Lime Pie.

See More: A Self-Guided Holiday Cocktail Tour to Hoboken + Jersey City

Whitechapel Projects | 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch

 

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Whitechapel Projects is a versatile venue, event space, and restaurant in Long Branch. Whitechapel Projects’ holiday pop-up is called Kringle Cove, and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday until January 5th. Customers can expect holiday menus, merry cocktails, and family-friendly events. There is also holiday decor, live holiday music, and s’mores stations that help to create a cheerful night out.