Create a holiday painting during a free instructor-led event, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 1, at The Chelsea at Manalapan, 445 Route 9 South, Manalapan. Details: 732-972-6200.
The American Association of University Women Freehold branch is accepting book donations for its 2016 book sale. With the exception of Reader’s Digest condensed books and textbooks, all book donations in good condition are appreciated. Contact Joan at 732-431-2297 for drop-off instructions. Proceeds from the book sale support scholarships for women who are returning to college and monetary awards for graduating female seniors from the Freehold Regional High School District.
Sayre Woods Bible Church, 2290 Route 9 South, Old Bridge, will present its annual outdoor holiday event, “A Drive- Through Christmas Story,” from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 and from 5-9:30 p.m. Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6. This free event will also be presented in Spanish. The display features live characters, animals, holiday music and related scripture verses which can be seen and heard from a car. Details: 732-679-5989 or 732-679-4709.
The Marlboro Recreation Community Center, Wyncrest Road, will host a chocolate house decorating event from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Dec. 9. The event is for children age 3 and up; children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required by Dec. 4. The cost is $19 per chocolate house for Marlboro residents and $24 per house for non-residents. To register, visit https://register.communtypass.net/marlboro under “Family Programs 2015.” Details: 732-617-0100.
Congregation Sons of Israel will host a children’s Hanukkah party from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at 33 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. The event will feature a free Hanukkah concert, latkes and doughnuts. Details: 732-446-4924.
The Monmouth Worship Center will hold a children’s Christmas play at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at 37 Vanderburg Road, Marlboro. “Christmas Cupcake,” a musical, will also include a birthday cake and song for Jesus. Details: 732-332-9600.
The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey will host a Christmas cocktail party from 7-11 p.m. Dec. 10 at Pub 33, 618 Park Ave., Freehold. The evening will feature entertainer Uncle Floyd. The cost to attend is $45, cash only. Details: 917-743-3311 or 732-861-9465 or visit www.italianamericansnj.com.
The Colts Neck Reformed Church, 72 Route 537 West, Colts Neck, will present a sounds of Christmas concert at 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Bells, instruments and the voices of the Celebration Ringers, Alleluia Jazz and Jubilation will be part of the concert. All are welcome. Details: 732-462-4555 or visit coltsneckreformedchurch@verizon.net
The Freehold Borough senior citizens holiday party will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Elks Lodge, 73 E. Main St., Freehold. Borough residents 62 years of age and older are invited. Caregivers will be provided. Reservations are required and are being accepted now. No takeout orders and no walk-ins at the party. Details: 732-462- 1259.
Perrineville Jewish Center, Millstone Township, will be starting a chapter of the B’Nai B’rith Youth Organization. Teens will have the opportunity to meet and become friends with Jewish teens in other BBYO chapters. BBYO is unaffiliated with any Jewish denomination (i.e., Reform, Conservative, Orthodox) and accepts members of all backgrounds and interfaith families. Email pjchebrewschool@gmail.com for details.
St. Rose of Lima School, 51 Lincoln Place, Freehold, will hold a breakfast and Christmas bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6. The event will feature photos with Santa, a bake sale and the chance to win prizes. Details: Srlbreakfast@gmail.com
The Freehold Borough Arts Council will hold a craft fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. Artists and crafters will sell handmade items. The event will be held in the education building of the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold, 118 W. Main St., Freehold. Admission is free. Interested artists should contact the Freehold Borough Arts Council at 732-567- 2884 or info@freeholdborougharts.org