(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Celebrate the sounds of the season! The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College presents a full schedule of holiday shows throughout the month of December. Theatre, music, and dance performances are on the schedule.

Yates Musical Theatre for Children presents A Christmas Carol - Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00pm.  This musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol tells the timeless tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who hated Christmas. When visits from three ghosts take him on a journey into the past, present, and future, Scrooge discovers the true meaning of the season. A heartwarming theatre experience that will put everyone in the holiday spirit. Sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center. Tickets range from $16-$19.

OCC Concert Band: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00pm. Come along for an unforgettable evening of music, cheer, and holiday spirit! A dazzling collection of your favorite seasonal tunes, performed by the talented members of the OCC Concert Band. From classic carols to contemporary arrangements, plus a visit from Santa, the concert will fill the air with warmth, joy, and celebration. Tickets: Adults $28, Seniors $24, Children $14.

Broadway for the Holidays 5 - December 12, 13, 19, 20, 2025 at 7:30pm and December 13, 14, 20, 21, 2025 at 2:00pm. Back by popular demand, OCC Repertory Theatre Company’s festive extravaganza brings the magic of Broadway to the holiday season like never before. Join OCC students and community members for a journey through the beloved songs and timeless classics that capture the spirit of the holidays. From heartwarming ballads to toe-tapping showstoppers, Broadway for the Holidays 5 promises an unforgettable musical experience for the whole family. Tickets: Adults $26, Seniors $24, Students $22.

The Nutcracker - Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 1:00pm & 4:00pm. A Grunin Center holiday tradition! The Ballet for Young Audiences production of The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, the favorite godchild of Herr Drosselmeyer, a mysterious clockmaker, who helps to transport Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to a special realm. This condensed version of the ballet is narrated to help young ballet enthusiasts enjoy the performance. Sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center. Tickets: Adults $19, Children $16.

Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas - Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 7:00pm. Celebrating an incredible milestone of 40 years, Cherish the Ladies have captured the hearts of audiences around the world with their exhilarating blend of traditional Irish music, breathtaking vocals, and propulsive step dancing. This holiday season, Cherish the Ladies present their beloved Celtic Christmas program—a festive, family-friendly concert filled with holiday cheer and Irish spirit. Tickets range from $44-$50.

Celtic Christmas Celebration by Darrah Carr Dance - Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:00pm. A joyous and spirited performance that blends the traditions of Irish dance with contemporary flair. Set to live Irish music, the choreography captures the energy, warmth, and storytelling spirit of both Christmas and Celtic culture. Audiences are treated to a dynamic mix of percussive beats, elegant lines, and festive melodies that evoke both nostalgia and novelty. An unforgettable experience for families, dance lovers, and holiday revelers alike. Tickets range from $40-$45.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit grunincenter.org or contact the Grunin Center Box Office at 732-255-0500. 

For 60 years, Ocean County College, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, has provided area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. OCC is an innovative academic leader offering affordable, student-centered, high-quality educational experiences that empower diverse learners to achieve their goals while enriching the communities they serve.