Red Bank RiverCenter recently unveiled its 2012 Holiday Event schedule, a jam-packed itinerary that kicks off this Friday with a downtown tree lighting and a performance from benefit rockers Holiday Express.

Each year Holiday Express help usher in the holiday season with a public concert right on Broad Street that attracts thousands of visitors from throughout the Greater Red Bank Area. It's a grand way to signal the season but just a taste of what's available to see and do in downtown Red Bank through the end of November and much of December.

From horse and carriage rides to pictures with Santa, the borough's annual Menorah lighting and fun activities like the Holiday Scavenger Hunt and watching the Holiday Harmonies perform, it's all happening in Red Bank.

Below is a complete list of Holiday events and activities, as provided by Red Bank RiverCenter: 

HOLIDAY EXPRESS CONCERT AND TREE LIGHTING

Friday, Nov. 23

Red Bank is hosting its annual tree lighting this Friday at approximately 6:30 p.m. when Santa throws the switch on Monmouth Street. The lighting will be followed by a Holiday Express concert on Broad Street at 7 p.m.

WE DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU HOLIDAY HUNT

Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 16

Visit over 50 participating businesses to find an item inspired by “A Christmas Story.” Once shoppers collect stamps from 15 businesses they can enter to win Red Bank prize packages.

HOLIDAY WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST

Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 16

Businesses will be decorating their windows with inspiration from any holiday movie, the choice is up to them. Voting will be online by the public, winner of the contest will receive a marketing package including advertising.  

HOLIDAY HARMONIES

Saturdays, Nov. 24 – Dec. 22

Red Bank Business District, 12-3pm. Traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, rock, folk, jazz & blues musicians bring holiday tunes to the sidewalks of Red Bank! FREE! Sponsored by Thunder 106 and The Breeze Radio.

CLASSIC HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES

Saturdays, Nov. 24 through Dec. 22 

Every Saturday afternoon, from 1-5 p.m., ride through the Red Bank Business District and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season! Two Locations: Bridge Avenue (across from the Galleria) and 26 Broad Street (at Murphy Style Grill.) FREE! Sponsored by Pauline Poyner.

PICTURES WITH SANTA

Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 24 through Dec. 16 

Kids young and old will enjoy Pictures with Santa taking place from 12-4pm, at The Galleria, 2 Bridge Avenue. Photo packages are available by TSS Photography. Go to www.thegalleriaredbank.com or call 732-530-7300 for more information.

BARBIZON HOLIDAY MANNEQUINS

Sunday, Nov. 24, 1-4pm

Come out and see Barbizon's best models "liven up" the store windows at participating businesses throughout the Red Bank business district!  Sponsored by Barbizon of Red Bank Modeling, Acting and Professional Development.

WESTSIDE COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING

Saturday, Dec. 3, 4pm

Westside Park, Drs. James Parker Boulevard & Shrewsbury Avenue. 

CHAMPAGNE AND SANTA

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6-9pm

A holiday girl’s night out with Santa, featuring champagne, cocktail and menu specials all night at Taste in The Galleria located at 2 Bridge Avenue.  Sponsored by the Red Bank Visitors Center and TSS Photography.

MENORAH LIGHTING

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6pm

Join in the fun with Chanukah songs and dance at the Red Bank Train Station