• The New Egypt Elks Lodge invites families to the lodge at 105 Lakewood Road, Plumsted, any Wednesday or Friday evening, until at least New Year's Eve, 5-10 p.m. to see its interactive train set. The set has working trains, an illuminated town and lots of surprises. There is no charge to see the display. Details: 609-758-8700.

• New Egypt Recreation Baseball will hold spring registration 6-8 p.m. Dec. 18 at New Egypt High School, Evergreen Road, Plumsted. The "early bird" cost for those who register before Dec. 20 is $110 per individual, $175 per family, and $85 for Tball. The cost after Dec. 20 is $120 per individual, $185 per family, and $95 for Tball. Checks will be accepted with a postdate up to and including Jan. 31. Details: www.newegyptbaseball.com.

• Jackson United Methodist Church, 68 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, invites the community to attend its annual living Nativity at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Donations of nonperishable food items for the Jackson Food Pantry will be accepted. Details: 732- 833-8808.

• A living Nativity will be held at De- Bows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 537 and Route 571, Jackson, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Live animals including a donkey, sheep and goats will be part of the re-enactment of the birth of Christ. The program will include the reading of the scripture, and hot soup, coffee, tea and cookies will be provided at the end of each performance. Details: 732-928-4475.

• The Food Pantry at DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 537 and Route 571, Jackson, will be open to area residents Dec. 22 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Details: 732-928-4475.

• The Lakewood library, 301 LexingtonAve., Lakewood, will present Hanukkah traditions at 7 p.m. Dec. 22. A local resident will present a discussion on traditions of Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays. Kosher refreshments will be served. This program is free and open to the public. Details: 732-363-1435, ext. 2511.

• Jackson's Hanukkah menorah lighting will be held 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 23 at Jackson town hall, West Veterans Highway, and will feature free refreshments and music. The public is also invited to light the menorah and recite the Hanukkah blessings on Dec. 21-22 and Dec. 24-29, at 4:15 p.m.

• The Howell Historical Society will hold its annual Holiday Open House 1-4 p.m. Dec. 27 at the McKenzie Museum, 427 Lakewood-Farmingdale Road, Howell. Light refreshments will be served at the free event. Details: 732-779-4199.

• "The Shadow of a Bug," a puppet show for ages 3 and up, will be performed at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, at 11 a.m. Dec. 29. Join FBI (Fuzzy Bug Investigator) Sam Shovel as he searches the bug world for a missing caterpillar. Sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson Library. Details: 732-928-4400.

• Bowling and pizza, sponsored by the JCC of Western Monmouth, will be offered at Howell Lanes, Howell, from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 2. The cost is $12 per child in advance (by Dec. 23) or $15 at the door. Details: 732-683-9300 or ian@jccw.com.

• Registration for tai chi classes for adults is currently being accepted at the Howell recreation building, 251 Preventorium Road. The program will be held Jan. 6 to Feb. 5 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6-7 p.m. for intermediates and 7- 8 p.m. for advanced students. Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, incorporates gentle movements, meditation and breathing to improve health and well-being. Fee: $50 for the five-week, 10-class session. Details: 732-938-4500, ext 2501.

• Cooking Healthy With Chef Mike will be offered to children in kindergarten through eighth grade by the Howell Recreation Department on Thursdays, Jan. 8 through Feb. 19 (no class Feb. 12), at Howell Memorial Middle School, 485 Adelphia Road, Howell. Details and times: 732-938- 4500, ext. 2501.