It’s never too early to start Christmas shopping! Start searching for those perfect gifts now and avoid the stress of last minute running around. Read on to find some local shopping events that can help you check off everyone on your holiday gift list!
Cape May
Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Show
Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24 at 10 a.m.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave.
Shop a vast assortment of craft vendors who have truly unique items for sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Crafts at Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave.
Dozens of crafters offer everything from jewelry to leather goods, from fashion and accessories to water colors, so you are sure to find all the perfect gifts you’ve been searching for—and of course, a little something for yourself. Show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.discovercapemaynj.com.
Washington Street Mall Hospitality Nights
Thursday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 7
Washington Street Mall
Stroll the three-block pedestrian walk and experience an old-fashioned small town Christmas in Cape May. Get in the holiday spirit with lights, festive décor, carolers and maybe event Santa himself, if you’ve been good this year. The merchants of the mall extend holiday hospitality to friends and neighbors, offering an array of interesting and unusual items, as well as seasonal treats. For more information, visit www.heartofcapemay.com.
Ocean City
“Earlier Than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza
Saturday, Nov. 17 at 8 a.m.
Downtown Ocean City
Get out earlier than the bird and jump start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to noon. Shop in your pajamas for early bird shopping specials! For more information, call 1 (800) BEACH-NJ.
Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”
Friday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street & 11th Street
Ocean City’s small-town version of “Black Friday” takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown stores will offer discount shopping for gifts, and many Asbury Avenue restaurants will be open. Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available. Entertainment and Christmas carols will begin at 4 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. Singer Jackie Evancho will perform and offer a preview of her show on Saturday. The event culminates around 5 p.m. when Santa Claus will emerge on the rooftop of City Hall and light the City Hall Christmas Tree.
Sea Isle City
Girls Weekend
Friday, Nov. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 18
Throughout Sea Isle City
During Girls Weekend, shoppers can celebrate the fall season and prepare for the coming holidays with special offers at retailers, restaurants, salon and fitness services, lodging and other businesses throughout town. Girls Weekend will also feature wine tastings, live entertainment, dancing and more. Jitney service will be available on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Participating businesses will be easy to identify thanks to colorful “Girls Weekend” flags hanging in front of stores and restaurants. For more information, call (609) 263-9090.
Holiday Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 8
Throughout Sea Isle City
Check off something for everyone on your list as you stroll through Sea Isle City to get your holiday shopping done! Browse through a variety of Sea Isle City businesses featuring discounts and hospitalities for the entire family! For more information, call (609) 263-9090.
Stone Harbor
Merchants’ Hospitality Night
Friday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.
96th Street Downtown Shopping District
From 6 to 9 p.m., visit merchants in the downtown shopping district and enjoy holiday favorites by a brass quartet and refreshments while you shop. Take advantage of all the Black Friday sales! For more information, visit www.stoneharborbeach.com.
Wildwood
Holiday Bazaar during Family Holiday Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk
During the Wildwoods’ Family Holiday Celebration, there will be a shopping bazaar as well as children’s activities, entertainment and holiday movies from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (609) 729-9000 or visit www.wildwoodholiday.com.
Christmas on the Plaza
Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8
Byrne Plaza, Oak & Pacific avenues
Wildwood’s kick-off to the holiday season will feature a craft bazaar for shopping, as well as children’s entertainment, music and more! Friday hours are 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call (609) 318-4504 or visit www.DOOWW.com.
Visit www.dotheshore.com/events for more local shopping events!