Events this Week: Dec. 20 – 27, 2023

Merry Christmas! The holiday is right around the corner, but last-minute holiday events are still happening across the peninsula. Orange links are clickable.

Ice Skating at ICONA Avalon’s Winter Wonderland 

Friday to Sunday, Dec. 22 – 24 

7849 Dune Drive, Avalon 

ICONA Resort in Avalon is all decked out for the holidays, including an outside heated sand bar with festive decorations, a cash bar, hot chocolate, skate rentals, and live music on Saturdays – all right by the ocean. 12 – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 – 6 p.m. on Sunday. Skating is $10 for a 90 minute pass, including rentals.  

Congress Hall Winter Wonderland  

Daily through Jan. 1 

200 Congress Place, Cape May 

The festive tradition returns for its 13th year – come see the massive Christmas tree, explore the fully decorated hotel, shop a festive village of local vendors, ride the holiday carousel, take a ride on the “Congress Hall Express,” or read a book by one of the heated seating spots. Weekdays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

Winter Solstice Belleplain Hike 

Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. 

Belleplain State Park’s Nature Center 

Meet at the park’s Nature Center at 10 a.m. sharp for this winter hike! 

Holiday Tea Time in Avalon 

Thursday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m.  

History Center, 215 39th St, Avalon 

Please join us for a special holiday Tea Time, featuring local tea connoisseur, Dawn O’Connor of Enchanted Tea & Treasures. Dawn will share a brief history and unique details about a variety of teas, herbals, infusions and tisanes. Registration not required, but appreciated. 

Avalon Tech Topic: AI and Chat GPT 

Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. 

Library, 235 32nd St, Avalon, 

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a branch of computer science where smart machines can mimic human intelligence. This tech topic class will talk about what AI can do, and why ChatGPT and other AI tools are so popular. 

Festive Friday in Ocean City 

Friday, Dec. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. 

Asbury Ave 

Asbury Avenue will host a final Festive Friday with shopping, carolers, and free horse-and-carriage rides from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. 

Photos with Santa in Ocean City 

Saturday, Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Santa makes his final rounds at Mark Soifer Park, 9th Street and Asbury Avenue. From Noon to 3 p.m., Santa will make one last stop for the season at the Ocean City Music Pier.   

Battle at the Boards Basketball Tournament 

Saturday, Dec. 23  

Wildwoods Convention Center 

The event will feature boys and girls games involving area schools such as Lower Cape May, Wildwood and Wildwood Catholic; and many more from South Jersey and the surrounding areas. For more information, team schedules, and ticket information, visit bbclassic.com 

Full Moon Hike at Belleplain 

Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. 

Meet at the Belleplain Park office, 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine

Thursday Belleplain Group Hike 

Thursday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. 

Meet at the Belleplain Park office, 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine