AVALON — The Borough of Avalon invites you to kick off the holiday season as it transforms into a winter wonderland with fun for the entire family over Thanksgiving weekend. There is a full lineup of events including the Festival of Trees, the Turkey Trot, Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday.
The annual Festival of Trees event opens at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at the Whitebrier, located at 260 20th St. Sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association, the auction event features more than 40 trees and wreaths beautifully decorated by local businesses. While browsing the trees and wreaths, guests may bid on their favorites. The Whitebrier will offer a light fare menu as well. The bidding resumes Friday, Nov. 25 from noon to 8 p.m. Once the auction is closed, winners will be able to take home their tree or wreath that day to get a start on holiday decorating.
On Friday, Nov. 25, lace up your running shoes and burn off those extra Thanksgiving calories in the fifth annual Turkey Trot 5K run and 1.5-mile walk to support the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children’s 2017 summer camp season. The run will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the walk at 10:15 a.m. Preregistered participants may pick up their packets beginning at 8 a.m. at Avalon Community Hall. Day-of registration is also available. Prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women overall, the top three finishers in each age group, and the most festively dressed group or team.
After the Turkey Trot, head to downtown Avalon for Festive Friday, which starts at 11 a.m. Sponsored by 7MBCA, there are more than 40 free activities scheduled throughout the day. Families will be able to pose for photos with different characters, write letters to Santa, create their own waxed hands and more. Pop into your favorite shops and get a head start on holiday shopping while enjoying refreshments and sales. The popular iceless ice skating rink will be located at 21st and Dune Drive and will feature extended skating hours this year until 9 p.m. All of the activities lead up to Avalon’s tree lighting at 5 p.m. with the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus as he joins Mayor Martin Pagliughi to light the tree.
Join the Borough of Avalon the following day for Snowfest Saturday on Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. With a second day of iceless ice skating, frosted festival games and an assortment of rides, the holiday cheer will be endless on Dune Drive. Santa will pose for free family photos in his custom sleigh at Veterans Plaza throughout the day, and families will be able to take home their photos in a keepsake frame, courtesy of the Borough of Avalon.
A full schedule of events is available at www.visitavalonnj.com/special-events.