Spending Thanksgiving weekend in Avalon has become a tradition for so many families as they celebrate the holiday at the shore. Spread some holiday cheer among family and friends as you experience activities and performances from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Saturday, Nov. 30.
Kick-off the festivities on Wednesday, Nov. 27 as the 7 Mile Business Community Association (7MBCA) hosts its annual Festival of Trees at The Whitebrier, located at 260 20th St. The event begins at 5 p.m. and features nearly 40 trees and wreaths on display to be auctioned off. The Festival of Trees will be open for bids 5-11 p.m. Wednesday, noon-11pm Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The auction will close at 2 p.m. and successful bidders must pick up their trees by 4 p.m. to get a head start on their holiday shopping.
The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children will host its eighth annual Turkey Trot 5K run and 1.5-mile walk on Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers overall, the top three in each age group, and the most festively dressed team and individual. Preregister online at dillerblindhome.org or stop by Avalon Community Hall the day of the run to sign up, starting at 8 a.m. The event supports the Diller Vacation Home and its mission of providing blind and visually impaired children with an all-expenses-paid week at the shore.
Following the Turkey Trot, head downtown for Festive Friday at 11 a.m., featuring more than 40 free activities for the entire family. From character meet-and-greets, face painters and balloon artists to bounce houses, interactive performances and more, Festive Friday has it all. The event also includes a cozy station, complete with a hot chocolate bar to warm you up as you sing along to popular holiday tunes with help of the Corner Boys & Co. band. In addition to all the activities for the kids, parents will have the opportunity to take advantage of discounts and complimentary refreshments as they pop in and out of the open businesses. At 5 p.m., Mayor Pagliughi and Santa arrive to Veterans Plaza for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
On Saturday, join the Borough of Avalon from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. for its annual Snowfest Saturday along Dune Drive with free, family fun! Take a spin on Jack Frost’s Mini Teacup ride, test your balance on the Pipeline Snowboard ride or conquer the 24-foot “Mount Avalon” rock wall. The Winter Wonderland Band will perform festive tunes, with performances and character meet-and-greets between sets. Santa will pose for family photos in his custom sleigh throughout the day and with help from his elves, families will be able to take home their photo in a keepsake frame, courtesy of the Borough of Avalon.
A full schedule of events is available at visitavalonnj.com and in the holiday issue of Seven Mile Times, 7milepub.com.