Here’s the master list of holiday events across Cape May County. The holiday season is the second-busiest time of year here at the shore. From ice skating to tree lightings to Christmas parades to free carnivals, there’s something for everyone this holiday season. Have an event? Email chall@cmcherald.com
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Avalon & Stone Harbor
Wreath Making
Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.
Avalon Free Public Library
Express your style and create your own holiday wreath with fresh greens and colorful accessories. Bad Cat Farms will host the event and provide the materials. Avalon property owners may register beginning Nov. 6. All others may register beginning Nov. 27 – register online at avalonfreelibrary.org/events/art-workshop-wreath-making
Harp Performance with Stephanie Sussmeier
Saturday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m.
Avalon Free Public Library
Enjoy background classical music celebrating the new year with sounds by harpist Stephanie Sussmeier.
Kid’s Event: Happy Noon Year!
Saturday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m.
Avalon Free Public Library
Kids and their families are invited to ring in 2023 in style! Join us for a story, entertainment, cookies, and our famous apple juice champagne!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Saturday, Dec. 31
The 2nd annual celebration returns to Avalon with a beautiful display of fireworks to kick-off 2023. Bring the family and enjoy music, crafts, and hot chocolate at Surfside Park followed by a beautiful display of lights from the 30th street beach.
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Cape May
Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall
Nov. 25 through Jan 1
Congress Hall
Congress Hall is delighted to announce its twelfth annual Winter Wonderland—our beloved holiday spectacular that celebrates this special time of year in Cape May. Join us for old favorites like Breakfast with Santa, Congress Hall Express rides, and Santa’s Workshop activities.
West Cape May Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
Wilbraham Park, between Myrtle and Perry Streets in West Cape May
Visitors can enjoy music, holiday favorites sing along, and light refreshments. This event is a great way to kick off the West Cape May Christmas parade weekend. This event is sponsored by the West Cape May Shade Tree Commission and the Friends of Wilbraham Park.
Congress Hall’s Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 2 – Lighting at 8 p.m.
Congress Hall
Head to Congress Hall’s Grand Lawn as we usher in the spirit of the holidays with our Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music from our Festival Choir as we wait in anticipation. Then, we’ll count down together and throw the switch, illuminating our gorgeous 30-foot Tannenbaum.
6 p.m. – Live music on the lawn
7:30 p.m. – Concert and singalong with the festive chir
8 p.m. – Tree lighting ceremony begins
Rotary Park Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Rotary Park
The Cape May City Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place in Rotary Park. Join us for a night of old – fashioned family fun including caroling, tree lighting and a special visit from Santa Claus!
West Cape May Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3 at 5 p.m. (rain date Dec 4)
Route starts at the Firehouse and ends at the end of Carpenter Lane.
Now in its 55th year, the parade marches through town beginning at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse heading South on Broadway, turning East on Perry, and finishing its route through to the end of Carpenter Lane in the City of Cape May. Each year a small group of volunteers assembles to create an unforgettable hometown memory, made possible by the donations received throughout the year by the Community and its guests.
Cape May Holiday Craft Show
Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 until 3 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall
Shop when the doors open at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, and from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4th. Enjoy a wide range of gifts and holiday décor from local and regional artists and crafters. This arts & craft fair is free and open to the public.
Hospitality Night
Friday, Dec. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Washington Street Mall
Enjoy carolers, our beautiful holiday décor, and a visit from Olde Saint Nick as participating merchants offer discounts and specials along with free lite bites and drinks.
Holiday Concert and Reception
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall
This free holiday reception will once again feature America’s Sweethearts, this time with their live band. The New York City-based trio of classy ladies will perform a concert filled with your favorite holiday tunes. With songs like “Sisters”, “Christmas Land” and “Let It Snow”, you’ll be snuggling up to your sweetie in no time! Light refreshments will be served at the concert.
Community Christmas Celebration
Sunday, Dec. 11 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall
The City of Cape May and Cape May Police Department will be hosting the Nick Fedoroff Community Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 11 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Cape May Convention Hall!
Come join us for an afternoon of FREE family Holiday fun including bounce houses, photo booths, face painting, games and of course Santa!
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Ocean City
Horse & Carriage Rides
Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Come to Ocean City for a horse-drawn carriage ride every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.! The rides will continue every weekend until Christmas
Photos with Santa
Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Music Pier
Santa Claus himself returns to the Music Pier in Ocean City to spread holiday cheer and to – of course – take Christmas photos with families, kids, and the young at heart.
Library Holiday Book Sale
Friday, Dec. 2 from 10 am to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m.
Atrium of the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Avenue
Shop for books, audiobooks, and more as great Holiday gifts! For more information, go to friendsvolunteersocfpl.com
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Friday, December 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Asbury Avenue from 6th to 12th Streets
Registration information at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
St. John’s Christmas Bazaar
Friday, Dec. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1001 Central Ave., Ocean City
St. John Lutheran Church’s Annual Christmas Bazaar features a wide variety of new and slightly used gift items for reasonable prices. Santa will visit both days- (Friday 5-7, Sat. 10-noon). Proceeds benefit victims of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. More info, visit www.stjohnlutheranoc.org
Ocean City Train Show
Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City
Model trains will be on display and for sale at the annual Train Show. Admission is free.
Ocean City’s Holiday Spectacular
Friday, Dec. 16 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Music Pier
The enchanting cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family–oriented, song and dance tribute to the holidays. Through dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects, this extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us as the magic of the season comes to life in a musical journey through seasonal favorites. Show dates December 16th & 17th @ 7:30PM & December 17th & 18th @ 2PM at the Music Pier. For tickets visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
First Night & New Year’s Eve Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 31 from 4 p.m. to midnight
First Night brings family-friendly events all over town, with all-access given to those with first night buttons. For the most up to date schedule, please visit firstnightocnj.com
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Offshore (Lower, Middle, Upper, Dennis)
Middle Township Christmas Parade
Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will travel north on Route 9 from Pacific Ave and will make a left onto Mechanic Street, ending at the Cape May County Library.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop at Township Hall afterwards for the tree lighting ceremony before going to the Middle Township Volunteer Fire Dept. on Hand Ave to hand out candy canes and stockings, a Christmas Carole sing-along for the children and free hot beverages and cookies for guests provided by the Fire Dept. Girl Scout Troop 46436 will provide a S’more bar.
Mini Golf Winter Wonderland
Saturday, Dec. 3 at 12 p.m.
Come play Christmas-themed mini golf at this year-round course. Santa will make an appearance from noon to 1 p.m. There will be food trucks and other festivities.
Secluded Acres Holiday Festival
Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Secluded Acres, 1024 NJ-47, Rio Grande
Santa Claus is coming to town with a visit to Secluded Acres on Saturday, December 3rd from 1-3pm. We’re looking forward to growing happy memories with you and your family!
Lower Township Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.
Parade begins at Breakwater and Bayshore and will continue south on Bayshore ending at Rosehill Pkwy.
Sign up your group, business, or family. Scan the QR Code on the Lower Township website or email for the online application link and join the parade.
Kids’ Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 17 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Deeply Rooted Learning Center, 1159 Rt. 9 South, Cape May Court House
Shop local this holiday season at Cape May County’s only all-kid vendor show. Find handmade items of all kinds, including macrame, clay jewelry, crocheted items, playdough kits, food and drink, and more.
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Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City Historical Museum Holiday Open House
Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Historical Museum, 4800 Central Ave
Come join the museum for a time of community and holiday cheer. Light refreshments will be served and a dedication will take place for the newly-donated carousel horse (from the Marconi Carousel) that was rescued from the destroyed Sea Isle boardwalk.
Holiday Lighting Contest
Nov. 29 – Dec. 8
Preregistration required: Nov. 29 to Dec. 8. Register by call 609-263-6163 or at seaislerec.recdesk.com
Judging starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 8 – Sea Isle City homes and businesses are invited to participate in this holiday competition. Prizes go to first, second and third place winners.
Brunch with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m.
VFW Post 1963, 301 JFK Blvd
Come have an early lunch with Santa himself at the local VFW! Registration begins on November 28 by calling the recreation office at 609-263-0050.
St. Joseph’s Live Nativity Event
Saturday, Dec. 17 at 5
Join St. Joseph’s for a live performance of the original Christmas story featuring live actors and live animals, including goats and a camel!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Saturday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.
JFK Blvd Beach
Fireworks will ring in the new year! Bring a warm blanket and a chair to enjoy the show.
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Wildwoods
Wildwood Crest Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, December 1 at 6 p.m.
Sunset Lake 8000 Bayview Ave, Wildwood Crest
Tree lighting ceremony to kick off the Christmas season in the borough. Live music, light refreshments, visit from Santa Claus and more!
Christmas in the Plaza
Friday, Dec. 2 – Saturday, Dec. 3
Bryne Plaza, 3400 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood
Enjoy free carnival rides and vendors at Byrne Plaza. 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, 111 N. Central Ave, North Wildwood
Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, free tour of the lighthouse and a visit from Santa Claus!
Wildwood Business District Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
Bryne Plaza, 3400 New jersey Ave, Wildwood
Join us at Byrne Plaza for the annual tree lighting ceremony!
Wildwoods Christmas Parade
Friday, Dec. 2 at 6:30
Parade starts at 15th and Central Ave, North Wildwood
Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. at the North Wildwood Recreation Center (10th and Central Avenues). Lineup begins at 5:30 p.m. and the parade starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. with a new route and followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade Awards at 7:30 p.m. at Byrne Plaza, Oak & Pacific Avenues, Wildwood, NJ. The rain date is Sunday December 4.
West Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.
Across from Borough Hall
Come get in the holiday spirit in the smallest Wildwood town. Join the mayor and community members for a night of good cheer as the town’s tree is lit up!
MudHen Holiday Shopping Village
Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MudHen Brewing Co, 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood
This year we are extending to two days in our brewery parking lot with vendors, s’mores stations, hot cocoa bar and photo ops from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. held in our main parking lot.
Grab a pint or some complementary hot cocoa and browse from a selection of local artisans and vendors. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 4 to 8 p.m. on the patio and live music from KY & Johnny in our Biergarten. Donna Cox will be back for face painting, available from 1 to 5 p.m. Caricatures will also be available 2 to 5 p.m.
Holly Beach Park Winter Wonderland
Dec. 9 – Dec. 17
123 E. Andrews Ave, Wildwood
Enjoy Wildwood’s very own Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park. The light show will run every half hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 9-10 and 16-17. Bring the family and enjoy the light show with complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Light show and decorations will be on display nightly from 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. until January 13th.
Convention Center Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center
The festivities begin with the Holiday Bazaar featuring family fun, entertainment, pictures with Santa, movies, and crafters. The fun begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends with a tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Wildwoods Boardwalk Christmas 5k
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
Event starts at 10 a.m. – rain or shine – limited to the first 150 participants who are asked to register on-line. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive holiday outfits. The race route will take place on the Wildwoods Boardwalk and will be available closer to the event date. Registration is $30 per person or $20 if you donate a new, unwrapped toy for local children in need of holiday cheer. 609.849.8887 or lynchtoydrive.com/pinch
North Wildwood Family Christmas Celebration
Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17
North Wildwood Entertainment District on Old New Jersey Ave.
Come out and enjoy lots of fun family activities, firepits, holiday hayrides and much more! Times to be announced.
“Santa Paws” in North Wildwood
Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m.
North Wildwood Entertainment District
Come out and enjoy doggie treats and photo ops at participating establishments along the route. The walk begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Surfing Pig then proceeds to the Anglesea Pub, Kennan’s, and ends at the Inlet. Prizes will be awarded for best dog and human costumes! For more information visit wildwoodholiday.com
Wildwood Crest Holiday Lights Walk
Monday, Dec. 19 at 5:30
Meet at the corner of Rambler Road and New Jersey
Walkers will take an approximately 30-minute walk along Sunset Lake and the surrounding neighborhood to view the various holiday and Christmas light displays. The walk will be led by Wildwood Crest Mayor’s Wellness Campaign coordinator Laura Farrall.