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!
Ocean City
Christmas Craft & Fine Art Festival
Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m.
Ocean City Civic Center, 6th St. off the Boardwalk
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., shop over 60 fine artists, crafters and photographers. Featured handcrafted items include everything from Christmas décor galore, ceramics, American Doll clothes, jewelry and reindeer to stained glass, candles, pet apparel and treats. Fine art and photography can be framed while you browse. Gourmet foods are yours for the tasting. Every offering is handmade in the USA by the seller in the booth. A $3 donation and booth rental fees benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard and Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Parking is free at 6th St. and Atlantic Ave. For information, call (609) 365-2239. On show days, call (609) 399-6111.
“Earlier Than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza
Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 a.m.
Downtown Ocean City
Get out early and start your shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to noon. Shop in your pajamas for early bird specials! For more information, call 1 (800) BEACH-NJ.
Holiday Fine Art & Handicraft Fair
Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m.
Ocean City Civic Center, 6th St. off the Boardwalk
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., browse more than 60 new exhibitors. The Jersey Shore Artisans Guild celebrates 15 years in Ocean City with a new cast of crafters, artists and photographers. Discover everything beautiful for the holidays, including magnificent wreaths and trees, floral decorations, jewelry, custom gift baskets, sturdy wooden toys, glass, blankets, metal art, soaps and lotions. Every item guaranteed made to be hand-made in the USA by the person in the booth. A $3 donation and booth rental fees benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Parking is free at the 6th St. lot. For information, call (800) 822-4112. On show days, call (609) 399-6111.
Cape May
Holiday Crafts Fair
Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave.
A must visit for those on your holiday gift lists. Shop for unique handmade gifts and seasonal decorations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2. 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. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 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. daily. For more information, visit www.discovercapemaynj.com.
Hospitality Night on the Mall
Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.
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 96 merchants of the Mall open their doors from 5 to 9 p.m. and 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.
Sea Isle City
Girls Weekend
Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19
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, salons and other businesses throughout town. There will be discounts on lodging, spa treatments, a wide variety of merchandise and tempting food and drink specials. Girls Weekend will also feature wine tastings, complementary refreshments, live entertainment, discounted massage and yoga sessions, dancing and more. 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. 10
Throughout Sea Isle City
Check off something for everyone on your list this year 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 as the city debuts this brand new event. Bring the entire family and enjoy Santa, shopping, dining, carolers, entertainment and more! For more information, call (609) 263-9090 or visit www.seaislechamber.com.
Stone Harbor
Merchants’ Hospitality Night
Friday, Nov. 25 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 stoneharborbeach.com.
Visit www.dotheshore.com/events/events-calendar for more local shopping events!