Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday Events Guide – 2024

Thanksgiving Weekend is a scattershot of festive events in every town across the Cape. Every town has lots to do. Don’t miss Sea Isle City’s Christmas parade this weekend! Also, the massive Congress Hall is one of our favorite places to find holiday decorations and is a great place to hang out by a fire. Five-Mile-Island especially has a dense variety of activities this weekend. Did we miss something? Email chall@cmcherald.com

Avalon 

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5k + 1.5M walk 

Friday, Nov.  29 at 10 a.m.    

30th & Avalon Ave.  

The Turkey Trot benefits the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. The 5K starts at 10 a.m. followed by the walk kicking off at 10:05 a.m. We encourage festive dress up and will have a prize for the best dressed group! 

Story Time with Mrs. Claus 

Friday, Nov.  29 at 10 a.m.  

Avalon Library, 235 32nd Street 

It’s that time of year again! Join Mrs. Claus for stories, songs, and a craft! 

Festive Friday 

Friday, Nov.  29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Avalon’s Shopping District 

There is a full schedule of holiday-themed activities, games, face painting, balloon art, crafts, and more.Santa and Mayor McCorristin will arrive at 5pm for a special tree-lighting ceremony to light up the town! For a full schedule, visit visitavalonnj.com/thanksgiving-weekend-2024 

Snowfest Saturday 

Avalon’s Shopping District 

Saturday, Nov.  30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Snowfest Saturday is a free family fun event with bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, trampolines, a rock wall, carnival rides, and live ice sculpting.  Santa will be in his sleigh at 21st & Dune Drive for photos, but get in line by 3:30 p.m. There will also be Holiday Performances throughout the day by The Corner Boys & Co. Full schedule at visitavalonnj.com/thanksgiving-weekend-2024 

Cape May 

Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall 

Friday, Nov. 29 through Tuesday, Dec. 31  

Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place, Cape May 

Congress Hall transforms into a beautiful Winter Wonderland. The massive hotel is decked with festive decor around every corner. Outside on the lawn, you’ll find our Enchanted Vendor Village, complete with an array of shopping finds from local and regional merchants. Take a spin on the Congress Hall Carousel, and step right up for a ride on the Congress Hall Express around the hotel’s Veranda.  

Cape May Stage: The Gift of the Magi  

Through December 29   

405 Lafayette St. 

Based on O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” a short story set in Victorian times, this modern adaptation updates the tale of love and sacrifice to the modern day. See it all at this award-winning local theater.   

Black Friday on the Mall 

Friday, Nov. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Washington Street Mall 

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves and Musicians will be strolling the mall 2 pm to 4 pm (tentative times). Taking pictures with our visitors on the mall and collecting money for our Cape May Food Bank. 

Small Business Saturday 

Saturday, Nov. 30  

Washington Street Mall 

75+ small businesses will be offering their fantastic products and services, with many featuring great sales and specials, all among festive décor. Complete with live music from The Honeyhawks and The Mill Creek Pickers from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Tree Lighting Festivities at La Mer 

Saturday, Nov. 30 from 5 to 8 p.m.  

La Mer Beachfront Resort, 1317 Beach Ave. 

Join us at La Mer’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony for an evening filled with live entertainment, festive drinks, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the magical moment when our sparkling tree ignites the holiday season with joy and wonder. 

Angelus Chorus Free Concert 

Sunday, December 1 at 7 p.m. 

Cape May Methodist Church, 635 Washington Ave. 

Come hear the Angelus Chorus, Cape May County’s community choir, ring in the season with a variety of holiday favorite tunes, from hymns to holiday pop songs. 

Ocean City  

Horse & Carriage Rides  

Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m. through Dec. 22  

6th & Asbury Ave.   

Photos with Santa – Music Pier 

Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. through Dec. 22 

Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk 

Photos with Santa – Downtown 

Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 11 a.m. through Dec. 22 

Soifer Park, 901 Asbury Ave. 

Festive Fridays 

Every Friday through Dec. 20 

Along Asbury Ave.

Every Friday, starting Black Friday, come to downtown Ocean City to celebrate Christmas with shopping specials, beautiful Christmas decorations, and enjoy horse and carriage rides from 4 to 7 p.m., departing at 6th & Asbury.  

Fast & Furriest 5k  

Thursday, Nov.  28 at 8:30 a.m.  

Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk 

This fundraiser run, for the Humane Society of Ocean City, has a 5k and 1 mile kids fun run. Those who can’t run are encouraged to participate by walking.  

Christmas in the Downtown 

Friday, Nov.  29 from 2 to 5 p.m.  

Along Asbury Avenue 

Join the merchants & Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas. 

Sea Isle City  

Sea Isle City Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting  

Friday, November 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Parade route: 49th St & Central Ave to 59th St and Central Ave, then 59th St and Landis Ave to 40th Street. Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa to follow at Excursion Park. 

Shop Small Business Weekend 

Friday to Sunday, Nov.  30 to Dec. 1  

Score some great Holiday deals and discounts at participating businesses throughout town. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list when you shop small (and local) in Sea Isle City. Find a list of participating businesses at seaislechamber.com/shop-small-weekend 

Winter Village 

Friday and Saturday, Nov.  29 + 30  

Excursion Park, 2 41st Street 

On Friday night, Nov. 29, attendees will have a chance to shop in the Shopping Village from 2 to 9 p.m. while enjoying the tree lighting and parade. Saturday’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature winter-themed bounce houses, an ice sculptor, holiday crafts, and more.  

Stone Harbor 

Holiday Market & Carousel & Scavenger Hunt 

Friday and Saturday, Nov.  29 + 30  

Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Sign up for a scavenger hunt at one of the booths at the holiday market! You can participate in the hunt both Friday and Saturday.  

Festival of Trees 

Friday and Saturday, Nov.  29 + 30  

Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor, 96th Street at the beach 

Come out for this holiday tree auction fundraiser! Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.  

Stone Harbor Museum Open House 

Friday and Saturday, Nov.  29 + 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

9410 2nd Ave 

Paw Prints Pet Parade 

Friday, Nov.  29 at 1 p.m.  

The parade will go down 96th Street – be sure to register at Paw Prints, on 291 96th street if you want to be a part of this pet parade. At 12:45 the Turning Pointe Dance Studio will give a performance.  

Stone Harbor Tree Lighting 

Friday, Nov.  29 from 5:45 to 6 p.m.  

96th Street 

There’s a 100% chance of snow at this festive lighting!  

Hospitality Night 

Friday, Nov.  29 from 6 to 9 p.m.  

Stone Harbor Business District 

Stroll our merry & bright shopping district and enjoy treats and great deals along the way. 

Downtown Holiday Dash  

Saturday, Nov.  30 at 10 a.m. 

96th Street & First Ave 

Wear your silliest costume and race down 96th Street! Register at 9 a.m.  

Winter Crafts for Kids 

Saturday, Nov.  30 at 11 a.m. 

Stone Harbor Library, 9516 2nd Ave 

Holiday Cookie Stroll 

Saturday, Nov.  30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church  

Join the church for a cookie stroll! Stroll through a wonderland of homemade treats and holiday cheer while supporting St. Mary’s at this church fundraiser. 

Stone Harbor Christmas Parade 

Saturday, Nov.  30 at 6:30 p.m. 

Route: Third Ave from 107th Street, right onto 96th Street, left onto Second Ave. to 95th Street. Quiet zone: Second Ave. 

Wildwoods 

Wildwood Crest Turkey Trot 

Thursday, Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. 

Crest Pier, 5700 Atlantic Ave 

Please join us for a fun filled Thanksgiving morning.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. The 5K route starts and finishes at Crest Pier on Ocean Ave. Registration fees are $30 for adults and $10 for kids under 18 years of age. All proceeds benefit the TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation. For more information 609.780.4223 or tjhuntmemorialfund.com 

Family Holiday Beach Bonfire 

Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. 

Enjoy family fun including music and free photo ops with Santa and other winter wonderland characters from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Donation: $10 adults, $2 children 12 & under. Hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. Rain date November 30. For more information visit WildwoodHoliday.com 

Christmas in North Wildwood 

Friday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, December 1 

Olde New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood 

Christmas takes over North Wildwood with decorations, a scavenger hunt, and more. Stay tuned for more detailed information! 

Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village 

Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Byrne Plaza, Wildwood 

The 5th Annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village… a completely outdoor shopping experience. Shop Small Business Saturday like never before. Local small business vendors will be on hand for you to purchase the perfect holiday gift! 

Wildwoods December Restaurant Week 

Friday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 9  

Participating restaurants will offer a $40 three-course pre-fixe menu (plus tax & gratuity). For a list of establishments, days open during the week and menus visit WildwoodsRestaurantWeek.com 

Holidays at Henville 

Sundays from Dec. 1 to 22  

MudHen Brewing Company, 127 W. Rio Grande Ave 

Enjoy entertainment at MudHen for the entire family including hot cocoa, s’mores stations, caricatures, face painting, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and live music in the Biergarten! Make sure to visit all the wonderful vendors in the parking lot and finish that shopping list! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting on December 8, 15, and 22!