From underwater Santa sightings to tree lightings by the ocean, the holidays at the Jersey Shore hit different. Whether you’re shopping at Asbury Park’s Holiday Bazaar at Convention Hall or watching Ocean City’s drone show above the boardwalk, these Shore towns offer some of the season’s most festive events along the coast.
A year-round artist enclave, Asbury Park amps it up for the holidays with the return of the Holiday Bazaar by Asbury Park Bazaar, taking over the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall and The Asbury Hotel. Now in its 11th year, the seasonal market brings together artists, makers, musicians, and collectors for a celebration of community, culture, and creativity by the sea.
Vendors will be selling handcrafted goods and unique gifts. Live music, craft workshops, and great food—all the things that make Asbury Park such a beloved oceanside town—are also on the schedule. Kids can enjoy face painting, the Kids’ Winter Village Workshop by Laplaca Pottery Works, photos with Santa, and vendors like EarResistible Thread that sell Disney-inspired goods. A custom ornament engraving station, children’s booksellers and pop-up charm bar are family favorites. Adult craft workshops at The Asbury Hotel include the Holiday Wreath Workshop with Amber & Earth, and the Beach Bum Beauty Candle Making Workshop.
The Holiday Bazaar kicks off at the Convention Hall location from 12-8 p.m. Black Friday (November 28); and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 21. Hours of operation for Convention Hall are Fridays 3-8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 12-5 p.m. The Asbury Hotel location is open only on Sundays, November 30, and December 7 and 14, from 12- 5 p.m. The Winter Waves free local music series runs on Fridays, November 28 to December 19, starting at 7 p.m. in the Grand Arcade. Check the website for a full list of events and vendors.
The Holiday Bazaar has locations in Long Branch and New Brunswick as well.
While in town, check out the restaurants and shops on and near Cookman Avenue. Have a latte or lunch at Makana’s, shop for your favorite read at Asbury Book Cooperative, or find a vintage gift at the Antique Emporium of Asbury Park.
Ocean Grove
It’s only a short drive down Ocean Avenue, but the trip from Asbury Park to Ocean Grove will transport holiday revelers back in time to an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Known for its colorful gingerbread-style houses, cozy cafes, and quaint shops, this charming oceanfront community feels like the setting of a Hallmark movie.
Ocean Grove kicks off its festive season with Small Business Saturday and photos with Santa from 1-3 p.m. on November 29.
The true shining star of Ocean Grove’s Christmas celebration is a week later on Saturday, December 6, with the 39th Annual Victorian Holiday House Tour. Visitors can step inside private homes, charming inns, the Centennial House, the Historical Society Museum, and one of Ocean Grove’s iconic tents, all decked out with holly, garland, and lights. Complimentary old-time trolleys shuttle visitors between locations. The self-guided tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tree lighting, live Nativity and concert will take place from 5-6 p.m. on December 6.
While you’re there, stroll Main Avenue and stop into Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe or Odyssey Coffee for a sweet treat and warm drink. Pop into quaint shops like Serenity by the Sea, which sells handcrafted jewelry, soaps, and ballet tutus; or Comfort Zone, which carries books, toys and games, and skincare products.
Point Pleasant Beach and Borough
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is lighting up the holiday season on land and under the sea with its inaugural “Seas & Greetings” event. A diving Santa, bubble and magic shows, ice skating, face painting, and Fishmas Tales storytime at Jenkinson’s Aquarium are a few of the holiday happenings for families, taking place from 12-5 p.m. on December 13, 20, 27, and 28.
Camera-ready holiday characters will be strolling the boardwalk, spreading holiday cheer; and Santa will be aboard the Jenkinson’s amusement park train on November 29 and 30, and December 6 and 7. Kids and families can hop aboard and take photos with the Jolly Old Elf. There will also be a limited number of rides in operation. See the website for a complete list of events and times.
For those looking for a sugar fix with all that fun, Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop is open. The Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar and The Shrimp Box are great lunch or dinner options just a short drive from the amusements.
Point Pleasant Beach and Borough, which are separate towns, each have festive tree lightings. The Christmas Tree Lighting in Point Pleasant Beach is November 28 at 4 p.m. (The rain date is November 29 at 4 p.m.) downtown at Arnold and Bay avenues. There will be a DJ, horse and carriage rides, refreshments, and kid-friendly activities. Santa will be available for photo ops at Ocean County Music on Arnold Avenue. Point Pleasant Borough is hosting its annual tree lighting and market in the park on Saturday, December 6, from 4-8 p.m. in Community Park on Bridge Avenue. There will be local vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, and family photo ops. The tree will be lit at 5 p.m., and Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m.
Horse-drawn carriages, a holiday concert, menorah and tree lightings, and a Christmas parade are all part of Ocean City’s lineup of seasonal fun. This year, the holiday schedule is packed with entertainment, from the “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” old-fashioned Christmas on November 28, straight through to the New Year’s Eve First Night Celebration.
Hosted by merchants and the Chamber of Commerce, Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue on November 28 runs from 12-5:30 p.m. and will include a tree lighting, Santa’s arrival at 5 p.m. and a holiday-themed drone light show in the sky over Asbury Avenue at approximately 5:15 p.m.
The annual Holidays with the Ocean City Pops show is Saturday, November 29, at 6 p.m. and will feature classic Christmas song favorites and modern hits, led by conductor Vince Lee, and showcasing the Ocean City Pops Festival Chorus. The show is at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are available at the Ocean City box office and any Welcome Center, or by calling 609-399-6111.
Throughout the season there will be free carriage rides and several opportunities for children to visit with Santa. Mr. Claus will be available for photos on weekends starting November 29 and 30. He will be downtown at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then outside the Music Pier in a lifeguard boat from 1 to 3 p.m.
The annual Christmas Parade on Asbury Avenue is on Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. The train show will be at the Music Pier on December 6 and 7. Festive Fridays are December 12 and 19, when thousands of lights will adorn downtown Ocean City, creating a warm glow for holiday shoppers.
The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah will take place at sundown nightly from December 14 to 22 on the lawn of City Hall to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
The events calendar has a complete list of dates and times for holiday events. For those looking for shopping and dining options in the downtown area, visit Ocean City Vacation. For the details about the First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration, visit the website.
Cape May Court House / Middle Township
Located inland just a short drive from the beaches of Cape May, Cape May Court House offers one of the area’s most festive surprises: the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Here’s a fun fact: Both the zoo and Santa Claus share the same day off: December 25! That’s right, the zoo in Cape May Court House is open for business every other day during the holiday season.
This year, the winter fun begins on Saturday, November 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. with Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration featuring Santa’s village, live music, caroling, ice sculpture carving, family entertainment, and photo opportunities with Santa.
Sponsored by The Cape May County Park and Zoo and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners, live holiday music will be provided by the John Walter Cape Community Band. There will be bounce houses, a Wild Lights walk-through display, and character appearances. Vendors will be selling crafts and collectibles, including unique items from the Cape May County Association of Zoo Keepers. The lighting of the tree will be at 5 p.m. followed by a drone show by Cape May Aerial Ads. The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission and parking at the zoo are always free, but they rely on visitors’ donations to help feed and care for the animals.
Other local holiday events include Christmas in Court House on December 5 at 6 p.m. in Middle Township, featuring a holiday parade, festival, and tree lighting ceremony. The Kids’ Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, December 13, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Deeply Rooted Learning Center (inside Cape Community Church), highlighting local artisans, family crafters, and young entrepreneurs from the Young Makers & Founders Club. Purchases help fund arts education and hands-on learning programs for families across Cape May County.
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Read More:
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Attractions in NJ, NY and PA
Where to See Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Christmas Markets to Visit This Season
