Events and Happenings

Thursday, December 4

Port Republic City Tree Lighting

6 p.m.

143 Main St., Port Republic

Bundle up this Thursday and kick off the holiday season and join city officials in a beloved tradition. Event highlights include a performance by the students of Port Republic School, free hot chocolate and cookies, a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

Friday, December 5

Luminary Light Festival

5-7 p.m.

Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City

The Absecon Lighthouse invites the public to this festive evening filled with caroling and DJ tunes, a full moon lighthouse climb, tree lighting and a lovely wine and cheese tasting for all guests to enjoy. Tickets are $25, with proceeds supporting the Absecon Lighthouse. For more information, call 609-449-1360.

Brigantine Beach Tree Lighting

5:30 p.m.

Brigantine Fire Department, 15th St. S. and W. Brigantine Ave.

Join the Brigantine Beach Chamber of Commerce and local community members in celebrating the season with a tree lighting this Friday. The event will include performances by the Brigantine Community School Choir and Casey’s Dance Studio. There will be plenty of music, dancing, guest character appearances, photo opportunities, special gifts for the kids and Santa himself will be there.

Ventnor City Tree Lighting

5:30 p.m.

Ventnor City Hall, 6201 Atlantic Ave.

Join Ventnor City officials as they start the holiday season with a festive Christmas tree lighting. The event will include an enchanting performance by the Margate Community Church Bell Choir.

Ocean City Christmas Parade

6 p.m.

Downtown Asbury Ave., Sixth-11th St.

This year’s parade will feature performances by marching bands, along with appearances by Martin and Mollie Mollusk, Buddy the Elf, the Salvation Army Brass Band and Santa Claus. For more information, visit https://www.ocnj.us/ChristmasParade.

Somers Point Porch Performances

6 p.m.

Somers and Bay Ave.

Join the Somers Point Unique Experiences Club for its annual Porch Performances as the Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol.” At 6 p.m., gather at 37 Somers Ave. for Act 1 and then the group will visit three additional performances in Somers Point’s Historic Bayfront District for the remaining acts. The event will culminate at Gregory’s, where light holiday refreshments will be served. Call 609-233-1820 for more information.

Matthew Bee Memorial Fund

Mocktails and Cocktails Gala

5:30-10 p.m.

Linwood Country Club, 500 Shore Road, Linwood

Enjoy an evening of live music, signature mocktails and cocktails, raffle drawings and festive food. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Matthew Bee Memorial Fund and their mission to help individuals and families in our community battling addiction and mental health issues. Tickets are available via Eventbrite

Saturday, December 6

Mays Landing Dickens of a Holiday Craft Fair

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Downtown Mays Landing

Open to all, this event invites everyone to jump-start the holiday season with over 100 vendors in attendance. Vendors will be set up inside the Mays Landing Library, All Wars Memorial Park and at the Presbyterian Church in Mays Landing. All three locations are within walking distance

Christmas Fair and

Market at Somers Mansion

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bay Ave. and MacArthur Blvd., Somers Point

Grab your family and friends and head to Somers Mansion for their 5th Annual Christmas Market. This holiday extravaganza will include live music, food trucks, shopping, mansion tours, a kid’s area and visits from Santa.

Holiday Bazaar at Atlantic City Country Club

4-7 p.m.

1 Leo Fraser Drive, Northfield

A family-friendly winter celebration, featuring vendor exhibits from local shops and businesses, a complimentary hot cocoa station, cookie decorating and crafts for kids, a bounce house, festive wagon rides and fireworks to end the night. Admission is free and open to the public.

Galloway Tree Lighting Ceremony

4-6 p.m.

Ventnor Ave. from New Haven to Nashville Aves.

The event will include cookies and hot chocolate provided by Galloway EMS, along with letters to Santa, hot donuts, performances by the Absegami High School Choir and the arrival of Santa by firetruck, followed by a spectacular tree lighting and fireworks to end the night. Please bring a toy to donate for Toys for Tots.

Ventnor City Twilight Holiday Parade

5 p.m.

Ventnor Ave. from New Haven to Nashville Aves.

Join Ventnor City for an evening of holiday fun as the annual parade rolls through town, featuring marching bands, fire trucks, floats, classic cars, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. The event is hosted by the Ventnor City Beautification Committee.

Somers Point Christmas Parade

6 p.m.

Shore Road, from Dawes Ave. to City Hall

Come join Somers Point’s annual tradition, featuring a wide array of floats, marching bands, decorated cars, trucks and boats, plus the arrival of Santa himself. Scheduled for this year are appearances by Miss New Jersey America, and Miss Teen New Jersey America, the Mainland High School Band, the Positive Movement Drumline from Philadelphia and the Greater Kensington String Band. Children will be invited to visit Santa at Somers Point City Hall at the conclusion of the parade.

*Storybook Land is transformed into a winter wonderland as Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Photo by Steffen Klenk*

Egg Harbor City Tree Lighting

6:30 p.m.

Egg Harbor City Library, 100 Philadelphia Ave.

Join city officials and the community for a celebration of the season, with a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., plus Santa arriving by fire truck, goodie bags for kids, holiday music by local groups and a DJ. A Winter Bazaar will take place at 4 p.m.

Christmas on the Lake

6-8:30 p.m.

Lifepoint Church, 733 E. Lily Lake Road, Galloway

Come celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with fun festivities, including a tractor-pulled sleigh ride through a lighted trail, local craft vendors, delicious (and free) seasonal snacks, fun kids’ crafts, a cozy bonfire and more.

Sunday, December 7

Hammonton Rotary’s Galloping Grinch 5K Run/Fun Walk

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Fairgrounds, 1 Mt. Carmel Lane, Hammonton

Sunday is Funday as racers and walkers strut their stuff in Grinch and holiday attire. Afterwards, enjoy food, hot cocoa, s’mores and vendors at the WinterFest. Medals will be awarded for the top three racers per age group. All participants receive a $5 food voucher. The cost is $45 for runners, $25 for walkers and kids 5 and under are free. Proceed support, Rotary charities. Registration on runsignup.com closes 9 a.m. Dec. 7.

Holiday Hayride Fundraiser

12-3 p.m.

Funny Farm Rescue, 6908 Railroad Blvd., Mays Landing

Enjoy an afternoon of festive fun with a hayride around the animal sanctuary. Hayride tickets are $10 and include a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and a special holiday surprise for children. While you are there, visit Santa and have your photo taken, enjoy visits from Santa’s elves and the Grinch, a holiday market, face painting and more, all to benefit over 750 rescue animals.

Ocean City Library Holiday Festival

1-3:30 p.m.

Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City

Join the Ocean City Library for a free holiday celebration featuring holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, refreshments, a visit from Santa and live music by the Package Goods Orchestra. The Ocean City Historical Museum will be open for tours and will feature their winter exhibit and complete train platform.

Cape Shore Chorale Christmas Concert

3 p.m.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 30th St. and Bay Ave., Ocean City

Join the Cape Shore Chorale when they present their annual Christmas concert. Led by musical director Scott Breiner, the choir will also perform upbeat holiday favorites to get you in the spirit of the season. The concert and light refreshments are free of charge. A free-will donation will be gratefully accepted.

Monday, December 8

Musical Connections

1 p.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Feel the stress of the day peel away as you enjoy familiar tunes from various genres and instruments with friends and neighbors. Whether you are a caregiver, cared for, or a community member, JFS Village looks forward to welcoming you. RSVP by Dec. 4 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.

Tuesday, December 9

Beyond the Bookshelf: ‘Family of Spies’

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Join JFS Village as they welcome author Christine Kuehn to learn about a never-before-told account of one family’s secret involvement as spies during World War II and their role in the Pearl Harbor bombing. RSVP by Dec. 4 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.

Senior Dance Society

7:30-10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Co. No.1, 447 Bethel Road

Come join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live musical duos every Tuesday. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, December 10

Jane Austen 250th Birthday Celebration

6 p.m.

Otto Bruyns Public Library, 241 W. Mill Road, Northfield

Join an exciting performance celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday as you “meet” the legendary author. Miss Austen will discuss her life and times, as well as fashions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free to attend. Pre-registration is required by calling 609-646-4476.

Friday, December 12

Latkes, Lox & Learning

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Join JFS Village for an engaging program that will explore the history of Hanukkah in a fun, educational way. Expect something a little different as you dive into holiday trivia, hands-on fun and lively discussion, all centered around food and traditions. RSVP by Dec. 8 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.

Saturday, December 13

Sundaes with Santa

1-3 p.m.

Brigantine Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave.

Join Laddie’s Legacy for ice cream sundaes, crafts, visits with Santa and play with many certified therapy animals. This event promises a day of fun for animal-loving kids. This event is free to attend, but seats are limited. Registration is open via the event page at www.laddieslegacy.org.

Saturday, December 20

Holiday Sweet Sale

12-3 p.m.

Atlantic County Historical Society, 907 Shore Road., Somers Point

ACHS will be selling home-baked cookies and other baked goods, along with hundreds of vintage Atlantic City souvenirs and postcards. All proceeds benefit the historical society, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization

Multi-day events

3rd Annual Hammonton Rotary WinterFest

Friday, Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Fairgrounds, 1 Mt. Carmel Lane Hammonton

Shop 40+ vendors in a heated tent or an outdoor courtyard with fire pits, food, hot chocolate and student music. Other attractions include drinks by Blue Rascal, Christmas trees for sale and a DJ playing holiday favorites. Saturday and Sunday will be for the kids with Santa arriving by fire truck, train rides, a petting zoo, s’mores, games and crafts. The weekend includes a Dance Magic show and the Hammonton High School Chorus. Free entry/parking; toy/food donations appreciated. Stay updated on Facebook.

EHTHS Presents ‘A Christmas Carol’

Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7

Egg Harbor Township High School, 24 High School Drive

Join the EHTHS High School Theatre for their production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, adapted by Romulus Linney. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at ehths.booktix.com.

Ocean City Train Show

Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

The annual Holiday Train Expo returns for two full days, featuring running displays, model trains of all gauges and vendors selling various scale model trains. Admission into the show is free and parking is available at Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk.

4-H Holiday Craft Bazaar

Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3210 Route 50, Mays Landing

Enjoy two full days of shopping, with over 40 vendors set up both indoors and outdoors to help you complete your holiday shopping, along with photos with Santa, a model train display, holiday movies and refreshments available for purchase.

Ventnor Holiday Art & Craft Show

Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ventnor Cultural Arts Center, 6500 Atlantic Ave.

Shop small and local this year and join the Ventnor Cultural Arts Center for their annual holiday show and sale, featuring local artists selling handmade work.

Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

Saturday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 7, 12-3 p.m.

6th St. and Asbury Ave.

Enjoy horse and carriage rides throughout Downtown Ocean City and witness the excitement of America’s Greatest Family Resort during the holiday season. Line up in the Tabernacle parking lot at Sixth St. and Asbury Ave.

Santa Claus in Ocean City

Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7

Enjoy the excitement of America’s Greatest Family Resort during the holiday season and get your photo with Santa himself. The man in the red suit will appear at Soifer Park, located on the corner of Ninth and Asbury, from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa will also be available for photos at the Music Pier between 1 and 3 p.m.

Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights

Now-Tuesday, Dec. 30

6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township

The Christmas Fantasy with Lights has returned to Storybook Land for the season. Watch as Storybook Land is transformed into a winter wonderland as Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Visit www.storybookland.com for ticket information and updated hours.

Health and Wellness

Monday Meditation and Stretching

Mondays, 11:30 a.m.

Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway

The Atlantic County Wellness Center provides a weekly meditation, follow-up discussion and light stretch on Mondays. Newcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

Depression and Anxiety Group

Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City

This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

NAMI Family Support and Connection Groups

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7-8:30 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point

Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ experiences and challenges. Visit www.namiacm.org or email info@namiacm.org for more information.

MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

Thursday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.

These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as stress reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays and at 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at 609-652-3800, ext. 0301, or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.

Dementia Support Group