The Margate Business Association will welcome the holiday season with shopping specials, family entertainment and a visit from American Sign Language (ASL) Santa during its Shop Small Extravaganza, presented by Bocca Coal Fired Bistro, from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.
The event will take place along Ventnor Avenue between Douglas and Essex avenues, with street closures in the event area. Local businesses will offer holiday sales and discounts throughout the afternoon.
Santa will arrive at noon aboard a Margate City Fire Department truck, traveling along Essex Avenue. The Mainland Cheerleading Squad will perform in front of Bocca at approximately 12:30 p.m.
USA DJ will provide holiday music, sing-alongs, games and giveaways, including Wawa coffee and Bocca coupons. Additional attractions include an inflatable obstacle course, free cornhole, inflatable Lucy the Elephant and Grinch characters.
Miss New Jersey 2026 Kylie Gene Wright will make a strolling appearance and pose for photos with visitors.
Outdoor activities will feature Hot Bagels & More, Sustainable Margate’s prize wheel, a caricature artist, MBA crafts and a tricky tray raffle. The Margate Mothers’ Association will offer a free hot cocoa bar. Participating vendors include Doggie Beach Boutique, Dayna Troiano Pet Services and Jamaican Me Crazy. The Atlantic County Utilities Authority will bring its Supercan and activity tent.
Inside Bocca, children can meet Santa, communicate with him through speech or sign language, and share their holiday wish lists. Bocca will offer complimentary pizza slices and soda. East Coast Fairy Hair, a caricature artist and Alissa Dirato Face Painting will provide activities for a fee.
Children can also drop off their wish lists in the Letters to Santa mailbox in Bocca’s foyer from Nov. 28 through Dec. 4.
The Shop Small Scavenger Hunt begins at noon, with holiday gift boxes containing coupons hidden outside participating businesses. Shoppers are also encouraged to take selfies outside their favorite Margate businesses and email them to info@margatehasmore.com.
For additional information and event updates, visit www.margatehasmore.com.
