Multi-Day Events
Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show
Nov. 23 – Jan. 6, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
617 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Enjoy popular songs of the Holiday Season synchronized with a dazzling Christmas tree light show sure to get you in the Holiday spirit. Over 120 Christmas trees constructed from over 50,000 Christmas lights magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge.
Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City
Sat. Nov. 25 & Sun. Nov. 26, 12 – 3 p.m.
6th St. & Asbury Ave.
For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Photos with Santa in Ocean City
Sat. Nov. 25 & Sun. Nov. 26, 12 – 3 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
The Santa Express
Sat. Nov. 25 & Sun. Nov. 26, 11 a.m. & 1:25 p.m.
Richland Train Station 1275 Harding Hwy. Richland
Join Cape May Seashore Lines and enjoy a train ride with Santa Claus. The man in the red suit returns to visit with children young and old. Excursions will operate every weekend and select weekday evenings until Christmas. Reserve your seat online at www.seashorelines.org.
Holiday Dickens Fest at Historic Smithville
Sat. Nov. 25, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. & Sun. Nov. 26, 1 p.m.
617 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company brings the spirit of Christmas back to Smithville for a two-day, outdoor Dickens Fest, featuring a musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Learn more at www.historicsmithville.com.
Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Fri. Nov. 25 and Sat. Nov. 26, 2 – 9 p.m. & Sun. Nov. 27, 2 – 8 p.m.
6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
The Christmas Season is underway at Storybook Land. Every night at 5 p.m., Santa makes his grand appearance to light the park in over one million lights. Plus, enjoy a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ticket sales and reservations are open online at www.storybookland.com/christmas.
Thursday, November 23
Annual Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot
8:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
Sponsored by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Online registration open through Nov. 19. In-person registration opens at 7 a.m. at the Music Pier. The 5k Run and Walk will start at 8:30, followed by the 1 Mile Kids Fun Run at the conclusion of the Run and Walk. For more information, call (609) 398-9500 ext. 4 or visit hsocnj.org.
Mainland 2nd Annual Turkey Trot
8:30 a.m.
Mainland Regional High School 1301 Oak Ave. Linwood
Join the MRHS Education Foundation and After Prom Committee for a fun morning of competition among family, friends, and alumni. The 5k Run and Walk and 1 Mile Kid’s Fun Run will start at 8:30. New this year is a Best Costume Award. Prizes will be awarded to the best adult and best child costume. Race day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration is open now at www.runsignup.com. Click on “Find a Race” and search for “Mainland.”
Friday, November 24
Christmas in the Downtown: Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue
2 – 5 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Join the merchants and Ocean City Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas with horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainment, carolers, and visits with Santa. At 5 p.m., gather at City Hall for the arrival of Santa and Tree Lighting. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Saturday, November 25
EHT Nature Reserve Turkey Trot
8:30 a.m.
317 Zion Rd.
Join the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve for a unique event as you take in the beauty and challenge of sandy beaches and wooded trails while working off your turkey feast. The 10th Annual Turkey Trot 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk starts at 9 a.m. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Advance registration is open at runsignup.com or at the Events page at www.ehtgov.org. For more information, contact Jerry at (862) 432-3526 or js1334v@gmail.com.
Margate’s Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza
12 p.m.
Coolidge Ave. to Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave.
Join Margate’s business and restaurant districts in celebrating Small Business Saturday. Santa’s lifeguard boat will travel in a parade from Coolidge Ave. up the length of Ventnor Ave., escorted by the Margate City Police and Fire Departments, to Bocca on Essex Ave. The parade will be led by Miss New Jersey 2023, Northfield’s own Victoria Mozitis, and Leslie’s Dance Studio, who will perform in front of Bocca. Crafts, contests, and activities will follow in and outside of the restaurant. Visit www.margatehasmore.com for additional information.
Tree Lighting Celebration at Cape May County Park & Zoo
5 p.m.
707 Route 9 N., Cape May Court House
A tree lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa. The celebration will include live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, bounce house castle and slide, and free treats for all. Collectibles and crafts will be for sale between 2 – 6 p.m.
Makers Pop-Up at Reed’s Farm
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
5075 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township
Stop at Reed’s Farm on Saturday for their market and pop-up, along with a book signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A full list of vendors can be found at www.reedsorganicfarm.org/events.
Holidays with the Ocean City POPS
6 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk
Led by conductor Vince Lee, the Pops will perform classic favorites and modern hits featuring soloist Sara Malmone. For tickets, visit www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Atlantic City Ballet presents It’s a Shore Holiday
7 p.m.
Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars 2100 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
This dance review features a blend of contemporary and classical dance, all set to the most beloved holiday tunes. Tickets and information can be found at www.acballet.org.
Sunday, November 26
Breakfast with Santa
8 a.m.
Ocean City Masonic Lodge 940 Wesley Ave.
Breakfast includes specialty pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, and juice. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 children, and $10 for Veterans. Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for children at Branches of Cape May County.
Monday, November 27
Upper Township Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:30 p.m.
Municipal Hall 2100 Tuckahoe Rd. Petersburg
Enjoy a special guest appearance from Santa, with seasonal songs by Cape Shore Chorus, UT Middle School Choir and Band, and a Presentation from the OCUT Rotary Club, recognizing their Citizen of the Year. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Tuckahoe Little Food Pantry Box.
Trivia at the Library
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Longport Public Library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Time to compete with friends and family testing your knowledge in all topics. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Marco Polo Smigliani
7 p.m.
Egg Harbor Township Community Center 5045 English Creek Ave.
Presented by the Greate Egg Harbor Township Historical Society.
Tuesday, November 28
Showboat Tree Lighting Festival
6 p.m.
801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Showboat Hotel is lighting up the city’s iconic boardwalk with a 50 foot Christmas tree, adorned with 8,000 lights. Free and festive family fun with live holiday music, games and rides, giveaways, and Santa in a lifeguard boat.
Concert at the Library
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Longport Public Library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Relax and enjoy music by Tres Bella, featuring local musicians Geri Rizzo on the flute, Susan Elsayed on violin, and Mayumi Grasso on cello. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Wednesday,
November 29
Somers Point Pinochle Club
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd.
All are welcome to attend. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com and click on Events.
Tom Angello’s All Star Jazz Series
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Gregory’s 900 Shore Rd. Somers Point
Presented by the South Jersey Jazz Society. Enjoy an evening of live jazz music, featuring Tom Angello on the drums. Visit www.southjerseyjazz.org for up to date information.
Thursday,
November 30
Seminar by the Shore: Conference on Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Atlantic City Convention Center 1 Convention Blvd.
A conference for family members, caregivers, and professionals who support people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. For more information or to register, contact Mary Jo Bernardo at (609) 823-1850.
Linwood Country Club Tree Lighting
5 – 8 p.m.
500 Shore Rd.
Enjoy a festive evening with live music, cookie decorating, hot chocolate bar, happy hour, and more.
Friday, December 1
Mocktails & Cocktails Gala
5:30 – 10 p.m.
Linwood Country Club 500 Shore Rd. Linwood
The 6th Annual Matthew Bee Memorial Fund’s Mocktails & Cocktails Gala will feature live music by Sidestory, festival fare, auctions, raffles, and much more. Proceeds will benefit individuals and families battling addiction and mental health in our area. Tickets are available at http://matthewbee.com.
Atlantic City Tinseltown Experience Kick-Off
5:30 – 7 p.m.
The Yard at Bally’s 1901 Pacific Ave.
Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, sweets, holiday characters, and more at this free event. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Atlantic County Toys for Kids program. Learn more at www.actinseltown.com.
Atlantic City Tree Lighting Celebration
6 – 8 p.m.
O’Donnell Memorial Park
Enjoy a multicultural holiday celebration and tree lighting in Atlantic City’s Chelsea neighborhood. Bring the whole family for a festive performance by Dynesty Alliance and DJ Jose, with free face-painting, photos with Santa, hot beverages, and holiday giveaways. Rain date: Sat. Dec. 2.
Northfield Holiday Tree Lighting
7 p.m.
Northfield City Hall 1600 Shore Rd.
Join the City of Northfield as they kick off the holiday season with their annual tree lighting. Santa will be taking lists and pictures along with free hot chocolate and cookies provided by the City of Northfield Volunteer Company Ladies Auxiliary.
Ocean City Christmas Parade
6 p.m.
Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th St.
Registration information is available at http://ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
Somers Point Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
6:30 p.m.
This year’s Christmas Parade will start at Dawes Avenue School, proceeding along Shore Road to City Hall. The tree lighting will be held in front of City Hall at the conclusion of the parade, along with a visit from Santa Claus at the Somers Point Historical Society. For more information, call (609) 774-1482 or go to visitsomerspoint.com.
Ventnor Christmas Tree Lighting
5:30 p.m.
Ventnor City Hall 6201 Atlantic Ave.
For more information, visit www.ventnorcity.org or www.facebook.com/ventnorcityspecialevents.
Bus Trips
Holiday at Peddler’s Village
Sun. Dec. 3
EHT Recreation is traveling to Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, PA. Enjoy a myriad of activities, historical attractions, and shopping that await. $60 per person. The bus will depart from the EHT Community Center at 9 a.m., departing Peddler’s Village at 6 p.m. Register at www.ehtrec.com or in-person at the recreation office, 5045 English Creek Ave., between 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Trip to New York City
Sat. Dec. 9 & Sat. Dec. 16
EHT Recreation hosts a bus trip to New York City. Explore the city that never sleeps during the holiday season. Bus departs from the EHT Community Center at 8 a.m. and departs New York City at 7 p.m. Register at www.ehtrec.com or in-person at the recreation office, 5045 English Creek Ave., between 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Health and Wellness
Dementia Support Group
Wed. Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.
6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing
Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 402-6966 for more information.
NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups
Mon. Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point
NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults with a mental health condition. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. NAMI ACM is a non-profit 501C(3) corporation.
Meetings for Family Members of Individuals Affected by Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder
Thu. Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m.
This is a workshop style meeting among peers with a new topic each month. Meetings include a presentation segment and an open discussion component. Call (609) 517-8614 for more information on how to participate.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
