Multiple Dates
Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show
Now – 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.
Holiday Book Sale at Ocean City Library
Fri. Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sat. Dec. 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Library Atrium 1735 Simpson Ave.
Genres include fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and puzzles. Cash only. Please bring a tote bag for your purchase. Hosted by Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library.
Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Mon. – Thu. 4 – 8 p.m., Fri. 4 – 9 p.m., Sat. 2 – 9 p.m., Sun. 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.
Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 12 – 5 p.m.
Noyes Arts Garage 2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City
Enjoy two days of craft vendors, photos with Santa from noon – 2 p.m., a gingerbread village and contest with cash prizes, live music by pianist Denis Brousse, food and drinks, and crafts. Free admission.
The Santa Express
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 11 a.m., 1:25 p.m. & 3:50 p.m.
Join Cape May Seashore Lines and enjoy a train ride with Santa Claus. Excursions will operate every weekend and select weekday evenings until Christmas. Trains depart Saturdays from Tuckahoe Village, Reading Ave. & Railroad Ave. Tuckahoe, and Sundays from Richland Train Station, 1275 Harding Hwy. Richland. Reserve your seat online at www.seashorelines.org.
Atlantic County 4-H Holiday Craft Bazaar
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
4-H Fairgrounds 3210 Route 50, Mays Landing
Join Atlantic County 4-H for an indoor and outdoor craft show, with vendors, food, photos with Santa, holiday movies, and model train display. More information is available at http://acfairevents.com.
Ocean City Train Show
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
Admission is free. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 12 – 3 p.m.
6th St. & Asbury Ave.
For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Photos with Santa in Ocean City
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 12 – 3 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Ventnor Holiday Art Show
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ventnor Cultural Art Center 134 S. Newport Ave.
This annual holiday sale will feature local artists showing pottery, jewelry, paintings, fibers, woodworking, and more.
Holiday Craft Show at the Sheep Farm
Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
North Country Knits 551 Hands Mill Rd. Woodbine
Join over a dozen artists and crafters, including Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, and kick off the holiday shopping season. The event will be held rain or shine. No pets please. For more information, call (609) 861-0328.
Deck the Halls Festival of Trees
Dec. 1 – 30
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
The seventh annual Deck the Hall event is free and open to the public, inviting the public to walk through and see beautifully decorated trees in the Boardwalk Hall lobby. This season-long charitable event is intended to generate funds for Court Appointed Special Advocates – CASA for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties. Visit www.boardwalkhall.com
to learn 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. This year’s Grand Marshall will be Ted Greenberg from NBC 10. Appearances will include the Mainland Marching Band, bands, and floats. 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.
Hospitality Night at Historic Smithville
6 – 9 p.m.
617 E. Moss Mill Rd.
The shoppes at Historic Smithville thank their loyal customers with a night of discounts, refreshments, live entertainment, and raffles. Learn more at www.historicsmithville.com .
Saturday, December 2
Dickens of a Holiday Craft Show
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown Mays Landing
Get an early start on your holiday shopping. Vendors are located at the Mays Landing Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 6001 Main St., Atlantic County Library, Main St. & Farragut Ave., and Gaskill Memorial Park. For more information, visit www.hamiltonhistorical.org.
Pet Pictures with Santa
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Humane Society of Ocean City 1 Shelter Rd.
Bring your best friend to the shelter and make a “howliday” memory and pick up a special holiday gift “fur” that special someone on your list. For more details, contact Courtney at (609) 398-9500 x1.
Christmas Fair & Market
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Somers Mansion 1000 Shore Rd. Somers Point
The 3rd Annual Christmas Fair and Market will include live music, vendors, games, food trucks, Christmas carols, meet and greets with Santa, and tours of the historic Somers Mansion. A tree lighting will be held on the grounds of the Mansion at 5 p.m. Free admission. Rain date: Sun. Dec. 3
Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
12 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Hosted by the City of Atlantic City, join Grand Marshal Kelsey Grammer and Mayor Marty Small Sr. for a festive and fun holiday celebration. The parade will kick off at Pop Lloyd Stadium on Huron Ave., traveling down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to Baltic Ave., down to Michigan Ave. and Tanger Outlets and north along Atlantic Ave. to City Hall. View the parade route at www.acnj.gov. Rain Date: Sat. Dec. 9
Holidays on Main
2 – 6 p.m.
143 Main St. Port Republic
The Port Republic Heritage Society is hosting its first fundraiser to restore the City Garage into Heritage Hall. The event will include a Vendor Mart, Dickens Play under the Pavilion, Strolling Carolers, three historic properties on display, and cemetery walk. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com/o/port-republic-heritage-society-74263187713. Rain date: Sun. Dec. 3
Egg Harbor City Holiday Tree Lighting
6 p.m.
Egg Harbor City Library 134 Philadelphia Ave.
Join the city for a holiday celebration as Santa arrives on fire truck with goodie bags for the kids, and holiday music by local groups and a DJ.
Egg Harbor Township Holiday Tree Lighting
5 p.m.
Egg Harbor Township Community Center 5045 English Creek Ave.
Join Mayor Pfrommer and the Township Committee along with the Recreation Department in EHT’s 5th Annual Tree Lighting. A special guest will arrive to help light the tree. Dress for the weather. For more information, visit www.ehtrec.com or call (609) 272-8120.
Ventnor Twilight Holiday Parade
5 p.m.
Ventnor Ave. from New Haven to Nashville Aves.
Join Ventnor City for a fun night out with family and friends in celebration of the holiday season, with marching bands, firetrucks, floats, classic cars, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the parade, head to Ventnor Square Theater to visit Santa and enjoy face painting, balloon artist, pony rides, and spin the wheel. Plus, enjoy a Holiday Market and Wood Trucks at Weymouth and Ventnor Avenues beginning 4 p.m. and after the parade. For more information, visit www.ventnorcity.org or www.facebook.com/ventnorcityspecialevents.
Somers Point Porch Performances
6 p.m.
Starting at 37 Somers Ave. to Bay & Delaware Ave.
The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club is thrilled to welcome back the Riddlesbrood Players for an original, quirky performance of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”. The event will culminate at Gregory’s Restaurant, where holiday refreshments will be served. For more information, call (609) 233-1820.
Upper Township Free Reels on Wheels
7 p.m.
Amanda’s Field 1091 Route 50, Petersburg
Join Upper Township and Cape Assist for a free movie event, featuring “The Muppets Christmas Carol”. Gates open at 6 p.m. The event is free to attend. Register online at www.capeassist.org/events .
Sunday, December 3
Santa at Funny Farm Rescue
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
6908 Railroad Blvd. Mays Landing
Join Funny Farm for a magical meet and greet with Santa himself. The cost is a $10 donation per person to support rescue animals in need. The event is first come, first serve, rain or shine. Plus, enjoy their hot chocolate bar, baked holiday treats, and write a letter to Santa.
Somers Point Pearl Harbor Day Service
1 p.m.
Somers Point Beach Bay and New Jersey Ave.
For more information, visit www.somerspointnj.gov.
Cape Shore Chorale presents Bells of Christmas
3 p.m.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 30th & Bay Ave. Ocean City
Join artistic director Scott J. Breiner and accompanist Gae Finch for this concert, with guest musicians Reid Shriver on tenor, violinists Emily Nicholi and Vera Bojco, and bassist Wiliam Shea. The concert is free to attend; good will offerings will be accepted. Lite refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, December 6
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.
Thursday, December 7
Ventnor Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
5 p.m.
Ventnor City Hall 6201 Atlantic Ave.
For more information, visit www.ventnorcity.org or www.facebook.com/ventnorcityspecialevents.
Girls Night Out at Historic Smithville
6 – 9 p.m.
617 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Grab your best friends for an evening of shopping and celebration of the holiday season together. There will be wine and cheese, raffles, discounts, and other benefits. Learn more at www.historicsmithville.com .
Friday, December 8
Brigantine Community Chanukah Candle Lighting
4:15 p.m.
Temple Beth Shalom Eternal Garden 4419 W. Brigantine Ave. Brigantine
Temple Beth Shalom will light the second candle and celebrate the miracle of Chanukah. Holiday gift bags will be distributed, and holiday refreshments will be served. For more information about the Chanukah dinner, please call (609) 266-0403.
Downbeach Winter Wonderland Toy Drive
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Sigmund Rimm Recreation Complex Huntington Ave. Margate
Enjoy a festive evening with train rides, food, live music by local students, crafts, photos with Santa, games, and so much more. Help kids in Atlantic County by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Kids Program. Learn more by visiting www.toysforkidsprogram.org .
Saturday, December 9
OC Beach Tree to Honor Whales
2 p.m.
9th Street Beach
For beach lovers of all ages. Join a festive tree decorating event with hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and treats. Bring a whale, clam shell, or sea life ornament for the tree. Sponsored by Friends of Protect Out Coast NJ.
Luminary Light Festival at Absecon Lighthouse
5 – 9 p.m.
31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City
Decorate a personal luminary bag, and take in an evening of caroling, holiday tunes, specialty wine and cheese tastings, and tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. For reservations, call (609) 449-1360.
Sunday, December 10
Jim Craine’s Swing into Christmas
8 p.m.
Resorts Superstar Theater 1133 Boardwalk
Don’t miss a night of merriment songs of the season, all performed by a lineup of Atlantic City’s Greatest Stars. Performing at the show will be “The Singing Lifeguard” Jim Craine and the Atlantic City Allstar Band, Betsy Daily and the Tony Grant Stars of Tomorrow Alumni Dancers, Atlantic City Songstress Suzie Neustadter, TV host and singer Michelle Dawn Mooney and other surprise guests. Admission is free for everyone bringing a new, unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots.
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
Participants gain the support of their peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. NAMI ACM is a nonprofit 501(c)(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.
