Multi-Day Events
Holiday Light Show at Smithville
Daily, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
615 E. Moss Mill Road
Enjoy a special light show overlooking Lake Meone every 30 minutes. Stroll through the over 150 shops that make up Historic Smithville. More information is available at www.historicsmithville.com. Now through Jan. 6.
Vinter Wonderland at Renault Winery
Thursday, Dec. 19-Monday, Dec. 23 and Thursday, Dec. 26
72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City
Step into the heart of the holidays as Renault Winery is transformed into a festive winter oasis filled with joyful activities. Enjoy gliding on the ice rink, explore the cozy marketplace, or gather around the firepits. There is something for everyone to enjoy this season. Closed Dec. 25. Learn more and purchase skate tickets at www.renaultwinery.com.
Christmas Fantasy with Lights at Storybook Land
Now-Dec. 23
6415 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
Every operating night at dusk, Santa will wave his magic wand and light up Storybook Land in over 1 million illuminated lights. The park will be open this Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 2-9 p.m., Sunday 2-8 p.m. and Monday 4-8 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. Purchase online at www.storybookland.com.
Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’
Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22
Gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point
The Gateway presents this classic film converted into a Broadway musical. Bob and Phil, a military veteran song-and-dance duo, fall head-over-heels for a stunning sister act en route to a Christmas stage show. Their romantic pursuits land them in a magical Vermont Inn owned by their former commander. Don’t miss this classic American story. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.
Santa in the Downtown
Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 9-11 a.m.
Soifer Park, Ninth St. and Asbury Ave.
For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City
Saturday and Sunday, noon-3 p.m.
Sixth St. and Asbury Ave.
For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Photos with Santa in Ocean City
Saturday and Sunday, noon-3 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Friday, December 20
Movie at the Library
2 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Join the Longport Library for an afternoon movie, ‘White Bird.’ Call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.
Festive Fridays in Ocean City
4-7 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave.
Join Downtown Ocean City Merchants in celebrating the holiday season with shopping specials, Horse and Carriage Rides 4-7 p.m., departing from Sixth and Asbury, through the downtown adorned with thousands of Christmas lights while shopping for some of the best gifts of the season.
Family Fun Night at Misty Meadow
4-8 p.m.
Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, 100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road, Woodbine
Take in a festive evening at Misty Meadow and enjoy a plethora of activities, including ice skating, a visit from Santa, hayrides, kids crafts, petting zoo, games, playground and food.
Santa Visits on Fire Truck in Ventnor
Starting at 5:30 p.m.
Listen for the sound of fire trucks as Santa Claus pays a visit to Ventnor residents with the Ventnor City Fire Department this Friday beginning at 5:30 p.m. View the complete map by visiting www.ventnorcity.org/calendar/549/.
Saturday, December 21
Reindeer Run 5K/Kids 1 Mile Fun Run
9 a.m.
Renault Winery, 72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City
Enjoy a holiday-themed race at Renault Winery. Registration will open at 8 a.m. The Kid’s Fun Run will begin at 9:15, followed by the 5k Run at 9:30. For more information, visit www.renaultwinery.com.
Ocean’s Holiday Village
11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Ocean Casino Resort, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
It’s the final day of Ocean’s Holiday Village. Experience a festive wonderland filled with joy and cheer. Located inside The Shops at The Row, you are sure to find the perfect holiday gift at one of Ocean’s hand-selected vendors.
Holiday Sweet Sale
Noon-3 p.m.
Atlantic County Historical Society, 907 Shore Road, Somers Point
Home-baked cookies, breads and other sweet treats will be for sale at $11 per pound.
Children’s Holiday Recital
2 p.m.
Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City
Join the Arts Garage this Saturday for a Children’s Holiday Recital hosted by the Chicken Bone Beach Youth Institute for Jazz Studies. The children enrolled in music classes will be performing jazz and holiday tunes. Music performances will be followed by complimentary light refreshments. The event is free to attend.
Holiday Bingo at the Library
2 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Try your luck at Bingo at the Longport Library. Available for all ages. Call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.
Egg Harbor City Christmas Parade
6 p.m.
Philadelphia Ave. from Claudius St. to Arago St.
The annual Egg Harbor City Christmas Parade will light up the entire town with an array of floats, marching bands and much more. The grandstand will be on the 300 block of Philadelphia Ave. where each of the groups will be announced. The parade will then turn at Arago St. towards Liverpool Ave. where it will then return to City Hall.
Sunday, December 22
Sensory Friendly Santa
2-4 p.m.
Bargaintown Vol. Fire Co. No. 1, 6550 Mill Road, Egg Harbor Township
Join the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company for a special needs and sensory friendly visit with Santa. Children and adults with special needs are invited to come take their picture and have cookies and juice with Santa in a stress-free and non-judgmental environment.
Wednesday, December 25
Community Menorah Lighting
4:15 p.m.
Chabad at the Shore, Atlantic Ave., Ventnor
Join in a community-wide Hanukkah celebration. Chabad at the Shore will light a giant Menorah in front of the Chabad Chai Center. Enjoy donuts, hot chocolate and Hanukkah songs performed by a children’s choir. For more information, call 609-822-8500.
Thursday, December 26
Ventnor City Hall Menorah Lighting
4:15 p.m.
6201 Atlantic Ave.
Ventnor City celebrates the start of Hanukkah with their annual Menorah Lighting at City Hall.
Galloway Celebration of Lights
5:30 p.m.
Galloway Municipal Complex, 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road
Celebrate Hanukkah with Galloway Township. This festive event will include latkes, refreshments and more. For additional information, call Galloway Community Services at 609-241-0692.
Bingo at the Library
6:30 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Try your luck at Bingo at the Longport Library. Available for all ages. Call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.
Friday, December 27
Family Movie at the Library
2 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Gather your friends and family and join Longport Library for an afternoon movie, ‘Transformers One,’ the animated untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron. Call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.
Tuesday, December 31
First Night OCNJ
4 p.m.-midnight
Ocean City
Ocean City’s First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration will consist of a complete evening of entertainment and activities spanning the city, from the Music Pier to the High School and the Tabernacle to the Community Center, leading up to fireworks at midnight, launched from Sixth St. and the Beach. Highlights will include music by the Yacht Rock Gold Experience, ice skating, performance by the Ocean City Theatre Company, Atlantic City Ballet, the OC Pops, Japanese Drummers, Harlem Wizards basketball and drone shows at Carey Stadium at 7:45 and 9:45 p.m. Purchase your button and learn more at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com.
Wednesday, January 1
First Day Shopping Extravaganza
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave.
Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in Downtown Ocean City. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge
Noon
The Beach at the LandShark Bar and Grill, 1133 Boardwalk
Plunge for a purpose and join Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club for their 33rd annual Polar Bear Plunge. Registration opens at 10 a.m. The plunge will begin at noon with proceeds benefiting cancer patients and their families throughout the region.
Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge
Noon
16th and 17th Street Beach
Join the Brigantine Polar Bears for their silver anniversary. The annual New Year’s Day tradition will begin with an official ceremony, veterans salute and costume contest, held by the beach at 11 a.m. The plunge will take place at noon.
Ventnor Polar Plunge and Winter Festival
1 p.m.
Newport Avenue Beach
Join the Ventnor Business Association and City of Ventnor Special Events for this annual event to welcome the New Year. New for 2025 is a Family Winter Festival at St. James Memorial Hall, located at the corner of Newport and Atlantic avenues from noon to 5 p.m. The event will include an array of food trucks, a hot chocolate/coffee cart, inflatable sports games and music by DJ Scot Rainear. There will also be a chili cookoff between Ventnor City Police and Fire departments, with proceeds benefiting each department’s benevolent association.
First Day 5k Boardwalk Run
1 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Pre-register online at www.ocnj.us/race-events or on race day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Music Pier.
First Day at the Beach Polar Plunge in Ocean City
2 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier at Eighth St. Beach
Join Ocean City for the first dip in the ocean for the New Year. The event will take place on the north side of the Music Pier at Eighth St. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Health and Wellness
Living in the Moment Group
Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
Mental Health Association of Atlantic County 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 8, Galloway
Slow down and spend an hour with like-minded people working on developing gratitude, self-love and other character traits that encourage mindfulness. Weekly meetings include meaningful discussions, camaraderie and a group activity. For more information, call 609-652-3800, ext. 0306.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
Thursday, Dec. 26, 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 support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday, and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at 609-652-3800, ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.
NAMI Family Support and Connection Meeting
Monday, Jan. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point
Open to family members, caregivers and loved ones 18 and older. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experiences and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. Visit www.namiacm.org or call 609-741-5125 for more information.
Dementia Support Group
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1:30 p.m.
6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing
Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
