Thursday, November 27
Annual Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot
- 8:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Join the Humane Society of Ocean City for their 18th Annual Fast and Furriest 5K Turkey Trot down the Boardwalk. Registration opens at 7 a.m. and the run will start at 8:30 a.m. Help the Humane Society support shelter animals in need and keep the Ocean City tradition alive. For more information, call 609-398-9500, ext. 4, or visit https://runsignup.com/thefastandthefurriest.
Mainland After Prom Turkey Trot
- 8:30 a.m.
Mainland Regional High School, 1301 Oak Ave., Linwood
Get ready for a fun morning of competition and camaraderie at the MRHS Education Foundation and After Prom Turkey Trot 5K and Gobbler 1-Mile Kid’s Fun Run. It is the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving Day with family, friends and alumni. This year, if you wear a costume, you will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a special prize. Race day registration and packet pickup opens at 7:30 a.m, Fun run starts at 8:30 a.m. 5K start time is 9 a.m. https://runsignup.com/mainlandturkeytrot.
Friday, November 28
Christmas in the Downtown
- 2-5 p.m.
Downtown Ocean City, Ninth St. and Asbury Ave.
Join Ocean City in kicking off the holiday season with ‘Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue.’ Join the merchants and Chamber of Commerce in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas with strolling carolers and entertainment starting at 2 p.m. Then at 4 p.m., gather at City Hall for performances by local groups and singers. At 5 p.m., the event will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus to light the Christmas tree and City Hall, followed by a drone show at 5:15 p.m.
Yuletide Night Market
- 5-8 p.m.
The Inn on St. Louis, 446 St. Louis Ave., Egg Harbor City
The region’s most talented artisans, crafters and makers will set up shop for a lively night market, with a holiday-themed DJ, photo ops and outdoor heaters and fire pits to keep warm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Saturday, November 29
EHT Nature Reserve
Turkey Trot 5k & 1 Miler
- 9 a.m.
317 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township
The 12th Annual EHT Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk is happening this weekend. Work off the holiday pounds with your family and friends while supporting the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the run and walk will begin at 9 a.m. Parking will be available for all participants at Atlantic Christian School.
Farpoint Toy Drive
Kick-Off & Car Meet
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
William Davies Middle School, 1876 Dr. Dennis Foreman Drive, Mays Landing
Help make the season bright for children in Hamilton Township. Farpoint will be on-site all morning long collecting toys for kids with the help of the Township of Hamilton Cares Initiative. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a spectacular car meet with dozens of brands and models. The Motley Que food truck will have coffee and breakfast items available for purchase.
Margate’s Spectacular Shop
Small Extravaganza and Parade
- 12 p.m.
Ventnor Ave., from Coolidge to Essex Ave. and Bocca
Margate businesses and restaurants are celebrating Small Business Saturday with a parade through town led by an American Sign Language (ASL) Santa. The journey will begin at Coolidge Ave. as Santa will be escorted north along Ventnor Ave., led by the Margate City Police and Fire departments. The parade will make its way to Bocca Coal Fired Bistro, where the Mainland Cheerleaders will perform and USA DJ will lead in holiday sing-alongs. More information is available at www.margatehasmore.com.
Holidays with the Ocean City Pops
- 6 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs and holiday favorites performed by the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, led by Maestro Vince Lee. Audiences will hear a selection of timeless Christmas classics and modern hits featuring the OC Pops Festival Chorus. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice.
Sunday, November 30
Jessie’s of Linwood Holiday Market
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
136 W. Poplar Ave., Linwood
Gather your friends and family for the 4th Annual Community Holiday Market at Jessie’s. This event will feature over 70 local small businesses and makers, live music sessions, a visit and photos with Santa, free face painting and plenty of local food and treats.
Tuesday, December 2
Thoughts from the Bookshelf
- 3 p.m.
Margate Library, 8100 Ventnor Ave.
Join JFS Village for their monthly book club gathering. This December, the group will discuss the best-selling book “Inheritance” by award-winning memoirist Dani Shapiro. This program will take place in the Margate Library Meeting Room. RSVP by Dec. 1 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
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.
Thursday, December 4
Lunch Around Town with JFS Village
- 12-1:30 p.m.
Queen Bean Bistro, 4800 Boardwalk, Ventnor
Enjoy a leisurely holiday lunch with friends while supporting a local restaurant. This month, JFS Village will dine at Queen Bean Bistro in Ventnor. Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. RSVP by Dec. 2 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.
Friday, December 5
Through Our Sacred Windows:
Reflections on Stained Glass Artistry
- 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sirat Hayam, 700 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ventnor
Join Josh Cutler and Tina Serota for a virtual exhibition tour of stained-glass artistry from South Jersey synagogues and enjoy brunch. RSVP by Dec. 2 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.
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.
Mark your calendars for the annual Ocean City Christmas Parade, featuring a dazzling array of floats, marching bands, area businesses and nonprofits. This year’s parade will feature performances by the Ocean City High School, Interboro and Absegami 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 www.ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
Somers Point Porch Performances
- 6 p.m.
Somers and Bay Ave.
The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club announces the return of 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.
Saturday, December 6
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.
Galloway Tree Lighting Ceremony
- 4-6 p.m.
Ventnor Ave. from New Haven to Nashville Aves.
Galloway Township hosts its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony next Saturday. 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. 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
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. The event will culminate with a Christmas tree lighting at City Hall.
Multi-day Events
Holiday Dickens Fest
- 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road
Join the Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company as they bring the spirit of Christmas alive with a two-day outdoor Dickens Fest. Families of all ages can enjoy an original musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” performed live in the spacious outdoor setting of the Village Greene. The event is open to the public and parking is free.
Horse and Carriage Rides in Ocean City
12-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30
Downtown Asbury Ave., Ocean City
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 in the Downtown
- Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30, 9-11 a.m.
Soifer Park, Ninth St. and Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Enjoy the excitement of America’s Greatest Family Resort during the holiday season and get your photo with Santa at Soifer Park.
Photos with Santa in Ocean City
- Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30, 1-3 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Soak up the holidays in America’s Greatest Family Resort this holiday season and get your photo with Santa in an OCBP lifeboat on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Storybook Land’s Christmas
Fantasy with Lights
- Friday, Nov. 28-Tuesday, Dec. 23
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 and Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Visit www.storybookland.com for ticket information and updated hours.
Royal Suites Adopt-a-Resident Program
- Now-Dec. 20
Royal Suites Healthcare, 214 W. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway
Royal Suites Healthcare is hosting an ‘Adopt-a-Resident’ program to ensure that all their residents have a special and joyous holiday. If you are interested in lending your helping hands or for more information on this program, contact Alicia at 609-748-9900 ext. 1215, or email activities@royalsuiteshealthcare.com.
Bus Trips
Christmas Bus Trip to NYC
featuring the Radio City Rockettes
- Tuesday, Dec. 9
Join Ocean City Recreation for a bus trip to New York City. The trip is $175 and includes luxury coach bus roundtrip transport, tickets to the Radio City Christmas Show at 11 a.m. and time on your own after the show to explore NYC. The bus will depart from the Ocean City Transportation Center at 7:15 a.m. and leave New York City at 5 p.m. More information is available at ocnj.recdesk.com.
Health and Wellness
Coffee Talk
- Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City
The Atlantic County Wellness Center hosts a weekly gratitude-themed group. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
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.
Dementia Support Group
- Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave.
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.
NAMI Family Support and Connection Groups
- Monday, Dec. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led group for family members, caregivers and loved ones (18+) of individuals living with a mental illness. NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults living with a mental health condition. Participants gain the support of peers 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 people with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Contact Gail Christian at 609-652-3800, ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.
