Thursday, December 11
Girls’ Night Out in Smithville
- 6-9 p.m.
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road
December in Smithville has something special for the ladies. Join Historic Smithville for a night out to sip, shop and celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy wine and cheese, exclusive shopping discounts, raffles and plenty of perks as you check off your holiday shopping list.
Holiday Music with the
Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra
- 7-8:30 p.m.
Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City
Join the Ocean City Library for a free holiday concert as the Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra presents a selection of seasonal favorites, toe-tapping melodies and holiday classics you know and love. The program will feature Jack Melton on trumpet, Joe Rottela on tenor sax, Rob Portnoy on alto sax and Jim Tagney on trombone, under the direction of Pete Muracco. The concert will take place in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Friday, December 12
Atlantic-Cape Regional Hub
Green Drinks Gathering
- 5 p.m.
The Seed Brewery, 204 N. Delaware Ave., Atlantic City
The Atlantic and Cape May counties Sustainable Jersey Green Teams will gather this Friday for an informal “Green Drinks” event. Join them for good conversation and a chance to share ideas, reconnect and meet new people. All are welcome to join.
Winter Wonderland Toy Drive Event
- 6 – 8 p.m.
Sigmund Rimm Recreation Center Parking Lot Huntington & Fulton Ave. Margate
Join Ventnor, Margate and Longport Police Department for their 10th Annual Winter Wonderland Toy Drive. Bundle up and join the fun. Enjoy an evening of train rides, food, vendors, live music and dance by local students, crafts, photos with Santa, games, and so much more. Join the Downbeach community in uniting for a good cause and bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program.
Saturday, December 13
Christmas Cookie Walk
- 9 a.m.
Grace Lutheran Church, 11 E. Dawes Ave., Somers Point
Step into the holiday spirit as Grace Lutheran Church hosts its 18th Annual Christmas Cookie Walk. The event will open at 9 a.m. and take place until every treat is gone and they will go quickly. You will find homemade cookies by the pound, fresh breads and pies, fresh scones, decadent hot cocoa and hot coffee, holiday vendors and gently used Christmas decorations. Bring your Christmas spirit and sweet tooth. Admission is free.
WinterFest at Reed’s Farm
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
5075 Spruce Ave., Egg Harbor Township
With the holidays approaching, find something for everyone on your list with over 25 talented artists, crafters, artisans, makers and growers. Enjoy farm pizza, a visit from Santa and more.
Christmas at the Ranch
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rockin J. Ranch, 236 N. Leipzig Ave., Egg Harbor City
Join Rockin’ J Ranch for a special holiday event, featuring pictures with Santa and horses, hayrides, a Christmas fun show, games, vendors, s’mores, a bonfire and so much more.
Book Author Event with Brian Propp
- 11 a.m.
Otto Bruyns Public Library, 241 W. Mill Road, Northfield
Brian Propp is a former NHL All-Star, legendary Philadelphia Flyer, former sports broadcaster and philanthropist. Join the Otto Bruyns Library for a special book signing as Propp shares stories of determination and triumph. Autographed books will be available for purchase. Attendees can preregister by calling 609-646-4476.
Sundaes with Santa
- 1-3 p.m.
Brigantine Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave.
Join Laddie’s Legacy for ice cream sundaes, crafts, visits with Santa and play with certified therapy animals. This event promises a day of fun for animal-loving kids. This event is free to attend, but seats are limited. Registration is open via the event page at www.laddieslegacy.org.
Sunday, December 14
Community Hanukkah Celebration
- 2-4:30 p.m.
JCC of Atlantic County, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with family and friends at JCC’s annual Chanukah Celebration filled with sweet treats and holiday fun. Enjoy Chanukah donuts, crafts, a menorah lighting and a Dreidel Dash Fun Run. Bring the whole family for an evening of joy, light and laughter with the community. The event is free and open to the public.
Community Menorah Lighting
- 5:15 p.m.
Chabad at the Shore, 6605 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor
Join Chabad at the Shore for a community-wide Hanukkah celebration. The giant menorah will be lit in front of the Chabad Chai Center. Enjoy donuts, hot cocoa and Hanukkah songs performed by the Hebrew School children’s choir. The highlight of the evening will include a high-flying circus show.
Monday, December 15
Galloway Township Celebration of Lights
- 5:30 p.m.
Galloway Township Recreational Complex, 320 E. Jimmie Leeds Road
Celebrate Hanukkah with Galloway Township this Monday. This festive evening will include latkes, refreshments and a ceremony to celebrate the season of lights together.
MBCA Stock the Sleigh
Winter Mixer and Toy Drive
- 5:30 p.m.
Byrdcage, 3426 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City
Gather your friends and colleagues as the MBCA celebrates the season and supports the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Toy Drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for admission.
ACUA Garden Talks
- 5:30-7 p.m.
6700 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township
ACUA and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County partner to offer free gardening programming to the community. This Monday is the End of the Year Garden Party. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a program wrap-up, submit ideas for next year’s program series and enjoy special activities. Visit www.acua.com/garden for additional information or email ar@acua.com.
Tuesday, December 16
Book Club Brunch with Meryl Rodgers
- 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate
Join JFS Village and local educator Meryl Rodgers for a program that will examine the book, “All Who Go Do Not Return,” by author Shulem Deen. RSVP by Dec. 11 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.
Upper Township Green Team Meeting
- 4 p.m.
Upper Twp. Senior Center, 1369 Stagecoach Road, Ocean View
Join the Upper Township Green Team as they host their monthly meeting this Tuesday. Sustainability initiatives throughout the township will be discussed. This hybrid meeting will be held in person and via Zoom. Register in advance at https://tinyurl.com/UTwpGreenTeam16DecZoom.
Senior Dance Society
- 7:30-10 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Co. No.1, 447 Bethel Road
Come 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 18
Throwback Thursday: Jewish-Owned Businesses of Atlantic City
- 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate
Join JFS Village as they shine a spotlight on Jewish-owned entertainment venues, including clubs, bars and theaters, as well as restaurateurs and merchants who helped define Atlantic City’s vibrant cultural landscape. RSVP by Dec. 16 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.
Friday, December 19
Memoir Workshop
- 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Experience the thrill of capturing life’s adventures with JFS Village as they host a Memoir Workshop led by award-winning author Harriet Levin Millan and learn about publishing your work. A laptop or pen and paper is needed for the workshop. This program will be held via Zoom and a link will be emailed. RSVP by Dec. 17 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.
Saturday, December 20
Holiday Sweet Sale
- 12-3 p.m.
Atlantic County Historical Society, 907 Shore Road, Somers Point
ACHS will be selling home-baked cookies and other baked goods, along with hundreds of vintage Atlantic City souvenirs and postcards. All proceeds benefit the historical society, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization.
Egg Harbor City Holiday Parade
- 6 p.m.
Claudius Ave. to Philadelphia Ave.
Join Egg Harbor City for a celebration of the season with festive floats, businesses, nonprofits and Santa. The parade will line up at City Hall, stepping off at 6 p.m. and proceeding from Claudius Ave. down Philadelphia Ave. to Arago and Liverpool, where the parade will return to City Hall. To sign up, email eggharborcitychristmasparade@gmail.com.
Multi-day Events
‘Scrooge The Musical’
- Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14
Gateway Playhouse, 734 Bay Ave., Somers Point
Based on Charles Dickens’ beloved story, “A Christmas Carol,” this timeless holiday tale comes to life with warmth, humor and unforgettable music. Show times are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gatewaybythebay.org
South Jersey Players Holiday Show
- Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14
Studio Space, 112 Woodland Ave., Somers Point
South Jersey Players, in association with SPQR Stage Company, present “Big Louie is Comin’ to Town,” a short comedy by Jeff Dunne and directed by Marlene May. SPQR Stage Company will present “Magic Flowers,” a short original play by local playwright Bill Sterritt. Enjoy two plays for the price of one. Show times are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Reservations can be made by emailing spqrstageco@aol.com or by phone at 323-793-2153.
Horse and Carriage Rides in Ocean City
- Saturday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 14, 12-3 p.m.
Sixth St. and Asbury Ave.
Enjoy horse and carriage rides throughout Downtown Ocean City. Line up in the Tabernacle parking lot at Sixth St. and Asbury Ave.
Santa Claus in Ocean City
- Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14
Get your photo with Santa himself. The man in the red suit will appear at Soifer Park, on the corner of Ninth and Asbury, from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa will also be available for photos at the Music Pier between 1 and 3 p.m.
‘The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition’
- 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) Junior Company, “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” is a stage adaptation of the classic story tailored for young performers, featuring characters and songs from the beloved 1939 film. Follow Dorothy’s journey to the Emerald City with her friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, as they seek help from the Wizard to return home. Tickets can be purchased online at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Storybook Land’s Christmas
Fantasy with Lights
- Now-Tuesday, Dec. 30
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 as Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Visit www.storybookland.com for ticket information and updated hours.
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 of 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. 17, 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.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
- Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7 p.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 Thursdays, 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.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
