Holiday Gift Wrap at Hamilton Mall
Now – December 24th
4403 E Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing
Gifts will be wrapped in exchange for donations that benefit Gilda’s Club South Jersey and The Ruth Newman Shapiro Heart & Cancer Fund. Volunteers will be present at the kiosk during the mall’s holiday hours.
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
Every Thursday through Sunday Now until January 6th
Historic Smithville 615 E Moss Mill Rd.
Christmas Trees made from over 50,000 Christmas lights magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting of the water’s surface. The show runs in loops of about 30 minutes.
Forever Forest
Open Select Dates Now – January 2nd
354 S. Bremen Ave. Galloway
Attractions at Forever Forest include a 50-foot decorated Christmas tree display, live-in snowglobe, magical Sleigh-ride experience, Marshmallow Lounge, Santa’s Office Wonderland, Ice Skating Rink, Toyland Train Display, “Mancini’s” Working Toy Factory and many more. Learn more by visiting foreverforestnj.com or call (609) 957-6501.
Christmas Toons
Friday, December 7th & Saturday, December 8th
Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay Ave. Somers Point
This fun-filled show features groups from all your favorite holiday animated classics, as well as some surprises. Christmas Toons is a family friendly, G rated show for all ages, featuring songs from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Grinch and many more. Tickets are $25 per person. For showtimes and tickets, visit www.gatewaybythebay.org or call 609-653-0553.
Holiday Mart at The Exchange at Linwood
Fridays from 4-7:30 pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 11am-2pm
2110 New Road, Linwood
Our local vendors can help you check everyone off your list, whether it’s jewelry, clothing, home décor, speciality soaps, make-up and more. Eat, drink and shop local.
“Latke Fest” Chanukah Celebration
Friday, December 7th at 5:30pm
Beth Israel 2501 Shore Rd. Northfield
Beth Israel invites the community to celebrate Chanukah with a Latke Fest following Shabbat services. In addition to latkes, there will be dreidel games, Quizzo and a treasure hunt. Latke Fest is open to the community. Cost is $25 per family or $10 per person for members and $15 per person for non-members. Reservations can be made by contacting the synagogue office at 609-641-3600 or bethisrael@cbinorthfield.org.
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Friday, December 7th at 6pm
Asbury Avenue from 6th – 11th Streets
For more information call 609-399-1412.
Somers Point Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Friday, December 7th at 6:30pm
Shore Road to City Hall
Don’t miss another exciting Somers Point Holiday Parade. 2018 will mark the 3rd Annual Float Competition. The parade will travel down Shore Road and end at City Hall where Santa Claus will help light the festive tree and children can meet him inside for pictures and a special gift.
The Nutcracker
Friday, December 7th at 7pm and Saturday December 8th at 10:30am & 2pm
Stockton Performing Arts Center 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway
Tickets are $33 for adults and $12 for children
Celebrate a long cherished tradition of wonderful holiday performances. For the 36th year, the Atlantic City Ballet presents its production of The Nutcracker. To purchase tickets, visit the Stockton PAC Box Office or visit stocktonpac.org.
Breakfast with Santa at Hamilton Mall
Saturday, December 8th at 8:30am
4403 E Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even some Elves will be in the Food Court having breakfast with all the good girls and boys. Purchase your tickets for $6 per person at Customer Service and avoid the wait or buy at the entrance.
Santa Paws
Saturday, December 8th from 12-2pm
Fischer Flowers 2322 Shore Rd. Linwood
Join the fun Saturday, December 8th for Santa Paws. The public is invited to bring one donation item for Beacon Animal Rescue, and they will receive a $20 Fischer Flowers gift card and a free photo with Santa Paws and their pet.
Atlantic City’s 2nd Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 8th at 3pm
Atlantic City Boardwalk from Vermont to Albany Avenues
Absecon Lighthouse presents A “Luminary Light Festival”
Saturday, December 8th from 5-7pm
31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City
This popular holiday tradition illuminates neighborhoods by placing candles in white bags and placing them along streets and sidewalks for all to enjoy. We invite guests to decorate and personalize a luminary bag in honor of a family member, friend, or just for fun. Guests will fill their luminaries with beach sand and a candle, and position their bag around Atlantic City’s own beacon of light and cottage. Tickets are $20 per person and luminaries and supplies will be provided. Light fare, including wine and beer, will be offered. Please call 609-449-1360 to make a reservation.
Somers Point Christmas Porch Performances
Saturday, December 8th at 6pm
The Riddlesbrood Players will present an originally, and bit quirky take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This performance will be stage as separate acts on various porches in the Bayfront Historic District. Act One will take place at 37 Somers Ave., walking to Act Two at 829 Bay Ave. and Act Three at 21 Delaware Ave. The evening will culminate at Gregory’s Restaurant where light holiday refreshments will be served after the performance. This event is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, all 609-653-4991.
Holiday Gift Boutique
Sunday, December 9th from 1-6pm
The Cove Restaurant 3700 Brigantine Blvd. Brigantine
Come shop, grab a drink and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres at the Holiday Gift Boutique. Jewelry artisans, painters, photographers and artists will be showcased. The event kicks off at 1pm and ends at 6pm on Sunday, December 9th. Canned goods will be accepted for the Food Bank in Brigantine. There is no fee to attend.
The Atlantic Cape Choir 2018 Winter Showcase
Tuesday, December 11th at 7pm
Atlantic Cape Community College Walter E. Edge Theater 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing
The Atlantic Cape Choir will perform a selection of holiday songs culminating in a grand finale including current students and alumni. This event is free to attend.
Academy of Culinary Arts Italian Desserts Workshop
Wednesday, December 12th from 6-9pm
Atlantic Cape Community College 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing
For more information or to register, call 609-343-5655.
Second Friday at Noyes Arts Garage
Friday, December 14th from 5-9pm
2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City
The Noyes Arts Garage is pleased to present their 2018 Holiday Party. Open receptions this month include the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival and a pop up installation. Enjoy face painting, kids holiday activity, a live DJ, hot chocolate station, light refreshments and cash bar.
Ventnor Coffee Annual Holiday Toy Drive
Sunday, December 16h from 10am-7pm
Ventnor Coffee 108 N. Dorset Ave.
Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for kids ages 1-10 years old. All toys and donations will benefit Atlantic County Toys for Kids to help children and families in Atlantic County. If you are unable to make the event and would still like to make a donation, please feel free to drop off your donation at Ventnor Coffee or contact the ACFTK at 609-214-8293.
Local Artisan Holiday Market
Sunday, December 16th from 1-6pm
The Leadership Studio 16 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City
Join The Leadership Studio for their first annual Holiday Market. Local crafters and artists will be featured for you to pick up holiday gifts. Support your local crafts people and give one of a kind items this year. Featuring Sea Me Glow, Brittney Bruno Wood Art, Christian Correa and more.
Dancing at Somers Point Fire Co. 1
Tuesdays from 7:30-10:30pm
455 Bethel Rd. Somers Point
Live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Meet some new friends and enjoy light refreshments. Social dancing, line dancing and dance mixers. For more information, contact Rita Voli at 609-408-3619.
Atlantic City Events
Jingle: A Magical Holiday Spectacular
Now – Friday, December 21st
Tropicana Showroom
Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for children
This spectacular show features glamorous dancers in dazzling costumes, angelic singers, music box ballerinas, dancing soldiers, Atlantic City favorites Kevin and Caruso, aerial artistry of special guest, Lady Hellevi and the award-winning choreographer and costume design form Mistinguett. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the Tropicana has the most wonderful Holiday show.
Broadway Holiday Show
Now – Saturday, December 29th
Superstar Theater at Resorts
Tickets are $25
Join Resorts this December to hear your favorite hits from Broadway shows and Christmas musicals. Featuring Ron Sharpe, Barbra Sharpe, Samantha Sharpe, family and friends.
O.A.R
Saturday, December 8th at 8pm
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Tickets start at $45.50
Tony Orlando & Dawn: Holiday Show
Saturday, December 8th at 9pm
The Music Box at Borgata
Tickets start at $59
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Saturday, December 15th at 7pm
Harrah’s Resort
Tickets start at $28
Community Events
Mitten Tree
The Longport Historical Society is sponsoring its annual Mitten Tree at Borough Hall during the month of December. Items requested are gloves, mittens, scarves, hats and “Fun Underwear” for young children. Donations are distributed to local school nurses offices and other charitable groups. Items may be placed on the tree in the lobby or given to the city clerk.
Knitting Club
Fridays from 10am-12pm
Atlantic County Library Egg Harbor Township 1 Swift Ave.
Open to all ages. Beginner or experienced knitters are welcome to bring current or new projects.
Storytime with Miss Bonnie
Fridays at 10:30am
Atlantic County Library Brigantine 201 15th St. S
Suggested for ages 3 1/2-5. Support your child’s early literacy skills and school-readiness by joining Miss Bonnie and her crew to hear stories, sing songs and make a quick craft.
Yoga for Life
Saturday, December 8th at 9:30am
Atlantic County Library Mays Landing 40 Farragut Ave.
Open to adults and teens. Registration and $5 fee required for each session.
Storytime University
Saturdays at 10:30am
Atlantic County Library Pleasantville 33 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Open to ages 3-6; children must be accompanied by an adult. Children & their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and movement while building language and literacy skills.
Checkmates Chess Club
Saturdays from 12-4:30pm
Atlantic County Library Ventnor 6500 Atlantic Ave.
Gingerbread Playhouse
Saturday, December 8th at 1:30pm
Atlantic County Library Pleasantville 33 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Open to ages 3-6; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Color a kid-sized cardboard gingerbread house, work together to construct it, then take turns playing inside. Make a quick craft and enjoy real gingerbread and cocoa.
Longport Historical Society Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 9th at 7pm
Church of the Redeemer 20th & Atlantic Ave. Longport
The concert “Joyeux Noel” will be presented by the Mainland Choral Society. A cookie reception will be held in Guild Hall following the concert. Admission is free.
Gathering Wool
Tuesdays at 10am
Atlantic County Library Ventnor 6500 Atlantic Ave.
Open to adults. All levels of experience welcome.
Food Presentation at Longport Public Library
Tuesday, December 11th at 6pm
2305 Atlantic Ave. Longport
Presented by Stir It Up Catering. The presentation will be a butternut squash, kale and pomegranate salad. Reservations are required. Please contact the Longport Public Library at 609-487-7403.
Computer Help at the Library
Tuesday, December 11th at 6pm
Atlantic County Library Egg Harbor Township 1 Swift Dr.
Open to adults. Registration required. Have our librarians help you with most Microsoft Office programs, find information on the Internet, set up and use an e-mail, or other computer questions you may have. We can help you with your own computer, Apple/Android smartphone or tablet as well.
Furry Buddies
Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30pm
Atlantic County Library Galloway 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd.
Suggested for ages 6-14. Registration requested, but drop-ins are welcome. Read a story to Cody, Erin or Freedom, therapy dogs who love sharing stories with children.
Tot Tales
Wednesdays at 10am
Atlantic County Library Somers Point 801 Shore Rd.
Suggested for ages 1-4. Stories, songs and an easy craft. Siblings always welcome.
Girls Book Club
Thursdays at 3:15pm
Otto Bruyns Public Library 241 W. Mill Rd. Northfield
This group provides a space for positive support and encouragement academically and socially.
Do-It-Yourself Craft: Nature’s Winter Ornaments
Saturday, December 15th at 1:30pm
Atlantic County Library Brigantine 201 15th St. S
Open to ages 3-12. Registration requested. Make your own holiday ornaments inspired by nature to decorate your tree or home.
Classes in Art
The Ventnor Cultural Arts Center is holding Classes in Art year-round. Workshops range in pottery, watercolor, oil & acrylics, pottery, pastels, jewelry making and mosaic. Classes are $20 each. Beginners welcome! Pre-registration is required. Call 609-823-7952 or visit ventnorarts.org for more information.
