Christmas at the Jersey Shore
Labor Day comes and goes at the Jersey Shore, so everyone assumes the fun is over? Not when it comes to Christmas Time. All along the coast, one festive activity after another keeps the holiday spirit alive and offers fabulous fun for all.
For those who enjoy the Central Jersey Shore, Ocean Grove New Jersey is the place to visit this holiday season. Located off exit 100B of the Garden State Parkway, this quaint town takes you back to the turn of the twentieth century with it’s Victorian Homes, wonderful shops, and eating establishments that line the Main Street. During the Holiday season, you can stay in a Victorian B&B, (The Majestic Hotel is my favorite), enjoy Santa and the children while celebrating the tree lighting ceremony, tour Victorian Homes and Inns, take a carriage ride around town, or enjoy one of many other activities offered in the wonderful shore town.
Further South, The town of Smithville offers its holiday light show late in November. This small village is lined with specialty shops where you can find that perfect gift, or enjoy one of the many restaurants and eating establishments while strolling around in a relaxed mode.
Tuckerton, Dennisville, and Mauricetown all offer Christmas house tours with new homes to be viewed each and every year.
The Atlantic City Christmas Parade is usually held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Atlantic Ave and the Boardwalk. Along with this, the “Walk” offers a Christmas atmosphere for shoppers looking for bargains to put under the tree.
Ocean City offers its annual Christmas Parade with a special visit from the man in the red suit on Asbury Ave. between 6th & 11th Streets. Shops offer special hours during this time so visitors can browse and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Christmas in Stone Harbor is celebrated as an Island Holiday. Come see Santa make his arrival in style with their annual parade. Hospitality night offers late shopping hours during the days after Thanksgiving with festive music and fun for all. The Wetlands in Stone Harbor is offering Children’s activities from 9:30 to 4:00 PM.
Wildwood has its annual Christmas Parade sponsored by the Jaycees the first or second weekend in December and there is a tree lighting ceremony in Wildwood Crest. You can also enjoy unique crafts at the Sheep Farm Annual Christmas Crafts Show located at the Sheep Farm, 551 Hands Mill Road in Belleplain, Dennis Township.
Trolley Tours, Horse & Buggy Rides, and Victorian House and Inns tours are only a few of the spectacular events occurring during the Holiday season in Cape May. This vacation Mecca offers more events between Thanksgiving and Christmas than any town around this area. Tours by Foot, Trolley, or Horse & Buggy can all be enjoyed many times throughout the week and over the course of many weeks in this Victorian Town at the Jersey Shore that never slows down. A Community Wassail Party, Christmas Skating Party, and Craft Bazaars can also be found. Most Bed & Breakfast remain open all year for its guests and many restaurants with their fabulous food stay open for the holidays.
Christmas at the Jersey Shore is anything but quiet. Activities all along the coast bring many from far away to enjoy a relaxed, non-stressful time and possibly a walk into Christmas past. Take a break from your hectic schedule and visit the Jersey Shore during the Holiday Season. You’ll see another side of this wonderful area you enjoy so much.
