Do you get stressed out every holiday season when it comes time to shop? You don’t have to. Forget about going to one Mall after another where you drive around forever looking for a parking space and then bump into every other frenzied shopper in the crowd only to realize that you can’t quite find that perfect gift.

Holiday Shopping at the Jersey Shore can be a relaxed and even fun adventure. Once you reach the shore, you won’t find traffic jams with everyone honking and having a coronary car rage. You won’t find crowds that leave you bumped and bruised like you’ve been in a boxing match. What you will find are many specialty shops with unique gifts for everyone.

Once a year my family starts on the southern end of the Jersey Shore and works our way up the coast for several miles and usually to our surprise we get most of our holiday shopping done. Our first stop is Cape May with the Washington Mall. Walking along this outdoor area immediately puts us in the holiday season with the decorations, music, and festive activities. We take our time and split up and go to our favorite shops to find that special gift for our loved ones. We can spend several hours in Cape May because of everything it has to offer. Christmas ornaments, jewelry, children’s unique toys, and clothing are just a few of the many treasures you will find. And if you need a break, many of the restaurants and small cafes remain open during the holidays. You may even want to catch a carriage ride around the town and take in everything Cape May is all about?

Our next stop along the coast is Stone Harbor New Jersey. Located about twelve miles north of Cape May, this quaint town has about 100 specialty shops including upscale clothing, Shore apparel, kites, toys, and almost anything imaginable. You may be surprised to hear Carolers wandering up and down the streets, and the relaxed atmosphere will make you smile.

Ocean City, NJ is also a great shopping town for the holidays. Asbury Ave. is lined with many different boutiques and fine shopping spots. And don’t forget Mia’s Christmas Gallery at 11th and the Boardwalk. Although this shop may be the only one on the boardwalk open during this season, it is worth the few block ride to see all it has to offer.

Our late afternoon, early evening usually ends in Atlantic City at the Walk. Here we can find everything on our list that remains and they specialize in Outlet shops with reduced pricing. We will shop here and then head over to the Pier to finish up and find something wonderful to eat. And with any luck, we may put a few coins in the slots as a finish to a fabulous day.

Shopping at the Jersey Shore can be fun, relaxing, and put you in the spirit of giving. In one full day, you can cruise the coast in a mode unlike any of the Mega Malls. Come to the Jersey Shore this Holiday and see how much fun shopping can be!

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.