Now that we are settled into Fall, enjoying our pumpkin spice lattes and embracing the cold weather, you may think your summer vacations down the shore are over. However, this is not the case! The Jersey Shore towns continue to provide safe events that are a great way to spend time with friends and family.
Avalon
This holiday season, after canceling event after event due to COVID-19 for safety precautions, the Borough of Avalon, the 7 Mile Business Community Association and various community organizations have come together to plan a safe and socially responsible Thanksgiving weekend. The need for some fun festivities and celebrations are in dire need after these past crazy months.
There will be plenty of events that are safe and fun for all ages. Starting November 20, the Festival of Trees will be hosted by participating businesses. Shop around your favorite Avalon stores while browsing a variety of trees and wreaths on display. This is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Choose your own route this year for our virtual 5K to benefit Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. Starting November 25 through November 30, complete your 5K at your own leisure. If running isn’t quite your speed, head to Dune Drive for carriage rides, live music, children’s performances, crafts, giveaways and more. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa and other fun characters along the way. Head east to the beach: The Avalon Recreation Department will be hosting drive-in movies at the 30th Street parking lot Friday and Saturday. For more details on the events visit Avalon’s website.
Sea Isle City
Sea Isle is another town doing a Halloween movie night. Get in the spirit and head to Excursion Park to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas. This event takes place on Friday, 10/30. Bring your chair, blankets, and masks, then enjoy!
Can’t make it that weekend? Book a weekend getaway for Sea Isle City’s annual Girls Weekend, November 20-22. This is a great way to take time for yourself and your girls. Enjoy each other's company and explore the offers from participating businesses. There will be special offers at retailers, salon and fitness services, restaurants, lodging, and other services. Girls Weekend features wine tastings, live entertainment, dancing, and more. It will be easy to spot out which businesses are participating as those involved will have colorful “Girls Weekend” flags hanging in front of stores and restaurants.
Sea Isle City is a great town to spend the week with your family or friends! More events include: a HOWL-O-WEEN Virtual Pet Costume Contest, taking place now through October 28, The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 27, and the Holiday Extravaganza Small Business Saturday on November 28. For more information on all of these events, click the link here.
Ocean City
Head to Ocean City to participate in some lighthearted events hosted in town. Through November 21-22 and 27-29, you can explore the town by taking a FREE Horse and Carriage Ride. Ocean City is a great town filled with special holiday events. Participate in the annual Turkey Trot, or eat breakfast and take photos with Santa. The holiday celebrations are spread throughout November and December; check out Ocean City’s calendar here.
This year, Ocean City welcomes a new tradition: “Winterfest By The Sea.” This event consists of a fun filled holiday craft market located at the practice field on 6th Street and the Broadwalk. Taking place on Friday, November 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this event is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Fine handcrafted items and delicious food gifts are available for purchase, as well as crafts and activities for children, and a visit from Santa himself!
On Saturday November 17, Ocean City’s Holiday events began to commence. Here’s what the “Earlier Than The Bird” special looks like: It starts with the downtown shopping extravaganza, taking place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., where you may wear your pajamas for early-bird shopping specials at stores, and get all that holiday shopping done! Free coffee will be available at Jon & Patty’s (637 Asbury Ave.), Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Ave.) and Starbucks (1061 Asbury Ave.) and enjoy a free doughnut at Drip N’ Scoop (960 Asbury Ave.)!
Make sure to wear your best holiday pajamas, because free turkeys will be awarded to the best dressed! Speaking of turkeys, the 11th annual Fast and Furious Turkey Trot starts bright and early at 8:00 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, November 22. The course for this 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race is on the Ocean City Boardwalk, and proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City. For more information on the Turkey Trot, click here.
Local Eats
Don’t forget to enjoy some of the local places to eat that are still open, like Ludlam Island Brewery or The Doc’s Place. If you’re taking a mini vacation or weekend getaway, treat yourself to your favorite dish at your favorite restaurant. Enjoy the outdoor dining experience while it’s still nice out.
With still much to do down at the Jersey Shore, book a weekend getaway! Enjoy a mini-vacation at one of our resorts. Our resorts are close to the beach allowing you to still have beautiful views to enjoy if staying in. For more information about our Inns and Suites available, check out our website to book your stay with us and enjoy all that is to offer in the off-season at the shore!