Embrace the festive spirit of the season in the Wildwoods by indulging in small business shopping and exciting holiday events.
The Wildwoods may be a favorite summer destination, thanks to its free white sandy beaches, world-famous boardwalk, and vintage Doo-Wop architecture, but the cooler temperatures signal the transformation of the Wildwoods into a fun holiday destination. Year-round businesses are gearing up for the holiday season with special offerings and personalized service you can’t get with the large box stores or from shopping online; and shopping small has an undeniable trickle-down effect. For every $100 dollars spent at a locally owned business, nearly $70 stays in the community and contributes to local economic growth. ‘Shopping small’ also allows customers to get to know the people behind the product or service, which results in unbeatable customer service and personalization. Whether it’s fudge, bikes, surf boards, jewelry, clothing, pet supplies, or home décor, you can find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift. For a list of businesses, visit WildwoodsNJ.com.
Small Business Saturday
The Wildwoods’ 4th Annual Holiday Shopping Village is back, promising a Small Business Saturday experience like never before. The completely outdoor shopping experience will take place at Byrne Plaza on Saturday, November 25 from 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and will feature numerous small business vendors offering everything visitors will need for their holiday shopping lists. From handcrafted jewelry to baked goods, holiday decorations and so much more, this year’s Holiday Shopping Village is a must-visit for the holidays in the Wildwoods.
Holidays at HenVille
In addition to the Small Business Saturday festivities, MudHen Brewing Company is hosting Holidays at HenVille, a pop-up shopping experience at 127 W. Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood on Sunday, December 3 and Sunday, December 10. Holidays at HenVille features plenty of activities for the whole family, including face painting, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, s’mores stations, and live music. Visitors won’t want to miss the shopping at this favorite annual event. With outdoor pop-up vendors, family activities, and more, this year’s Holidays at HenVille will be sure to please.
The Wildwoods know how to celebrate the season, with a festive list of Holiday Celebrations that are perfect for the entire family:
November 2023
Friday, November 24- Sunday November 26
Christmas in North Wildwood
Olde New Jersey Avenue & 100 block of East 17th Avenue, North Wildwood. Friday & Saturday from 2 p.m. and Sunday from noon. Enjoy outdoor firepits, hot chocolate, festive lights, decorations, and music while enjoying the holidays in North Wildwood.
Friday, November 24
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
Enjoy family fun including music and free photo ops with Santa and other winter wonderland characters, hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. Food available for purchase. Donation fee TBA. 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 2nd Street and Surf Avenue, North Wildwood. Rain date is Saturday, November 25.
Saturday, November 25
Holiday Shopping Village – Small Business Saturday
Enjoy an outdoor holiday shopping experience at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There will be local artisans and specialty shops, handcrafted items and decorations, baked goods, boutique shops, entertainment and music, a raffle, and more! Hosted by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. Follow @WildwoodsHolidayShoppingVillage on Facebook for more information.
December 2023
Friday, December 1
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade
Parade registration/check-in begins at 5 p.m. at the North Wildwood Recreation Center, 10th and Central Avenues, North Wildwood. The Parade lines up along Central Avenue and steps off 16th Avenue at 6:30 p.m., proceeding along Central Avenue, then Pacific Avenue to Spicer Avenue where the parade will turn and proceed to Byrne Plaza. Awards will be announced for floats and decorated business lighting contest at approximately 7:30 p.m. in Byrne Plaza. (Rain date December 3; line-up at 4 p.m. step off at 5 p.m.) For more information call 609-729-5501 or visit www.WildwoodHoliday.com.
Friday, December 1
Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us in lighting up the holiday season with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Byrne Plaza at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 1. For more information call 609-729-5501 or visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Friday, December 1
Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunset Lake at Atlanta and New Jersey Avenues in Wildwood Crest at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 1. Tree lighting ceremony to kick off the Christmas season in the borough. Live music, light refreshments, visit from Santa Claus and more! For more info call 609-523-0202 or visit www.wildwoodcrest.org.
Friday, December 1 & Saturday, December 2
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza
In Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood, enjoy free carnival rides, musical entertainment, and vendors from 5- 9 p.m. on Friday, December 1, and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 2. For more information call 609-729-5501 or visit www.wildwoodholiday.com.
Saturday, December 2
Holiday Drag Queen Bingo
Have a little extra adults-only fun with some holiday cheer and join us for Holiday Drag Queen Bingo, with 12 rounds of Bingo and cash prizes at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation at 609.729.4000 or visit the office at 3306 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, or visit www.gwcoc.org.
Saturday, December 2
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony
Taking place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, North Wildwood at 5 p.m. Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, free tour of lighthouse, and a visit from Santa Claus. For more information, visit northwildwood.com.
Sunday, December 3 & Sunday, December 10
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village
Wrap up your holiday shopping at the annual Shopping Village at MudHen Brewing Company on 127 W. Rio Grande Avenue, on Sundays, December 3 and 10, with entertainment for the entire family. The event will also feature numerous vendors in the parking lot for additional local shopping. For more information 609-522-0159 x110 or mudhenbrew.com.
Friday & Saturday, December 8 & 9; Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16
Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park
The Wildwood Recreation and Fire Department elves and friends are back at it again this year, spreading old-fashioned Holiday Cheer at the Annual Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park. The Park is located at 123 E. Andrews Avenue. The light show kicks off Friday, December 8. Contact the Recreation Center at [email protected] or 609-522-5837.
Saturday, December 9
‘Pinch the GrYnch’ Boardwalk 5K Run
This holiday Boardwalk 5K run and 1-mile walk is fun for all ages! Event starts at 10 a.m. – rain or shine. Participants are asked to register online. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive holiday outfits. For more information, contact 609-849-8887 or visit lynchtoydrive.com/pinch.
Saturday, December 9
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., featuring FREE admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, children’s craft making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, and much more! At 4:30 p.m. there will be a tree lighting ceremony. For more information call 609-729-9000 or visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Monday, December 18
Wildwood Crest Holiday Lights Walk
Celebrate the season among bright light displays! Starting at 5:30 p.m., walkers will meet at the corner of Rambler Road and New Jersey Avenue and take an approximately 30-minute walk along Sunset Lake and the surrounding neighborhood to view the various holiday and Christmas light displays. The event is free to attend but registration is encouraged. All participants will receive a small holiday gift at the conclusion of the walk. For more information, please email [email protected].
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
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