Thanksgiving weekend is the official kickoff of the holiday season! With festivities ranging from turkey trots to parades and Black Friday shopping, the NJ Shore is the place to celebrate. Let’s explore 10 New Jersey Shore Thanksgiving Weekend events to add to your holiday weekend itinerary:

Cape May, NJ

Black Friday on the Washington Street Mall

Kick off the holiday season at Washington Street Mall for Black Friday. Spend one of the most popular shopping days of the year shopping small and checking off that gift list in Cape May! Many businesses will feature great sales and specials coupled with festive décor. To conclude the events, Santa, Mrs Claus, Elves and Musicians will be strolling the mall 2 pm to 4 pm (tentative times). They will be taking pictures with our visitors on the mall and collecting money for our Cape May Food Bank. 

Congress Hall Winter Wonderland

The magic is returning to Congress Hall November 25, 2023! Winter Wonderland is back for it’s 13th year at Congress Hall with train and carousel rides, the enchanted vendor village, Santa’s workshop activities and more! 

NJ Holiday Wine Trail: 

Beginning Black Friday and continuing throughout Thanksgiving weekend, wineries from Sussex County to Cape May County will be participating in the Garden State Wine Grower’s Association’s annual Holiday Wine Trail Weekend! Make a plan to visit all of the wineries participating or stick to the NJ Shore wineries including Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and Natali Vineyards for holiday fun sipping your favorite wine. 

The Wildwoods, NJ

The 2023 TJ Hunt Memorial 5K Turkey Trot – November 23, 2023

Before you indulge in your Thanksgiving feast, why not burn some calories at the Wildwoods Family Turkey Trot? Gather together with family and join us to honor the life of Wildwood Crest native, TJ Hunt, during the Wildwood Turkey Trot at 9am on Thanksgiving morning. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot will help fund the organization’s scholarships and efforts to help other families that have experienced a traumatic event. Meanwhile, you can register now here or donate to the fountation here.

Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village – Small Business Saturday – November 25, 2023

Shop small accordingly down the shore this Small Business Saturday at the 4th annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village. This outdoor holiday shopping event will take place at Byrne Plaza & Downtown Wildwood during the times of 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on November 25, 2023.  Local small business vendors will be on hand for you to purchase the perfect holiday gift! Browse local artisans, jewelry, specialty shops, handcrafted items, holiday decorations, baked goods, boutique shops, gifts, holiday music, & more. 

Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ

Avalon Festive Friday/Snowfest Saturday/Turkey Trot/Festival of the Trees

Celebrate all weekend long on Seven Mile Island! The festive line up of events will run from Wednesday to Saturday. Events range from a Turkey Trot following the Festival of Trees and concluding with Snowfest Saturday. In light of the holiday season, join with family and friends on in Avalon and Stone Harbor for these fun Thanksgiving weekend events:

Events include:
Festival of Trees – Wednesday, Nov. 22 – 5pm and Friday, Nov. 24 – Noon to 8pm.
Diller Home Turkey Trot 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Walk – Friday, Nov. 24 – 10am
Festive Friday – Friday, Nov. 24 – 11am to 4pm (Town Tree Lighting and Santa Claus starting at 5pm)
Snowfest Saturday – Saturday, Nov. 25 – 11am to 4pm 

Sea Isle City, NJ

Sea Isle City Winter Village at the Ludlam –  Thanksgiving Weekend

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend accordingly in Sea Isle City with the second annual Winter Village.  Kick off the holiday season at The Ludlam with ice skating, holiday vendors, as well as live entertainment. Attend this event Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25 located on the corner of JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue. 

Sea Isle City Holiday Parade – November 24 6-7pm

In addition to the fun of Sea Isle City’s Winter Village, don’t miss the holiday parade. This event takes place Friday evening from 6:00pm-7:00pm along Landis Avenue. Watch the fun floats, music and festive celebration hosted by SIC’s department of Tourism.  Concluding the night, tree lighting ceremony will be held at Excursion Park. 

Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City, NJ Christmas in the Downtown

On Friday, November 25, Ocean City’s version of “Black Friday” comes to life with “Christmas in the Downtown.” This event, known as “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue,” runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. It features carolers and performers along Asbury Avenue, spanning from Sixth Street to 14th Street. Shoppers can enjoy discount deals at downtown stores, coupled with great food at Asbury Avenue restaurants. Additionally, free horse-and-carriage rides will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. Santa will also be available for visits with children from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park. Finally, shopping will continue through Small Business Saturday with a special performance from Ocean City Pops Orchestra. 

Long Beach Island, NJ

LBI Tree lightings and Santa’s Viking Christmas Village Craft Show

LBI will, without a doubt, be in packed with holiday fun.  From Barnegat Light to Beach Haven, and everywhere in between, Long Beach Island is appropriatly celebrating their New Jersey Shore Thanksgiving Weekend events. Here are the lineup of events scheduled: 

Santa’s Arrival & Christmas Tree Lighting in Barnegat Light (11/24)
Santa’s Viking Christmas Village Craft Show (11/25)
Christmas Tree Lighting in Ship Bottom (11/25)
Ship Bottom Annual Christmas Parade (12/2)

To conclude, Thanksgiving weekend down the New Jersey Shore is a delightful way to begin the holiday season. From parades and shopping to beach walks and gourmet dining, the NJ Shore offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. By planning your visit around these scheduled New Jersey Shore Thanksgiving Weekend events, you can make the most of your Thanksgiving weekend and create cherished memories with your family and friends. Don’t forget to book accommodations early, as this popular destination can get quite busy during the holiday season. Browse over 1,900 New Jersey Shore vacation rentals in various towns at ShoreSummerRentals.com and contact hosts directly to find your perfect holiday weekend rental.