December is often referred to as the “most wonderful time of the year.” While many associate this month with family gatherings, delicious food, and exchanging presents, we believe it also has a lot to do with the exciting array of holiday events happening at the Jersey Shore! With attractions like light shows, brunches with Santa, local markets, and gingerbread cookie decorating, there are plenty of activities to keep you, your family, and your friends entertained during this holiday season.

Scoops with Santa – Belmar

Sunday, December 1^st – 12-4pm

Join Coney Waffle for their festive “Scoops with Santa” event! Enjoy free pictures with Santa while indulging in your favorite ice cream flavors. Bring your holiday spirit and a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the day! It’s the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season with family and friends—don’t miss out on this sweet tradition! They will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children in need.

801 Belmar Plaza, Belmar https://www.facebook.com/events/727130362946464/

A Sinner’s Christmas Experience: Sinners are Coming to Town – Point Pleasant Beach

December 1^st – January 5^th

At a A Sinner’s Christmas Experience, guests will be able to make reservations inside their dining room or on their climate-controlled & heated terrace from November 13th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025. Join Sinner’s Steakhouse for a jolly Ol’ sinful experience with craft Christmas cocktails, food specials, Santa’s favorite desserts & fun for all ages! Sinners will transform into a Christmas extravaganza. Try a signature cocktail like the Reif Rum Coquito, Cousin Eddie’s Egg Nog, Scrooge’s Usual, and more. All desserts offered will have a Christmas twist by combining traditional and festive notes. You can even make your own hot chocolate!

20 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.jerseyshoreinmotion.com/Event/Sinners-Steakhouse/A-Sinners-Christmas-Experience/27953

Breakfast with Santa – Ocean City

Sunday, December 1^st & Saturday, December 14^th – 8am-10pm

Santa’s made a special arrangement with his friends at the North Pole to stop by Doozie’s Place for some holiday magic! He will be making a guest appearance on December 1st & 14th from 8am-10am. Enjoy festive breakfast favorites while Santa spreads cheer and hands out candy canes—no formal photo ops, just a jolly good time! First come, first serve— you don’t want to miss out!

100 Asbury Ave, Ocean City https://www.facebook.com/events/1098045331847125/

Christmas at G&G Stables – Howell

December 1^st, 7^th, 8^th, 14^th, & 15^th – 11am-4pm

Christmas at G&G Stables has all of the magic planned this holiday season. Admission includes the petting farm, fire pits, games, photo ops, and unlimited hayrides and barrel rides. Photos with Santa and food available for an additional cost. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a magical time at the farm.

49 Driftway Rd, Howell https://www.facebook.com/events/1899523587126057/1899523590459390/

Pictures With Santa – Keyport

December 1^st, 7^th & 8^th – 12-3pm

Smokey’s Doggy Café’s annual “Pictures with Santa” event! Bring your dogs, bring your kids and the whole family! Portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Arts Society of Keyport and No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue.

30 W Front St, Keyport https://www.facebook.com/events/584800020776864/

A Casino Pier Christmas – Seaside Heights

December 1^st, 7^th, 8^th, 14^th, 15^th & 21^st 1-4pm

Make memories this holiday season with your little ones at Casino Pier during “A Casino Pier Christmas.” From festive activities to exciting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season! Bring the kids and enjoy exciting holiday activities together like photos with Santa, Character Meet & Greets, Face Painting and more.

Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights https://www.facebook.com/events/934214581909908/934217438576289/

Chef David Burke Holiday Cooking Demo – Sea Bright

Tuesday, December 3rd – 6:30pm

Join DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke for the Chef David Burke Holiday Cooking Demo / Meet and Greet Dinner! Featuring a Holiday Season Theme Cooking Demonstration with Chef David Burke, Welcome Cocktail, Three-Course Dinner, Q & A with culinary giveaways and Seasonal Parting Gift from Dixie Lee Bakery. Between courses Chef pulls back the curtain to show you “behind the scenes” tricks to cooking some of his creatively presented Holiday celebratory dishes and classics. Chef will take you through his culinary career and intimate stories from his journey.

1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright https://www.jerseyshoreinmotion.com/Event/Drifthouse-by-David-Burke/Chef-David-Burke-Holiday-Cooking-Demo/27960

Holiday Sip & Shop at Hotel LBI

Wednesday, December 4^th – 5pm

Enjoy a fun night of shopping from local vendors inside Hotel LBI’s beautiful conservatory, then grab your sips and snacks from one of the Hotel’s two restaurants.

350 West 8th Street, Ship Bottom https://www.facebook.com/events/1122275932743907/

Cookie Decorating at Renault Winery

Friday, December 6^th – 4pm

Get ready for a sweet start to the  Vintner Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join Renault at Louie’s Lounge, where kids can enjoy a festive and fun cookie decorating workshop. Each child will receive a cookie decorating kit, complete with all the ingredients needed to craft their own delicious holiday cookies. With decorating stations set up and plenty of creative inspiration, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday festivities!

72 N Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City https://www.facebook.com/events/2011064272669059/

Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters Inc. Pet Food Pantry – Toms River

Saturday, December 7^th – 8:30-10am

Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters Inc. monthly pet food pantry will be on 12/7 at the East Dover Baptist Church parking lot in Toms River. All are welcome! Rain or shine.

974 Bay Ave, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/events/824427873086491/

Pictures with Santa at Humane Society of Ocean City

Saturday, December 7^th – 10am-2pm

Don’t miss out on annual Pet Pictures with Santa! Get your furry friends to the Humane Society of Ocean City to meet Santa and get pictures. Located in the Dog play yard enrichment center, photos are a $10 donation. Make sure to check out Roscoe Toy Workshop for more goodies. Come out and make your FURever HOWLiday memories.

1 Shelter Rd, Ocean City https://www.facebook.com/events/1117190546523583/

Ocean Partnership for Children’s Pet & Family Photos with Santa Fundraiser

Saturday, December 7^th – 10am-12pm

Join OPC  with the pets, the kids, the friends, and the family at the OPC office in Downtown Toms River for photos with Santa and walk through our vendor and resource tables! Funds raised will directly benefit OPC’s mission, including supporting the agency’s free, year-round youth groups!

36 Washington St, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/events/1312286586426457/

Downtown Winter Wonderland – Toms River

Saturday, December 7^th – 11am-5pm

The 4th annual Winter Wonderland Event taking place on December 7th from 11am – 5pm on Washington Street, Downtown Toms River! Enjoy: Handcrafted gifts, Family Activities, Caroling, Holiday Music, Face Painting, Ornament Painting, Holiday Story Time and more.

Washington St, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/events/570810055331998/

Santa Paws – North Wildwood

Saturday, December 7^th – 1pm

Grab your pup & head to North Wildwood! This pup pub crawl starts at Owens Pub and ends at North Wildwood Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue. Come out and enjoy doggie treats and photo ops at participating establishments along the route. The walk begins at 1 p.m.

Olde New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood https://www.facebook.com/events/410012035509461/

Barnyard Under the Stars – Boontown

Saturday, December 7^th – 4-8pm

Brookhollow’s Barnyard Under the Stars is a Family trip you don’t Want to miss! There’s nothing better than a dazzling light display to get in the holiday spirit! From Shining lights to crazy sheep, Barnyard Under the Stars will surely bring you some Holiday Joy. The Barnyard provides a perfect photo-op for friends and family. Their Holiday Thomas the Train Ride will be running from 4:30pm to 7pm.

301 Rockaway Valley Rd, Boonton https://www.facebook.com/events/1080544240742798/

Wreath Making – Manahawkin

Saturday, December 7^th – 6pm

Join Carly from Whole Body Wellness for a special wreath making workshop. $50 per person, all supplies included. BYOB, light refreshments provided. During this event, each person will create their own unique artificial wreath! Everyone will start with the mental wire and individual balsam branches to create the wreath from scratch. They will offer a variety of craft supplies to decorate the wreath to your liking!

641 Mill Creek Rd, Manahawkin https://www.facebook.com/events/1129301998535709/

OCC Concert Band: The Sounds of the Holidays

Saturday, December 7^th – 7pm

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, Ocean County College has the music to get you there! Join the OCC Concert Band as they perform holiday favorites the whole family will love. This year, we are pleased to feature a special guest artist on clarinet, Ms. Jean Gould. Ms. Gould is a retired member of the elite U.S. Army Field Band. She will be performing A Klezmer Tribute. Get your tickets early for The Sounds of the Holidays!

1 College Dr, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/events/539367755724106/

Giant Gingerbread Decorating with Julianne – Marmora

Sunday, December 8^th – 12-3pm

This holiday season, take your gingerbread decorating game to new heights with this workshop. Oversized 1 foot gingerbread men and women with unlimited icing, candy, sprinkles for endless decorating. Perfect for all ages and $15 per person.

Simply Sweet Candy Store 4 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora https://www.facebook.com/events/408000575511916/

Christmas at Harleys and Horses Farm – Farmingdale

Sunday, December 8^th – 12-3pm

Join Harleys and Horses Farm for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stroll the farm in it’s winter glory, and take a chance on Christmas Raffle Baskets. Take a ride in Santa’s Gator or on one of their horses. The farm will have hot chocolate and treats for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Blue Fund for our less fortunate creatures. Admission is free but PLEASE RSVP so they know how many to expect.

177 Georgia Tavern Rd, Farmingdale https://www.facebook.com/events/447325321296841/

Rooney’s Holiday Craft Market – Long Branch

Wednesday, December 11^th – 6pm

Join Rooney’s Holiday Arts & Craft show, all for a good cause. Bring a Toy to donate & receive 20% off any vendor purchase! The more toys you bring, the more discounts you get! What better way to get in the holiday spirit, than giving back to those in need. They will have craft vendors such as Custom Wood Signs, Holiday Ornaments & Decor, Permanent Jewelry, Handmade bags & accessories, Pasta’s, Breads & so much more! Plus Live music from 5:30-8:30, so get in the spirit & stop in for a drink, food or just some holiday shopping!

100 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch https://www.facebook.com/events/849572463754276

Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony – Wildwood

Saturday, December 14^th – 9am-4:30pm

Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 9 a.m. until 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 pm there will be a tree lighting ceremony. 

4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood https://www.facebook.com/events/1503173103637172/

Holiday Makers Market at Reed’s Farm – Egg Harbor Township

Saturday, December 14^th – 10am-2pm

Running from 10am-2pm, the market will feature 40+ of the areas most talented artists, crafters, artisans, makers, and growers! Just a small sample of the types of vendors you will see include: gourmet cookies, ceramics, fiber art, photography, fine art, exotic houseplants, smoked cheeses, microgreens, crafts, jewelry, hot sauces, and SO much more!

5075 Spruce Avenue, Egg Harbor Township https://www.facebook.com/events/1592734981330655/

Christmas at the Ranch – Egg Harbor City

Saturday, December 14^th – 10am

Join Rocking J Ranch for Photos with Santa, Hayrides, Petting Farm, Crafts, Bonfire, Mexican Food Truck, Vendors and Pony Rides on Saturday, December 14^th. Admission is $10 and all proceeds to this event all goes right back into the animals as it gets into the hard winter months!

236 N Leipzig Ave, Egg Harbor City https://www.facebook.com/events/1271049414056289/

Enchanted Christmas at Little Hooves Farm – Cape May Court House

Saturday, December 14^th – 11am-3pm

Step into the enchantment of Christmas at the Barn! Will the Grinch attempt to steal the show again after last year’s failed bid? This year’s event promises to be unforgettable with a sumptuous hot cocoa bar, crackling bonfires, exhilarating sleigh rides, captivating pony rides for youngsters, and the one and only Santa! Let hope and joy prevail, join the festivities! 

18 W Beaver Dam Rd, Cape May Court House https://www.facebook.com/events/560206916591616/

Holiday Made in Monmouth – Brookdale

Saturday, December 14^th 10am-4pm

Holiday Made in Monmouth will take place on Saturday, December 14^th. The event will be held at Brookdale Community College in the Robert J. Collins Arena and Recreation Events Center from 10 am to 4 pm. Over 200 vendors of products made in Monmouth County will be on display and for sale. Made In Monmouth is a program for both vendors and visitors to encourage people to shop locally and to create new and important items that the public will want to buy! All events are free to both vendors and the public. 

765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft  https://www.facebook.com/events/2933515180128893/

Cookie Walk & Vendor Stroll – Toms River

Saturday, December 14^th – 10am-3pm

Join Christ Episcopal Church for the Cookie Walk and Vendors Stroll. Enjoy Homemade Cookies and novelties with their expanded craft show. Admission and parking is free.

415 Washington St, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/events/1693386388097876/

Stafford Township Holiday Wonderland & Christmas Market – Manahawkin

Saturday, December 14^th – 11am-5pm

Dress warm for Stafford Recreation’s fourth annual Holiday Wonderland & Christmas Market and bring the whole family for a full day of shopping, food trucks, fire pits, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment and more to get you in the holiday spirit! This year they’ve another touch of magic to this special day. They have teamed up with the Reynolds Family Foundation to bring you horse-drawn carriage rides through Manahawkin Lake Park from 1-5 pm. 

49 W Bay Ave, Manahawkin https://www.facebook.com/events/1028060385670851/

Toys for Tots Annual Toy Drive & Christmas Party with Gypsy

Saturday, December 14th – 7pm

Join Gypsy Saturday, Dec. 14th, for the return of the Freehold American Legion Post 54 “Toys for Tots” holiday party/toy drive. Live music with Gypsy, A True Stevie Nicks Experience & Alex Chernick. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy, to place under the tree. Toys will be distributed by the Marines to children throughout Monmouth County who otherwise would not receive any gifts. You can also make a check out to Toys for Tots and they’ll see that the Marines receive it.

62 W Main St, Freehold https://www.facebook.com/events/455824103947456/

Holiday Sea Glass & Shell Workshop – Manasquan

Sunday, December 15th – 1-2:30pm

Get in the holiday spirit and join Simply Sea Glass & Shells for a fun afternoon of creating (2) 4×6 Seaglass & Shell canvas art in beautiful Manasquan! Perfect ladies’ day out or Mother/Daughter outing!

132 Main Street, Manasquan https://www.facebook.com/events/1018922683233840/

Brunch with Santa at McLoone’s Pier House – Long Branch

Sunday December 15th & 22^nd 10am-3pm

Santa Claus is coming to Brunch Sunday December 15th & 22^nd at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch from 10am-3pm! Gather up the family and get your Brunch on during the jolliest time of the year.

1 Ocean Ave, Long Branch https://www.facebook.com/events/1098190228109333/

Winter Bazaar at The Shore Club – Cape May Court House

Sunday, December 15^th – 11am-6pm

Dive into holiday cheer as you explore NJ-based handmade vendors, each offering unique gifts and seasonal treasures. Enjoy our DIY Gift Workshop where you can create heartfelt, personalized presents, or take a moment to relax at our Self-Care Stations. Grab a drink from our cash bar and make a day of it with friends and family! Tickets are just $5 in advance and each ticket holder receives $5 in Bazaar Bucks to use at any vendor booth.

1170 Golf Club Rd, Cape May Court House https://www.facebook.com/events/2268824856819689/

Santa Pictures at the Hungry Puppy – Farmingdale

Sunday, December 15^th – 12pm

Bring your pup to The Hungry Puppy on Sunday, December 15th for photos with Santa and a chance to meet adorable, adoptable dogs from Wag On Inn Rescue! Capture that perfect holiday memory with Santa, and who knows, you might just meet a new furry friend to take home!

1288 State Route 33, Farmingdale https://www.facebook.com/events/8548700898541492/

Holiday Pajama Arcade Party at Bev & Wally’s Arcade – Keansburg

Sunday, December 15^th – 12:30-4:30pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for gaming! Join Bev & Wally’s Arcade for the ultimate Holiday Arcade Party and get ready for a day of the best arcade games prizes and family fun.

46 Beachway Ave, Keansburg https://www.facebook.com/events/531777559759224/

Dead Reckoning Electric at Ludlam Brewery – Woodbine

Friday, December 20^th – 5-9pm

Dead Reckoning Electric returns to Ludlam Brewery, performing 2 sets of Grateful Dead classics and rarities with Colin Taber on guitar & vocals, David Rowan on bass & vocals, Joe Skladanek on keys & vocals, Al Olivero on drums, and Cosmic Charlie on guitar and vocals. Great craft beers, full bar & food menu, No Cover…Join the Party!

2051 Dennisville-Petersburg Rd, Woodbine https://www.facebook.com/events/365949553208557/

Season of Light with Start Talk – Ocean County College

Saturday, December 21^st – 7pm

Season Of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season. It’s an exploration of the astronomical meanings behind seasonal traditions, including the “Star over Bethlehem.” It’s an elegant and sophisticated program about the coldest and darkest of seasons – a time which holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. The show recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice.

Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/events/1214280199825759/

Christmas Winter Market – Lincroft

December 21^st & 22^nd – 11am-4pm

Join Penelope, Hear Here LLC and Colonial Nursery for a unique boutique variety of vendors for a weekend of holiday shopping within the greenhouse of Colonial Nursery. Arts, clothing, jewelry, home décor, gourmet baked goods, candies, soaps, candles, fudge, slime kits, Christmas trees, plants and holiday accessories will be available to purchase from the best local vendors.

1124 West Front Street, Lincroft https://www.facebook.com/events/392480570361656/