There’s nothing quite like Christmas time at the Jersey Shore! Whether you’re looking for festive light displays, holiday shopping, or cozy winter experiences, this area offers something magical for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas activities at the Jersey Shore.
1. Christmas Light Displays
- Magic of Lights (PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel): This drive-through light display features millions of sparkling lights, themed holiday scenes, and an immersive experience for the whole family. Perfect for creating magical memories from the comfort of your car.
- Holiday Light Show (Adventure Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach): Stroll through a wonderland of dazzling lights synchronized to holiday music along Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.
2. Christmas Tree Farms
- Edwards Christmas Tree Farm (Manasquan): Bring the family to pick out the perfect Christmas tree and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa as you peruse the rows of evergreens.
- Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm (Manalapan): Know for their extensive Christmas Shop, bringing thousands of unique holiday decor items each year. Spanning over 50 acres, the Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm boasts more than 50,000 Christmas trees across five varieties, available as both choose-and-cut and pre-cut.
- Acres at Magnolia (Farmingdale): Nestled in the heart of Magnolia, this charming farm offers a wide variety of fresh-cut and choose-and-cut Christmas trees to suit every home. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, holiday music, and warm beverages.
3. Holiday Markets
- Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar: Held in the historic Convention Hall, this European-inspired market features artisan vendors, live music, and holiday workshops. Shop for unique gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market: Stafford Recreation’s fourth annual Holiday Wonderland & Christmas Market will take place Saturday December 14th from 11 AM to 5 PM at Heritage Park, 49 W. Bay Avenue. Dress warm 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!
4. Holiday-Themed Shows and Movies
- Count Basie Center for the Arts (Red Bank): Enjoy performances like The Nutcracker or a Christmas concert that’s sure to put you in the festive mood.
- Surflight Theatre’s Holiday Musical (Beach Haven): A charming, family-friendly show celebrating the magic of the season.
- Marquee Cinemas (Toms River): Step up your Christmas movie game this year by brining the whole family to watch some of the Christmas Classics on the big screen! The Marquee Cinemas in Toms River will be playing some of everyone’s favorite holiday movies throughout December.
5. Festive Dining Experiences
- Holiday Tea at The Mathis House (Toms River): Delight in a Victorian-style tea service with holiday decor and seasonal treats.
- Miracle Pop-Up Bars (Various Locations): Sip on Christmas-themed cocktails in over-the-top holiday decor. Perfect for a festive night out with friends. Some of our favorite reccomendations included:
- Joe Bella’s (Toms River)
- Sinner’s Steakhouse (Point Pleasant)
- Congress Hall (Cape May)
- Laurita Winery (New Egypt)
- Renault Winery (Egg Harbor City)
Make this holiday season at the Jersey Shore even more magical by attending some of the best Christmas Parades & Tree Lighting Ceremonies in New Jersey:
- Manasquan Christmas Parade: A beloved tradition showcasing festive floats, holiday cheer, and community spirit.
- Toms River Winter Wonderland: Fire trucks decked out in dazzling lights bring holiday magic to downtown Toms River. he weekend will kick off with the Annual Tree Lighting on Friday and on Saturday, Washington Street will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland.
- Point Pleasant Beach Holiday Parade: A family-friendly event with charming floats and music, celebrating coastal Christmas vibes.
- LBI Annual Christmas Parade:With a coastal charm unique to LBI, this event offers a perfect mix of small-town warmth and holiday cheer.
No matter where you go or what you do this holiday season the important thing is to spend it with those you love. We can’t wait to hear about some of your favorite holiday activities this season. Warm Wishes!
