Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Avalon, Stone Harbor, & Sea Isle City

This Thanksgiving weekend promises festive delights in Stone Harbor, Avalon, and Sea Isle City with shopping, performances, live music, and of course, a visit from Santa himself. From ice skating to cozy stations, scavenger hunts, and holiday decor, each town offers a unique blend of activities, ensuring a joyful start to the holiday season on the New Jersey shore.

Author: Patrice Davis

November 16, 2023

Stone Harbor, NJ

Stone Harbor’s Island Holiday can not be missed for 2023, with a Christmas Story-themed scavenger hunt, limited-edition holiday souvenirs, and even refreshments with a Chamber-sponsored pop-up bar! Check the schedule below and plan to make it an Island Holiday this year.

Friday, Nov. 24

- Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees, Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor | 10am-8pm

- Stone Harbor Museum Open House | 10am-1pm

- Holiday Beach Tags for Sale, Beach Patrol Building | 10am-4pm

- Carousel & Holiday Market, Water Tower Parking Lot | 11am-5pm

- A Christmas Story, Pop Up Bar, Sponsored by the SH Chamber of Commerce at the Water Tower Parking Lot | 11am-5pm

- A Christmas Story Scavenger Hunt, Register with the Chamber of Commerce at the Water Tower Parking Lot | 11am-5pm

- Turning Pointe Dance Studio Performance, 96th Street | 12:45pm

- Paw Prints Pet Paw-rade (Register at Paw Prints by 11am), 96th Street | 1pm

- Reeds at Shelter Haven Tree Lighting Ceremony | 4-8pm

- Stone Harbor Tree Lighting, 96th Street | 6pm

- Merchants Hospitality Night, Stone Harbor Shopping District | 6-9pm

Saturday, Nov. 25

- Kids’ Downtown Holiday Dash, 96th Street & First Avenue | 10am

- Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees, Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor | 10am-Noon

- Stone Harbor Museum Open House | 10am-1pm

- Holiday Beach Tags for Sale, Beach Patrol Building | 10am-4pm

- Carousel & Holiday Market, Water Tower Parking Lot | 11am-4pm

- A Christmas Story, Pop Up Bar, Sponsored by the SH Chamber of Commerce at the Water Tower Parking Lot | 11am-5pm

- A Christmas Story Scavenger Hunt, Register with the Chamber of Commerce at the Water Tower Parking Lot | 11am-5pm

- Seashell Painting with Stone Harbor Recreation, Water Tower Parking Lot | Noon

- Stone Harbor Christmas Parade, Third Avenue to 96th Street | 6:30pm

Photo by Prince Photography from the Women's Civic Club Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees

Avalon, NJ

Avalon is kicking off its annual holiday celebration this year, with two full days of activities for every age to enjoy. Whether you’re enjoying a brisk 5K through town, live music performances, or even a few carnival rides for the kids, Avalon is a must-stop for festive entertainment!

The Sudell Team of Ferguson Dechert Real Estate, after completing the Turkey Trot 5k to benefit the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.

Friday, Nov. 24

- Diller Home Turkey Trot 5K & 1.5-Mile Fun Walk, Avalon Community Hall | Registration and Bib Pickup begins at 8am, Run begins at 10am.

Click here to register!

- Holiday Beach Tag Sales, Beach Tag Booth | 10am-4pm

- Festive Friday: More than 40 family-fun activities including crafts and character visits. Head to www.visitavalonnj.com for a full map and schedule of activity times and locations. Here are some highlights:

Holiday Hits with the Corner Boys & Co., 27th Street and Dune Drive | 11am-4pm
Photos with Christmas Minnie, Spa Avalon | 11am-1pm
Complimentary Coconut Macaroons, 27th Street Bakery, 12pm-2pm
Photos with Barbie, Colmar Kitchen Studio | 1-3pm
Mermaid Glam Bar & Airbrush Tattoos, The Princeton | 2-4pm
ICONA Avalon Winter Wonderland & Ice Skating Rink | Noon-8pm
Christmas Tree Lighting, Veterans Plaza | 5pm
Movie on the Beach “The Polar Express,”, 30th Street Beach, 6:30pm

Santa will stop by Veterans Plaza for a 5pm Tree Lighting Ceremony with Avalon's new Mayor, John McCorristin.

Saturday, Nov. 25

- Holiday Beach Tag Sales, Beach Tag Booth | 10am-4pm

- Snowfest Saturday: Enjoy free family fun fro 27th to 20th Street and Dune Drive, including bounce houses, obstacle courses, carnival rides, games, and more!

- Holiday Hits with the Corner Boys & Co., 27th Street and Dune Drive | 11am-4pm

- Cozy Stations with Hot Chocolate, 27th Street and Dune Drive | 11am-4pm

- Free Family Photos with Santa, Veterans Plaza | 11am-4pm

- ICONA Avalon Winter Wonderland & Ice Skating Rink | Noon-8pm

Sea Isle City, NJ

From a holiday wreath auction, shop small weekend, a winter village, and of course, a holiday parade, Sea Isle City is buzzing with holiday events, here are just a few highlights!

November 22-25

- Sea Isle City’s Holiday Wreath Auction & Contest - Bidding begins November 22 by online, with wreaths on display at participating stores, ending November 25.