Events at a Glance
Wednesdays through November/December
Well Wednesdays | 10am, Avalon Free Public Library
Well Wednesdays are a mix of wellness events and opportunities to socialize, hosted every Wednesday at the Avalon Library. The topics include “Better Brain,” “Coffee and Conversation,” crafting, and more. No registration is necessary and refreshments are served to go.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
November 18
Read to a Therapy Dog | 6:30pm, Avalon Free Public Library
Children in kindergarten through third grade are invited to read to a perfect listener: a therapy dog! Reading time will be based on the number of children registered.
More information: linda@avalonfreelibrary.org
November 19-27
Festival of Trees | Avalon Shopping District
This popular bidding event returns and it’s online – giving you more access to view the displays before and during the Thanksgiving holiday. Shoppers can stroll through town and see the displays at local businesses, then place bids while in-store or online. Afraid you’ll be outbid? No problem! All bidders will receive updates, and a chance to raise bids for that special tree or wreath. Bidding will end Saturday promptly at 2pm. Winners will be notified by the mobile bidding app.
More information: avalonfestivaloftrees.com
November 22
Holiday Gift Guide Presentation | 6pm, Avalon Free Public Library
Do you need help coming up with the perfect gift? Sean Farrell at the Avalon Library will be discussing suggestions in this annual presentation. From the best tech to the hottest toys, the library will show attendees the presents sure to bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces. No registration is necessary.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
November 24-28
Avalon History Center Instagram Challenge
Join the Avalon History Center for a holiday social media challenge and a chance to win a prize! Four challenges will be posted on its Instagram and Facebook pages. Participants must complete all four challenges to be entered for the grand prize. Each entry must be tagged with both @avalonhistorycenter and #AvalonHistoryChallenge.
More information: avalonhistorycenter.org
November 26-27
Avalon’s Thanksgiving Weekend | 11am-4pm, Avalon Shopping District
Thanksgiving is over, now it’s time to get festive! Stroll Dune Drive while shopping in the many stores and boutiques, and enjoy live music and children’s performances throughout the weekend. On Friday, be sure to dress warmly and head to Dune Drive at the end of the day for a special appearance by Santa himself during the second annual Santa Lights Dune Drive parade.
More information: visitavalonnj.com
Stone Harbor’s Island Holiday | 11am-5pm, Stone Harbor Shopping District
Stone Harbor’s holiday weekend is inspired this year by the popular movie, “Elf.” Buddy the Elf’s love for Christmas is present throughout the weekend in Stone Harbor starting with the Carousel and Holiday Market from 11am-5pm on Friday and 11am-4pm on Saturday at the 95th Street Water Tower Plaza. Head down to the Women’s Civic Club for the Festival of Trees, plus a Pet Paw-rade, shopping and more.
More information: stoneharborchamber.com and shnj.org
November 26
Turkey Trot 5K and 1.5-Mile Fun Walk | 10am, Avalon Community Hall
Burn those turkey calories for a great cause with this family-fun run through Avalon, benefiting the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. Awards for top runners in each category, and best team costume!
More information: dillerblindhome.org
Story Time with Mrs. Claus | 10am, Avalon Free Public Library
It’s that time of year again! Join the library on Festive Friday for a very special Story Time guest, featuring stories, songs, crafts, and fun!
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
Santa Lights Dune Drive Parade | 4:30pm, 80th Street to 7th Street
Santa makes a very special appearance this year! Head out to Dune Drive at any location from 80th to 7th Street and wave as Santa and many special friends pass by for this festive holiday parade. Santa will be helping borough officials light up Dune Drive and the holiday display for the season!
More information: visitavalonnj.com
Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Night | 6-9pm, Stone Harbor Shopping District
Enjoy the official Stone Harbor tree lighting at 6pm, and then stroll along 96th street for holiday shopping, snacks, and refreshments.
More information: stoneharborchamber.com
Avalon’s Drive-in Movie | 6:30pm, 29th Street Parking Lot
Kevin McCallister is “Home Alone”! Drive in and park with your blankets and chairs, tune in to 92.3FM on your radio, and enjoy a festive holiday movie for this year’s drive-in feature!
More information: avalonrecreation.org
November 27
Stone Harbor’s Annual Christmas Parade | 6:30pm, 107th Street & Third Avenue through 96th Street
Enjoy lights, floats, music and more at this annual Christmas Parade. The parade will begin at 107th Street and Third Avenue and proceed north to 96th Street, ending at Second Avenue with the final float featuring Santa himself!
More information: shnj.org
December 4
Lecture: Decking the Halls | 1pm, Avalon History Center
Join the Avalon History Center for this festive program. The use of evergreens to decorate and protect homes dates back to ancient times. Learn how it became a tradition that we still follow today in this richly illustrated program.
More information: avalonhistorycenter.org
December 11
Holiday Music with Ceol Binn: Guitar & Harp Duo 1pm, Avalon Free Public Library
Head over to the Avalon Library for a festive concert featuring holiday favorites and sing-alongs from Ceol Binn, a duo featuring Stephanie Sussmeier (harp) and Leslie Clarke (guitar and vocals).
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
December 31
New Year’s Eve Fireworks | 30th Street Beach & Surfside Park | Time TBD
Stay tuned for an exciting addition to the holiday lineup in Avalon – FIREWORKS! What better way to bring in the New Year than on your favorite beach enjoying a beautiful display of fireworks? More details, including time and included activities, will be featured on the website and social media, so stay tuned!
More information: visitavalonnj.com
February 13
Friend In Need Semi-Super Bash XIX
The Friend In Need nonprofit organization hopes to resume this annual event at The Princeton. The final decision will be announced following the holiday season. Stay tuned!
More information: friendinneednj.org
March 10-13
Shop-A-Holics Weekend | Seven Mile Beach Shopping Districts
Get ready to shop ’til you drop with the largest winter retail event of the area. Shop-A-Holics weekend returns for 2021 with discounts on designer clothing, accessories, home décor and more. Travel through Avalon and Stone Harbor and shop your favorite stores and boutiques for designers, discounts and deals!
More information: visitavalonnj.com
March 19
Stone Harbor Shiver | 95th Street Beach
This popular plunge into the Atlantic Ocean returns after a two-year virtual hiatus! Gather friends and family and prepare for an icy cold plunge! Stay tuned for more information on registration, preregistration information, day-of celebrations and more. Who is ready to sh-sh-sh-shiver?
More information: stoneharborchamber.com
