Get In Tune with Our Holiday Happenings
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The turkey is sliced, the pie is cut, the leftovers are wrapped, and the holiday season has officially begun. Some may cheer, and toast to the lights and candy canes. And some may say “Bah, humbug” and dish out a second helping of leftover stuffing. And frankly, I have been channeling the Grinch himself this fall, so I get it. Pass me a fork and a plate of twice-baked potatoes. But alas, this article needed writing so I lit my Bath & Body Works Balsam Fir candle, did a search for popular holiday songs on Spotify, and tried to channel some inspiration. And it helped. It’s like my heart grew three sizes today! You just can’t deny the crooning of Bing Crosby, the mental image of kids in matching PJs, the Hallmark movies, and the cookies. And so, for my fellow Grinches, I present to you our Seven Mile Times Holiday “Play” List.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Bing Crosby
Seven Mile Beach is home to some of the best holiday traditions on the East Coast every year, and families from all over flock to our little island towns to officially kick off the season. Avalon and Stone Harbor are beautifully decorated in lights and festive displays that light up as the sun sets throughout the season. It’s a must-see. Drive through both towns to enjoy beautiful storefronts, twinkling lights, Christmas tree displays, family photo locations and more. It’s truly a beautiful island holiday!
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Andy Williams
There are turkey trots and elf runs, pet parades, holiday beach tags, character visits, live music, and even Santa himself. It’s Thanksgiving weekend on the island and it is jam-packed with festive activities for the entire family to enjoy. Get ready. Get festive. Go!
“Run Rudolph Run,” Chuck Berry
Whether you’re looking to burn off that second helping of pie (or twice-baked potatoes … I can’t help it), or you’re joining in with fellow elves, running is on the agenda, so hopefully you packed your sneakers. The annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1.5-Mile Fun Run is set to kick off at 10am on Friday from the Avalon Community Hall. This run welcomes more than 600 Trotters (some in costume!) for a great cause. All proceeds benefit the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. And on Saturday, head to Stone Harbor for the Elves Downtown Dash at 10am on 96th Street. Channel Buddy the Elf and dash through downtown for this silly and fun family tradition.
“Little Drummer Boy,” Pentatonix
A capella is A-ca-mazing. Some may say Bing Crosby sings this better. Some may also prefer fresh cranberry sauce instead of out of the can. Heathens.
Let’s rock! Stroll along Dune Drive throughout the weekend and enjoy live musical performances including The Corner Boys Holiday Show, the Winter Wonderland Band, Pulse Band Home for the Holidays, and the Tidings of Joy Band. Located throughout Avalon, these performers will be singing your holiday favorites while you shop, dine and indulge in Avalon for the holiday season.
“Ring In the Season,” Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Thanksgiving weekend is full of children’s activities and performances from one end to the other. Hop aboard the carousel and stroll the holiday market at Stone Harbor’s 95th Street Water Tower Plaza from 9am-5pm on Friday and 9am-4pm on Saturday. And then head north to Avalon and enjoy live performances throughout the weekend including Mystic Drumz, Lolly and Friends, Jungle John’s Jurassic Journey, Polka Dot Ron, and live ice sculpting on Friday, and a Princess Showcase, Superheroes Unite, Holly Jolly Christmas Show, Chad Juros the Magician, and Lolly Hopwood!
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Brenda Lee
You will definitely get a sentimental feeling when you stroll through the Festival of Trees. Hit the town of Avalon and stroll through the stores for a variety of trees and wreaths on display, decorated by local businesses. The event for Avalon will begin on Friday, Nov. 19 and bidding will continue through the holiday weekend and end promptly at 2pm on Saturday, Nov. 27. Bidders will be able to use a mobile app to bid on trees throughout that timespan at avalonfestivaloftrees.com. Head on over to the Women’s Civic Club in Stone Harbor for a twinkling, colorful display of trees, decorated by various local businesses. With fun themes, color schemes, and décor, there is a tree for everyone! So, start the bidding, and good luck!
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Gene Autry
Just how many cute, little, furry paws will we see dressed as this famous holiday hero? The annual Paw Prints Pet Paw-rade kicks off on Friday, Nov. 26 at 1pm on the 200 block of 96th Street. Dress your furry friends in their holiday finest and join in on the fun!
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” Bruce Springsteen
“It’s all cold down along the beach, the wind’s whipping down the boardwalk … ”
And presto! – Santa himself joins the Seven Mile Island festivities not once but twice in one weekend.
Santa will join Borough officials in Avalon and assist with lighting up Dune Drive for the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 26 starting at 4:30pm. Head out to Dune Drive anywhere between 80th and 7th streets and wave as Santa and many special friends drive by, accompanied by live music, lighting up the holiday lights and the Christmas tree along the way.
On Saturday, Nov. 27, Stone Harbor will host its annual Christmas Parade starting at 6:30pm, featuring local organizations, fire engines, spectacular light displays and, of course, Santa himself rounding out the parade. The event will begin at 107th Street and Third Avenue and travel north to 96th Street.
“O Tennenbaum,” Vince Guaraldi Trio
The holidays simply don’t exist without the “Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack, and a beautiful tree lighting. Join Stone Harbor in the annual tree lighting on Friday, Nov. 26 at 6pm on 96th Street, followed by Hospitality Night from 6-9pm!
“Christmas Wrapping,” The Waitresses
“So deck the halls, trim those trees” and get moving on the holiday gift lists! Avalon and Stone Harbor stores are open and ready with a TON of great gifts for all ages. Toys, home goods, holiday fashion, books, home décor, and so much more. Be sure to shop local and patronize the local businesses to check off those wish-list items!
“Hanukkah Blessings,” Barenaked Ladies
And as Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close, the holiday season is officially upon us. Starting Sunday, Nov. 28, Hanukkah begins. We wish you and your family peace and light during this holiday season and Happy Hanukkah to all celebrating!
