Events at a Glance
Browse through participating stores and place your bids online for Avalon’s Festival of Trees.
November 17
Read to Riley: Therapy Dog Program
6pm, Avalon Free Public Library
Students in grades 1-3 are invited to read to the best listener, Riley the dog! Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
November 18-26
Festival of Trees
Avalon Shopping District
Another holiday season approaches, which means another year of amazing trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses. The annual Festival of Trees returns, in stores and with online access and bidding. Even if you’re not in town, be sure to visit the website and bid on your favorite! Bidding will end Saturday, Nov. 26, promptly at 2pm.
More information: avalonfestivaloftrees.com
November 25
Turkey Trot 5K and 1.5-Mile Fun Walk
10am, Avalon Community Hall
The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special family-fun event. Burn those turkey calories with a run through Avalon with friends and family. Awards will be presented to the 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 Mrs. Claus for stories, songs, and dancing, and stay for the Holiday Trim-A-Tree Party!
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
Holiday Trim-A-Tree for All Ages
10:30am, Avalon Free Public Library
Decorate your own festive ornament to hang on the library’s holiday tree. All supplies are included, and no registration is necessary. This event follows Story Time with Mrs. Claus and is for all ages.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
Avalon’s Festive Friday
11am-4pm, Avalon Shopping District
Festive Friday officially returns! Stroll down Dune Drive on Friday and enjoy a plethora of activities! There will be live music, children’s performances, character appearances, face painting, an art bar, crafts, giveaways, hot chocolate, and more! The list goes on, so be sure to check the schedule, and plan ahead, this day will keep you busy!
More information: visitavalonnj.com
Santa Lights Dune Drive Parade
4:30pm, 80th Street to 7th Street
Santa Claus himself returns for the third annual holiday parade. The parade will travel up Dune Drive from 80th to 7th Street. Be sure to wave as Santa and his many special friends pass by! PLUS be sure to head to 30th Street parking lot for a drive-in movie featuring “Home Alone” right after the parade!
More information: visitavalonnj.com
Stone Harbor Tree Lighting & Hospitality Night
6-9pm, Stone Harbor Business District
Enjoy the festive tree lighting in Stone Harbor followed by an evening of shopping, as stores offer refreshments, treats, and holiday shopping discounts and sales!
More information: stoneharborchamber.com
November 25-26
Stone Harbor’s Frosty Island Holiday
11am-4pm, Stone Harbor Shopping District
Join Stone Harbor for a festive weekend of fun events including the return of the carousel and holiday market, as well as the Chamber of Commerce’s popular scavenger hunt! Be sure to stop by the Women’s Civic Club for the Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees, and don’t miss the Paw Prints Pet Parade and the Downtown Dash!
More information: shnj.org
November 25-27
Winter Village at The Ludlam
Friday 3-9pm, Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 11am-3pm, 4004 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City
New for 2022, The Ludlam in Sea Isle City will host a winter village including ice skating, holiday craft vendors, a Gingerbread House Contest, and more.
More information: ludlambar.com/winter-village-event
November 26
Stone Harbor Kids’ Downtown Holiday Dash
9am Registration, 10am race, 96th Street & First Avenue
Dress up in your snowman gear and Frosty attire and enjoy a family fun run down 96th street!
More information: shnj.org
Avalon’s Snowfest Saturday
11am-4pm, Avalon Shopping District
Finally, Snowfest Saturday returns after a two-year hiatus. Santa Claus himself will be on hand for photos with the youngsters, and families can enjoy bounce houses, carnival rides, obstacles courses, and more!
More information: avalonboro.net
Stone Harbor Christmas Parade
6:30pm, 107th Street & Third Avenue, heading north to 96th Street toward Second Avenue
This is a parade you don’t want to miss as a number of organizations join in a festive tradition through Stone Harbor. There will be fire trucks, music, performances, and of course, Santa Claus!
More information: shnj.org
December 1-March 12
ICONA Avalon Ice Skating Rink
Fridays 2-8pm, Saturdays Noon-8pm, Sundays Noon-6pm
New! Head to ICONA and enjoy ice skating through the winter with friends and family. Seasonal passes, private party bookings, and even skate rentals are available!
More information: icona.com/avalon
December 3
HC @ The Library: Tales Well Told – Three Stories of Christmas Past
3pm, Avalon Free Public Library
Professional actress Michele LaRue entertains with a trio of holiday stories about love, fun, and giving.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
Avalon Historical Society Holiday Party
4-7pm, Avalon History Center, 215 39th St.
Enjoy food and refreshments, music, good company, and good cheer at this annual open house!
More information: avalonhistoricalsociety.org
December 6
Wreath Making
5pm, Avalon Free Public Library
Express your style and create your own holiday wreath with fresh greens and colorful accessories. Bad Cat Farms will host the event and provide the materials. Avalon property owners may register beginning Nov. 6. All others may register beginning Nov. 27.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org, programs@avalonfreelibrary.org
December 17-31
31st Historic Dennisville Christmas House Tour (Virtual)
Due to major road construction along Petersburg Road, this year’s Dennisville Christmas House Tour will be held virtually. Photo collages and videos will be included for the virtual version of this annual event, including photos of this year’s featured home, the Captain Charles and Lydia Crawford House.
The virtual tour is free, but donations are accepted for the Dennisville Historic Home Owners Association.
More information: dhhoa.org
December 31
Harp Performance with Stephanie Sussmeier
10am, Avalon Free Public Library
Enjoy background classical music celebrating the new year with harpist Stephanie Sussmeier.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
Kids’ Event: Happy Noon Year!
11am, Avalon Free Public Library
Kids and their families are invited to ring in 2023 in style! Join us for a story, entertainment, cookies, and our famous apple juice champagne!
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Dusk, 30th Street Beach & Surfside Park
The second annual celebration returns to Avalon with fireworks to kick off 2023. Bring the family and enjoy music, crafts, and hot chocolate at Surfside Park followed by a beautiful display of lights from the 30th Street beach.
More information: avalonboro.net
February 12
20th Anniversary Friend In Need Super Bash
4:30pm, The Princeton
Friend In Need’s Super Bash is finally back, and just in time to celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary. Join friends at The Princeton to watch the Super Bowl and enjoy all your Super Bash favorites: silent auction, raffles, big-screen televisions, beverages, food, and friends PLUS special anniversary giveaways, music, and more! Tickets and sponsorships available online.
More information: givebutter.com/FINSuperBashXX
March 9-12
Shop-A-Holics Weekend
Seven Mile Beach Shopping Districts
Save the dates for the winter’s largest retail event in the area. Shop-A-Holics Weekend returns for 2023 with huge discounts on clothing, accessories, home décor, and more. In-store deals will be offered at participating businesses throughout Avalon and Stone Harbor. Shop ’til you drop!
More information: visitavalonnj.com
March 18
Stone Harbor Shiver
95th Street Beach
Get ready to take a frosty plunge into the Atlantic Ocean for the annual Stone Harbor Shiver! Gather your friends and family for a pre-registration party at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor on Friday evening, followed by Kegs & Eggs at Fred’s Tavern to kick off the celebration on Saturday morning. Join the parade to 95th Street beach, participate in the costume contest, and then jump into the icy ocean … for fun!
More information: stoneharborchamber.com
