Don’t Be A Turkey! Spend Thanksgiving Weekend With Us!
Thanksgiving is a time for cozy gatherings, hearty meals, and gratitude. It’s a season that invites kindness and generosity, and renews traditions that bridge generations. So many families have come to love the ritual of spending Thanksgiving weekend in Avalon and Stone Harbor, and this year promises to be the biggest celebration yet.
After your Thanksgiving Day feast, you’re going to want to start working off those calories by being a little active in the days following your feast. The Seven Mile Beach has just what you need to help you get moving this Thanksgiving weekend. More than 85 family-friendly activities will be offered, ranging from carnival rides down Dune Drive, tree lightings, races, parades, and visits from Santa. This is one weekend you want to be sure you’re here!
Have no fear of that extra serving of stuffing or pumpkin pie, the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children will be hosting its annual Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1.5 Mile Family Fun Walk on the day after Thanksgiving at 10am. You can preregister now online at dillerblindhome.org. Bib pickup and day-of registration begin at 8am at Avalon Community Hall. There will be awards for the top three men and women finishers overall, and the top three in each age group. All participants are encouraged to dress in their festive best for a chance to win a prize.
And we’re moving! After the Turkey Trot, Festive Friday is back from 11am-4pm with a full schedule of holiday-themed activities, games, face painting, balloon art, crafts, and more. It’s all sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association. Don’t forget you’ll have the opportunity to pose with ever-popular characters inspired by famous movies such as “Frozen,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “Toy Story,” and “Descendants.” Stick around until dusk to see Santa and Mayor McCorristin light up Avalon with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at 5pm. This is sure to bring joy to everyone in your family.
Heading south to Stone Harbor! The Holiday Market and Carousel will be back at the 95th Street Water Tower Lot on Friday from 11am-5pm and Saturday 11am-4pm. Make sure to stop by the Holiday Market to sign up for the Scavenger Hunt being held both Friday and Saturday in Stone Harbor. Take a break and browse beautifully decorated trees on Friday and Saturday at the Women’s Civic Club during the Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees. Bundle up and get ready for 100% chance of Snow on Friday night during Stone Harbor’s Tree Lighting ceremony on 96th Street. Stick around to sip, shop, and savor the season at Stone Harbor businesses for Merchants’ Hospitality Night, offering complimentary sips and snacks as you shop throughout the stores.
If you thought that was enough activities for two beach towns, the Saturday lineup will blow your festive socks off! Stone Harbor is kicking off the day with a Downtown Holiday Dash at 96th Street and First Avenue. The dash begins at 10am with registration starting at 9am. Dress in your silliest holiday costume as you race through downtown Stone Harbor. Looking for an activity for the kids? Enjoy a second day of the holiday market and carousel and check out the winter crafts for kids at the Stone Harbor Library. When dusk sets in, gear up for Stone Harbor’s timeless Christmas parade that steps off at 6:30pm. The parade features fire trucks, floats, community organizations, and more all decked out in holiday spirit. It will start at Third Avenue from 107th Street, then turn right onto 96th Street and proceed left onto Second Avenue to 95th Street. There will be a quiet zone on Second Avenue to suit all who wish to view the parade. You won’t want to miss this holiday tradition.
There’s a winter carnival coming to town! Avalon’s Snowfest Saturday is a is a free family-fun event from 11am-4pm with bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, trampolines, a rock wall, and even more rides spanning Dune Drive from 30th to 20th Street. Stop by 21st Street to check out the live ice sculpting demonstration as well. Write your letter to Santa before taking family photos with him in his sleigh at Veterans Plaza. All families who wish to take their photos with Santa must be in line by 3:30pm before he flies back to the North Pole. There will also be Holiday Performances throughout the day by The Corner Boys & Co, sponsored by the Avalon Free Public Library. Please note that due to safety measures taken for this event, Dune Drive will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 30th to 20th Street. Please plan accordingly.
With so many activities and so many choices, we’re certain that the Seven Mile Beach is the place to be this Thanksgiving weekend. Make sure to bring the whole family with you to enjoy this weekend in our two favorite towns. Happy holidays!