Events at a Glance
Turkey Trot
Nov. 8 through December
Winter Wonderland & Ice Skating at The Sandbar Village
ICONA Avalon invites you to step into a world of winter enchantment at the Winter Wonderland at The Sandbar Village! It will be open to the public every Friday through Sunday, plus Thanksgiving Day. Take a spin on the ice rink, indulge in drink specials, take photos with Santa on select dates and enjoy live music on Saturdays, weather permitting. The full lineup is online at icona.com/events/winter-wonderland-ice-skating-at-the-sandbar-village.
Nov. 21
Tea Time at the Avalon History Center
11am, 215 39th St., avalonfreelibrary.org
Tea time is a cherished tradition that brings a touch of warmth and relaxation to any day. Join the folks at the Avalon History Center for tea as you share memories of old Avalon and make new ones.
Nov. 25
Tech Topic: Holiday Gift Guide
6pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Do you need some help coming up with the perfect gift? The Avalon Library’s Sean Farrell will be discussing suggestions during the annual Holiday Gift Guide presentation. From the best tech to the hottest toys, he will show you the presents sure to bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces. Tips for getting the best deals will also be included.
Nov. 29
Story Time with Mrs. Claus
10am, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
It’s that time of year again! Join Mrs. Claus as she brings holiday stories to life with warmth and wonder, festive songs, and a holiday craft!
Nov. 29-30
Stone Harbor’s Island Holiday Weekend: White Christmas
Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, Stone Harbor Shopping District, shnj.org
Join Stone Harbor for a festive weekend including carousel rides and a 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, check out Card Tricks with Leo on Friday and Saturday, and don’t miss the Paw Prints Pet Parade, the Turning Pointe dancers and more!
Nov. 29
Turkey Trot
10am, Avalon Community Hall, dillerblindhome.org
Hit the ground running on Festive Friday and burn those Thanksgiving calories in support of a great cause! Sign up today for the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children Turkey Trot 5K Run/1.5M Walk. Day-of registration and bib pickup will take place 8-9:30am at Avalon Community Hall prior to the race at 10am. Prizes are awarded to the most festively dressed team and individual as well as awards to the top men and women runners overall and top three in each age category.
Festive Friday
11am-4pm, Downtown Avalon, visitavalonnj.com
It’s time to kick off the holiday season in Avalon! Bring the whole family and stroll down Dune Drive on Friday to enjoy more than 40 free activities! There will be live music, character appearances, face painting, crafts, and more! Plan ahead and check out the activity lineup on page 37 in this issue of the Seven Mile Times!
Avalon’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
5pm, Veterans Plaza, avalonboro.net
Mayor McCorristin and Santa invite you to join them as they light the borough’s holiday tree at Veterans Plaza and the display along Dune Drive. Bring your family and friends as this Avalon tradition features holiday cheer and the magical moment when the tree shines bright!
Stone Harbor Tree Lighting & Hospitality Night
6-9pm, Stone Harbor Business District, stoneharborchamber.com
Enjoy holiday carols performed by the 7 Mile Island Players and 100% chance of snow during the annual tree lighting in Stone Harbor. After the tree lighting, stroll from store to store for an evening of shopping, as businesses offer refreshments, treats, and holiday shopping discounts and sales!
Nov. 30
Downtown Holiday Dash
10am, 96th Street and First Avenue, stoneharborrecreation.com
Dress in your festive best and participate in the Downtown Holiday Dash 5K Run. Sponsored by the Stone Harbor Recreation Department, the entire family is invited to join in this dash down 96th Street. Registration will begin at 9am and the race is set for 10am.
Snowfest Saturday
11am-4pm, Downtown Avalon, avalonboro.net
Dune Drive will be buzzing with rides, slides, music, and holiday cheer during Avalon’s Snowfest Saturday. Visit Santa and pose for photos with him in his sleigh. Check out the live music and cozy stations throughout the day. And remember to shop small throughout Avalon’s businesses.
Stone Harbor Christmas Parade
6:30pm, shnj.org
A Stone Harbor tradition! Watch this festive parade with twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated floats among family and friends. The parade route will be Third Avenue from 107th Street, right onto 96th Street, left onto Second Avenue to 95th Street.
Dec. 5
Pajama Story Time
6pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Dress in your cozy pajamas for this special evening Storytime! Bring your second-favorite stuffed animal for a Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the library! Suggested for ages 6 and under.
Dec. 6
Art Workshop: Tin Punched Ornaments
1pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Create your own holiday tin punched ornaments and learn about this artwork style that dates back to 14th Century Europe. Registration is required. Avalon property owners may register beginning Nov. 6. All others may register beginning Nov. 20. To register, call 609-967-7155 or stop by the circulation desk. Space is limited.
Dec. 7
Authors at the History Center: Close to Home
11am, 39th Street Tennis Building, avalonfreelibrary.org
Join in on this lecture presented by K.A. Nelson, author of “Killing Shore: The True Story of Hitler’s U-Boats Off the New Jersey Coast” as you learn the forgotten story of the R.P. Resor and USS Jacob Jones.
Avalon Historical Society Holiday Open House
4-7pm, 215 39th St., avalonhistoricalsociety.org
Join the Avalon Historical Society for its annual Holiday Party and open house at the Avalon History Center. Celebrate the season with food and refreshments, music, and good company.
Dec. 9
Art House Film: “Restore Point”
5pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Join the Avalon Free Public Library for an Art House Film Night to watch one of the many free Kanopy movies available with your library card! Titles subject to change based on availability on Kanopy. “Restore Point” is unrated and the run time is 1 hour, 55 minutes.
Dec. 10
Kids’ Winter Book Club
4-5pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Brand new this winter at the Avalon Free Public Library, kids ages 8-12 are welcome to come talk about what they’re reading or try something new! Book Club will meet the second Tuesday each month through the winter.
Dec. 12
ASCO Holiday Luncheon
1pm, Stone Harbor Golf Club
Celebrate the season during the Avalon Senior Citizens Organization Holiday Luncheon at the Stone Harbor Golf Club. New members are welcome. For reservations and more information, call Paul Mockus at 856-840-5105.
Dec. 14
Kids Craft: Tin Punched Ornaments
10am, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Get ready to trim your tree! Students in grades 5 through 8 are invited to make tin punched ornaments.
A Holiday Film & TV Spectacular with Pianist Jay Daniels
2pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Don’t miss this delightful opportunity to sing along and celebrate the joy of the season with family and friends as you enjoy cherished holiday and seasonal favorites from pianist and music historian Jay Daniels.
Dec. 15
Breakfast with Santa
10am-1pm, Avalon Golf Club, avalongolfclub.net
Bring the whole family to enjoy a magical morning filled with holiday cheer! Breakfast with Santa is $25 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under. Call 609-465-8086 to reserve your spot.
Dec. 17
Screen to Canvas: Whimsical Ornaments
6pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Artist Tracie Kiernan from stepbysteppainting.net will guide you in a video tutorial to make your own acrylic painting titled Whimsical Ornaments. No experience required, and all materials will be provided. Registration is required. Avalon property owners may register beginning Nov. 12. All others may register beginning Nov. 26. To register, call the library at 609-967-7155 or stop by the circulation desk. Space is limited.
Dec. 18
Setting Boundaries with author Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck
5:30pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Explore the value in setting boundaries and asking permission when we communicate with others. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and communication mastery with “The Listening Mentor,” Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck.
Dec. 19
Tea Time at the Avalon History Center
11am, 215 39th St., avalonfreelibrary.org
Join the folks at the Avalon History Center for tea as you share memories of old Avalon and make new ones.
Dec. 21
Dennisville Christmas Hour Tour
3-7pm, dhhoa.org
After a six-year hiatus, the Dennisville Christmas Hour tour returns featuring nine historic homes and buildings. It is presented by the Dennisville Historic Homeowners Association, a nonprofit group promoting the preservation of the town’s historic buildings. Tickets are $15 if purchased online and $20 the day of the tour.
Dec. 23
Feature Film Night: “Holiday Inn”
5pm, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Celebrate the season with Irving Berlin’s 1942 holiday classic at feature film night! Attendees will enjoy Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. This film is not rated and the run time is 100 minutes.
Dec. 31
Happy Noon Year!
11am, Avalon Free Public Library, avalonfreelibrary.org
Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at the Avalon Free Public Library with a special family-friendly magic show by Jake Strong. Prepare to be amazed and laughing along the way as you get ready to ring in 2025!
Avalon’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration
3:30-5pm, 30th Street beach & Surfside Park, avalonboro.net
Ring in 2025 at Surfside Park as you enjoy Avalon’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration. Bring the family and enjoy music, crafts, and visits with characters at Surfside Park from 3:30-5pm, followed by a display of fireworks from the 30th Street beach.
