Nov. 17
Making Holiday Arrangements for Crest Haven
9am, Community Hall, 3001 Avalon Ave., avalongardenclub.org
Join the Avalon Garden Club at Avalon’s Community Hall to make holiday arrangements for Crest Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Social hour begins at 9am, followed by a quick meeting, before creating beautiful arrangements to help those at Crest Haven celebrate the holidays.
Thanksgiving Luncheon Card & Game Party
11am, Avalon Links Restaurant, 1510 Rt. 9, Cape May Court House, womenscivicclubofstoneharbor.org
All are welcome to join the Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor for its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon Card & Game Party. RSVP is required for members and guests. Registration is $45 per person.
Nov. 20-Dec. 20
ICONA SPA-LON: Mommy & Me Holiday Glam Experience
ICONA Avalon, 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon, icona.com
This joint spa day is the perfect way to celebrate the season. For mom, get a blowout and hand massage as you enjoy a glass of bubbly. For your little one, enjoy cookies and milk as you get pampered with light makeup, hair tinsel, and a braided hairstyle. Contact iavspalon@icona.com for reservations.
ICONA Elf Experience Hotel Package
ICONA Avalon, 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon, icona.com
The holiday excitement begins with an ICONA Elf waiting in your room with a personalized note and a tray of holiday cookies. Then explore the resort for the Lucky 7 Elf Scavenger Hunt. Once you find them, head to the front desk to claim your holiday prize!
Nov. 22
A Celebration of Thanksgiving
9:30am, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, oursaviourstoneharbor.org
Join Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Stone Harbor for its Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy a meaningful service featuring special choral music and instrumental selections. Come together with the community to celebrate gratitude, fellowship, and the blessings of the Thanksgiving season.
Nov. 26
Thanksgiving To-Go
11am-1pm, Stone Harbor Golf Club, 905 Rt. 9, Cape May Court House, stoneharborgolf.com
The Stone Harbor Golf Club staff is ready to prepare you a delicious Thanksgiving meal. From butternut squash soup to roast turkey to pumpkin pie, experience all your favorite Thanksgiving foods with no hassle. Pricing is $60 per person. To place your order, call 609-465-9270.
Thanksgiving Buffet at The Reeds
11am-5:30pm, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, reedsatshelterhaven.com
Head to The Reeds’ Sweet Grass Ballroom for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal by the bay. Enjoy all your favorite holiday fixings with none of the work. Pricing is $75 per adult and $35 per child. Reservation required.
ICONA Thanksgiving Dinner
1-5pm, ICONA Avalon, 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon, icona.com
The ICONA Avalon is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner in its beautiful Seaglass Ballroom. You can expect all the classic foods like sweet potato casserole, mac & cheese, and a carving station with roast turkey, honey ham, and more. Pricing is $59 per adult and $19 per child.
Nov. 27
Turkey Trot 5K/1.5 Mile Walk
10am, 30th Street & Avalon Ave., Avalon, dillerblindhome.org
Start your holiday weekend off right with the Helen L. Diller Home’s Turkey Trot. The 5K Run starts at 10am, followed by the 1.5M Walk at 10:05am. Race-day registration and bib pickup is from 8-9:30am at 30th Street & Avalon Avenue. Awards will be given to the top 3 men, top 3 women, top 3 in each age group, and the most festively dressed individual and group!
Story Time With Mrs. Claus
10am, Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, avalonfreelibrary.org
To celebrate the wonder of the season and the Christmas magic ahead, the Avalon Free Public Library is hosting a read-aloud story time with Mrs. Claus. Children of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy this magical event.
Festive Friday
11am-4pm, Downtown Avalon, visitavalonnj.com
Sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association, Festive Friday is a day full of holiday-themed fun. You can expect games, craft tables, face painting, balloon art, and appearances from your favorite characters. Don’t miss this family fun tradition!
Performance by Cape May Dancers
12:45pm, Downtown Stone Harbor, stoneharborchamber.com
Head into Stone Harbor prior to the Pet Parade to enjoy a dance performance by Cape May Dancers. This family-friendly event is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Stone Harbor’s Paw Print Pet Parade
1pm, Downtown Stone Harbor, stoneharborchamber.com
Get ready, 96th Street is about to be filled with unimaginable cuteness. That’s right, Stone Harbor’s Pet Parade is back! Enter your pets in the parade or come and watch as the pets of Seven Mile Island strut their stuff.
Tree Lighting at The Reeds
4-6pm, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, reedsatshelterhaven.com
Start your holiday weekend off right with complimentary hot chocolate, treats, and live music at The Reeds leading up to its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. At 5pm, join Santa and friends as they count down to the tree lighting over the bay. RSVPs encouraged.
Avalon’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
5pm, Veterans Plaza, 2101 Dune Drive, Avalon, avalonboro.net
Join Mayor McCorristin and special guest Santa at Veterans Plaza for Avalon’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Watch as the town comes alive in the spirit of Christmas. Bring your loved ones to enjoy this special moment.
Stone Harbor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
5:45-6:15pm, Downtown Stone Harbor, stoneharborchamber.com
There is a 100% chance of snow as you join Mayor Tim Carney and the rest of Stone Harbor for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This is the perfect event for the whole family and an amazing way to kick off the holiday season.
Avalon Brew Pub: Christmas Takeover Pop-Up
6-8pm, Avalon Brew Pub, 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon, icona.com
Avalon Brew Pub is decorated floor-to-ceiling with holiday decor. Its debut holiday pop-up experience will have holiday music, seasonal drink specials, complimentary hot chocolate for the kids, a Christmas photo backdrop, and festive prizes. Reservations recommended.
Stone Harbor Hospitality Night
6-9pm, Stone Harbor Shopping District, stoneharborchamber.com
Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, stroll through Stone Harbor’s shopping district and feel the warmth of the holiday spirit. Shops will offer refreshments, treats, and holiday discounts and sales.
Live Music with The Seabillys
7-10pm, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, reedsatshelterhaven.com
Following The Reeds’ Annual Tree Lighting ceremony, stay and raise a glass to the holiday season ahead as Stone Harbor’s local band, The Seabillys, takes the stage. You don’t want to miss this evening of great music.
Nov. 27-28
Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees
10am-8pm Friday, 10am-noon Saturday
Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor, 96th Street & the Beach, womenscivicclubofstoneharbor.org
Head to the Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor for the Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees. Local organizations and merchants have beautifully decorated trees and wreaths for viewing and silent bidding. All proceeds support charity and there is a Toys for Tots collection box on-site.
Carousel & Holiday Market
Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, 95th Street Water Tower Plaza, Stone Harbor, shnj.org
Head to the Stone Harbor Water Tower Plaza to enjoy a wonderful Holiday Market. You can expect food and craft vendors and even an old-fashioned carousel. Don’t forget to register for the Chamber of Commerce’s Scavenger Hunt while you’re at the market.
Arts & Antiques Flea Market
Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, The Princeton, 2008 Dune Drive, Avalon, princetonbar.com
The Princeton is opening its Rock Room for a huge selection of art and antiques. Head by to explore the flea market and find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. Additional art will also be available for sale at The Garage.
Walking Tacos & Drinks To Go
Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 11am-7pm, The Garage, 225 21st St., Avalon, princetonbar.com
The Garage: Tacos & Tequila is the perfect place to stop in for food and a drink at its cozy bar. There will also be a wide selection of art available for purchase, and on Friday, from 11am-1pm there will be a balloon artist for your little ones.
Nov. 27-Dec. 25
Holiday Stroll & Gingerbread Trail
Participating business hours, Downtown Stone Harbor, reedsatshelterhaven.com
From Thanksgiving Weekend to Christmas Day, stroll into local participating businesses for specials, treats, and deals. Stop by The Reeds to pick up your Gingerbread Trail map to locate participating businesses, and if you head to more than 10 shops, you’ll even receive a prize.
The Reeds Holiday Happenings
Various times, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, reedsatshelterhaven.com
While staying at The Reeds, cozy up with coffee and hot cocoa, enjoy festive cocktails from 4-6pm at the Gingerbread Bar Happy Hour, and take advantage of the Holiday Gift Wrapping Station available from 10am-6pm. Your little ones will love the Holiday Storytime featuring special character readings on select dates. For more details, visit reedsatshelterhaven.com.
Nov. 28
Stone Harbor Museum’s Holiday Open House
9am-2pm, 9410 Second Ave., Stone Harbor, stoneharbormuseum.org
The Stone Harbor Museum is opening its doors for the last time this season for its annual Holiday Open House. Come by to learn about the wonderful history of Stone Harbor and for camaraderie, refreshments, and festive cheer!
Kids Downtown Holiday Dash
10am, 96th Street & First Avenue, Stone Harbor, stoneharborrecreation.com
Kids get ready for Stone Harbor Recreation’s Downtown Holiday Dash. Registration begins at 9:30am in the beach parking lot, and the race is set to begin at 10am. This event is suitable for older children.
Snowfest Saturday
11am-4pm, Downtown Avalon, avalonboro.net
Head into town for a day full of family fun with bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, trampolines, carnival rides, ice sculpting, and a rock wall. Take photos with Santa in his sleigh at 21st & Dune Drive and enjoy holiday performances sponsored by the Avalon Free Public Library.
Stone Harbor Christmas Parade
6:30pm, Downtown Stone Harbor, shnj.org
You don’t want to miss Stone Harbor’s annual Christmas Parade. Get ready for holiday music, performances by Joanne Reagan Dance Studio dancers, decorative floats, candy, and a 100% chance of snow. The parade will start at 107th Street and Third Avenue and then travel down 96th Street.
Nov. 29
Breakfast With Santa
10am-1pm, Avalon Links Restaurant & Banquet, 1510 Route 9, Cape May Court House, avalongolfclub.net
Avalon Golf Club’s Avalon Links Restaurant & Banquet is hosting Breakfast With Santa for the whole family. Stop by and enjoy a breakfast buffet, face painting, crafts, and photos with Santa. Pricing is $29 per adult and $15 for children 12 and under. Call 609-465-8086 to reserve your spot today!
Dec. 2
6th Annual Home for the Holidays
5:30pm, American Legion Post 331, 11617 Second Ave., Stone Harbor, stephencludlampost331.org
The Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post 331 is raising money to support the Coast Guard. Every donation will go toward bringing home these brave men and women so they can spend the holidays with their loved ones. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 232 Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 or made online.
Dec. 4
Big Little Christmas Party
6-10pm, Avalon Links Restaurant & Banquet, 1510 Rt. 9, Cape May Court House, avalongolfclub.net
This season don’t worry about the fuss and cleanup of putting together a holiday party. Instead, bring your friends, family, employees, or coworkers to Avalon Golf Club’s Big Little Christmas Party. Enjoy a 4-hour open bar, premium land and sea buffet, and live entertainment by the Animal House Band. Advance purchase is required. Call 609-465-8086 for reservations.
Dec. 5
Avalon Historical Society Open House
4-7pm, Avalon History Center, 215 39th St., Avalon, avalonhistoricalsociety.org
The Avalon Historical Society is opening its doors to you once again this December. Head to its Open House to learn about the Historical Society while enjoying great food, wonderful refreshments, holiday music, and of course, good company!
American Legion Post 331’s Annual Christmas Party
5:30pm, Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, 9001 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, stephencludlampost331.org
Get ready for a memorable night at the American Legion’s annual Christmas Party. Doors and the cash bar open at 5:30pm. From 6-7pm enjoy cocktails, a cheese and crudité display, and hors d’oeuvres. Dinner will be served promptly at 7. Then spend the rest of the night dancing to wonderful music by Just Joe. Tickets are required.
Dec. 6
Brunch with Santa
10am-2pm, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, reedsatshelterhaven.com
Bring your little ones to The Reeds at Shelter Haven for a morning of Christmas magic. Meet Santa while enjoying a wonderfully festive brunch. Reservations required.
Dec. 8
An Evening With Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol
6pm, Avalon History Center, 215 39th St., Avalon, avalonfreelibrary.org
Join Ruben Castillo on an immersive journey to Victorian England during the holiday season. With Charles Dickens as your guide, you’ll have the chance to experience A Christmas Carol as original audiences did.
Dec. 12
Fiddle Club Holiday Concert
2pm, Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, avalonfreelibrary.org
The Fiddle Club from the Music Studio in Linwood is coming to the Avalon Free Public Library for an afternoon of holiday entertainment. You can expect your favorite Christmas and Hanukkah songs, classical music, and songs from holiday movies.
Parish Christmas Party & Msgr. Quinn’s 90th birthday
6-9pm, Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, 9001 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, stbrendanavalon.org
St. Brendan the Navigator is having its annual Parish Christmas Party at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor. This year, there is even more to celebrate as it’s Msgr. Quinn’s 90th birthday! Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres start at 6pm and dinner will be served at 6:30pm.
Dec. 13
Brunch with Santa
10am-2pm, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, reedsatshelterhaven.com
If you missed The Reeds Brunch with Santa on Dec. 6, this is your second chance. Bring your little ones for a morning of Christmas magic. Meet Santa and enjoy wonderful food. Reservations required.
Dec. 15
Demonstration of Mediumship
6-7:30pm, Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, avalonfreelibrary.org
Caitlin Haffert is leading an afternoon of spiritual connections. Join the library for a demonstration of life’s continuity. Some attendees may even have a direct reading done. Registration is required.
Dec. 17
Pajama Story Time
6-6:45pm, Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, avalonfreelibrary.org
Put on your pajamas and bring your stuffies to the library’s special Pajama Story Time. Leave your stuffies for an overnight sleepover with Gerald and Piggy. Your stuffies will be ready for pick up the next day and will even have a picture from their sleepover!
Dec. 19
It’s “Celebrate India Day” at the Library!
10:30am-3pm, Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, avalonfreelibrary.org
The library is hosting a day in celebration of Indian culture. Presented by Seema Moondra from Enjoy Explore India, attendees can expect a celebration of the music, dance, heritage, and culture of India. “Move to the Music: Bollywood Style” is scheduled for 10:30am. At noon and 2pm, a hands-on cooking class will invite attendees to learn how to make Indian Parathas and discover how types of flour, spices, and fillings can alter their taste. Registration is required.
Dec. 20
Advent/Christmas Cantata “Canticles in Candlelight”
9:30am, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, oursaviourstoneharbor.org
The Advent/Christmas Cantata, “Canticles in Candlelight,” is a beautiful celebration of the season through music. Enjoy a special concert featuring inspiring choral performances accompanied by talented instrumentalists. Experience the joy and spirit of Christmas through a morning of music and candlelight.
Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Worship
7pm, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, oursaviourstoneharbor.org
Join Our Saviour Lutheran Church for its Christmas Eve Worship. You can expect candlelight, communion, and Christmas music. Come celebrate the joy, warmth, and meaning of Christmas.
Dec. 27
Holiday Lessons & Carols
9:30am, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, oursaviourstoneharbor.org
Experience the beauty of the Christmas season through meaningful Scripture readings and traditional carols. With music, reflection, and fellowship, enjoy the spirit of the holidays.
Dec. 31
Noon Year’s Eve
11am-Noon, Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, avalonfreelibrary.org
Bring the kids to the Avalon Free Public Library’s countdown to noon. DJ Dave will provide family-friendly music for a terrific dance party. This is the perfect event to celebrate 2027 with your little ones.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
3:30-5pm, Surfside Park, 29th Street & Avalon Avenue, Avalon, avalonboro.net
Head to Surfside Park to ring in the new year! There will be face painting, balloon art, surprise characters, and a DJ dance party for the kids. Around 4:45p.m., the countdown to the new year starts, followed by fireworks off the beach at 35th Street. Rain location is Avalon Community Hall at 3001 Avalon Ave.
2027 Events at a Glance
JAN. 31
Super Bash XXIV
2pm, Princeton Bar & Grill, 2008 Dune Drive, friendinneednj.org
Friend In Need is holding its 24th annual Super Bash! Doors open at 2pm, and attendees can watch the AFC Championship Game that starts at 3pm, followed by the NFC Championship Game at 6. You can expect all the usual, with a silent auction, raffle, food, and drinks. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Friend In Need has been helping residents of Cape May County since 2003.
FEB. 13
Mike’s Seafood 5K Run/Walk for Autism
Noon, Sea Isle City Promenade, JFK Blvd. & the Boardwalk, mikesseafoodrunwalkforautism.com
Join Mike’s Seafood for its 19th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Autism. This noncompetitive event is perfect for people of all ages and begins at noon. After the run/walk, head to Excursion Park for awards, door prizes, magicians, face painting, music, and a large buffet under heated tents. Registration is $40. Proceeds benefit special needs schools, families, and support organizations.
MARCH 14
Stone Harbor’s Shiver Polar Plunge
10am, Fred’s Tavern, 314 96th St., stoneharborchamber.com
The fun starts with a pregame at Fred’s Tavern featuring the Shiver King and Queen and fellow participants. At noon, a parade starts from Fred’s to the beach led by the WhoaPhat Brass Band. Then, in the parking lot of the Women’s Civic Club, the Shiver Showdown competition will take place. At 1:15, the plunge begins. Afterward, the fun continues with a performance by The Quinn Brothers at Fred’s Tavern.