Holiday Happenings in The Wildwoods: Christmas 2024
The Wildwoods transform into a festive wonderland each holiday season, offering a lineup of family-friendly activities, dazzling lights, and holiday cheer.
From beach bonfires to Christmas parades, this coastal town offers a magical holiday experience for all ages. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you won’t want to miss the charming festivities that make the Wildwoods the perfect winter destination.
Here’s your guide to this year’s holiday events in the Wildwoods, from the Holiday Shopping Village to Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade to the Family Holiday Celebration and spectacular shows. Let the holiday magic begin!
Holiday Kickoff at MudHen
November 23, 2024 – MudHen Brewing Co.
Kickoff the holiday season at MudHen Brewing Co. featuring live music, face painting, and more. For more information visit: mudhenbrew.com/on-site-events/
Window Decorating Contest- FREE
November 27, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | Wildwoods Convention Center
Stroll or bike by the Wildwoods Convention Center to admire the creative and festive holiday window decorations painted by local students. The Elks Window Decorating Contest brings a charming and cheerful display of holiday spirit to the boardwalk, making it a must-see this season. For more details, visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Wildwoods December Restaurant Week
November 29 – December 8, 2024
Dine at some of the island’s best restaurants with three-course meals during Wildwoods Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will offer pre-fixe menus for $40. Visit WildwoodsRestaurantWeek.com for details and participating locations.
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
November 29, 2024 | 1st & Surf Ave., North Wildwood | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with the North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company for a cozy evening by the beach, complete with music and photo ops with Santa. Donations are $10 for adults and $2 for children under 12, with proceeds benefiting local causes. Rain date: November 30. For more information, visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Christmas in North Wildwood – FREE
November 29, 2024 – December 1, 2024
Enjoy outdoor firepits, hot chocolate, festive lights, a strolling Santa, scavenger hunts, holiday decorations, and live music while celebrating the holidays in North Wildwood. For more information, visit NW-BOA.com.
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village – Small Business Saturday
November 30, 2024 | Byrne Plaza & Downtown Wildwood | 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Pick up gifts for everyone on your list at the 5th Annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village, where local artisans, boutique shops, handcrafted items, and baked goods come together. The event also supports the Lynch Who Stole Christmas From The GrYnch Program, where you can drop off gifts for those in need. Follow the festive sounds of holiday music as you explore local vendors for unique gifts. www.gwcoc.org/wildwoods-holiday-shopping-village/
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village – FREE
December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2024 | MudHen Brewing Company | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Visit the annual Shopping Village at MudHen Brewing Co., featuring live music, hot cocoa, s’mores stations, and family entertainment. Secure your name on the nice list because Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making special appearances on select dates! For more details, visit mudhenbrew.com.
Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
December 3, 2024 | Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest | 5:30 PM
Spark that seasonal spirit at the annual Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event will feature music, light refreshments, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Gather with the community to enjoy the holiday cheer by the scenic Sunset Lake as the Christmas tree lights up the night. For more details, visit WildwoodCrest.org.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade – FREE
December 6, 2024 | 6:30 PM | North Wildwood and Wildwood
One of the highlights of the season, the parade starts at 16th Avenue and travels down Central and Pacific Avenues, ending with a tree lighting and awards ceremony at Byrne Plaza. Come see festive floats, marching bands, and more! www.dooww.com
Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
December 6, 2024 | Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood | Approximately 8:00 PM
Watch as the Christmas tree illuminates Downtown Wildwood, marking the beginning of the holiday season. For more information, visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza – FREE
December 6-7, 2024 | Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood
After the parade, enjoy free carnival rides, vendors, and live music at Byrne Plaza. Friday night’s activities run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with even more fun on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, visit dooww.com.
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
December 7, 2024 | Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard | 5:00 PM
Join the community for the North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony at the beautiful Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard. The event includes holiday music, light refreshments, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Don’t forget to explore the lighthouse and its festive decorations! For more information, visit NorthWildwood.com.
Santa Paws – FREE
December 7, 2024 | North Wildwood Entertainment District
Calling all dog lovers! Dress up your furry friends in festive outfits and join the fun at Santa Paws. This adorable event takes place in North Wildwood’s Entertainment District, where you and your pets can enjoy doggie treats and photo ops along the route. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed pups, so get creative with those costumes! For more details, visit NWBOA.com.
Wildwood Holiday Spectacular
December 7, 2024 | Wildwood High School | 7:00 PM
The Bobby Rydell Foundation brings back the beloved Wildwood Holiday Spectacular, with performances from The Skyliners, The Tymes, and rising star Tommy Cono. Sing along to classic hits and holiday favorites that will spark your holiday spirit. Tickets are available at thebobbyrydellfoundation.org.
Holiday Tree Jubilee – FREE
December 8, 2024 | Crest Arts Pavilion, Wildwood Crest | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Vote on your favorite mini holiday trees at the Holiday Tree Jubilee, and decorate ornaments for the Crest beach tree. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa. And don’t forget to bring an unwrapped gift for the Lunch With Lynch Toy Drive. For more information, call 609.522.0221 or email cac@wildwoodcrest.org. wildwoodcrest.org
Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park – FREE
December 13-14 & December 20-21, 2024 | 123 E. Andrews Ave., Wildwood | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Experience the festive lights at Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland! Enjoy a half-hour light show running every half hour from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, and a letters-to-Santa station will be available, with a special appearance from Mr. & Mrs. Claus. The light displays will continue through mid-January. For more information, visit WildwoodNJ.org.
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
December 14, 2024 | Wildwoods Convention Center | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Spend the day shopping at the Holiday Bazaar, where local crafters and vendors will offer unique holiday gifts. The day is packed with family-friendly activities like craft-making, face painting, and holiday movies. At 4:30 PM, join the crowd for the much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony, marking the official start of the holiday season in the Wildwoods. For more details, visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Pinch the ‘GrYnch’ Boardwalk 5K Run
December 14, 2024 | Wildwoods Boardwalk | 10:00 AM
Get in the holiday spirit with the Pinch the GrYnch Boardwalk 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk. Participants of all ages are encouraged to dress in festive holiday attire as they race down the scenic Wildwoods Boardwalk. This fun, family-friendly event also supports a great cause—registration fees are reduced if you bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation. Registration is $30 per person, or $20 with a toy donation. For more details, visit LynchToyDrive.com or call 609.849.8887.
12 Pubs of Christmas
December 14, 2024 | At Participating Establishments
Raise your glass and toast to the holiday season at the 12 Pubs of Christmas! Celebrate with happy hour pricing, festive drinks, and holiday vibes at participating pubs across The Wildwoods. A free jitney will transport you around, making sure the holiday cheer keeps flowing! For more information, visit NW-BOA.com.
Holiday Light Walk – FREE
December 16, 2024 | Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest | 5:30 PM
Walk through the beautifully lit holiday displays along Sunset Lake and surrounding neighborhoods. This 30-minute walk is a wonderful way to enjoy the lights and get into the holiday spirit. wildwoodcrest.org
Find Your Perfect Stay
Don’t miss a holiday beat — extend your visit and keep the yuletide festivities going. With a wide range of accommodations to choose from, finding the perfect place to stay in Wildwood is easy. From beachfront hotels and cozy motels, there’s an option to suit every budget and preference.
Celebrate the holiday season in the Wildwoods and make lasting memories with your loved ones! From festive light displays to beachside bonfires, there’s something for everyone. Keep checking back as we continue to update this year’s holiday happenings.
