Holiday Happenings in The Wildwoods: Christmas 2026
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!
You can visit WildwoodHoliday.com for more information, insider guides, free shuttle route and more!
Christmasween
November 14, 2026 | Wildwoods Convention Center | Noon to 4 p.m.
Christmasween is a family-friendly, Halloween meets Xmas, event in the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Costumes welcome! Enjoy picture opportunities for the whole family! Don’t miss this selfie event of the year as you mingle with monsters! Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children 13 and under. For more information, visit ChristmasweenParty.com.
Holiday Kickoff Party at MudHen
November 14, 2026 | Wildwoods Convention Center | Noon to 4 p.m.
Kick off the season with a festive day of music, crafts and community spirit at MudHen Brewing Company on Saturday, November 21, 2026!. There’s a Gratitude Wall to share what you’re thankful for, a Thanksgiving Crafts Corner with fun crafts for all ages, and FREE face painting on the patio from 12–4 PM.
Enjoy Dueling Pianos from 12–4 PM and live music by Shot of Southern from 7–11 PM at The Station House. Bring canned goods for our Thanksgiving Can Drive!
Window Decorating Contest- FREE
December 2026 | 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 27 – December 6, 2026
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 breakfast ($10), lunch ($15), and dinner ($40). Visit WildwoodsRestaurantWeek.com for details and participating locations.
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
November 27, 2026 | 2nd & 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 28. For more information, visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village – FREE
November 29 & December 5-6, 13 & 19-20, 2026 | MudHen Brewing Company | 10:00 AM – 3:00 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 1, 2026 | Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest | 5:00 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.
Christmas in North Wildwood – FREE
November 27-29, 2026
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 28, 2026 | Byrne Plaza & Downtown Wildwood | 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Pick up gifts for everyone on your list at the 7th 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/
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade – FREE
December 4, 2026 | 6:00 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 4, 2026 | Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood | Approximately 7:00 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 4-5, 2026 | 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 8:30 PM, with even more fun on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, visit dooww.com.
Miracle at the Mall: Sip & Shop
December 5, 12, & 19, 2026 | Wildwood’s Boardwalk Mall, 3800 Boardwalk | 5:00 PM
Visit Miracle at the Mall at Wildwood’s Boardwalk Mall, 3800 Boardwalk, on Saturdays, December 5, 12, & 19, 2026! The Sip & Shop takes place from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Support local small businesses, sip something festive, enjoy live music, and get into the holiday spirit! For more information, visit honkytonkww.com.
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
December 5, 2026 | 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.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens & Courtyard Christmas Lights – FREE
December 5, 2026 | Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard | 5:00 PM
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens and Courtyard, North Wildwood. The gardens will be decorated with Christmas lights for visitors to enjoy starting on Saturday, December 5, during the annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m. The gardens are open to the public and free to visit throughout the holiday season. For more information 609.522.2955 visit NorthWildwood.com.
Santa Paws – FREE
December 5, 2026 | 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 NW-BOA.com.
Wildwood Holiday Spectacular
December 5, 2026 | Wildwood Convention Center | 7:00 PM
The Bobby Rydell Foundation brings back the beloved Wildwood Holiday Spectacular, with performances from The Duprees, Joey M, and hosted by Tommy Cono. Sing along to classic hits and holiday favorites that will spark your holiday spirit. Tickets are available at thebobbyrydellfoundation.org.
Gingerbread House Community Contest
December 6, 2026 | Wildwood Crest Arts Pavilion | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Enter your gingerbread house in this community contest! Entries need to arrive between 9:30 and 10 AM. Any house that can fit through the door is eligible! Admire the community’s gingerbread houses and enjoy kids crafts, light refreshments, vendors, photos with Santa, and prizes for winners.
Sandbar Joe’s Winter Igloo Cruise
Hot Cocoa on The Sandbar Social – NEW & FREE
December 5, 13, & 28 | North Wildwood | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy a free, family-friendly holiday photo-op where residents and visitors step aboard a decorated 49-passenger catamaran, meet Santa, and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, a DJ, and a choir. For more information, visit sandbarjoes.com or call 609-849-3032.
Polar Express Brunch Cruise
December 5, 19, & January 2 | North Wildwood
Step away from the ordinary and treat your family, friends, or colleagues to a premium, private floating food tour themed to the magical spirit of the Polar Express. Sandbar Joe’s has partnered with local favorites to deliver a three-course holiday brunch experience that is as unique as it is delicious. For more information, visit sandbarjoes.com or call 609-849-3032.
Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park – FREE
December 11-12 & 18-19, 2026 | 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 12, 2026 | Wildwoods Convention Center | 9:00 AM – 4:00 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 4:00 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 12, 2026 | 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.
Holiday Light Walk – FREE
December 14, 2026 | 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
Battle of the Boards Basketball Tournament
December 23 | Wildwoods Convention Center
A high school basketball showcase event in the Wildwoods Convention Center to kick-off the Boardwalk Basketball Classic Tournament the following week. The event features boys and girls games involving area schools such as Lower Cape May, Wildwood, Wildwood Catholic, and many more from South Jersey, Delaware Valley, and surrounding areas. For more information, team schedules, and ticket information, visit BBClassic.com.
Boardwalk Basketball Classic
December 26 – 31
The largest holiday co-ed basketball tournament in the country! Held in the Wildwoods Convention Center and surrounding venues, the tournament features an impressive lineup of high school boys and girls basketball teams from the South Jersey and Delaware Valley areas totaling approximately 1,000 competitors. Call 609-846-2720 for more information or visit BBClassic.com for team schedules, times, ticket prices, and past results.
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.
Make sure to visit WildwoodHoliday.com for more resources when it comes to planning your holiday visit to the Wildwoods.
