The Wildwoods, NJ – October 20, 2025 – The holiday season in the Wildwoods means countless ways to create memories surrounded by the beauty of the shore’s premier vacation destination. With lower room rates available, book your stay in the Wildwoods and experience the many ways to make the holiday season special for you and your whole family, while surrounded by charming locals and architecture, and the numerous holiday experiences waiting on the island.
The Wildwoods’ combine the serenity of the beach with exciting holiday events. Take in the gorgeous natural beauty of the island, while enjoying fewer crowds, engaging with friendly locals, and warming up at holiday themed events. Discover the island’s culinary delights, from fresh seafood and sizzling steaks to creative international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every preference. Local wineries, craft microbreweries, and distilleries offer local wines, beers, and spirits not found anywhere else and are located just minutes away.
If relaxation is on your holiday bucket list, there’s plenty of ‘chill’ activities to enjoy. Be awed by mother nature with a mesmerizing sunrise and morning stroll along the beach; grab your walking shoes and binoculars and spend a day wandering through a local nature preserve; enjoy a relaxing bike ride on the famous Wildwoods’ Boardwalk or a romantic stroll along the water’s edge. End the day with an awe-inspiring, spectacular sunset viewed from Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest.
The 2025 line-up of holiday events taking place in the Wildwoods includes a lineup of family fun events:
November
Friday, November 28-30
Christmas in North Wildwood
Olde New Jersey Ave., 200 block of West 10th Ave., 100 block of East 17th Ave. Enjoy a scavenger hunt with prizes while enjoying the holidays in North Wildwood! Weekend activities take place November 28-30. For more information visit the: North Wildwood BOA Facebook Page. or nw-boa.com
Friday, November 28
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
2nd & Surf Ave., North Wildwood. 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy family fun, including music and free photo ops with Santa and other winter wonderland characters from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 28. Donation: $10 adults, $2 children 12 & under. Hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. Rain date November 29. For more information, visit www.WildwoodHoliday.com
November 28 – December 7
Wildwoods Restaurant Week
Dining in the Wildwoods has never been better! The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents Wildwoods Restaurant Week from November 28 – December 7. Held multiple times throughout the year, this event showcases the best of the Wildwoods’ dining scene, with participating restaurants offering special prix fixe breakfast ($10), lunch ($15), and dinner ($40) menus at great prices. From fresh seafood and sizzling steaks to creative international cuisine and classic boardwalk favorites, there’s something to satisfy every preference. Whether you’re dining in a cozy restaurant or a lively family-friendly eatery, the experience promises delicious dishes, warm hospitality, and a true taste of the Wildwoods. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new restaurants, enjoy great food at a great value, and celebrate the vibrant food culture of this seaside resort. For a list of establishments, days open during the week and menus visit WildwoodsRestaurantWeek.com or call the GWCOC at 609-729-4000.
Saturday, November 29
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village – Small Business Saturday
The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents the 6th Annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village on Saturday, November 29 at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring a completely outdoor holiday shopping experience. Experience Small Business Saturday like it is meant to be. Local small business vendors will be on hand for you to purchase the perfect holiday gift. Local artisans, jewelry, specialty shops, handcrafted items, holiday decorations, baked goods, boutique shops, gifts, holiday music, & more. This event will also serve as a gift drop location for The Lynch Who Stole Christmas From The GrYnch Toy Drive Program. Park & Ride and jump on the FREE Jitney and loop between North Wildwood businesses and the Holiday Shopping Village. For more information contact the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce at 609-729-4000 or visit Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village on Facebook.
December
Friday, December 1
Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest. 5:30 p.m. on December 1. Tree lighting ceremony to kick off the Holiday season in the Borough of Wildwood Crest. Music, light refreshments, a visit from Santa Claus, and more! Rain date is 12/2. For more information, call 609-523-0202 or visit www.wildwoodcrest.org
Friday, December 5
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade
Registration/check-in for parade participants take place at the North Wildwood Recreation Center, 10th and Central Avenues, North Wildwood, at 5 P.M. The Parade lines up along Central Avenue and steps off at 16th Avenue at 6 p.m. proceeding along Central Avenue, then Pacific Avenue to Spicer Avenue where the parade will turn and proceed to Byrne Plaza. Awards will be announced for floats and decorated business lighting contest at approximately 7 p.m. in Byrne Plaza. (Rain date December 7 line-up at 4 p.m. step off at 5 p.m.) For more information call 609-729-5501 or visit www.WildwoodHoliday.com
Friday, December 5
Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood. Approximately 8:00 p.m. on December 5. For more information, call 609-729-5501 or visit WildwoodHoliday.com
Friday December 5-6
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood. Enjoy free carnival rides and vendors from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Live music! Don’t miss story time with Mrs. Claus! For more information, call 609-729-5501
Saturday, December 6
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony
Taking place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, North Wildwood at 5:00 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, free tour of the lighthouse and a visit from Santa Claus. For more information, visit northwildwood.com.
Saturday, December 6
Santa Paws
North Wildwood Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue and the surrounding area. The North Wildwood Business Owners Association presents Santa Paws! Come out and enjoy doggie treats and photo ops at participating establishments along the route. The walk begins at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best doggie costumes! For more information visit nw-boa.com
Saturday, December 6
Wildwood Holiday Spectacular
Get ready to rekindle the magic of the holiday season at the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular! The Bobby Rydell Foundation is proud to host this beloved holiday tradition, where music and joy come together for a night to remember. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with a star-studded lineup featuring Brooklyn Bridge, Richie Santa tribute to Elvis, Tommy Cono, and Wildwood’s Own Joey M, who will perform soulful renditions of classic hits and holiday favorites that will warm your heart and set the perfect festive mood. Wildwoods Convention Center. Visit this link for tickets. For more information, visit thebobbyrydellfoundation.org
Sunday, December 7
Holiday Tree Jubilee
The Crest Arts Pavilion, 6301 Ocean Avenue. Come out to view and vote on the mini holiday tree-decorating contest, decorate ornaments for the Crest beach tree, visit with Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, click here, 609-522-0221 or [email protected]
Sunday, November 30, December 7, 14, & 21
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village – FREE
127 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wrap up your holiday shopping with a bow at the annual Shopping Village at MudHen Brewing Company. Browse vendors in the parking lot while enjoying hot cocoa, s’mores stations, caricatures, face painting, and live music in the Biergarten. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site for photos on December 7, 14, and 21. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with family fun for all ages. For more information 609-522-0159 x125 or visit mudhenbrew.com
Friday & Saturday, December 12-13 & Friday & Saturday, December 19-20
Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park
123 E. Andrews Avenue, Wildwood. Enjoy Wildwood’s very own Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park. The light show will run every half hour from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. on December 12-13 and 19-20. Bring the family and enjoy the light show with complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, letters to Santa station, and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Light show and decorations will be on display nightly from 6:30 p.m.–7 p.m. through mid-January. For more information, call 609-522-5837 or visit wildwoodnj.org
Sunday, December 13
‘Pinch the GrYnch’ Boardwalk Run
This holiday boardwalk run and mile walk on December 13 is fun for all ages! Event starts at 10 a.m. – rain or shine! Participants are encouraged to dress in festive holiday outfits. The race route starts at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Registration is $30 per person or $20 if you donate a new, unwrapped toy for local children in need. Click here to register. For more information call 609-849-8887 or visit LynchToyDrive.com
Sunday, December 13
12 Pubs of Christmas
Get ready for the 12 Pubs of Christmas! Celebrate the holiday season with happy hour pricing and festive sights at each participating spot. Free transporation will be running on December 13, making stops all around the island so you can enjoy each “pub” without the hassle of driving. Participating locations TBA. Grab your friends, don your holiday gear, and make it a night to remember! For more information visit nw-boa.com
Sunday, December 13
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center on December 13, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. featuring FREE admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, children’s craft making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, Story Time with Mrs. Claus and much more! At 4 p.m. there will be a tree lighting ceremony. For more information call 609-729-9000 or visit WildwoodHoliday.com for a detailed schedule of events.
Monday, December 15
Holiday Light Walk
Sponsored by the Wildwood Crest Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and the Wildwood Crest Recreation Department. Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest 5:30 p.m. Walkers will meet at the corner of Rambler Road and New Jersey Avenue and will take an approximately 30-minute walk along Sunset Lake and the surrounding neighborhood to view the various holiday and Christmas light displays. The Holiday Lights Walk is free, but registration is encouraged. Those interested are asked to send an email to [email protected]. Walkers should wear warm clothes and bring a flashlight. All participants will receive a small holiday gift. The rain/inclement weather date is Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. For more information 609-523-0202
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