The Wildwoods, NJ – October 22, 2026 – Experience the spirit of the season in the Wildwoods, NJ, as the resort kicks off the holidays with a new ‘ChristmasWeen’ family party on Saturday, November 14, followed by five weekends of seasonal family fun, and a packed schedule of holiday events, Friday, November 27 through December.
Experience the magic of the holidays Wildwoods style, with plenty of entertainment and activities to create family memories, including holiday festivals, bonfires, parades, light shows, craft fairs, tree lightings, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and so much more!
For more information about the Holidays in the Wildwoods schedule of events visit WildwoodHoliday.com.
Saturday, November 14
ChristmasWeen – New!
Christmasween is a family-friendly, Halloween meets Xmas, event in the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, November 14, from
12 noon 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.
Saturday, November 21
Holiday Kickoff Party at MudHen
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 p.m. Enjoy Dueling Pianos from 12–4 p.m. and live music by Shot of Southern from 7–11 p.m. at The Station House. Bring canned goods for the Thanksgiving Can Drive! For more information, visit MudHenBrew.com.
Thursday, November 26
TJ Hunt Memorial 5K Turkey Trot Race
Finish the fall season with a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Race! The 2026 TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation Turkey Trot will be held Thursday, November 26th, beginning at the Wildwood Crest Pier, 5800 Atlantic Avenue. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., and the race kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Registrants have two options for participation: a 5K run that loops from the Crest Pier in Wildwood Crest to the Wildwood Boardwalk or a 1-mile walk that takes place on the Wildwood Crest bike path. Participants of all ages are welcome to join! The cost of registration is $30 for adults and $10 for participants under the age of 18.
After the race, all participants are invited to a post-race celebration at MudHen Brewing Company on Rio Grande Ave. in Wildwood. Those who register for the Trot will receive an event T-shirt and a free drink ticket upon arrival to enjoy. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot help fund scholarships and efforts to help families that have experienced a traumatic event. For more information about the Turkey Trot and the TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation, visit www.tjhuntmemorialfoundation.com or call 609-780-4223.
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, December 6
Wildwoods December Restaurant Week
Participating restaurants will offer special prix fixe breakfast ($15), lunch ($20), and dinner ($45) menus at great prices (plus tax & gratuity). For a list of establishments, days open during the week, and menus, visit WildwoodsRestaurantWeek.com or call the GWCOC at 609-729-4000.
Friday, November 27
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
Bring a beach chair or blanket and enjoy a Family Holiday Beach Bonfire on Friday, November 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in North Wildwood at 2nd and Surf Avenues. Indulge in fun for the whole family, including music and free photo ops with Santa and other winter wonderland characters from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase. There will be a donation admission fee. This event is hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. The rain date is Saturday, November 28. For more information, visit WildwoodHoliday.com
Friday through Sunday, November 27 – 29
Christmas in North Wildwood
Various participating establishments. Enjoy free transportation aboard the “snowflake shuttle” on Saturday, outdoor firepits, strolling Santa, hot chocolate, festive lights, decorations, and music while enjoying the holidays in North Wildwood! Complete a scavenger hunt for the chance to win a $500 Visa gift card, two winners will be chosen! Weekend activities take place November 27-29, 2026. For complete information, visit NW-BOA.com.
Elks Window Decorating Contest
Friday, November 27 – Thursday, December 31
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. Walk or bike by the Wildwoods Convention Center to view the creative and festive holiday designs painted by students from four local grade schools competing for prizes. Sponsored by the Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge #1896 in collaboration with the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.
Saturday, November 28
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village – Small Business Saturday
Byrne Plaza and Downtown Wildwood. 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents the 7th Annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village, a completely outdoor shopping experience. Experience Small Business Saturday like never before. 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 Program. For more information, call 609-729-4000 or follow the event on Facebook @Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village.
Sunday, November 29; December 5-6, 13, & 19-20
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village
127 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood. 10 a.m. – 3 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 there for Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. for photos on November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20. 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
Tuesday, December 1
Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony-FREE
Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest. 5 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony to kick off the Holiday season in the borough. Music, light refreshments, a visit from Santa Claus, and more! Rain date: December 2. For more information, call 609-523-0202 or visit wildwoodcrest.org
Friday, December 4
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade-FREE
Parade registration/check-in begins at 5 p.m. at the North Wildwood Recreation Center, 10th and Central Avenues. Parade lines up along Central Avenue and steps off 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 the decorated business lighting contest at approximately 7 p.m. in Byrne Plaza. For more information, call 609-729-5501.
Friday, December 4 – FREE
Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony- FREE
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood. Approximately 7 p.m. For more information, call 609-729-5501.
Friday through Sunday, December 4 – 6
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood. Enjoy free carnival rides and vendors from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Live music by the John Walter Band and don’t miss story time with Mrs. Claus! For more information, call 609-729-5501.
Saturday, December 5
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, North Wildwood. 5 p.m. Christmas tree lighting event includes holiday music by Margaret Mace School Choir, refreshments, a self-guided tour of the lighthouse, and Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus! For more information 609-522-2955 or NorthWildwood.com
Saturday, December 5
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens & Courtyard Christmas Lights
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 or NorthWildwood.com
Saturday, December 5
Hospitality Night at MudHen
127 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Enjoy an evening packed with festive entertainment, family fun, live music, and the lighting of MudHen Brewing Company’s Christmas tree. Bring the family for pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, plus FREE face painting and caricatures throughout the evening. Treat yourself to something sweet at the Milk & Cookie Bar! For more information, visit MudHenBrew.com.
Saturday, December 5
Wildwood Holiday Spectacular Concert
Wildwoods Convention Center. Get ready to rekindle the magic of the holiday season at the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular Concert on December 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.! 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 The Duprees, Wildwood’s Own Joey M, and hosted by Tommy Cono. Tickets are on sale NOW! For more information, visit thebobbyrydellfoundation.org
Saturday, Dec. 5, 13, & 28
Hot Cocoa on The Sandbar Social – NEW & FREE
5th Street Boat Ramp, 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.
Saturday, December 5, 19, & January 2
Polar Express Brunch Cruise
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.
Saturday, December 5
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. The route starts at The Inlet and ends at Owen’s Pub. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes! For more information, visit NWBOA.
Sunday, December 6
Gingerbread House Community Contest
This year, the Wildwood Crest Arts Council will host a community gingerbread house competition from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Wildwood Crest Arts Pavilion; 6301 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest. Submit your completed houses on the morning of the event from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Any house that can fit through the door is eligible! Enjoy crafts for kids, light refreshments, vendors, and prizes for winners. Don’t miss a visit from Santa! For questions, email [email protected], or visit WildwoodCrest.org.
Friday and Saturday, December 11-12 & 18-19
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 11-12 and 18-19. 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.gov
Saturday, December 12
Pinch the ‘GrYnch’ Boardwalk Run
This holiday boardwalk run and walk 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 begins at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Registration is $30 per person or $20 if you donate a new, unwrapped toy for local children in need. 609-849-8887 or LynchToyDrive.com/pinch
Saturday, December 12
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. featuring FREE admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, children’s craft-making tables, a magician, face painting, entertainment, performances by the Avalon String Band and much more! At 4 p.m. there will be a tree lighting ceremony. For more information, call 609-729-9000 or visit WildwoodsNJ.com
Saturday, December 12
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 transportation 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.
Monday, December 14
Holiday Lights Walk – FREE
Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest 5:30 pm. Sponsored by the Wildwood Crest Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and the Wildwood Crest Recreation Department. 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. Rain/inclement weather date for the event is Tuesday, December 15, at 5:30 p.m. For more information 609-523-0202 or WildwoodCrest.org
Wednesday, December 23
Battle of the Boards Basketball Tournament
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.
Saturday, December 26 – Thursday, December 31
Boardwalk Basketball Classic
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.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
