The Wildwoods Christmas Events 2023

The Wildwoods Christmas Events 2023

During Christmas, the Wildwoods undergo a magical transformation from a sunny beach paradise to a winter wonderland. Throughout the holidays, the Wildwoods host numerous exciting events to immerse you in the festive spirit.

Explore the list below for detailed explanations of the events in the Wildwoods.

Holiday Jumpstart Makers Market – November 18th-19th

Wildwoods Convention Center, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, Come visit over 30 of the best artisan vendors of the Jersey Shore for two days of holiday fun! Enjoy FREE face painting on Saturday! Pictures with Santa are available on Sunday!

This is the perfect weekend to get the holidays started and get that holiday shopping underway! For more info click here.

Christmas in North Wildwood – November 24th-26th

Olde New Jersey Ave., 200 block of West 10th Ave., 100 block of East 17th Ave., & more! Friday & Saturday from 2:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon November 24 – 26, 2023.

Enjoy a scavenger hunt with prizes, free jitney on Saturday, outdoor firepits, strolling Santa, hot chocolate, festive lights, decorations, and music while enjoying the holidays in North Wildwood!! More information regarding weekend activities will be posted here.

Family Holiday Beach Bonfire – November 24th

2nd & Surf Ave., North Wildwood. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. on November 24, 2023. Enjoy family fun including music and free photo ops with Santa and other winter wonderland characters! Food is available for purchase. Donation fee TBA.

Hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. Rain date 11/25. For more information visit wildwoodholiday.com

Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village – Small Business Saturday – November 25th

Byrne Plaza & Downtown Wildwood from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on November 25, 2023. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents The 4th 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 be a gift drop location for The Lynch Who Stole Christmas From The GrYnch Program. For more information 609.729.4000

Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Plaza Festival – Dec 1-2nd

Enjoy free carnival rides, musical entertainment, and vendors on Friday, December 1 from 5-9 pm, and on Saturday, December 2 from 10 am – 3 pm. There will also be live music by the John Walters Band and story time with Mrs. Claus.

Welcome Santa and his helpers as they parade through the Wildwoods on Friday, beginning at 6:30 pm. The parade will begin on 16th Avenue in North Wildwood and head south along Central Avenue, continuing along Pacific Avenue until Spicer Avenue. It will then head west towards New Jersey Avenue, back north to Oak Avenue, and will finally head east, ending at Byrne Plaza.

The Christmas Tree lighting will also take place on December 1st in the plaza.

An awards ceremony will then take place at approximately 7:30 pm, followed by the Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at approx. 8 pm.

The parade registration form can be found at www.WildwoodHoliday.com. The rain date for the parade will be Sunday, December 3, with a start time of 5 pm. 

Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 1st

Sunset Lake at Atlanta and New Jersey Avenues in Wildwood Crest at 5:00 p.m. on December 1, 2023. Tree lighting ceremony to kick off the Christmas season in the borough. Music, light refreshments, a visit from Santa Claus, and more! For more info call 609-523-0202 or visit wildwoodcrest.org.

North Wildwood Tree Lighting – December 2nd

The festive ceremony will take place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, 1st & Central Avenues, in North Wildwood on December 2, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, a self-guided tour of the lighthouse, and Santa Claus! Free admission. 609.522.2955 or NorthWildwood.com

Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Starting Dec 8th-mid January (weekends)

123 E. Andrews Avenue, Wildwood. Enjoy Wildwood’s very own Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park. The light show will kick off on December 8-9 and run every half hour from 5-9 p.m.

Bring the family and enjoy the light show with complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, letter writing to Santa, and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Light show and decorations will be on display nightly from 6:30–7 p.m. through mid-January.  For more information about this event please call 609.522.5837 or visit wildwoodnj.org

‘Pinch the GrYnch’ Boardwalk 5K Run – December 9th

This holiday boardwalk 5K run and 1-mile walk is fun for all ages! The event starts at 10 a.m. – rain or shine. Participants are asked to register online for $30 or $20 if they donate a new, unwrapped toy for local children in need. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive holiday outfits. Race route TBA. 609.849.8887 or 

Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 9th

Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center on December 9, 2023, from 9 a.m. until 4:30 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 4:30 pm there will be a tree lighting ceremony.

For more information call 609.729.9000 or visit WildwoodHoliday.com for a detailed schedule of events or click here!

Holiday Tree Jubilee – December 10th

Crest Arts Pavilion, 6301 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest, 12 noon-2 p.m. View and vote on a mini holiday tree-decorating contest! Decorate ornaments for the Crest beach tree! Don’t miss a visit from Santa!

Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies! Bring an unwrapped gift for Lunch With Lynch Toy Drive and meet with featured artist Dorothy Kulisek! $15 to enter a mini holiday-tree decorating contest! For more information click here, 609.522.0221 or cac@wildwoodcrest.org

Santa Paws – December 12th

North Wildwood Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue. The North Wildwood Business Owners Association presents Santa Paws on December 16, 2023! Come out and enjoy doggie treats and photo ops at participating establishments along the route.

The walk begins at 1 p.m. at The Surfing Pig, then proceeds to the Anglesea Pub, Keenan’s Irish Pub, and finishes at the Inlet On Olde. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes! For more information visit wildwoodholiday.com or NWBOA.

Also See: NEW – The Residences at Pacific

Wildwood Crest Holiday Lights Walk

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 lfarrall@wildwoodcrest.org. 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 19, at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call the Wildwood Crest Recreation Department at 609.523.0202

Check out our 2022 Wildwoods Christmas Light Tour video recap below.

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