Enjoy all the events, festivals and family fun the Wildwoods offer during the 2025 Holiday Season! Event details are subject to change. Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date details.
Island-Wide Holiday Fun!
Check out these 2025 events that the entire family will enjoy!
Wildwoods December Restaurant Week
Nov. 28 – Dec. 7
Participating restaurants will offer special prix fixe breakfast ($10), lunch ($15), and dinner ($40) 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
Christmas in North Wildwood – FREE
Nov. 28 – 30
Various participating establishments. Enjoy a scavenger hunt with prizes, 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! On Sunday, join the golf cart parade fun starting at 1:00 p.m. Weekend activities take place November 28-30, 2025. For complete information, visit NW-BOA.com
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
*This event has been rescheduled from 11/28 to 11/29*
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.-7 p.m. Donation: $10 adults, $2 children 12 & under. Hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. Rain date November 29.
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village/Small Business Saturday – FREE
Nov. 29
Byrne Plaza and Downtown Wildwood. 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents the 6th 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 us on Facebook @Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village – FREE
Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, & 21
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 there for Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 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
Christmas Movie Mornings – FREE
Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, & 21
BESOUL Studio, 6101 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood Crest, transforms into a cozy movie theater on select Sundays this holiday season! Guests are invited to bring their favorite blanket, chair, or pillow, settle in with a warm drink, and enjoy a morning of laughter, nostalgia, and community cheer! Coffee, tea, and festive treats will be available for purchase. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Movie schedule: 11/30 “A Christmas Story”, 12/7 “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, 12/14 “Elf”, and 12/21 “Polar Express”. For more information, visit crestcoffeecompany.com
Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
Dec. 1
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 12/2. For more information, call 609.523.0202 or visit wildwoodcrest.org
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade – FREE
Dec. 5
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 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.
Wildwood Business Improvement District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
Dec. 5
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood. Approximately 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 609.729.5501.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza – FREE
Dec. 5 – 6
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.
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
Dec. 6
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
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens & Courtyard Christmas Lights – FREE
Dec. 6
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens and Courtyard, North Wildwood. The gardens will be decorated with Christmas lights for visitors to enjoy starting on Saturday, December 6, 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
Wildwood Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 6
Wildwoods Convention Center. Get ready to rekindle the magic of the holiday season at the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular on December 6, 2025! 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. Tickets are on sale NOW! For more information, visit thebobbyrydellfoundation.org
Santa Paws – FREE
Dec. 6
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 Owens Pub and ends on Olde New Jersey Avenue. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes! For more information visit NWBOA.
Polar Express Brunch Cruise
Dec. 7, 14, 21, & 28
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
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
Dec. 13
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 pm there will be a tree lighting ceremony. For more information, call 609.729.9000 or visit Wildwoodsnj.com
Pinch the ‘GrYnch’ Boardwalk Run
Dec. 13
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
Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park – FREE
Dec. 12, 13, 19, & 20
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, 2025. 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
Holiday Lights Walk – FREE
Dec. 15
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 16, at 5:30 p.m. For more information 609.523.0202.
Window Decorating Contest – FREE
December
4501 Boardwalk & 3306 Pacific Ave., Wildwood. Walk or bike by the Wildwoods Convention Center and Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce windows to view the creative and festive holiday designs painted by local students.