Celebrate the Season in the LBI Region
Charming Markets, Spirited Shows and Santa Sightings make the holidays memorable
Have your holiday plans take you to the heart of Coastal New Jersey, where the Long Beach Island Region is preparing for the season . Whether you are looking for a cozy getaway, a festive celebration, or a fun adventure, there is something for to make everyone feel merry. And while you are here, you can also support the local businesses that make this region so special. The LBI region is home to over hundreds of small businesses that are members of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, a leading organization that has provided continued service to the area since 1914. These businesses offer a variety of products and services, from dining and lodging, to shopping and entertainment, to health and wellness, and more. By shopping small, you can help these businesses thrive and contribute to the local economy and community; here are some of the ways the regional chamber suggests you can celebrate the holidays in LBI region and shop small at the same time:
- Stay at a charming hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast that provides comfort and hospitality. LBI has a range of accommodations to suit your budget and preferences, from oceanfront views to historic settings. Some of the places that are open for the holidays include Daddy O, a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant, Hotel LBI, Drifting Sands and The Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast. If you are interested in booking a vacation home for holiday gatherings, there are many realtor services that can assist.
- Shop for unique gifts, souvenirs, and treats at the local shops and boutiques that offer a variety of items. From December 1-12, the LBI Mobile Savings Pass will be highlighting local retailers, restaurants and services that are offering additional discounts.
- Have fun at the local attractions and events that offer entertainment and excitement. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or family-friendly fun, you can find it happening in December
- Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants that serve locally sourced and seasonal specialty cuisine.
Holiday events kick off the weekend after Thanksgiving and continue throughout December, check out our list for 2023 activities:
November 24th – Friday: Barnegat Light’s Santa’s Arrival & Christmas Tree Lighting- 6:30PM- Santa arrives at the 10th Street Boat Ramp, then proceeds to the old Borough Hall, West 10th St., via fire truck for the lighting of the “Borough Christmas Tree” and singing carols. Then children can visit with Santa & have refreshments at the First Aid Squad building, 609-494-9196
November 25- LBI Foundation Holiday Market from 10am - 4:00pm
Small Business Saturday November 25 thorough December 4 celebrates LBIF’s Holiday Market with food and fun for all! Come socialize and shop small, shop local! LBIF will showcase handmade work in all mediums and price points. From amazing clothing and jewelry to ceramics, paintings, home décor and more!
November 25th – Saturday: Santa’s Viking Christmas Village- 10:00AM – 4:00PM- Live music, local artists & crafters. Shops will be open 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Santa arrives by fire truck at 1:00 and will be available for visits and pictures (bring your own camera)
November 24, 25 & 26 or December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13thTuckerton Seaport hosts Special Winter Holiday themed boat rides along the Tuckerton Creek. Enjoy this narrated tour down the Tuckerton Creek. Listen to guides talk about holiday traditions both past and present and maybe even see some Christmas lights out on the bay. Bring your hot cocoa and blankets since it might get chilly out on the water! Limited Tickets are available 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm cruises tickets on tuckertonseaport.org
November 25- LBI Historical Association Elves Workshop An annual tradition for kids of all ages. Come create one item or several, the choice is yours. Shop for your holiday gift items during our Red and Green Sale in the Gift Shop. An afternoon filled with fun and treats
November 25- Santa Visit and Shop Small Holiday Weekend at Bay Village Beach Haven - Stop in for stress free holiday shopping all weekend with a Santa and Mrs Claus visit from 1-2pm
November 25- Terrace Tavern Holiday Pop UP Shop, Gift Card Buying Bonus and Kick the Keg Party
November 25- Joe Pop's Shore Bar & Restaurant presents Tequila and Bourbon Tasting with small plate pairings Pick from premium brands of tequila or bourbon while enjoying chef Paul's creations to compliment your choices. Reservations are not required but are recommended. please Email info@joepops.com to reserve your table or spot at the bar beginning 4pm
Fantasy Island Arcade December Holiday Schedule - Friday through Sunday up to Dec 24 and open Dec 26 through NYE
December 12 Day of Local Savings Kick Off Campaign! Find out more here
Dec 1 & 2 – Surf City Vol Fire Co Christmas Market 3rd annual Christmas Market featuring local food and craft vendors! The Christmas Market will be open for shopping on Friday, 12/1/23, from 5PM-8PM and Saturday, 12/2/23, from 9AM-3PM. The Surf City Vol. Fire Co. & EMS annual tree lighting will take place around 6pm on Friday night, and Santa Claus will be visiting the firehouse both days!
Saturday, December 2 – Ship Bottom Annual Christmas Parade stepping off 1pm
December 2 - Barnegat Township Holiday Pop up Market 12-5pm Gazebo Park East Bay Avenue features Cream Ridge Winery, vendors, choirs- tree lighting 430pm
Sunday December 3 Holiday Village at Jetty 176 E Bay Ave Manahawkin beginning at 11am featuring music, vendors and more
Dec 7 Rotary Club of LBI 38th Annual Holiday Auction at 6pm The Mainland – proceeds benefit local organizations if you would like to purchase tickets for gourmet food, open bar and live entertainment or donate an auction or big ticket item go to lbirotary.com
Dec 9 Chick Fila Manahawkin Touch a Truck & Breakfast with Santa - 8:30am to 11:30am Come join the Cow, Santa and Stafford Fire Dept & EMS with fire engine and ambulance for all ages to explore. Free pictures with Santa. Enjoy breakfast and 20% of all event proceeds will go towards these local heroes.
Dec 9 Bay Village Cookie Wars in Beach Haven 11am to cookies run out! This year’s challenge is Marshmallow
Dec 9 Holiday Wonderland & Christmas Market 11am -5pm Heritage Park 49 W Bay Manahawkin Food trucks. craft vendors, fire pits, live entertainment, photos with Santa & Mrs Claus
Live Holiday Performances
SURFLIGHT contact box office directly or go to surflight.org
November 25 – The Gambler Returns 7:30-10pm Ultimate Kenny Rogers Show. Country artist Alan Turner brings heartfelt performances, gift for storytelling and distinctive voice are all on full display in this honoring recreation of Kenny's LIVE performances.
A Christmas Story - 2:00 or 730: Dec 2- 17 Surflight
Experience the music of GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar Kenny Rogers with original country artist Alan Turner. A musical experience that spans over six decades of hit after hit song!
· Atlantic City Ballet It’s a Shore Holiday Nov 26 StacNJ.com 3pm
· Shadows of the 60s A Holiday Tribute of Motown Dec 9 Stacnj.com 730pm
· Christmas with the New York Tenors Dec 16 730pm Stacnj.com
· Together This Christmas Dakota & Elle Dec 17 2pm Stacnj.com
Dec 1 Rock This Town 730pm A Tribute to Brian Setzer Orchestra - Purchase tickets online
Dec 16 Holiday Show Doors open 545 – see Santa and Santa’s Band, children can talk to santa and receive a small gift.
NYE
Hotel LBI - Ship Bottom presents A Great Gatsby New Year Even 830pm to 1230am-Four Course dinner, Open bar, DJ, Live Music, Ball Drop at Midnight $175 per person plus tax and service charge book 609 991 8004 discount hotel rooms are available
The Gables Inn & Restaurant 212 Centre St Beach Haven -Prix Fixe Menu this holiday season for New Year’s Eve! Place your reservations early 609 492 3553
New Years Eve Bubbly Bash with the Jersey Tenors - two shows 5pm and 8pm The Jersey Tenors are the newest Opera/Rock Mash-up sensation and are Jersey Proud highlighting some of Jersey's finest like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Kool and The Gang, and more.