Holiday Events at the Jersey Shore
Fourth of July, Christmas, New Year, and seasonal celebrations
24
Events
1
Major Festivals
19
Free Events
7
Months Active
Destination Holiday Events
Major holiday events worth planning your trip around.
July 4, 2026
All day; fireworks at dark
NJ's largest July 4th celebration with 250,000 visitors and massive fireworks display.
Highlights
Major Holiday Events
Christmas in July festival on Sunset Lake with live music, free Santa photos and a decorated boat parade of about 40 boats at 8:45 PM.
Month-long spooky celebration with ghost walks and Scarecrow Alley.
Costume parade down Asbury Avenue on the Thursday before Halloween.
Dickens village transformation kicks off Cape May holiday season.
Holiday lights, themed aquarium exhibits, and Santa on the boardwalk.
Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show
Smithville
100+ Christmas trees on Lake Meone synced to holiday music. Free.
Family-friendly New Year's Eve with drone shows and midnight fireworks.
Holiday parade on Asbury Avenue with Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.
Three-day holiday celebration with tree lighting, market, and cookie stroll.
Local Holiday Events
Holiday Events by Month
Holiday Events by County
Monmouth County
3
events
Ocean County
4
events
Atlantic County
2
events
Cape May County
15
events
Frequently Asked Questions
What holiday events are there at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore hosts 24 holiday events throughout the year. Fourth of July, Christmas, New Year, and seasonal celebrations
When is the best time for holiday events at the shore?
Holiday Events events happen throughout the year, with events in March, June, July, August, October, November, December.
Are there free holiday events at the Jersey Shore?
Yes, 19 of the 24 holiday events at the Jersey Shore are free to attend.