Winter Events 2026

Anniversary celebration at the legendary Stone Pony with special performances and tributes to the venue's storied history.

Annual celebration of the Jersey Shore music scene honoring local artists, venues, and industry professionals at Convention Hall.

Annual holiday celebration in downtown with tree lighting ceremony, caroling, visit from Santa, hot cocoa, and festive activities. Community tradition that draws families for the start of the holiday season.

Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony celebrating the start of the Christmas season. Community gathering with festive decorations and seasonal cheer on the boardwalk.

New Years Day tradition with 200+ brave swimmers plunging into the Atlantic. Benefits local charities with costume contests, hot chocolate, and live music at Riley Park pavilion.

Bradley Beach hosts an expanded 5-day celebration of world-class jazz, blues, and community spirit. Features live performances at local venues and beachfront mainstage with renowned jazz artists.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center hosts holiday-themed theatrical productions and concerts throughout December. Broadway-quality performances in an intimate 500-seat venue steps from the ocean.

Manasquan charity plunge at Main Beach benefiting LADACIN Network services for residents with disabilities. Thousands participate annually, raising over $100,000 each year since 2008.

Manasquan 2-mile beach run celebrating 20+ years. Course includes beach walkway and optional sand running, followed by party at Leggett's with free buffet. Popular winter tradition for locals and visitors.

Neptune City Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season with festive caroling, hot cocoa, visits with Santa Claus, and the official lighting of the town's Christmas tree.

Self-guided tour of Ocean Grove's most spectacular Victorian homes decorated for Christmas. Rare opportunity to see private interiors of 1880s cottages, plus festive concerts at the Great Auditorium and holiday shopping on Main Avenue.

Sea Bright's annual New Year's Day polar plunge draws hundreds of brave swimmers to the frigid Atlantic. One of the Jersey Shore's most popular plunge events with post-swim celebrations.

Holiday-decorated lighthouse tours with Victorian Christmas displays, period decorations, and seasonal treats. Special programming includes maritime history presentations and children's activities. Free admission with donations accepted.

Annual holiday tour showcasing beautifully decorated Victorian homes and historic bed-and-breakfasts throughout Spring Lake's pristine residential neighborhoods during Christmas season.

Holiday celebration transforms downtown with decorated streets, Santa visits, tree lighting ceremony, and caroling. Family tradition featuring local shops with special hours and seasonal treats.

Brick Township kicks off holiday season with annual tree lighting at Township complex. Santa arrives, caroling, hot chocolate, community photos, and festivities for families.

Annual holiday kickoff at Bridge Avenue gazebo features Christmas tree lighting ceremony, carolers, visits with Santa, hot cocoa, and local shop festivities. Community tradition marking start of holiday season.

Annual chowder festival featuring 30+ LBI restaurants competing for best clam chowder. Sample tastings, live music, and family activities draw 5,000+ attendees to central LBI locations.

Downtown holiday celebration with decorated Christmas trees lining Washington Street, tree lighting ceremony, carolers, visits with Santa, and holiday shopping. Kicks off the holiday season in Ocean County.

Annual parade through downtown Toms River featuring marching bands, floats, local organizations, and Santa Claus. Draws thousands of spectators to Washington Street for the festive procession.

Annual wing competition at Hard Rock Hotel with 20+ vendors, celebrity judges, and live entertainment.

Major boat show at the Atlantic City Convention Center featuring hundreds of boats, marine accessories, and fishing gear.

Annual charitable event at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall displays dozens of custom-decorated holiday trees. Free daily viewings benefit CASA for Children of Atlantic counties.

Longport rings in the holidays with tree lighting ceremony and festive community celebration. Local merchants and seasonal activities create small-town holiday spirit along the bay.

Nightly synchronized light display on Lake Meone with thousands of LED lights set to holiday music. Shore region's premier free Christmas lights attraction draws 100,000+ visitors season-long.

Somers Point holiday tradition featuring a parade from Dawes Avenue to City Hall with floats, marching bands, and Santa, followed by tree lighting at sunset.

Annual New Year's Day tradition with community beach plunge at noon, followed by Winter Festival with chili cookoff, hot soups, live music, and inflatable games at St. James Hall. Family-friendly celebration welcoming the new year.

Cape May Court House award-winning holiday light display transforms the zoo after dark. Drive-through or walk-through experience with over one million lights and animated displays.

Third annual Valentine's Day obstacle course races for children and parents with team challenges including fire-truck pull. Family-friendly winter fitness event.

Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration with drone light shows, tribute concerts at Music Pier, boardwalk activities, and midnight fireworks over the ocean.

Holiday kickoff at Excursion Park with Santa visits, holiday performances, wreath auction for college scholarships, shopping village, and food court.

Annual expo at Wildwood Convention Center featuring fishing gear, boats, seminars, and the chance to meet fishing legends.

Pop culture convention at Wildwood Convention Center with cosplay, vendors, celebrity guests, and gaming.

Special Olympics NJ fundraiser celebrates 20th anniversary in 2026 at Wildwood Convention Center beach. Wave Maker option for supporters who don't want to plunge.

Holiday parade along Ocean Avenue featuring floats, marching bands, Santa Claus, and community groups. Followed by tree lighting at Borough Hall.