Jersey Shore in December
Magical holiday celebrations, Cape May's Christmas charm, Wildwood's spectacular lights, and Atlantic City's New Year's Eve festivities.
Cape May Christmas
Victorian holiday magic
Wildwood Lights
Free boardwalk light display
NYE Celebrations
Atlantic City fireworks
Cozy B&Bs
Holiday packages available
December Week by Week
| Week | Weather | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 Dec 1-7, 2025 | 42-48°F | 44-47°F |
|
Week 2 Dec 8-14 | 40-46°F | 42-45°F |
|
Week 3 (Pre-Christmas) Dec 15-21 | 38-44°F | 40-43°F |
|
Week 4 (Christmas Week) Dec 22-28 | 36-42°F | 38-41°F |
|
Week 5 (New Year's) Dec 29-31 | 35-40°F | 37-40°F |
|
What's Open in December
Beaches
Open for WalksBeaches remain accessible year-round for walking. No swimming (water 38-47°F), but beautiful for bundled-up walks, photography, and seal watching opportunities.
Restaurants
Year-Round Towns OpenCape May, Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Long Branch restaurants operate year-round. Many offer special holiday menus. Reservations recommended for holiday dinners.
Hotels & B&Bs
Holiday Packages AvailableCape May B&Bs offer festive holiday packages with decorations, special breakfasts, and event access. Atlantic City hotels have holiday shows and NYE packages.
Casinos
Open 24/7Atlantic City casinos operate year-round with major holiday entertainment. New Year's Eve is a huge celebration with concerts, fireworks, and parties.
Holiday Events
Peak SeasonCape May Christmas celebrations, Wildwood Boardwalk Christmas lights (free), tree lightings, Victorian house tours, holiday trolley rides, and festive shopping.
Nature/Wildlife
Seal Season BeginsHarbor seals begin appearing along the coast in December. Cape May birding continues with winter species. Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park remain open.
December Holiday Events
Cape May Christmas Celebrations
The premier holiday destination with candlelight house tours of decorated Victorian homes, festive trolley rides, holiday dinners, and winter wonderland atmosphere.
Wildwood Boardwalk Christmas
FREE spectacular light display with millions of lights along the boardwalk. Santa visits, holiday music, and festive atmosphere on select evenings.
Atlantic City New Year's Eve
The biggest celebration at the shore with fireworks over the beach, concerts at casino venues, special dining events, and all-night entertainment.
Victorian House Tours
Cape May's historic B&Bs and inns open their doors for candlelight tours showcasing holiday decorations and Victorian-era Christmas traditions.
Holiday Tree Lightings
Towns throughout the shore host tree lighting ceremonies with carolers, hot cocoa, and visits from Santa. Check local schedules.
Christmas at the Shore Dining
Many Cape May and Atlantic City restaurants offer special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus. Reservations essential.
Best Towns to Visit in December
Cape May
Christmas in Cape May is legendary. Victorian B&Bs decorated for the holidays, candlelight house tours, holiday dinners, trolley rides, and festive shopping.
Learn more →Atlantic City
Major holiday entertainment, concerts, and the biggest New Year's Eve celebration at the shore. Casino hotels offer holiday packages and fireworks.
Learn more →Wildwood
Free Christmas lights display on the boardwalk (Boardwalk Christmas). Millions of lights transform the usually quiet winter boardwalk.
Learn more →Spring Lake
Victorian B&Bs offer cozy holiday getaways. Tree lighting on the lake, charming downtown shopping, and peaceful winter atmosphere.
Learn more →Asbury Park
Vibrant year-round scene with holiday events, live music at Stone Pony, Cookman Avenue shopping, and restaurant week specials.
Learn more →Long Branch
Pier Village offers holiday shopping and dining. Ocean Place Resort has spa packages. Good train access for NYC day-trippers.
Learn more →Cape May Christmas
Cape May transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland throughout December. The historic town's Victorian B&Bs and inns are lavishly decorated, and a full calendar of events makes this the premier holiday destination at the Jersey Shore.
Candlelight Tours
Tour magnificently decorated Victorian homes and inns by candlelight
Holiday Trolley
Festive trolley rides through decorated streets with carolers and hot cocoa
Victorian Dinners
Special holiday menus at B&Bs and restaurants throughout December
Wildwood Boardwalk Christmas
The Wildwoods host a FREE spectacular light display transforming the quiet winter boardwalk with millions of lights. Santa visits, holiday music, and festive atmosphere on select weekend evenings throughout December.
Free Admission
Walk the lit boardwalk for free on event weekends
Family Friendly
Santa photos, holiday music, and festive treats
New Year's Eve at the Shore
Ring in 2026 at the Jersey Shore! Atlantic City offers the biggest celebration with fireworks over the beach, casino concerts, and all-night entertainment. Cape May provides intimate Victorian celebrations at B&Bs.
Atlantic City
Fireworks, concerts, casino parties, and all-night entertainment
Cape May
Intimate Victorian celebrations, special dinners at B&Bs
Asbury Park
Live music at Stone Pony and local venues
December Insider Tips
Planning Ahead
- • Book Cape May B&Bs early—holiday weekends sell out
- • Make restaurant reservations for Christmas Eve/Day
- • Atlantic City NYE packages include shows and dining
- • Check Wildwood Christmas lights schedule online
What to Pack
- • Heavy winter coat and warm layers
- • Hat, gloves, and scarf for beach walks
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Festive attire for holiday events
December at the Shore FAQs
Related Guides
Plan Your Holiday Shore Getaway
Experience the magic of Christmas at Cape May, spectacular lights in Wildwood, or ring in the New Year in Atlantic City. The shore awaits!