December reveals a Jersey Shore that summer visitors never see. Victorian homes in Cape May glow with thousands of lights and host candlelit house tours. Wildwood transforms into a winter wonderland with its spectacular holiday light display. Atlantic City casinos throw lavish New Year's Eve galas. The beaches themselves become meditative spaces—empty stretches where you can walk for miles hearing only waves and gulls. This is the shore for those who find magic in off-seasons and romance in quiet coastal towns dressed for the holidays.
🌡️ Weather
Air temperatures range 32-48°F; ocean water drops to 42-48°F. Coastal towns stay slightly milder than inland areas due to ocean influence. Snow is possible but less common than inland NJ. Wind chill makes it feel colder—bundle up for beach walks. The crisp salt air and winter light create a moody, photogenic atmosphere.
👥 Crowds
Beaches are essentially empty year-round visitors only. Holiday events draw crowds:Cape May's Christmas tours sell out; Wildwood lights attract families; Atlantic City buzzes New Year's Eve. Otherwise, towns are quiet with a cozy, local feel. Many summer residents are gone, creating intimate communities of year-rounders.
💰 Pricing
Off-season demand is at its lowest of the year. Exception: Cape May holiday weekends, especially the Christmas Candlelight House Tour Saturdays (December 5, 12 and 19), fill early and require advance booking. New Year's Eve in Atlantic City prices competitively with NYC alternatives. Beach badges are not sold in December.
December at a Glance
Couples, holiday enthusiasts, history buffs, casino-goers
Brisk beach walks, photography, winter birding (no swimming)
Cape May Victorian Christmas, Wildwood lights, NYE in AC
Book Cape May Christmas tours early; combine with a spa weekend
Winter Romance: December at the shore is profoundly different from summer—and that's the point. Empty beaches for contemplative walks, cozy restaurants with fireplaces, Victorian B&Bs decked in holiday splendor. Many visitors discover they prefer this version. Pack warm layers, embrace the quiet, and let the off-season shore work its subtle magic.
Jersey Shore in December
Magical holiday celebrations, Cape May's Christmas charm, Wildwood's Holiday Spectacular, and Ocean City's First Night New Year's Eve.
Cape May Christmas
Candlelight house tours and Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland
Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular
Holiday concert at the Convention Center, Dec 5
First Night Ocean City
Drone light show and midnight fireworks, Dec 31
Cozy B&Bs
Holiday packages available
December Week by Week
| Week | Weather | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 Dec 1-7, 2026 | 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's candlelight house tours and Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland, Ocean City's and Toms River's tree lightings, the Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular, and First Night Ocean City on New Year's Eve.
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 Events & Activities
Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Cape May MAC's tour of decorated historic homes, inns and churches by candlelight, self-guided from the Physick Estate, over three December Saturdays.
Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall
Congress Hall's lawn becomes a holiday village from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's Eve: vendor cottages, rides, Breakfast with Santa, and a Glitter Ball on Dec 31.
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Bands, floats and holiday characters down Asbury Avenue, with Santa's horse-drawn carriage finale. Free.
Cape May Christmas Tree Lightings Night
The City's tree at Rotary Park and Congress Hall's lawn lighting, on the same December evening, with Washington Street Mall shops open late.
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
The Downtown Toms River BID's tree lighting at Town Hall, with its Winter Wonderland on Washington Street the next day.
The Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular
The Bobby Rydell Foundation's holiday concert at the Wildwoods Convention Center, benefiting the foundation.
Boardwalk Basketball Classic
A six-day high school basketball tournament at the Wildwoods Convention Center in the week between Christmas and New Year.
First Night Ocean City
Ocean City's family-friendly New Year's Eve: a drone light show, tribute concerts, and midnight fireworks.
Beach Walking & Seal Watching
Empty, cold-weather beaches offer quiet walks, photography, and the start of harbor seal season along the coast.
Atlantic City Casinos & Entertainment
Casinos and their venues run holiday-season shows and dining year-round, with midweek hotel deals during the slower weeks.
Triple Play REALTOR Convention
The largest annual gathering of real estate professionals in the Tri-State region. 7,000+ REALTORS from NJ, NY, and PA. 400+ exhibitors and 150+ CE sessions.
Best Towns to Visit in December
Cape May
Christmas in Cape May is legendary. Victorian B&Bs decorated for the holidays, the Candlelight House Tour, Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland, and festive shopping.
Learn more →Atlantic City
Casino hotels run their own holiday and New Year's Eve entertainment, concerts, and packages year-round.
Learn more →Wildwood
The Bobby Rydell Foundation's Holiday Spectacular concert (Dec 5) and the Boardwalk Basketball Classic (Dec 26-31) at the Convention Center.
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 →Plan Your December Trip
Planning a trip to Jersey Shore? Book your accommodations and activities.
Secure booking • Free cancellation on most reservations
Cape May Christmas
Cape May transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland throughout December. The historic town's Victorian B&Bs and inns are decorated, and a full calendar of confirmed events makes this the premier holiday destination at the Jersey Shore.
Candlelight House Tour
Three Saturdays — Dec 5, 12 and 19 — touring decorated homes and inns by candlelight
Tree Lightings Night
The City's tree at Rotary Park and Congress Hall's lawn lighting, Dec 4
Congress Hall Winter Wonderland
Holiday village on the lawn, Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's Eve
Wildwood in December
The Wildwoods Convention Center anchors two confirmed December draws: the Bobby Rydell Foundation's Holiday Spectacular concert, and the Boardwalk Basketball Classic — a six-day high school tournament that fills island motels the week between Christmas and New Year.
Holiday Spectacular
Holiday concert at the Convention Center, Dec 5
Boardwalk Basketball Classic
Six-day tournament, Dec 26–31
New Year's Eve at the Shore
Ring in 2027 at the Jersey Shore. Ocean City's First Night is the shore's confirmed flagship — a drone light show, tribute concerts, and midnight fireworks. Cape May's Congress Hall closes its Winter Wonderland with a Glitter Ball. Atlantic City's casinos and Asbury Park's music venues run their own NYE entertainment — check individual venues for lineups.
Ocean City
First Night: drone show, tribute concerts, midnight fireworks
Cape May
Congress Hall's New Year's Eve Glitter Ball
Atlantic City & Asbury Park
Casino and live-music venues run their own NYE shows
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
- • Book Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular tickets ahead
What to Pack
- • Heavy winter coat and warm layers
- • Hat, gloves, and scarf for beach walks
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Festive attire for holiday events
Get Your December Planning Checklist
Receive our complete shore planning guide, seasonal tips, and insider recommendations.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Book Your Stay
Limited availability in New Jersey Shore
Free cancellation on most stays • Verified guest reviews
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Vacation Rentals
Beach houses, condos & more
December at the Shore FAQs
Helpful Resources
Weather Guide
Seasonal forecasts & tips
🌧️Rainy Day Activities
Indoor fun when weather turns
💡Local Tips
Insider advice from regulars
🌊Tide Charts
Plan around tide times
Popular Places to Stay
Related Guides
Plan Your Holiday Shore Getaway
Experience the magic of Christmas at Cape May, the Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular, or ring in the New Year at Ocean City's First Night. The shore awaits!
This article was originally published on Jersey Shore Guide.
Source: https://www.shore-guide.com/planning/december/ | © 2026 Jersey Shore Guide. All rights reserved.
December Planning Guides by Town
Town-specific december guides — what's open, what to wear, what to skip.
- Cape May in December
- Wildwood in December
- Ocean City in December
- Atlantic City in December
- Asbury Park in December
- Point Pleasant Beach in December
- Seaside Heights in December
- Belmar in December
- Spring Lake in December
- Avalon in December
- Stone Harbor in December
- Sea Isle City in December
- Brigantine in December
- Long Branch in December
- Beach Haven in December
- Barnegat Light in December
- Margate in December
- Ventnor in December
- Manasquan in December