Holidays at the Shore: Try These Safe and Festive Events for the Season!

Exhibits and Dining

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit, Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May -- Thousands of Christmas holiday visitors since 2011 have delighted in visiting  “An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years,” in the Carriage House on the grounds of Physick Estate. The exhibit features a giant indoor Christmas tree display, an elaborate Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, nostalgic photos, toys and much more. Open daily through the New Year (except Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Trolley rides, new Lamplighter Walking Tours, as well as Physick Family Christmas House Tours and the new “A Dickens of a Murder,” both in the Physick House Museum, began November 21. Admission is limited for all holiday tours. Advance purchase recommended. Click here for more information.

Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights, Egg Harbor Township -- Amidst the beautifully manicured walkways with larger-than-life figures such as Mother Goose and Humpty Dumpty, the holidays come alive. All storybook houses are decorated for the season as Santa waves his magic wand and lights the park with over 1 million lights. This year, Santa will be available for socially distanced visits. They are currently sold out but there may be cancelations. Email them at office@storybookland.com. Advance tickets are $26.95 online. Advance tickets are $26.95 online. Click here for more information.

Winter Wonderland of Dining, Congress Hall, Cape May – Unique dining experiences are being offered for the holidays at Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland celebration. At the 12 heated, winter-white Winter Igloos arranged on the lawn overlooking the ocean, you'll find an elevated menu of cocktails and light fare. The Igloos can accommodate parties of up to eight, making them the perfect private and socially-distant outdoor dining option for groups looking to toast the season together. The Igloos are available seven nights a week and offer a different menu for Saturday and Sunday brunch. You pay an Igloo fee of at least $50 on top of your food and beverage. Reservations can be made through Concierge@caperesorts.com.

Also at Congress Hall you can dine at Veranda Bar, where guests can warm up at the Hot Cocoa Bar and enjoy the same menu available at The Igloos to pair with themed a la carte cocktails, with no reservations required. Blue Pig Tavern’s a la carte menu is updated for the season while additional seating is available on the outdoor patio in heated tents overlooking a roaring fireplace.

Holiday in The Park, Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson – Lights, seasonal treats, Santa’s village and more than 30 thrilling rides are waiting for you this holiday season at Six Flags. From mid-November to New Years'. Each themed area has been given a holiday makeover celebrating traditions from around the world. Kids can visit Santa in his workshop. Stay until after sunset to see a snowy finale. Now through Jan. 3.

After dark from Jan 4-11, drive through Holiday in the Park, distinctly different areas throughout the 140-acre theme park filled with twinkling lights, live entertainment, and festive music. Guests will enjoy distanced greetings from beloved holiday characters decked out for the holidays, popular iconic holiday decorations, a drive-by featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus and their helpful elves, and much more. Click here for more information.

Magic of Lights, PNC Banks Arts Center, Holmdel – Enjoy a drive-through holiday lights experience through a 2.5 mile course with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season. The popular Toyota Mega Tree Spectacular returns this season, featuring favorite holiday programming displayed across 240 feet of LED Christmas trees. Nightly until Jan. 2, except Dec. 30. Click here for more information.

Holiday Performances

Holiday Harmonies, Red Bank -- Every Saturday and Sunday through December 20. Traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, handbells, rock, folk, and jazz as musicians fill the sidewalks of Red Bank. Click here for more information.

Shopping

Historic Smithville – December in Smithville is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the holidays and buy gifts for everyone on your list. With more than 60 restaurants and shops surrounding a lake, you’ll be able to avoid the hustle and bustle of the indoor mall scene. Starting on Thanksgiving, take a ride on the Holiday Train with your kids or enjoy the evening Holiday Light Show on the Lake or. Weekends in December, there are special event such as Dickens Fest, the Magic Talking Tree and Girls Night Out. Click here for more information.

Winterwood Gifts – Two stores in Cape May and Rio Grande with thousands of ornaments and hundreds of gifts. Click here for more information.