The Jersey Shore’s favorite holiday shopping experience is returning to Asbury Park for 2024. The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar showcases handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts by local and regional makers and small businesses. The seasonal pop-up event also features festive photo opportunities, holiday music and entertainment, food and libations, craft workshops, and kids activities, among other things. This year’s Bazaar will take place inside the Grand Arcade at the Convention Hall on the Asbury Park Boardwalk as well as at The Asbury Hotel. Read on to learn more about the 2024 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar shopping experience.
The Details
The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar officially kicks off for 2024 with a Black Friday Bazaar event inside of the Grand Arcade at the Convention Hall on November 29th from 12PM to 8PM. The Holiday Bazaar will run every Friday from 3PM to 8PM, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 12PM to 5PM, until Sunday, December 22nd, 2024. The multi-weekend shopping event — which is held seasonally inside the Grand Arcade at Asbury Park’s Convention Hall — is dog-friendly and conveniently located right on the Asbury Park beach and boardwalk.
Read More: This Point Pleasant Restaurant is Hosting a Pop-Up Christmas Experience
Visitors can enjoy more holiday shopping at an extension of the Bazaar located inside of The Asbury Hotel’s cozy indoor lounge, hall, and outdoor heated tented terrace space every Sunday from 12PM to 5PM starting Sunday, December 1st until Sunday, December 15th. The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar at The Asbury will feature a changing line-up of local vendors, rotating DJs, holiday-inspired food and libations, as well as craft workshops and an immersive, Instagram-worthy holiday photo station. Only service dogs are allowed inside the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar at The Asbury.
The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar event is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” holiday markets in Germany which sell food, drinks, and seasonal items from local, artisan vendors during the Christmas season. The Asbury Park Bazaar highlights local artists and supports small shops and independent businesses based at the Jersey Shore. Holiday shoppers can anticipate finding unique handcrafted decor, vintage goods, art, photography, clothing, jewelry, pottery, beauty items, kitchen accessories, florals, small-batch food items, soaps, socially-conscious goods (organic, fair trade, and upcycled), music memorabilia, and so much more.
The Holiday Bazaar has a packed schedule of events, music, and activities at both Bazaar locations. Events and activities inside the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall include, but are not limited to, Pet Photo Fridays by Paws Barkery Boutique, music by local acts such as DJ Foggy Notion, Megan Whalen, The Wright Trio, El Noordzo, + The Burners, just to name a few, and Paint + Sip Workshops with Boozy Brushes NJ. The Asbury Hotel will host a Holiday Wreath Workshop with Amber + Earth, ornament decorating for kids with Geek Crafted, Stuffables Plush Parties and Twinkle Tales, Create Your Own Crochet Bouquets with JennySue Creations, and more. A full itinerary of events can be found on the Asbury Park Bazaar website.
See More: 33 Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Bars in New Jersey Happening for 2024
The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar is free and open to all ages. For more information, check out the Asbury Park Bazaar on Instagram and Facebook. As always, head to @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram to keep up on all of the Jersey Shore news and happenings.
The Best Irish Bars to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Jersey Shore
The entire month of March feels like a celebration. For some, it's the excitement of knowing that winter is almost over; for others, it's a festive time because of St. Patrick's Day. The JSG compiled a list of bars that will transform you to Ireland for the day, whether that means a plate of corned beef + cabbage, live Irish music, and naturally, a solid pour of Guinness. Keep reading for a list of authentic Jersey Shore Pubs to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Anglesea Irish Pub | 116 West 1st Avenue, Wildwood
Anglesea Irish Pub is a historic tavern in Wildwood. Anglesea is a good option for those looking for a genuine Irish meal, as it is owned and operated by the McMullen family. Customers can get in the spirit by ordering the Sean's Shepherd's Pie or trying the McMullan's Irish Coffee. Anglesea is known for its perfectly poured Guinness and has plenty of Irish whiskey options.
Read More: The Best Happy Hours at the Jersey Shore
Cattle 'n Clover | 3817 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
Photo Credit: Cattle 'n Clover
Cattle ‘n Clover is a traditional Irish pub and steakhouse in Wildwood. Cattle ‘n Clover is known as a steakhouse with an Irish soul — the menu includes traditional Irish meals like corned beef and cabbage and Irish pot pie. FYI: Cattle ‘n Clover also became a Guinness world record holder for the largest Shepherd's Pie on its opening day.
Celtic Cottage Pub + Patio Bar | 608 2nd Avenue, Long Branch
The Celtic Cottage Pub + Patio Bar is located in the West End of Long Branch. It is a recommended stop for anyone looking for that local neighborhood bar vibe on St. Patrick's Day. Its red door (reminiscent of a Dublin pub) and the painting on the side of the building (which resembles a scene right out of the rolling green hills of the Emerald Isle) are fun backdrops to celebrate the holiday. On the inside of the Celtic is a display of flags representing all 32 counties of Ireland hanging from the ceiling beams, along with a display of Irish Whiskey decanters.
D' Arcy's Tavern | 310 Main Street, Bradley Beach
D'Arcy's Tavern is a pub in Bradley Beach known as the go-to spot to watch soccer at the Jersey Shore. D'Arcy's is a good option after the annual Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade, as the pub typically has live music to celebrate the festivities. This year, D'Arcy's has Irish-themed D'Arcy's sweatshirts for sale (pick up at the bar) for those who want merchandise that also gets into the St. Patty's spirit.
Delaney's Irish Pub + Grill | 400 Washington Street, Cape May
Delaney's Irish Pub + Grill is located in Cape May. Delaney's has a section on its menu titled 'A Taste of Ireland' — customers can choose from classic Irish plates like corned beef + cabbage, bangers + mash, Irish meatloaf, Shepherd's Pie, and fish and chips. The JSG also recommends trying the flame-seared Guinness BBQ-glazed salmon.
Doyle's Pour House Barnegat | 345 South Main Street, Barnegat
Photo Credit: Doyle Pour House Barnegat
Doyle's Pour House is located in Barnegat. Doyle's has festive menu items like its Irish Nachos — picture potato pancakes with melted cheddar + bacon served with sour cream. It also has over 20 different types of Irish whiskeys. Typically, Doyle's goes all out for St. Patrick's Day. In past years, Doyle's had festive cocktails and music, so keep updated on the celebrations by checking its Instagram here.
Doyle's Pour House | 210 West Main Street, Tuckerton
Doyle's Pour House is located in Tuckerton. In past years, Doyle's has developed a special St. Patrick's Day menu featuring items like Doyle's Irish Soda Bread. JSG recommends checking in on this year's festive plates by accessing its Instagram page linked here. Tuckerton's Doyle's Pour House will also have a bagpiper on St. Patrick's Day.
The Dublin House | 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
The Dublin House is an Irish bar located in downtown Red Bank. JSG's favorite festive menu items include the Irish Guinness Beef, Mushroom Stew, and Dublin House Guinness Burger. The Dublin House also has a Sunday brunch from 11AM until 2PM, with items like its Traditional Dublin House Irish Breakfast or Irish omelet.
Harrigan's Pub | 703 Baltimore Boulevard, Sea Girt
Harrigan's is an old-school Irish pub in Sea Girt. Locals love getting a pint of Guinness at Harrigan's, and the Guinness BBQ half rack of ribs is just as good. Harrigan's has plenty of St. Patrick-themed events during February and March. JSG likes past events, such as the whiskey tasting and Guinness glass pint engraving. Harrigan's also usually celebrates the holiday with music and drink specials, so keep updated on its events here.
The Irish Pub Atlantic City | 164 St. James Place, Atlantic City
The Irish Pub Atlantic City is located inside a Victorian Inn, about a block from the beach and the boardwalk in Atlantic City. At one time, the Irish pub was a speakeasy during prohibition, so it has a historic charm that makes dining here a fun option for St. Patrick's Day. The menu includes many Irish beers and items like fish + chips.
The Irish Rail | 229 East Main Street, Manasquan
The Irish Rail is a family-owned restaurant + bar in the heart of downtown Manasquan. It is known for its signature burgers and its Guinness pour. The Irish Rail has Irish-style eats for a local St. Patrick's Day experience.
Johnny Mac's House of Spirit | 208 Main Street, Asbury Park
Johnny Mac's is a Jersey Shore staple bar located in Asbury Park. Often recognized for its free pizza, Johnny Mac's is the presenting sponsor and official headquarters of Asbury Park's St. Patrick's Day Parade — which took place on March 9th this year.
Josie Kelly's Public House | 908 Shore Road, Somers Point
Josie Kelly's is located in Somers Point. Josie Kelly's welcoming atmosphere and food reflect Ireland's west coast. It has all the traditional Irish meal options, but JSG's favorite is its beef + Guinness pie. It is having an after-party for Atlantic City's St. Patrick's Day Parade — which took place on Saturday, March 8th. Josie Kelly's had live music, Irish dancers, and bagpipers to celebrate the holiday.
Kelly's Tavern | 43 NJ-35, Neptune City
Kelly's Tavern has been a Jersey Shore family tradition for over four generations. Kelly's Tavern feels like an authentic Irish experience as the family traces its roots from County Monaghan and the town of Clones back on "The Old Sod." JSG recommends looking for the large hand-painted ancestral map of Ireland, which covers the ceiling above the oversized bar, and the authentic banners and coats of arms that are imported from Dublin. FYI: The Irish wrap on the breakfast menu is a must-order.
Kim Marie's Eat n' Drink Away | 1411 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park
Kim Marie's Eat n' Drink Away is a local pub in Asbury Park. It has Irish-style comfort cuisine. Locals love that the Guinness here is only $5, which pairs well with its Irish Meatball sandwich. Typically, Kim's will have Irish food + drink specials and festive happenings leading up to St. Patrick's Day, like bagpipers for entertainment — so stay updated here.
Klee's Bar + Grill | 101 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Klee's Bar + Grill is located in Seaside Heights. Klee's Bar + Grill is often an option to go to for the Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Parade (which took place on March 8th this year). Klee's had live music to celebrate the parade, and there is typically green + gold-colored decor to add to the spirit of the day.
Mac's Pub | 1747 Hooper Avenue, Toms River
Photo Credit: Mac's Pub
Mac's Pub is a chill, Irish-style tavern located in Toms River. Mac's gets so into the Irish spirit that it hosted a half-way to St. Patrick's Day party this year. Mac's usually has a lineup of festive activities like pipe + drum performances, drink specials, and fun pub food during March. Learn more here.
McDonagh's Pub | 2 West Front Street, Keyport
McDonagh's is an Irish pub located in the heart of downtown Keyport. McDonagh's building has an Irish charm, containing two bars and live music stages. JSG's pick from the menu is the corned beef egg rolls. This year, McDonagh's is having its first annual St. Patty's Mega Bowl on March 22nd (starting at 10AM), including live music all day, games + giveaways, bagpipers, and beer carts.
O'Donnell's Pour House | 3907 Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City
O'Donnell's Pour House is Sea Isle City's only Irish pub. The menu has classic Irish plates like Shepherd's Pie and Irish Bangers + Mash. O'Donnell's is a good choice for anyone looking for an upscale dining experience with a pub-like St. Patrick's Day atmosphere.
See More: The Best Bars to Get Guinness in Hoboken + Jersey City
St. Stephen's Green Publick House | 2031 NJ-71, Spring Lake
St. Stephen's Green Publick House is an authentic pub located in Spring Lake. It is named after a famous park in downtown Dublin. St. Stephen's Green Publick House is the go-to location for brunch on St. Patrick's Day, as it has an entire Irish brunch menu. If going for dinner, JSG recommends its Celtic Steak Bites served with Irish whiskey peppercorn dipping sauce.
