Jenna Giustino 
Beyond the food, family time, and (of course) football, one of the best perks of Thanksgiving week is getting a little time off work. Whether you’ve got relatives visiting, friends back in town you’ve been meaning to catch up with, or you’re planning a festive date-day, the Jersey Shore has no shortage of things to do. From cozy local markets to tree lightings and live music, Thanksgiving weekend is packed with ways to make the most of the holiday break. Read on for our guide to the best Thanksgiving weekend events + activities happening across the Jersey Shore.
Avalon Festive Friday | Avalon’s Shopping District, Avalon
November 28th | 11AM – 4PM
Avalon’s Festive Friday takes place on November 28th, from 11AM to 4PM. It’s sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association and is a family-friendly event. There are over 40 free activities, featuring character meet-and-greets, face painters, balloon artists, and more. JSG Tip: Stay for the tree lighting ceremony, taking place at 5PM.
Avalon’s Snowfest Saturday | Avalon’s Shopping District, Avalon
November 29th | 11AM – 4PM
Avalon’s Snowfest is taking place on Saturday, November 29th, from 11AM to 4PM. With bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, trampolines, a rock wall, ice sculpting, and carnival rides, the day is made for family festivities. Plus, the Avalon Public Library is hosting Holiday Performances throughout the day. FYI: Get in line at 3:30PM for pictures with Santa at 21st + Dune Drive.
Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market | 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
November 29th – November 20th | 12PM – 4PM
Bell Works is an indoor shopping and entertainment hub in Holmdel. It’s hosting its Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market on November 29th and 30th from 12PM to 4PM, featuring 75 local, handmade artists + makers. Those who attend can shop for farm-fresh produce and fun, handmade goods while also connecting with other locals who share similar interests.
Read More: November 2025 Events at the Jersey Shore
Christmas in North Wildwood Scavenger Hunt | North Wildwood
November 28th – November 30th | 1PM – 10PM
The Christmas in North Wildwood Scavenger Hunt territory spans from Olde New Jersey Avenue to the 200 block of West 10th Avenue to the 100 block of East 17th Avenue, and more. The weekend activities take place from November 28th to 30th, including a scavenger hunt with prizes, as well as providing opportunities for fun in North Wildwood. For more information, click here.
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire | 2nd + Surf Avenue, North Wildwood
November 29th | 5PM – 9PM
The Family Holiday Beach Bonfire is on November 29th from 5PM to 9PM. The event takes place at 2nd + Surf Avenue in North Wildwood. Admission is $10 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under, and includes music, holiday cheer, and photo ops with Santa and other winter wonderland characters from 5PM to 7PM. JSG Tip: Don’t forget a beach chair or blanket to use while you cozy up by the fire.
Holiday Bazaar Series | Convention Hall + Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
November 28th- November 30th | Various Times
The Holiday Bazaar Series is happening at the Convention Hall and Asbury Hotel. The event features handcrafted goods and holiday gifts, live music, photo opportunities with Santa, festive decorations, and more. For details on times + dates the bazaar is open at each venue, click here.
Island Holiday Weekend | Downtown Stone Harbor
November 28th -November 29th | All Day
Island Holiday Weekend takes place in Downtown Stone Harbor. On November 28th, downtown has a Paw Prints Pet Parade, Tree Lighting, songs, Hospitality Night, and more. On Saturday, November 29th, it hosts its annual Christmas Parade — for more details, click here.
Keyport Tree Lighting Make + Take | 70 West Front Street, Keyport
November 29th | 12PM – 3PM
The Keyport Tree Lighting Make + Take event is scheduled for Saturday, November 29th, from 12PM to 3PM. It’s sponsored by the Borough of Keyport + Keyport Recreation. An additional highlight is free hot chocolate — click here for further details.
Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony + Santa’s Arrival | 2 41st Street, Sea Isle City
November 28th | 6:30PM – 8PM
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony + Santa’s Arrival is happening at Excursion Park in Sea Isle City. The event is from 6:30PM to 8PM. The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony + Santa’s Arrival is a community bonding event to attend on November 28th.
Navesink Challenge 12K + 5K | 120 Market Street, Middletown
November 30th | 10AM
The Navesink Challenge 12K + 5K is a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for over 25 years. It’s happening on Sunday, November 30th, in Middletown. The Navesink Challenge is presented by the Jersey Shore Running Club — to sign up or read more about the event schedule, click here.
Porta Holiday Pop-up | 911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park
November 20th | 12PM – 4PM
Porta is an Italian restaurant in Asbury Park. Porta Holiday Pop-Up is a chance to sip and shop on November 20th from 12PM to 4PM. The event also includes 25 local handmade artists and makers.
Rockin’ Thanksgiving Eve at Bar Anticipation | 703 16th Avenue, Lake Como
November 26th | 9PM
Rockin’ Thanksgiving Eve is happening at Bar Anticipation. The Gab Cinque Band, a New Jersey rock band, is playing on November 26th. For those looking for a night of entertainment before Thanksgiving, Bar Anticipation is the go-to.
Spring Lake Christmas Train Village | 313 Washington Avenue, Spring Lake
November 29th – December 31st | 12PM – 5PM
The Spring Lake Christmas Train Village is a local holiday tradition. It’s scheduled to open on November 29th and runs through December 31st. The train village is free to attend and view, featuring miniature merry-go-rounds, ice skating rinks, and more.
Turkey Trot: Avalon | 30th + Avalon Avenue, Avalon
November 28th | 10AM
The Turkey Trot is on Friday, November 28th. The 5K Run starts at 10AM, and the 1.5M walk begins at 10:05AM. To register or learn more, click here.
Winter Village | 2 41st Street, Sea Isle City
November 29th | 11AM – 4PM
The Winter Village is taking place on Friday, November 28th, and Saturday, November 29th, from 11AM to 4PM. Those who attend can expect Excursion Park to transform into a Winter Wonderland — featuring festive music, shopping, Santa, and special guests. For more details, click here.
See More: 10 Ways to Make Friends + Meet New People in Bergen County
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