The Complete LBI Holiday Events Guide: Parades, Tree Lightings, Pop-Ups & Seasonal Festivities

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Holiday Events

(Listed in Reverse Chronological Order)

Holiday Market – Support LBI’s Small Businesses! — November 15 – December 14 @ Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences

Still working on your holiday shopping list? Shop local at the LBIF Holiday Market and support your local businesses!

Don’t let lack of boulevard traffic fool you, there is no shortage of holiday fun around here! Take a look at some of the goings-on this season!

Elf, The Musical — Saturday, November 29th – Sunday, December 21st @ Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven, NJ 

A title known the world over, Elf, The Musical is the must-see holiday musical. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Kiddie Christmas — Sunday, December 21st, 12PM – 2PM @ Beach Haven Fire House

Stop by the Beach Haven Fire House to take your picture with Santa, drink some hot cocoa, fire truck rides, and cookies.

Reynolds Garden Shop Holiday Events – November 15th – December 15th @ Reynolds Garden Shop

Enjoy lots of holiday events and workshops while giving back to the community!

Stafford Township Holiday Wonderland & Christmas Market — Saturday, December 13th, 11AM – 5PM @ Heritage Park, 49 W Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ

Join us for an enchanting day at the Holiday Wonderland, featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, and holiday treats. A free shuttle bus service will be available from the Stafford Township Municipal Complex for convenient parking.

Feast of the Fishes — Saturday, December 13th, 6PM @ Azzurri Italian Cucina

Enjoy a festive four-course meal menu inspired by Christmas Eve in Italy. Buy your tickets on Resy. $100 per person.

Annual Christmas Parade — December 6th 1PM – 4PM @ Long Beach Boulevard between 5th & 25th Street

The Ship Bottom tradition continues! Watch in person or on TV!

Ladies Holiday Shopping Event – December 6th 11AM – 3PM @ Allie May Boutique, Beach Haven

Browse fun and festive pop-up boutiques at Allie May Boutique’s Ladies Holiday Shopping Event. There will be complimentary bubbly & pastries.

Breakfast with Santa – December 6th 8AM – 11AM @ Hotel LBI, Ship Bottom

Come have breakfast with Santa in Salt Kitchen on Saturday, December 6th from 8 am – 11 am! Reservations suggested on Opentable.com

Gingerbread House Contest – Register between: November 28th – December 5th @ New Jersey Maritime Museum

Bring your creativity this holiday season to the Gingerbread House Contest. Drop off your display at the New Jersey Maritime Museum between November 28th through December 5th to enter to win festive prizes!

Email surflight.arts@gmail.com for any questions.

Lights of Beach Haven — Deadline to Register: December 5th @ Beach Haven

Join Surflight Theatre’s efforts to light up the town of Beach Haven this holiday season. Light a wreath. Light a door. Light a tree. Go wild and light the whole house. Anything is terrific.

All entries will be featured on social media!

Paint, Mix, and Mingle — December 5th 5:30PM @ Scissor Sisters Salon

Join a cozy night of painting, sipping seasonal wellness drinks, shopping handmade gifts, and enjoying a little sparkle at the Paint, Mix & Mingle event on Friday, December 5th at Scissor Sisters Salon. Limited seating, lots of cheer—and yes, ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged!

Sip & Shop + Tree Lighting — December 3rd 5:30PM-9PM @ Hotel LBI

A great way to soak in the holiday spirit and support our local LBI businesses! Featuring shopping with local vendors, holiday spirits and a tree lighting! 

SETS Barnegat Holiday Market — November 30th 11AM-3PM @ SETS Barnegat

Celebrate the holiday season with the SETS community with local vendors, face painting & hair tinsels, professional pictures with Santa, coffee, and more!

Ship Bottom Christmas Tree Lighting — November 29th 5PM – 7PM @ Ship Bottom Boat Ramp

Come kick off the holiday season at the annual Ship Bottom Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy some hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire, courtesy of the Ship Bottom Fire Company and Long Beach Island PBA!

Santa’s Viking Christmas Village — Saturday, November 29 10AM – 4:30PM @ Viking Village, Barnegat Light, NJ

Experience an enchanting holiday market with over 40 artists and crafters. Enjoy live music, holiday activities, and a fire pit with a s’mores bar. Santa arrives by firetruck at 1PM—perfect for photos! This free event is a must for families looking for a memorable start to the holiday season.

Beach Haven Public Library Holiday Kickoff — Saturday, November 29th 12PM – 4PM @ Beach Haven Public Library

Kick off the holiday season with fun for all ages at the Beach Haven Public Library. Kids can enjoy a holiday guessing game and scavenger hunt, while adults play BINGO or test their knowledge with library trivia. From 1:30–2:30 PM, relax and listen to Al Russo perform a live “Sinatra Tribute.”

Patrick Boero will be signing copies of “Patrick’s Compassion Journey,” chronicling his involvement with the local nonprofit Compassion Café.

Refreshments will be served, so bring family and friends for an afternoon of games, music, a special book signing, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Craft & Gift Show — Saturday, November 29th 10AM – 3PM @ Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company

Discover unique handmade crafts, gifts, & more from talented local crafters.

Christmas Wreath Fundraiser — Saturday, November 29th 10AM – 3PM @ Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company

Help support the Beach Haven Fire Company this holiday season and purchase a Christmas wreath at their holiday craft fair.

The Holiday Village November 21st 5PM – 9PM @ Jetty Flagship

Join the Jetty community for a night of local makers, live music, good eats, & good vibes.

Shop Small LBI

Local Business Seasonal Hours

GARDEN STATE SURF & ART – Open Sat-Sun through December

MISTLETOE – Open most weekends year round

SINK R SWM – Open weekends through December

LBI TABLE – Open Thurs-Mon through December

MYSTIC MARKET – Open daily through December

SURF UNLIMITED SURF SHOP – Open daily through December

BISTRO AT SURF CITY HOTEL – Open weekends through 12/15

JUST BEAD IT – Open daily through December

LITTLE BUNGALOW – Open weekends through December

WINK – Open weekends through December

SANDCASTLE BED & BREAKFAST – Open Christmas week

THE SEAWIFE – Open weekends through December

VIKING OUTFITTERS – Open weekends through December

YAATREE BAZAAR – Open weekends through December

COFFEE BOUTEAQUE – Open through December

FOURCHETTE – Open through December

GUAPOS – Open weekends through December

ISLAND SUN JEWELERS – Open through December

SMALLCAKES LBI – Open through December

SONG OF THE SEA – Open weekends through December

YULETIDE CHRISTMAS SHOP – Open daily through the holidays

CHRISTMAS+PARADE
Photo by "Brody's Crew Forever 5"

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