Looking for old city-style Christmas markets and holiday bazaars down the shore this time of year?
There’s a certain collection of heartwarming flavors, scents, and novelties that holiday vendors bring to indoor and outdoor markets – especially as we look for warmth and cheer in winter.
Discover places where you can get that unique holiday and Christmas shopping experience this year.
In this guide, you’ll find Christmas & holiday shopping experiences in:
Information listed here, including hours, dates/ times, features, and services, may vary and are subject to change without notice. Please contact event organizer directly to confirm or inquire. We will update this page as we receive more information.
Avalon and Stone Harbor
7 Mile Island definitely has lots going on around Thanksgiving!
In addition to events and activities for Thanksgiving Weekend in Avalon and Island Holiday Weekend in Stone Harbor, you’ll also find Shop Small discounts throughout the towns to help check off the wishlists of loved ones on your list.
Browse the stores along Dune Drive, and along the way you’ll find family-friendly entertainment and activities for the kids (and even adults!) during Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday.
Stone Harbor’s Holiday Hospitality Night on Friday, November 24 is a great opportunity to explore the downtown shops and businesses, as they offer complimentary sips and snacks from 6 to 9 pm.
You can also bring the kids (and your shopping bags) to the Carousel & Holiday Market on Friday and Saturday to enjoy rides and street fair fun while you shop.
And don’t forget to explore the side streets in either town to find more treasure troves of shops and businesses.
ICONA Avalon is also hosting Holiday Shops at their Winter Wonderland. On Saturdays from November 30 to December 21, local businesses and vendors are invited to “set up shop” in cozy cabanas or on provided tables. Shoppers can explore unique gifts in a festive outdoor atmosphere of holiday cheer, and select Saturdays also feature photo ops with Santa, as well as live music performances.
Sea Isle City
The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization invites holiday shoppers to a “Winter Village” in Excursion Park.
Vendor shops will be open from 2 to 9 pm on Friday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend. This Winter Village also offers visitors a nice weekend break with a food court, tree lighting and parade, an ice sculptor, live music and performances, as well as visits and photo ops with Santa.
The Wildwoods
On Saturday, November 25, the Greater Wildwoods Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village in Byrne Plaza. Featuring local artisans, handcrafted items, jewelry, baked goods, holiday music, and more – so you can Shop Small & Local and support Small Business Saturday. This event will also serve as a gift drop location for The Lynch Who Stole Christmas From The GrYnch Program.
On December 6 and 7, the Greater Wildwoods Jaycees are hosting “Christmas in the Plaza” – a two-day event featuring vendors for a fun outdoor holiday shopping experience, as well as carnival-style rides and entertainment for the whole family.
MudHen Brewing Company in Wildwood is hosting a Shopping Village as part of their “Holidays at Hen-Ville” festivities. Over 20 holiday vendors will be on hand to help you finish that list from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays, December 1, 8, 15, and 22. Bring the kids and enjoy family-friendly entertainment on-site like a s’mores station, hot cocoa bar, free caricatures, and more. And in the spirit of giving, MudHen will issue a free beer token to every adult (21 and over) who donates a toy The Lynch Who Stole Christmas Toy Drive.
There’s also a Family Holiday Celebration going on at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, December 14. This indoor holiday bazaar features dozens of vendors offering original and creative gift ideas for everyone on your list. Entertain the kids with craft activities, like decorating stockings or making bead bracelets, while you get some shopping done before the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:30 pm.
Cape May
Have you heard about the Enchanted Vendor Village at Congress Hall? Christmastime is a special time of year when this iconic landmark hotel transforms into a magical winter wonderland – complete with wooden toy soldiers greeting visitors at entryways, to holiday lights illuminating a grand 30-foot Norway Spruce. The outdoor holiday market, reminiscent of old city Christmas markets, features seventeen specialty shops in candy cane-striped tents offering unique Cape May gifts, souvenirs, and novelty items.
Want to add something to this list, or submit a correction? Contact us.
