Thanksgiving Weekend in Avalon draws large crowds back down the shore, and for good reason!
Some stores and businesses re-open just for this Weekend, and many have special offers, Shop Small discounts, and holiday deals.
You can also find lots of entertainment and fun things to do with family and friends all weekend long.
In this guide, you’ll find Thanksgiving Weekend information for:
> Saturday Events & Activities
> Ice Skating Rink Opens for the Season
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.
Friday Events & Activities
The kickoff to Christmas in Avalon begins on Friday, November 24 with a Turkey Trot – a perfect way to burn some of those holiday calories the day after Thanksgiving, while helping to benefit the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children! Support helps the Home provide blind and visually-impaired children with an all-expenses-paid week of summer camp down the shore.
Or you can bring your little ones to the Avalon Library for a very special Story Time with Mrs. Claus.
By 11 am, Festive Friday begins with character meet-and-greets, games, crafts, and more throughout downtown Avalon! Offering more than 40 activities for families to enjoy, as well as cozy stations, live music, and businesses open for holiday shopping.
Then around 5 pm, you’ll want to watch for Santa who will be making his grand arrival with Mayor McCorristin at Veterans Plaza to light the Christmas tree!
The festivities wrap up in Avalon on Friday night with a special Christmas Movie on the Beach, before getting a good night’s rest for another full day of activities on Saturday. Bring blankets and chairs to 30th Street Beach for a beachside viewing of “The Polar Express.”
Saturday Events & Activities
Saturday in Avalon marks a milestone 110th Year Anniversary for the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department! A special dedication of the firehouse with ribbon cutting ceremony will take place, featuring local dignitaries and keynote speakers including Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Chief Ed Dean, Mayor John McCorristin, and Council President Jamie McDermott. There will also be activities for the kids and an Open House with building and truck tours.
The weekend festivities and fun continue in Avalon with Snowfest Saturday! From 11 am to 4 pm, you’ll find carnival-style rides, games, and bounce houses for the kids along Dune Drive from 27th to 20th Streets,… and the adults can relax at cozy stations and sip hot chocolate while listening to holiday hits from The Corner Boys or finding Shop Small discounts throughout the business district. Look for the ice sculptor carving masterpieces right before your eyes, and take time for family photos with Santa!
Ice Rink Opens for the Season
Looking to go ice skating down the shore this holiday season? You may want to check out ICONA Avalon‘s Sandbar Village. The ICONA Avalon Ice Skating Rink will be opening for the season on November 23, with special Thanksgiving Day hours from noon to 6 pm. The Rink will remain open for the season to the end of February: on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 pm, and Sundays from noon to 6 pm. Ninety-minute (90-minute) passes are $10, which includes skate rentals, and seasonal passes are available at $100. Rink access and skates are included with any booked stay for ICONA Avalon hotel guests.
Holiday Beach Tag Sales
Holiday Beach Tags for Avalon will also be available for in-person sales over Thanksgiving Weekend. These limited edition tags are also available online, in addition to some retro and vintage tags for any nostalgic memorabilia collectors on your list.
What Else You Should Know
Neighboring Stone Harbor is also having their Island Holiday events and activities this same weekend, so there may be more traffic than usual on the island. You may also want to consider booking dinner reservations in advance, even before you arrive in town.
Want to add something to this list, or submit a correction? Contact us.
