Never miss what is happening in Atlantic County
Events, new openings and weekend plans from every corner of Atlantic County. Straight to your inbox, free.
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, and the long weekend that follows is one of the best times to get out in Atlantic County. From a free lake light show in Smithville to a turkey trot in Egg Harbor Township, here is how to fill the days around the feast.
Walk or Drive the Forsythe Refuge Before the Feast
- Where: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville (Galloway Township)
- When: Wildlife Drive and trails open daily, sunrise to sunset
The 8 mile Wildlife Drive loops through salt marsh, freshwater habitat and upland forest, and late November is prime time for migrating waterfowl. Entry is $4 per car or $2 for walkers and cyclists. The visitor center is closed on holidays, so bring what you need.
Light Show on the Lake Opening Weekend
- Where: Lake Meone, Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville
- When: Nightly starting Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Smithville’s free musical light show kicks off the day after Thanksgiving and runs nightly into January. Village shops are open for Black Friday browsing before the show starts.
Dickens Fest in Historic Smithville
- Where: Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville
- When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026 at 1 and 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m.
The village’s Black Friday weekend tradition features performances inspired by A Christmas Carol, staged in past years by the Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company with professional actors and local children. The Smithville train and carousel typically run the same weekend.
EHT Nature Reserve Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Miler
- Where: Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve, Egg Harbor Township
- When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, 9 a.m. Registration opens at 8 a.m.
Work off the leftovers on the trails of a 220 acre reserve with a lake and arboretum. The 5K is $30 and the 1 mile nature walk is $10 plus sign up fees, rising to $35 and $15 after Nov. 27.
Small Business Saturday in Margate
- Where: Bocca, Essex and Ventnor Avenues, Margate
- When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
Margate’s Shop Small Extravaganza brings a Santa led parade, character photos, a coupon scavenger hunt and a selfie contest to the town’s business districts. Admission is free.
Skate at Vintner Wonderland
- Where: Renault Winery and Resort, 72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City
- When: Rink hours Friday, Nov. 27 (4 to 8 p.m.), Saturday, Nov. 28 (noon to 8 p.m.) and Sunday, Nov. 29 (noon to 6 p.m.), weather permitting
Renault’s winter village opened Nov. 13 with a 60 by 100 foot outdoor rink, an artisan market and fire pits. It is an easy way to get the family outside on a crisp holiday weekend.
Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy
- Where: Storybook Land, 6415 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
- When: Select dates Nov. 14 through Dec. 30, 2026. Check the park calendar for holiday weekend nights.
Thanksgiving weekend is a popular time to see the park’s million plus lights and visit Santa’s House. Tickets are sold online only for a specific date.
Storybook Land calendar and tickets
Atlantic City Aquarium
- Where: Gardner’s Basin, 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City
- When: Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission 5:15 p.m.). Closed Thanksgiving Day.
The aquarium is a solid indoor pick for Friday or the weekend, with a 25,000 gallon Mid Atlantic tank, a tropical reef and a cownose ray touch tank. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for seniors and $8 for ages 3 to 12.
More in Atlantic County: holiday markets and craft fairs, Christmas lights, and parks and trails for a winter walk.
Get Atlantic County in your inbox
The best events, new openings and things to do, once a week. Free.
