Never miss what is happening in Cape May County
Events, new openings and weekend plans from every corner of Cape May County. Straight to your inbox, free.
North Wildwood kicks off the holidays the weekend after Thanksgiving. Christmas in North Wildwood runs Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, 2026, with outdoor firepits, a strolling Santa, hot chocolate, festive lights and live music, and it is free to enjoy.
Vote now
Christmas in North Wildwood
- Town: North Wildwood
- Where: Along Olde New Jersey Avenue, the 200 block of West 10th Avenue, the 100 block of East 17th Avenue and more
- When: Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Cost: Free
Hosted by the North Wildwood Business Owners Association, the weekend turns the town’s shopping and dining blocks into a holiday stroll. Expect outdoor firepits to warm up by, hot chocolate, decorations and festive lights, music, and a strolling Santa who makes his way around town to say hello. It is a relaxed, small-town way to start the season, and it gives families a reason to get outside after the big Thanksgiving meal.
Ride the snowflake shuttle
On Saturday, November 28, a free snowflake shuttle helps visitors get around to the different event blocks. Leave the car parked, hop on and off, and spend more time at the firepits and in the shops. Since Saturday is also Small Business Saturday, it is the perfect day to knock out some holiday shopping at the local stores along the route.
Play the scavenger hunt for $500
One of the most popular parts of the weekend is the scavenger hunt. Complete it for a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card, with two winners chosen. It is a fun way to explore blocks you may not usually visit, and kids love the challenge. Weekend activity details are posted by the North Wildwood Business Owners Association on its website and Facebook page.
Start the weekend with a beach bonfire
Thanksgiving weekend in North Wildwood also includes the Family Holiday Beach Bonfire on Friday, November 27, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2nd and Surf Avenue. Hosted by the North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company, it features music and photo ops with Santa. Donations are $10 for adults and $2 for children under 12, with proceeds benefiting local causes, and the rain date is November 28.
Tips for the weekend
Dress warmly, since most of the fun is outdoors, and bring a reusable mug if you plan to sip hot chocolate as you walk. Friday evening and Saturday tend to be the busiest times, while Sunday is a quieter option for families with little ones. If you are making a full weekend of it, Wildwoods December Restaurant Week starts on November 27 too, so a prix fixe dinner nearby is an easy add-on.
For more holiday events across the county, see our guide to Christmas tree lightings and parades in Cape May County.
Photo: Dough4872, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Get Cape May County in your inbox
The best events, new openings and things to do, once a week. Free.
