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Thanksgiving week is when Cape May County, NJ, flips from fall to the holidays. Between turkey trots, Santa’s arrival, beach bonfires and small business shopping, there is something on every day of the long weekend. Here are the best things to do in Cape May County for Thanksgiving week 2026, in date order, all confirmed for this year.
Earlier Than the Bird Downtown Shopping
- Town: Ocean City
- Where: Downtown Asbury Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ocean City’s downtown merchants open early the Saturday before Thanksgiving so shoppers can get a head start on holiday gifts. Horse and carriage rides run in front of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Preview at the Physick Estate
- Town: Cape May
- Where: Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Admission: Free
The weekend before Thanksgiving, Cape May MAC hosts a holiday craft show, a free open house of the Physick Estate and a free band concert, ending with Santa lighting the tree at 7 p.m.
TJ Hunt Memorial 5K Turkey Trot
- Town: Wildwood Crest
- Where: Wildwood Crest Pier, 5800 Atlantic Avenue
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving), registration at 8 a.m., race at 9 a.m.
- Cost: $30 adults, $10 under 18
Run off the stuffing before dinner. The Thanksgiving morning 5K benefits the TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation.
Fast and Furriest 5K Turkey Trot
- Town: Ocean City
- Where: Ocean City Boardwalk
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
Ocean City’s Thanksgiving Day race is sponsored by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Call 609-398-9500, ext. 4, for start time and registration.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Congress Hall
- Town: Cape May
- Where: Congress Hall Grand Ballroom, 200 Congress Place
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 1 p.m.
For anyone who would rather not cook, Congress Hall serves Thanksgiving dinner in its Grand Ballroom. Reserve through the hotel.
Avalon Turkey Trot
- Town: Avalon
- Where: 30th Street and Avalon Avenue
- When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 5K run at 10 a.m., 1.5 mile walk at 10:05 a.m.
Avalon’s race is the day after Thanksgiving, and proceeds benefit the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. Festive costumes are encouraged, with awards for best dressed and top runners by age group.
Christmas in the Downtown: Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue
- Town: Ocean City
- Where: Asbury Avenue
- When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Santa arrives at 5 p.m.)
Ocean City’s downtown merchants and the chamber kick off the season on Black Friday. Santa sticks around all weekend, with Santa in the Downtown at Soifer Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and photos with Santa at the Music Pier from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on November 28 and 29.
Avalon Festive Friday and Sea Isle City Winter Village
- Towns: Avalon and Sea Isle City
- When: Friday, November 27, 2026
Avalon’s Festive Friday runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the shopping district with a tree lighting at 5 p.m. Up the road, Sea Isle City’s Winter Village opens in Excursion Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), followed by the Christmas Parade at 5:45 p.m. and the Mayor’s Tree Lighting at about 7 p.m.
Wildwoods Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
- Town: North Wildwood
- Where: Second and Surf Avenues
- When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (rain date November 28)
- Cost: $10 adults, $2 under 12
A big bonfire on the beach the night after Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holiday traditions in the Wildwoods. Dress warm and bring a chair.
The Wildwoods December Restaurant Week also starts on November 27 and runs through December 6, with $10 breakfast, $15 lunch and $40 dinner menus at participating restaurants.
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
- Town: Wildwood
- Where: Byrne Plaza and downtown Wildwood
- When: Saturday, November 28, 2026 (Small Business Saturday), 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downtown Wildwood celebrates Small Business Saturday with a holiday shopping village at Byrne Plaza. The next day, Sunday, November 29, Holidays at HenVille opens at MudHen Brewing Company from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission.
Planning ahead? Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland in Cape May also opens on November 27 and runs through December 31, 2026.
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