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Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and the week around it is packed in Ocean County. From harvest markets the weekend before to Black Friday Santa visits and Small Business Saturday, here are the best things to do in Ocean County, NJ, from November 21 to 29.
Brick Farmers Market Thanksgiving Market
- Town: Brick
- Where: Windward Beach Park, 265 Princeton Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Shop local farmers, fresh seasonal finds and baked goods just in time for the holiday table. Go early for the best pies and produce.
South Toms River Thanksgiving Homecoming and Harvest Celebration
- Town: South Toms River
- Where: South Toms River Recreation, 1 Drake Lane
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: Free
A community gathering with family activities and local vendors selling items for your holiday table. It is billed as a chance to catch up with old friends who are home for the holiday.
Give Thanks Festival at Laurita Winery
- Town: New Egypt (Plumsted)
- Where: Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road
- When: Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, 2026, starting at noon
This fall weekend benefits Lunch Break and features live music, wine by the glass or bottle, free vineyard wagon rides and local vendors.
The headliners are the apple and pumpkin cannons, plus hot apple cider and apple cider donuts.
Holiday in the Park Opens at Six Flags Great Adventure
- Town: Jackson
- Where: Six Flags Great Adventure
- When: Public opening Saturday, November 21, 2026 (Season Passholder preview Friday, November 20)
Holiday in the Park returns this year in a completely reimagined form, with themed holiday lands and nightly shows. It runs on select nights through January 3, 2027, so check the park calendar before you go.
Thanksgiving Buffet at LBI National Golf and Resort
- Town: Little Egg Harbor
- Where: LBI National Golf and Resort, 99 Golf View Drive
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 2 p.m.
If you would rather skip the cooking, LBI National hosts an annual Thanksgiving buffet with carved turkey and gravy, sausage and sage stuffing, cranberry sauce and seasonal sides. Book ahead, since holiday seatings fill up.
Free Photos with Santa at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
- Town: Point Pleasant Beach
- Where: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Avenue
- When: Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28, 2026, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free photos with Santa on the amusement park train, with limited rides open. That same Friday evening, Point Pleasant Beach lights its Christmas tree on Bay Avenue at 5:30 p.m.
Small Business Saturday in Downtown Toms River
- Town: Toms River
- Where: Washington Street and downtown Toms River
- When: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Downtown Toms River is promoting Small Business Saturday on its 2026 event calendar. Spend the day at independent shops and restaurants on Washington Street and Main Street.
Reindeer Run in Beach Haven
- Town: Beach Haven
- Where: Veterans Bicentennial Park, 100 Engleside Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 9 a.m.
The Reynolds Family Foundation’s first annual Reindeer Run includes a 5K and a 1-mile fun run and walk for all ages. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Ocean County Historical Society Holiday Open House
- Town: Toms River
- Where: Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
- Admission: Free
Tour the decorated Victorian-style house and museum with holiday music, and bring the kids and grandkids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be handing out gifts.
Ocean County Historical Society
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at Surflight Theatre
- Town: Beach Haven
- Where: Surflight Theatre, 201 Engleside Avenue
- When: Opens Saturday, November 28, 2026, with performances through Sunday, December 20
The stage musical based on the classic film follows a performer who turns a Connecticut farmhouse into an inn that celebrates every holiday. It is a natural family outing for the long weekend.
More in Ocean County: Christmas tree lightings, holiday craft fairs and light displays continue into December across the county.
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