South Jersey Holiday Happenings | Photo Galleries – Press of Atlantic City
Atlantic County
Atlantic County Parks Letter from Santa
Through Dec. 14, a county program is helping Santa answer his mail. To get a letter, have your child write a letter to Santa with the following information included: child’s first and last name, child’s complete address, boy or girl, age, grade in school, the names of any siblings, best friends, and/or pets, a gift the child would like to ask Santa for and one that they will definitely be receiving, list a big accomplishment they had this year (example: an ‘A’ in school), and be sure to also include in the letter the name of a parent or guardian with their contact number or email.
Drop off the letter in the “Mailbox to the North Pole” at the Nature Center during office hours – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. If you are unable to stop in, you can mail it to The Nature Center at 109 Route 50 South, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, or email the letter to pleis_kathleen@aclink.org.
If you have any questions please call the Nature Center staff at (609) 625-1897.
Atlantic County Utilities Authority food drive
From Dec. 2 through Dec. 13, Atlantic County residents can place non-perishable food items at the curb on their recycling collection day for the food drive. Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) recycling crews will collect the food with regularly scheduled recycling pick-ups.
To learn more about how you can help, contact the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Egg Harbor Township location at (609) 383-8843 or visit cfbnj.org. For more information, call (609) 272-6950 or visit www.acua.com/fooddrive.
Atlantic City restaurant to serve up early Thanksgiving dinner to those in need
A city restaurant is planning on giving an early Thanksgiving dinner to those in need.
Any city residents in need are invited between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday to the All Wars Memorial Building, 1510 Adriatic Ave., for a meal, according to a news release from Kimberly A. Jackson, CEO of Kelsey’s on Pacific Avenue.
For the past five years, the restaurant would help Sister Jean’s Kitchen feed those in need in the city, according to the release. Tuesday’s effort is a way to keep that tradition alive.
Sister Jean’s Kitchen closed in February after officials deemed the church that housed it unsafe.
“Show Us Your Rack” parade in Margate
Margate held it’s small business Saturday along Ventnor Avenue and Bocca restaurant, the Philly Phanatic and Santa stopped by as well. Margate NJ. November 24, 2018 (Kristian Gonyea/ For The Press of Atlantic City)
The “Show Us Your Rack” parade, part of the Shop Local Shopping Extravaganza on Nov. 30, will feature business owners wheeling down Ventnor Avenue decorated wardrobe, garment, valet or restaurant kitchen racks with a theme that reflects their business, according to a news release from the association. The parade starts at noon and runs from Washington to Essex avenues.
The event will include sidewalk sales, a Santa parade with city police and firefighters, Toys for Kids, WAYV, holiday characters and more, according to the release. There will be children’s activities at Essex Avenue, including free pizza, soda, face painting and giveaways, and visits with a Santa who is fluent in American Sign Language.
Toy drive at Romanelli’s Garden Cafe
Romanelli’s Garden Cafe is partnering up with For Atlantic City By Atlantic City (4ACxAC) to help the children of Atlantic City receive Christmas toys and are offering discounts to those who bring in donations.
The donation drive started Nov. 18 and is focusing on toys for ages 5 and up for the children in the Atlantic City Homework program, ran by Dr. Colon of Stockton University.
The restaurant will be hosting Breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 7, where customers can get their photo take with Santa and also donate to the drive.
In addition, the Wonderbar is hosting a 4ACxAC event Dec. 3, where guest bartenders will be donating their tips to the program to buy toys.
New toys, in their original packaging, can be dropped off at the cafe, 279 S. New York Road, Galloway
Cape May County
Captain Nick Fedoroff Christmas Community Celebration in Cape May
The city police department’s fifth annual celebration is set for noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue.
The event features free activities, including bouncy houses, face painting, crafts, games, refreshments, entertainment and more. Santa will be stopping in from the North Pole for photos.
There will also be bike giveaways for Christmas and an opportunity to win prizes.
Anyone wishing to donate an unwrapped toy to help support the Sgt. William Alvarez Annual Toy Drive can drop their gift at the door.
For additional information, visit CapeMayCity.com or contact The Cape May Police Department at 609-884-9505.
Holiday concerts at Cape May Convention Hall
The city is hosting their annual, free holiday concerts at Cape May Convention Hall. America’s Sweethearts will go on at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and The Angelus Chorus will perform 7 p.m. Dec. 18.
Lower Township Rotary Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Image captured during Lower Township Rotary Club’s annual Christmas Parade held Saturday, December 10, 2016. Dave Griffin for the Press
Rotary Christmas Parade: The parade starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at Bayshore and Breakwater roads and head south on Bayshore Road to the ending point at Rosehill Parkway. That section of Bayshore Road is expected to be closed from about 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For parade applications, call 609-827- 8771 or email LTRotaryClub@gmail.com.
Rotary Tree Lighting: The tree lighting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 26. The program begins inside the recreation center behind Township Hall, 2600 Bayshore Road, with a presentation by the members of the rotary and local officials. Then, the club will invite local military veterans to come forward and be recognized and thanked for their service.
The Lower Cape May Regional High School choir will perform and then the Righteous Ringers, a children’s hand bell choir from the Seashore Church of the Nazarene, will play a song for the crowd.
After the short ceremony and performances at the recreation center, the local VFW color guard will lead a procession through the luminary lit path to the tree in front of Lower Township Hall. After the crowd reassembles and the choir sings the last note of their song, the lights on the tree will be turned on. A visit from Santa Claus ends the evening’s festivities.
Ocean City’s Old-Fashioned Family Christmas
Santa is coming to Ocean City during its annual Christmas parade on Dec. 6.
The city’s event is scheduled to begin 2 p.m. Nov. 29 on Asbury Avenue from Sixth to 11th streets.
Features of the day will include visits with Santa in a lifeboat at the Mark Soifer Park across from City Hall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a special appearance by the Phillie Phanatic from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Carolers in Victorian costumes, free horse and carriage rides from 1 p.m.-4 p.m., and other entertainment on Asbury Ave.
At 5 p.m., the Christmas tree at City Hall will be lit. Then Santa will arrive in Ocean City just like he did years ago. The Jolly Old Elf will descend from the roof of City Hall with the assistance of a Fire Department Ladder Truck. This dramatic entrance is nostalgic of days past, a tradition that began in the 1960s.
The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association and the City of Ocean City. For information, contact the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-BeachNJ or visit online at www.OceanCityVacation.com.
The Annual Downtown Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m. along Asbury Avenue. Floats, bands and Santa Claus will all be there.
Sea Isle City
At right in the bright blue dress is the Chatty Cathy doll that brought back childhood memories from 1960 for at least one visitor at The Sea Isle City Historical Society’s annual Christmas Open House inside the Historical Museum Saturday Dec 2, 2017. (The Press of Atlantic City / Edward Lea Staff Photographer)
• Holiday Parade: The Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization will host a Holiday Parade along JFK Boulevard, from Central Avenue to Excursion Park, on Friday, November 29 at 6:00 p.m., featuring decorated fire engines from neighboring municipalities, a holiday float carrying Santa Claus and other festive participants (www.seaislechamber.com or 609-263-9090).
• Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony: Mayor Desiderio’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at Excursion Park on Friday, November 29, at 6:30 p.m. (immediately following the Holiday Parade). The Tree Lighting will feature a photo station with famous characters, a Sing-Along with Santa’s Elves, hot cocoa and cookies (courtesy of the Sea Isle City Taxpayers Association), a snack concession booth manned by Boy Scout Troop 76, and Santa Claus flipping a switch to illuminate Sea Isle City’s Municipal Christmas Tree. There will also be a collection box for the Mayor’s Toy and Food Drive (www.VISITSICNJ.com or 609-263-4461, ext. 1245).
• Holiday Extravaganza: The Chamber of Commerce will host their Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Excursion Park, featuring complimentary refreshments, moon bounces, face painters, craft stations, photo-ops with famous characters, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, and other family-fun. Don’t miss the “Santa Yoga Stretch” at 10:30 a.m., a live Holiday Performance at 12 noon, and Boy Scout Troop 76’s Snack Booth (www.seaislechamber.com or 609-263-9090).
• Holiday Dash Fundraiser: The Cape May County Association of Chiefs of Police will host their annual Holiday Dash 1-Mile Run / Walk on Saturday, November 30 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at KIX-McNutley’s on 63rd Street. Proceeds benefit Mayor Desiderio’s 2019 Holiday Toy and Food Drive (www.kixmcnutleys.com or 609-263-6341).
• Open House: The Sea Isle City Historical Society will host their annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. inside the Historical Museum, located on the first floor of the Sea Isle City Library, 4800 Central Avenue. Visitors will enjoy complimentary refreshments and a variety of vintage seasonal displays (www.seaislemuseum.com or 609-263-2992).
• Holiday Stroll: Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, December 7, this event features sales and special offers at participating businesses, as well as entertainment, crafts – and the chance to meet Santa and other characters (www.seaislechamber.com or 609-263-9090).
• Holiday Wine Sampling Fundraiser: Benefitting the Catholic Daughters of Saint Joseph Church, this popular event takes place on Saturday, December 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Kix-McNutley’s on 63rd Street (www.kixmcnutleys.com or 609-263-6341).
• Santa’s Calling Program: Santa Claus will personally phone children from the North Pole on Wednesday evening, December 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Contact the Recreation Office at 609-263-0050 for more details. This event is held in cooperation with the Knights of Columbus of Saint Joseph Church.
• House Lighting Contest: Enter your home or business in Sea Isle City’s 2019 House Lighting Contest. Prizes provided by First Bank of Sea Isle City and Rocky & Fred’s Creative Design Florist. Registration is required by 12 noon on December 11. This event is held in cooperation with the Sea Isle City Garden Club. For more details, phone the Recreation Office at 609-263-0050.
• Brunch With Santa: VFW Post 1963 will host a Brunch With Santa Claus for local children (up to age 10) on Sunday, December 15, at 11:30 a.m. at Post 1963, 301 JFK Boulevard. Families are asked to register by December 9 by phoning the Recreation Office at 609-263-0050.
Christmas in the Plaza in Wildwood
Boats of all sizes caught the holiday spirit a few months early during the Christmas in July Boat Parade on Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest on Saturday.
The Greater Wildwood Jaycees are running Christmas in the Plaza, an event that includes shopping, dining and appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The festival runs Dec. 6-7 in Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue.
Wildwood Crest tree lighting ceremony
The borough is hosting their tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 on Sunset Lake at Atlanta and New Jersey avenues.
The ceremony includes a visit from Santa Claus, live holiday music from Camille Peruto, the student choir at Crest Memorial School, free refreshments, a short family-style run hosted by Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera and more.
Woodbine holiday parade
Woobine holiday parade winners
Students Joseph Young and Delilah Toro, representing the Woodbine Elementary School Marching Band, hold the first-place trophy for best marching unit, and Stefan Millard, with Boy Scouts of America Troop 77’s second-place trophy, are all smiles after the borough’s annual holiday parade in 2017. This year’s parade included seven fire companies, three emergency services units, nine floats, four marching units and costumed characters. Mayor William Pikolycky and Santa lit the holiday tree, the gazebo lights and the pavilion area during the route. Following the parade, the community was invited to the firehouse for cookies, candy canes, hot chocolate and the awarding of the trophies. Other winners were: best float — first place, Middle Township Chamber of Commerce; second place, Caprioni’s; best appearing fire company — first place, Dennisville Fire Company; second place, Leesburg Fire company; best appearing rescue — first place, Sea Isle City; second place, Belleplain.
The parade is set to begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 8, starting at Woodbine Elementary School. The group will head west to Washington, then north on Washington to Bryant, right onto Adams, then south on Adams to the Public Safety Building.
Trophies will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place fire/rescue decorated apparatus and marching unit, and everyone will receive a participant plaque.
Santa and Mayor William Pikolycky will partner to light the Christmas tree on the bike path. The evening then concludes at the Public Safety building , where refreshments will be served and trophies awarded.