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Holiday shopping at the Jersey Cape does not have to be a challenge in 2022 if you are willing to think out-of-the-box (pun intended). Despite the news of supply chain problems, still-tight labor markets and ongoing COVID concerns, local retailers are preparing to showcase their bright gift ideas at a variety of events beginning in November.
If you are headed to the shore for a quick getaway, we would like to recommend a few of our favorite shopping events at the Jersey Cape!
Plan a weekend with a few of your gal pals at Girls Weekend in Sea Isle City set for Nov. 18-20. Mark your calendars to take advantage of huge discounts on dining, salon and fitness services and boutique items. Leave your car at home and hop on the Jitney, service will be available on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. to drive patrons throughout the city. For more information about participating businesses, visit www.seaislechamber.com
Shopping in your pajamas sounds dreamy…right? Ocean City retailers are encouraging shoppers to wear their finest or funniest sleep wear to the “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza” on Saturday, Nov. 19. Jump start your holiday at this early bird event on the weekend before Thanksgiving and enjoy shopping specials from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t forget, you are allowed to wear your pajamas!
Beginning Nov. 19 and continuing until Dec. 18, shoppers will enjoy free horse and carriage rides every weekend in downtown Ocean City. The city’s retail district on Asbury Avenue will be transformed into “Miracle on Asbury Avenue” complete with beautifully decorated shops, fashion boutiques, art galleries, cafes, artisan ice cream, bakeries and more to browse and enjoy. www.oceancityvacation.com
Winter Wonderland Holiday Spectacular returns to Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place in Cape May, Nov. 25 and runs through Jan. 1, 2023, with some old favorites like Breakfast with Santa, Congress Hall Express rides, and Santa’ Workshop activities. At the center of it all is the Enchanted Vendor Village complete with candy cane-striped tents housing seven specialty stores featuring Cape May gifts, souvenirs, and curiosities perfect for everyone on your list. The iconic Vendor Village is open Thursdays to Sundays starting Nov. 25. www.caperesorts.com
This year, if you want to find the perfect gift and avoid potential shipping delays, tis the season to shop local! On Saturday, Nov. 26, many of the downtowns at the Jersey Cape will celebrate Shop Small Business Saturday. There is no time like the present to find your way downtown, to start a new tradition and to shop local. You may be surprised how many items on your list are offered by the local retailers.
The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce will transform downtown Wildwood into a completely outdoor holiday shopping experience. The Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village will take place on Saturday, Nov. 26 (rain date is Sunday, Nov. 27) at Byrne Plaza at 3400 Pacific Ave. Check your shopping list once, twice, or more with dozens of local small business vendors and local artisans specializing in jewelry, handcrafted items, holiday decorations, baked goods, boutique shops, gifts and more. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment, music, raffles and more. Contact Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce at 609-729-4000 or on FACEBOOK at Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village or www.gwcoc.org
Shop Small Business Weekend in Sea Isle City, Nov. 26-28. Throughout the town, businesses will offer deals, discounts, and holiday hospitality as you stroll from store to store to kick off the season. Customers who spend $20 or more at participating businesses throughout the weekend will be entered to win a prize from the Sea Isle Chamber of Commerce. www.seaislechamber.com
On the same weekend, make your way to Avalon for Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday, Nov. 25-26. Embrace the holiday season with live music, performances, and children’s activities to enjoy throughout the shopping district. www.visitavalonnj.com
Neighboring Stone Harbor will host the annual Island Holiday Weekend. Bring the family to Santa’s summer home and enjoy a variety of activities to celebrate the holidays including a Holiday Market, Pet Parade, Tree Lighting, Hospitality Night, Kids’ Downtown Holiday Dash, and a Caroling event. Stone Harbor’s Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 26 and travel along Third Ave. from 107th Street, right onto 96th Street to Second Ave. www.stoneharbornj.org.
These are a few suggestions that will help you find the perfect gift for everyone in your family. https://escapetothejerseycape.com/bestBets/bestBets/BETSshop.html.