Experience Christmas in the various traditions of the 19th century in this historic iron-working village set in Allaire State Park on December 6, 13 and 20th. At the Historic Village at Allaire, warm up on the open hearth, make Christmas treats, create winter arts and crafts and listen to the Village carolers and musicians. Each building is decorated in an old-world Christmas tradition including Allaire Mansion in the 19th century French tradition. The general store and bakery are open for holiday shopping.
The Historic Village at Allaire was once an iron-producing, factory-town known as the Howell Iron Works, Co. The Village was a self-sufficient community containing a carpentry and pattern making shop, a blacksmith shop, a bakery, a boarding house, a blast furnace, mills to finish iron products, a school, a church, a general store with a post office, and workers’ home. Iron produced at the village was shipped to New York City by wagon and steamship. Today the Historic Village at Allaire is an interactive museum where visitors can experience history directly through hands-on activities.
What else is there to do this weekend? How about The Igloos in Cape May, the holiday lights
Love the Shore? Give the Jersey Shore for the Holidays.
Find out more about Jersey Shore attractions, cultural events, outdoor activities, shopping and food and dining options with the book 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before You Die. Click on this link and use the discount code JerseyShore for $2 off the price AND get an autographed copy.
at Six Flags Great Adventure, Cape May holiday historic tours or Storybook Land's Fantasy of Lights.
What are the Igloos? They are 12 heated, winter-white the Winter Igloos arranged on the lawn overlooking the ocean. You pay a reservation fee of at least $50 which does not cover your food or drinks. You're offered a menu of cocktails and light fare, The Igloos can accommodate parties of up to eight, making them the perfect private and socially-distant outdoor dining option for groups looking to toast the season together. The Igloos are available seven nights a week after 5:30 pm.
At Congress Hall you can also dine at Veranda Bar, where guests can warm-up at the Hot Cocoa Bar and enjoy the same menu available at The Igloos to pair with themed a la carte cocktails; no reservations required. Blue Pig Tavern’s a la carte menu is be updated for the season while additional seating is available on the outdoor patio in heated tents overlooking a roaring fireplace.
Also in Cape May, the tree is lit, the tours have begun and the Physick Estate is open. While at the Estate, visit “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit in the Carroll Gallery from 10am-8pm. The exhibit features a giant indoor Christmas tree display, an elaborate Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, nostalgic photos, toys and much more. Open daily now through the New Year (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Go to capemaymac.org
At Holiday in The Park, Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, lights, seasonal treats, Santa’s village and more than 30 thrilling rides are waiting for you this holiday season. Now through New Years, each themed area has been given a holiday makeover celebrating traditions from around the world. Kids can visit Santa in his workshop. Stay until after sunset to see a snowy finale. Fridays through Sunday through Christmas. After dark through Dec. 17, drive through Holiday in the Park, distinctly different areas throughout the 140-acre theme park which will be filled with twinkling lights, live entertainment, and festive music. Guests will enjoy distanced greetings from beloved holiday characters decked out for the holidays, popular iconic holiday decorations, a drive-by featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus and their helpful elves, and much more.
Looking for Jersey Shore Things to Do. Join our 100ThingsJerseyShore Facebook Group by clicking here.
And don't forget to make your reservation for Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy with Lights in Egg Harbor Township, just east of Atlantic City. They are open weekends in November including the Friday after Thanksgiving. In December, they are open EVERY DAY between now and December 23. Advance tickets are $26.95 online.
For shoppers, Historic Smithville provides an array of shops and restaurants in an outdoor setting decorated for the holidays. With more than 60 restaurants and shoppes surrounding a lake, avoid the hustle and bustle of the indoor mall scene and have to wear a mask the entire time. Take a ride on the Holiday Train with your kids or enjoy the evening Holiday Light Show on the Lake which happens every night at dusk. Weekends in December, there are special events such as Dickens Fest, the Magic Talking Tree and Girls Night Out. Hours are: 10am-6pm Monday-Wednesday, 10am-8pm Thursday-Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday.
