Update 12-1-2023: The Belmar Christmas tree lighting has been rescheduled due to the possibility of inclement weather on Friday, December 1. The event is now scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 2, at 5:00 p.m. The Belmar Candy Cane Hunt will take place as originally scheduled on Friday, December 1, with an earlier start time of 5:30 p.m.
Belmar Tourism officials will ring in the 2023 holiday season with the annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremonies in Pyanoe Plaza. Also, for the first time, Belmar is planning a town-wide candy cane hunt for the kids. Events are free and open to all ages unless otherwise noted.
2023 Holiday Events in Belmar
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25
Hours and specials vary by business
When you're shopping for someone who loves the Jersey Shore, you'll find plenty of great gift ideas in the Belmar business community. And when you shop local in our town — in store, online, or by phone — you're supporting independent, family-owned small businesses and their employees.
RELATED: Belmar Shopping And Dining Guide
Belmar Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2, 5:00 p.m.
Pyanoe Plaza (Downtown Belmar)
Information: 732-681-3700, ext. 214
Belmar Candy Cane Hunt
Friday, December 1, 5:30 p.m.
Downtown Belmar Businesses
Information: 732-681-3700, ext. 214
The Belmar Candy Cane Hunt is for children ages 12 and younger. This event is new for 2023 to help promote the local Belmar business community. As of Thanksgiving week, 16 Belmar businesses and 160 children have signed up to participate in the event. Lofidelic Records, Brandl Restaurant, Metta Yoga, Santo Ceviche, Belmar Flower Alley, and Caffè di Famiglia on Main Street are among the participating Belmar businesses.
How It Works:
Event registration is closed as of November 20, 2023. To join the waiting list, register your child to participate via this form.
Each registered child will receive a number from one to 10. The number will match up with a participating Belmar business.
Parents of registered children may pick up their child’s candy cane with the number in Pyanoe Plaza from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. before the start of the Christmas tree lighting.
Look for the Belmar business with the same number displayed in the front window or door, and go into that business to receive your prize. (One prize per child.)
If your child is registered for the Belmar Candy Cane Hunt, you may pick up their candy cane and event number at the Belmar Municipal Courtroom beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1. The courtroom entrance is located on 6th Avenue at the Belmar Municipal Building (same room where the Mayor and Council meetings take place).
RELATED: Dining In Belmar NJ
Doppelflöte: A Christmas Concert
Wednesday, December 8, 7:00 p.m.
Taylor Pavilion
500 Ocean Avenue Belmar, New Jersey
Presented by the Belmar Public Library, "Doppelflöte: A Christmas Concert," will feature a live classic musical performance by Melissa Freilich on the flute and Vincent M. Ryan on the organ.
According to the Belmar Public Library website, "Since 1998, Melissa and Vincent have performed together in numerous communities in the Philadelphia region, and in 2022 made their international debut in both the Castle Church and Town Church of Wittenberg, Germany."
Reservations are required for this event. Reserve your seat.
Children's Christmas Movie Party
Friday, December 8, 6:00 p.m.
Belmar Public Library 517 10th Avenue
Belmar, New Jersey 07719
Bring your kids to the Belmar Public Library for a free showing of the classic children's Christmas show, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the library. Bring your own pillows and blankets, and dress the kids in their PJs.
Belmar Menorah Lighting
Monday, December 11, 5:30 p.m. Pyanoe Plaza (Downtown Belmar)
Information: 732-681-3700, ext. 214
Santa Toy Delivery
Wednesday, December 13
4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Belmar, New Jersey 07719
Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.
Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House
Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com.
