Holiday Bazaar Kickoff Weekend: What’s On & Why You Can’t Miss It
We might still be getting ready for Thanksgiving, but once the holiday’s over, it’s officially go-time. Opening weekend is filled with makers, live music, seasonal drinks, and all the festive energy you’ve been waiting for. This guide gives you a quick look at what’s happening at each location so you can slide straight into holiday mode the moment the dishes are done.
CONVENTION HALL HAPPENINGS: OPENING WEEKEND
Opening weekend kicks off on Black Friday, November 28, and continues Saturday and Sunday, November 29 & 30, with hours from 12–8 PM on Friday and 12–5 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Then, every weekend from Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 21—Fridays 3–8 PM, Saturdays & Sundays 12–5 PM—you can pop in and join the fun.
Convention Hall is where it all comes alive: local makers, unique gifts, sweet treats, and that unmistakable holiday buzz. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or just want to wander around and soak it all in, this spot has plenty to keep you busy. And that’s just the start—next up, we’ve got the lowdown on workshops and vendors you won’t want to miss.
🎄 Black Friday, Nov 28 (12–8 PM)
Kick off opening weekend with curated shopping from local vendors and boutiques. Swing by the Holiday Happy Hour at Mutiny Beach & Shucked Local 130 Seafood, groove to DJ Dusty Dubbs from 4–7 PM, and snap a festive photo at the Holiday Photo Wall by Oh My Details. Don’t forget Santa- bring a toy for the Asbury Park Toy Drive! Stick around for Winter Waves free local music at 7 PM featuring The Foes of Fern, Greg Townsend, and Red Head Redemption.
🎁 Small Business Saturday, Nov 29 (12–5 PM)
More shopping and more Santa visits (with toy donations, of course), and live music from Shotgun Curly 1–4 PM. Kids will be busy with balloon animals, sand art, hair tinsel, bubble braids, and face painting from Ky Ky’s Face Painting. And yes, the Holiday Photo Wall is back for your festive snapshots.
🎀 Sunday, Nov 30 (12–5 PM)
Round out the weekend with curated shopping, Santa photos, and live music from A Real Human Jazz Band 1–4 PM. The Holiday Photo Wall by Oh My Details is open for one last chance to capture those holiday memories.
ASBURY HOTEL HAPPENINGS: OPENING WEEKEND
The holiday season kicks off at The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park, and opening weekend is the perfect way to start it. Stop by on Sunday, Nov 30, and then again on Dec 7 & 14, with hours from 12–5 PM. Take a stroll through the hotel, check out local vendors, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon out or just want to get a head start on the holiday season, it’s a great spot to wander, see what’s happening, and enjoy some festive vibes.
Sunday, Nov 30th (12–5 PM)
🎁 Shopping: A curated lineup of local vendors, including Folly & Flow, A Girls Day, Artisan Rose Crafts, Polish U Boutique, Respite Candles, Weber’s Village, Marigold Jewelry, Kope’s 3D Prints, Grapevine Glamour, and more.
🎀 Holiday Photo Moment: Snap a festive shot with The Farm Mechanic’s creative setup
❄️ Workshop: Kid’s Winter Village Workshop by LaPlaca Pottery in the Hotel Café Lobby (12–2 PM & 3–5 PM)
✨ Music: Afternoon sets from Micknpoke DJ (Michael Villapiano) to keep the vibe easy and upbeat
LONG BRANCH HAPPENINGS: OPENING WEEKEND
Opening weekend at Whitechapel Projects is getting a full holiday glow-up this year with the arrival of Kringle Cove, their magical winter pop-up. Stop by Black Friday, Nov 28, Small Business Saturday, Nov 29, and Sunday, Nov 30, from 12–5 PM to check it out. Think cozy themed moments, live holiday music, s’mores stations, and specials from WCP’s holiday menu and cocktail lineup. It’s festive without being too serious, fun without being overwhelming, just a really good way to slip into the holiday season.
🎄 Black Friday, Nov 28 (12–5 PM)
Start your weekend at Kringle Cove with twinkling winter décor, festive photo-ready scenes, and holiday shopping from local vendors. Warm up with seasonal cocktails, winter wines, and craft beverages, or grab a treat at the s’mores stations. Don’t miss the Holiday Wreath Workshop with Made in Flowers from 1–3 PM (tickets required).
🎁 Small Business Saturday, Nov 29 (12–5 PM)
Enjoy more shopping, festive drinks, and s’mores throughout the day. Bring your pup for Santa’s North Pole Paw-traits from 6–8 PM and get a photo to remember the holiday season. Plus, try your hand at Create Your Own Custom Perfume with The Scent Social from 2–4 PM (tickets required).
🎀 Sunday, Nov 30 (12–5 PM)
Round out the weekend with holiday shopping, festive décor, and cozy drinks. Kids and adults alike can get creative at the Sip & Paint Workshop: Holiday Coasters with Boozy Brushes from 3–5:30 PM while enjoying the cheerful atmosphere of Kringle Cove.
Opening weekend is shaping up to be the most wonderful time of the year! Every spot is decked out with twinkling lights, over-the-top décor, and festive vibes everywhere you look, from the magical winter wonderland at Kringle Cove to the bright, merry setups at Convention Hall and The Asbury Hotel. With hands-on workshops, live music, s’mores, and plenty of seasonal drinks, there’s something fun for everyone. Grab your friends, your family, or just your holiday spirit, and dive into a weekend that’s merry, bright, and totally unforgettable.
And the holiday fun doesn’t stop there! On Wednesday, Dec 4th, in New Brunswick, join us for the Winter Wonderland Bazaar, an afternoon of wholesome holiday fun, seasonal treats, hands-on activities, and a few festive surprises to keep the spirit bright. Check out the details below and don’t miss this extra dose of holiday magic!
