‘Celebrate the Season’ in Beach Haven includes new and traditional holiday festivities

Photo by Jack Reynolds
Beach Haven is offering a vast array of
holiday activities throughout December.

This year’s Celebrate the Season, a month-long event of holiday festivities in Beach Haven beginning the weekend of Nov. 28, will include more activities than ever before, from horse and carriage rides at Kapler’s Pharmacy, the annual tree lighting at Veterans Bicentennial Park and caroling at the Long Beach Island Museum to a holiday dog parade hosted by Lucky’s Bed and Biscuit, an ugly sweater brunch at The Gables Inn and Restaurant and a buffet-style Christmas party at Tuckers Tavern, to name a few. Some of the events have been taking place for several years, but other exciting, new festivities have been added to complement the traditional merriment.

“Celebrate the Season will continue to grow with special activities added each and every year,” said Barbara Cona, executive director of Beach Haven Future, a local organization comprised of business owners and residents that helps coordinate the community event. “The small-town feel of Beach Haven provides an atmosphere where holiday memories are created and celebrated.”

BHF is sponsoring three of the many special events, including a Holiday Decorating Contest in Beach Haven with judging for best residence and best business. There will also be a “People’s Choice” component, where individuals may vote for their personal favorite by placing a ballot in the designated box at Spice It Up in Bay Village, Murphy’s Marketplace, Buckalew’s Restaurant, Kapler’s Pharmacy, Diane Turton Real Estate, or Carmen’s Restaurant. Nominations must be submitted to bhf@beachhavenfuture.com by Dec. 5.

BHF’s Christmas Party Fundraiser will be held at Buckalew’s Restaurant on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 per adult and include light fare, two drinks and entertainment. A Christmas hat contest will also be held, and Murphy’s Marketplace will have donation packages available for $8 and $12, which will benefit St. Francis Food Pantry. Tickets can be purchased through Buckalew’s or online at beachhavenfuture.com/apps/webstore/.

A “Dine Around Town” progressive dinner hosted by BHF will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening will start with the first course at Tuckers Tavern. Participants will then move to Carmen’s Restaurant for the second course before heading to Buckalew’s for the third course and entertainment. Tickets, $50, are available at beachhavenfuture.com/apps/webstore/, or at participating restaurants.

For a complete list of Celebrate the Season events, visit beachhavenfuture.com/celebrate-the-season.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.