Why the Jersey Shore is worth a look during the holidays

Most people associate the Jersey Shore with hot sunny days on the beach, but locals get to see something many never witness, the Shore adorned for the holidays.

Bill Barlow

December 17, 2018

This Margate lifeboat is decorated for the holidays. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
One of the mondern homes lit up in Margate, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Historic Smithville's Christmas carousel. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Tennessee Avenue in Ocean City, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Soifer Park in Ocean City, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
City Hall in Ocean City, New Jersey. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Pleasure Avenue in Ocean City, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Haven Avenue in Ocean City, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Hereford Lighthouse in North Wildwood, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Brightly lit home in North Wildwood, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
On 10th Street in North Wildwood. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
R2D2 spotted in Absecon, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
The Yard Family display in Absecon, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
The Yard Family's big display in Absecon, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Yard Family in Absecon, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Main Street in Avalon, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)
Christmas tree in Avalon, N.J. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)

Things seem pretty quiet on the Jersey Shore for the holidays, compared with the big crowds of summer. But all along the Shore, towns, business districts and homeowners pull out all the stops to light up the dark nights of early winter.

From Smithville in Atlantic County to Cape May at the southern tip of the state, displays celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays help brighten the longest nights of the year.

It’s a good time to visit if you want to see how the Jersey Shore looks to the locals who are lucky enough to call this home year-round.

Absecon, New Jersey. (Bill Barlow/for WHYY)

Since Cape May transforms into a Victorian village each year, we decided to dedicate an entire gallery to this historic resort town.

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Why so many people visit Cape May in December

The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast in Cape May, N.J.(Photo courtesy of Werner Tedesco)

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