This is the week to get it all in.
This Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., “sip and shop” at a holiday vendor fair at The Mainland at Holiday Inn in Manahawkin; then “sip and shop” again on Wednesday, Dec. 18 starting at 5 p.m. in the conservatory of Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom.
Stop in the open house at Max’s Self-Esteem Craft Market on Friday Dec. 13 and ‘be dazzled’ by holiday decor and more. (Supplied Photo)
Friday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Max’s Self-Esteem Craft Market in the Manahawkin Plaza on East Bay Avenue will have a holiday open house featuring hot cocoa and cookies, along with special deals on handcrafted gifts. The market supports the Maximilian Foundation.
Saturday, Dec. 14, fill the Yeti coolers and cups with ice-cold milk and head to Beach Haven for the 10thannual Cookie Wars baking and tasting contest from 11 a.m. until the cookies run out. Described as “the Chowderfest of cookies,” the sweet tradition involves businesses in Bay Village and Schooner’s Wharf, each baking hundreds of cookies for connoisseurs’ consideration. Go from shop to shop and taste them all – then vote for the best at Country Kettle Fudge, where the ballots are counted. This year’s theme is candy. The reigning champ to beat is Carmella’s Ice Creamery, which won last year with a brownie-like cookie topped with homemade marshmallow and ganache.
From 8:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14, the kids (and the young at heart) can enjoy a touch-a-truck event and breakfast with Santa at the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Route 72 in Manahawkin. Photos with Santa are free; meet the brand’s bovine mascot and get up close and personal with first responders’ vehicles – climb aboard and explore a firetruck, ambulance and police cars. A 20% portion of breakfast proceeds will benefit Stafford EMS and Stafford Volunteer Fire Co.
Afterward, the Reynolds Family Foundation, “rooted in community,” presents a Winter Wonderland Community Day at Reynolds Garden Shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with plenty of cheer, music, crafts, storytelling and a visit from Santa with a special treat for the children. Singer Mike Corliss will croon holiday tunes from 11:30 to 1:30. Storytime with Miss Ashley is at 1:30 p.m. Photos with Santa are available from 1 to 3 p.m. (images accessible available via Dropbox) for a donation to the Reynolds Family Foundation. Children’s crafts will also take place from 1 to 3 p.m. The Carolers of Starlight Performing Arts Center will lead in singing songs of the season from 2 to 3 p.m. The café will be stocked with cookies and cocoa.
Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Holiday Giving Tree in the greenhouse. Toys will be distributed through the Stafford Township PBA and Recreation Department’s toy drive.
Lauren Rothstein, aka Beach Block Prints, will sell her artwork at 506 Boutique this weekend. (Photo by Lauren Rothstein)
Both days this weekend, Dec. 14 and 15, 506 Surf Boutique in Surf City will host a Holly Jolly pop-up market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lauren Rothstein of Beach Block Prints will be one of the participating vendors.
Sunday, Dec. 15, dine with Santa at Old Causeway Steak and Oyster House in Manahawkin anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. “Brunch with the big guy is always a good time,” an inside source reports.
At 1 p.m., Ott’s Good Earth Garden in West Creek/Mayetta presents “Ol’ Barney Saves Christmas,” an interactive mystery dinner theater event to benefit the Maximilian Foundation. “Barney” is a 217-year-old retired elf, called to avert a crisis when the light at the Barnegat Lighthouse goes out, foiling Santa’s navigation to deliver presents. The audience must figure out who’s behind the merry mischief. Was it one of the naughty elves? Or a jealous reindeer? Help Barney solve the whodunit to save Christmas. Call 609-597-8828 to find out if seats are still available. Price is $90 (plus tax and gratuity) per guest, for dinner only. Beverages, including a house selection of Sharrott Wines, will be available for purchase. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
The Jingle Bell Bar, decorated to the hilt with holiday glitz, is now open at The Mainland at Holiday Inn. Colorful twinkle lights cover the ceiling; a festive drink menu includes The Grumpy Grinch, Snowed In, Mrs. Claus’ Margarita and Pink Bunny Pajamas; and a larger-than-life candy cane for Instagram-able photos ties it all together.
On Dec. 21 from 12:30 to 2 p.m., head back down to Beach Haven to enjoy “yuleTIDE carols being sung by a choir” at the yuleTIDE Christmas Shop, the self-described “merry-est place on the Island.” Miss Ty and The B Naturals Choir from Stafford Intermediate School will perform holiday favorites. The family-fun event is free and co-sponsored by The Coffee Bouteaque.
Now through Christmas Eve, Black Sheep Studios in Haven Beach and Manahawkin is collecting donations for the Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter: toys, blankets, supplies and treats will be accepted at both locations. The whole lot will be delivered on Dec. 24.
victoria@thesandpaper.net
