The weather outside could be questionable, but time off is better spent in Long Beach Island. Long Beach Island hotels are cozy and inviting, and the island is full of things to do between Thanksgiving and New Years. Plan a staycation to LBI this winter!

Things you must do when staying over in LBI for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Long Beach Island is not the same as the holiday in Manhattan- with the parades and the hustle and bustle, and ornately decorated windows- but who wants those crowds and jacked up prices, anyway? Stay over Long Beach Island hotels for Thanksgiving break, for a relaxing and affordable, memory making family trip.

With temperatures still in the 50s, you’ll still want to explore the island by foot. LBI beautiful parks to enjoy and photograph the breathtaking fall foliage. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park has a free quarter mile long self-guided loop trail featuring nature’s beauties like Black Cherry, Sassafras, Eastern Red Cedar, American Holly, and resting migratory birds. You can also cover more ground (i.e. see more fall sights) by biking LBI’s North Loop.

If long walks on the beach are more appealing, LBI has 18 miles of accessible beaches and you won’t have to dodge people running to and from the ocean at this time of year. Here’s a thought, you could collect shells and sea glass on your walks and craft them for next year’s Sea Glass and Art Festival.

Treat yourself to a hassle-free holiday stay at LBI Hotels

In true holiday vacation fashion, you should leave the cooking and cleaning to someone else. Let Chef Richard Diemer at Beach Haven’s The Gables cook up an old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner meal for you and your family. It’s a holiday, so dress up a little and get into the spirit. The Gables is a restored 1890s Victorian Inn, so your photos will look amazing if you all dress to the nines!

A Thanksgiving holiday isn’t complete without a bit of Christmas shopping. Forget about the chaotic Black Friday sales and take the better option of strolling around the small shops nearby the LBI hotels during your stay. Barnegat Light’s Historic Viking Village has a darling collection of locally owned shops so you can surprise your loved ones with specially made LBI gifts. Remember to tell the kids to be on their best behavior because Santa Claus comes to Viking Village on November 26th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Things you must do when staying over in LBI for Christmas

Christmas at the beach this year? Why not? Staying over LBI hotels like Spray Beach Inn will give you the amazing chance to wake up on Christmas morning with the gorgeous view of the chilly Atlantic Ocean under a glittering sun.

If you prefer to wake up in your own bed on Christmas morning, then come to LBI some weekend before Christmas to kick off the holiday and put your family into the spirit. The ocean view from your LBI hotel’s window will be there all month long and so will the great local holiday festivities.

On Saturday, December 3rd you can witness (or participate in if you register ahead of time) an LBI community tradition for over 30 years, The Annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade. Businesses and families make floats set to a theme that changes every year, and then parade them down Long Beach Boulevard for judging. This year’s theme is “A Shell of a Christmas.”

Saturday, December 10th: Everyone is invited to Beach Haven’s Fantasy Island Amusement Park Christmas Party from noon to 5pm. It’ll be a fun-filled day for the whole family with giveaways, food, and Santa!

Continue getting your fill of holiday cheer and walk down to Veterans Memorial Park for Beach Haven’s Christmas Tree Lighting from 7-9pm. After spending the evening caroling, hearing a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and getting a visit from Santa, your kids will want to make this event part of your family holiday tradition. Those of you thoughtful enough to sleepover at one of the bargain-priced hotels will be glad to know that the Mariner Inn is just a mile and a half up the road.

Before you head back home on Sunday, stop by Beach Haven’s yuleTIDE, a boutique style Christmas Shop in Bay Village Shopping Center, and pick up a coastal Christmas ornament for your tree. You’ll probably want to swing by, sample, and buy some Country Kettle Fudge, too, since it’s right next door.

Ring in the New Year at LBI Hotels

With a low-key nightlife this time of year, LBI tends to be a quiet place for New Year’s Eve. It’s the perfect place for a romantic night with your honey. Some restaurants will be open and prepared to take your reservations, but no fireworks or parades are scheduled at this time. You could even have a laughter-filled game night with your family to greet the next year all together. Keep checking the Long Beach Island community calendars for updates on family friendly events to ring in the New Year.

Long Beach Island Hotels will be Decked with Holly!

With so much going on this holiday season, the lights will not be turned way down low, despite this favorite holiday song. So bring your corn for popping and sleepover at one of the best LBI hotels with their halls decked with holly! You might end up singing “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” from the comfort of your oceanfront suite or bayside hotel room. Next thing you know, you’re building snowmen with your family on the beach. What fun that would be!