This Iconic Holiday Event in New Jersey is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

There are few things I love more around this time of year than visiting a holiday market. Pop-up events are usually themed to the nines, filled with small-batch goods that make perfect gifts, and often offer delightful holiday snacks as well. I've talked before about how I think the Asbury Park off-season is the perfect time to visit this mid-sized New Jersey shore city, as it has a rich cultural scene that doesn't need beach-goers to keep going strong. But if you're not sold yet, it's also home to an amazing New Jersey holiday event - the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar. This carefully curated market has been held in the Asbury Park Convention Hall at select times and in different seasons for years now. The holiday version might be my favorite, and this year, it's expanding. Read on to discover how this year's Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar will be bigger and better than ever.

The Asbury Park Bazaar has been a beloved institution in Asbury Park for years, and it's all thanks to the hard work of its leadership team led by Jenny Vickers Chyb and Jennifer Chavez. Along with Operations and Entertainment Manager Joe Chyb, they've created one of the most buzzworthy markets in the Garden State.

Held in the sprawling Asbury Park Convention Hall, the bazaar's holiday market hosts dozens of vendors from around New Jersey and beyond, selling clothing, beauty supplies, food, and so much more. It's one of the best spots for gift-hunting in the state.

But the event has become so popular it's outgrown its old spot. The main holiday market will be in the convention hall every Friday through Sunday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22, 2024, as always, but this year a second pop-up market will be taking place at the Asbury Hotel, just a three-minute walk from the Convention Hall, on the first three Sundays of December.

This isn't just a market, either. You can expect plenty of holiday festivities, including live music, craft activities for the kids, and holiday-inspired food and drink. It's one of the best holiday parties in New Jersey.

And, of course, it wouldn't be a holiday bazaar without the chance to meet Jolly Old Saint Nick. Proceeds from photos with Santa will benefit the AP Toy Drive.

Have you visited the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar in past years? If not, tell a friend and make plans, because shopping is always more fun with a partner! You can see this year's dates on the Asbury Park Bazaar website, and make sure to follow the Asbury Park Bazaar Facebook page for some sneak peeks at the vendors you can expect. I recently discovered Latin Diner, the best cheap eats spot on the shore. This lunch counter has an amazing selection with most dishes under $10 for lunch, so be sure to stop by while you're in town. And one of the market's sites, the Asbury Hotel, is an amazing spot for a night's rest if you're coming from far away.