The Jersey Shore celebrates Thanksgiving with deep-rooted community events, coastal outdoor adventures, and lively holiday weekend kickoffs.
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Many families think of “football” on Thanksgiving, and many local school rivalries play every year, but families also look forward to many other traditional outings.
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From early morning ocean excursions to multi-generational gatherings, local towns have built unique ways to spend the holiday week.
Here are 5 iconic local traditions that define Thanksgiving at the Jersey Shore:
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1. Thanksgiving Eve Reunions (“Drinksgiving”)
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- The Vibe: The biggest bar night of the year serves as an informal high school reunion as people return home for the holidays.
- Hotspots: Massive crowds pack legendary venues like Bar A in Lake Como for live music, while Asbury Park staples like the Wonder Bar host special holiday eve rock shows.
2. Thanksgiving Morning “Striper Special” Fishing
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- The Vibe: Anglers brave the crisp autumn air at 6:00 AM to target peak-season striped bass before heading home for dinner.
- Hotspots: Open-boat charters and party vessels depart from Point Pleasant Beach and other coastal inlets for targeted five-hour holiday-morning excursions.
3. Coastal Turkey Trots & Ocean Plunges
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- The Vibe: High-energy morning runs along the oceanfront that often raise money for local charities.
- Hotspots: The historic Manasquan Turkey Trot draws thousands of runners, while Asbury Park’s Thanks4Giving Turkey Dash combines a boardwalk 5K with a chilly “Turkey Splash” ocean plunge into the Atlantic.
4. Thanksgiving Morning Football Rivalries
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- The Vibe: Historic high school football games that pull entire neighborhoods out of bed before sunrise.
- Hotspots: Decades-old matchups between rival Shore Conference schools bring out generations of alumni, families, and locals to cheer from the freezing sidelines before the afternoon feast.
5. Black Friday Holiday Kickoffs
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- The Vibe: Transitioning immediately from turkey to Christmas cheer with coastal tree lightings and seaside shopping.
- Hotspots: Coastal downtowns like Ocean City skip the mega-malls and launch Christmas in the Downtown, welcoming Santa Claus via horse-drawn carriage to kick off the coastal shopping season.