6 Winter Wonderlands To Enjoy This Weekend In Ocean County

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — If you're hoping to be walking in a winter wonderland this weekend, look no further. There are several events going on in Ocean County that are perfect for enjoying some festive family fun.

If pictures with Santa, delicious baked goods and even horse-drawn carriage rides are something that interests you, you won't want to miss these six winter wonderland events.

Winter Solstice Celebration at Cattus Island

Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cattus Island County Park

This is the perfect event for the whole family. The free celebration features games, crafts and live animal talks for an educational twist. Plus, enjoy horse carriage rides, campfire story time, tasty food, a visit from Santa Claus and the candy cane nature walk.

Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market

Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Heritage Park (49 West Bay Ave., Manahawkin)

Stafford Recreation's annual event is packed with great craft vendors and delicious food trucks. Enjoy live entertainment while you watch the ice sculpture artist do their work. And there will be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Here's a tip: parking at Town Hall (260 East Bay Ave.) gets you a free shuttle.

Winter Wonderland in Downtown Toms River

Dec. 9, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., 33 Washington St., Toms River

Town Hall's courtyard gets transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland village. Shop vendors, enjoy kids activities, listen to holiday music and you won't want to miss the hot chocolate station. Downtown businesses will be open, too, so you can explore.

Bay Head's Winter Wonderland

Dec. 9, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Grab a gourmet hot drink from the Backyard Brews beverage shack and some fresh popcorn and embark on a walking tour of the holiday decoration installations on Bay Head's beaches with the mayor. Return to the Town Clock and get more hot cocoa, sing carols, make an ornament, pick out a Christmas tree and hunt for gnomes at local shops.

Christmas in the Pines

Dec. 9, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Harry Wright Lake, Manchester

Manchester Recreation's event has food and craft vendors to shop, plus free kids activities and hot cocoa. Roast smores around the firepit and enjoy live performances on the stage, or take photos with Santa. In the evening, the tree will be lit and you can take a hayride to lighted walking trails.

Winter Wonderland in Point Beach

Dec. 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pleasure Park, Point Pleasant Beach

There will be plenty of winter cheer, with Santa, holiday games, crafts and more. Write a letter to Santa and take a photo with him. Or, make a card for a soldier. Warm up with hot cocoa or soup. And help make someone else's Christmas by bringing an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.