The holidays are here! Between shopping trips to cross things off your shopping list, check out some South Jersey events to make you feel a little more festive. 

Horse & Carriage Rides

Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 23

We don’t need snow to have a winter wonderland experience. From noon to 3 pm each weekend, Ocean City is offering horse and carriage rides starting from 6th St. and Asbury Ave. For more information, visit the website. 

Pawliday Winter Wonderland 

Dec. 3 

Woof! Grab fido and head to Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees for an afternoon of fun for pets and people, too. Take photos with Santa and the Grinch, get started on your holiday shopping and visit food vendors from noon to 4 pm. For more information, visit the website. 

Birdwatching Walk  

Dec. 5

Be on the lookout for migratory ducks, grebes and more birds during this guided winter birdwatching walk through Willingboro Lakes. The walk starts at 10 am and lasts 2 hours. For more information and to register, visit the website. 

Winter Fest 

Dec. 9 

‘Tis the season for holiday festivities, like Historic Smithville’s Winter Fest, featuring wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire, ice skating, ice carving, art exhibits, live entertainment and Victorian Santa. The festival runs from 1 to 7 pm. For more information, visit the website. 

Winter Solstice Sunset hike

Dec. 21

Celebrate the shortest day of the year by taking in all the beauty of South Jersey. Naturalist Gina will guide a hike through Long Bridge Park beginning at 3:30 pm. The hike will last an hour and a half and registration is required. For more information, visit the website.