Many people think of Wildwood as just a summer beach destination. But there are actually plenty of things to do there in the winter months too! From holiday events to indoor attractions, Wildwood transforms into a charming seaside town that locals and visitors alike can enjoy year-round. This article will highlight the top winters in Wildwood activities, restaurants, and more so you can make the most of your off-season trip. With its festive boardwalk, nature trails, museums, and amusement piers, Wildwood offers a unique winter experience by the shore.
So bundle up and get ready to explore everything winters in wildwood has to offer in the colder months!
Winters in Wildwood Activities
Take a Stroll on the Boardwalk
The iconic Wildwood boardwalk stretches for over 2 miles along the beach. And while many rides and games shut down for the winter, the boardwalk itself remains open. Take a peaceful stroll by the ocean without the crowds and enjoy the festive lights. Stop for a hot chocolate or coffee along the way! A great way to start off your winters in Wildwood vacation!
Go Birdwatching
Cape May is considered one of the top birdwatching spots in the U.S., with over 400 species of birds sighted in the area. Winter brings migrating waterfowl like swans, geese, and ducks. Head to wildlife refuges like Cape May Point State Park or Stone Harbor Point for prime observation spots.
Visit the Cape May Lighthouse
Climb the 199 steps of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse for sweeping views of the winter coastline. The park also has nature trails and birdwatching. Special “Full Moon Climbs” at night provide a magical winter experience.
See a Show at the Cape May MAC
The Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture) offers theater, dance, music, and art exhibitions throughout winter. Catch a festive Christmas show or see a classic film screening. They also host First Friday gallery walks, trivia nights, and parties. Christmas time is a joy to behold during winters in Wildwood!
Indoor Attractions in Wildwood
When the weather is just too cold, head inside to explore these family-friendly indoor activities:
Take Your Young Explorers to Cape Map Zoo – Boo at the Zoo 23
Get ready for some spooky fun at the Cape May County Park and Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” event on Saturday, October 28th! From 10am to 2pm, families can enjoy Halloween-themed activities galore at this popular zoo in Cape May Court House. Kids and adults alike can show up in costume and trick-or-treat their way through the zoo, getting goodies from zookeepers along the trail. Other ghoulish highlights include crafts, pumpkin painting, educational demonstrations, creepy critter encounters, and more Halloween surprises. It’s the perfect day of not-too-scary fun to get into the spirit of the season. Don’t miss out on “Boo at the Zoo” for a roaring good time!
Bowl a Strike at Island Bowl & Family Entertainment Center
Island Bowl has been a beloved Wildwood staple since the early 1970s, offering fun for all ages. Spend date night knocking down pins on their authentic free-fall wooden lanes with state-of-the-art scoring. Or gather the kids for a birthday party bash, with fast pinsetters to keep the action going. After you work up an appetite bowling strikes, refuel at their full snack bar and relaxed lounge area. Quench your thirst with 11 beers on tap, including local brews from Anglesea Ale Works and Mudhen.
Explore Sealife at Seaport Aquarium
Experience close encounters with sharks, playful primates, crocodiles, and other fascinating marine life at the popular Seaport Aquarium, conveniently located right on the iconic Jersey Shore boardwalk in Wildwood. This family-friendly aquarium allows visitors of all ages to view and even pet some of the incredible animals on exhibit. It’s a must-visit attraction for any trip to the Wildwood boardwalk.
Go Wine Tasting at Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Visitors can indulge in wine tastings and tours at Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, getting an inside look at the winemaking process from vine to glass. This winery offers several specialty tour options, but one of the most popular is their Friday evening sunset tour. On this relaxing guided tour, guests can sample wines while strolling through the vineyards at golden hour, making it a memorable way to kick off your Wildwood weekend.
Seasonal Events & Activities
Throughout the winter and fall, Wildwood hosts fun holiday happenings like:
Wildwoods Holiday Light Spectacular
Gather the whole family to get into the holiday spirit at Wildwood’s magical light show, kicking off December 8-9. From 5-9pm, delight in this dazzling display as it lights up every 30 minutes, featuring over 2 million twinkling bulbs. Complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn will warm you up as you take in the sights. Kids can also write letters to Santa and get a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. After opening weekend, the stunning light show and decorations will continue nightly from 6:30-7pm through mid-January. This enchanting tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in when you visit winters in Wildwood.
Get Your Spooky on During Boos & Brews at MudHen Brew
Get your spooky on at MudHen Biergarten’s Hen meets Halloween Costume Party, a frighteningly fun event with live music, fire performers, and an extra dose of scary good vibes. Show up in your most creative costume and rock out to Don’t Call Me Francis from 5-9pm. Then catch jaw-dropping fire dancing performances outside on the patio from 6:30-9:30pm, as these fiery artists heat up the night. This spellbinding party has all the ingredients for a be-witching Halloween night in Wildwood.
Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood
The annual Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood is far more than just a chilly ocean dip – it supports a great cause. This exhilarating event raises funds for Special Olympics New Jersey, which offers free year-round sports training, competitions, leadership programs, and health screenings to thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Brave plungers take the icy plunge into the Atlantic, while spectators cheer them on and donate to this inspirational organization. So join in the fun or donate to Special Olympics NJ at the iconic Polar Bear Plunge, and know you’re making dreams come true for courageous athletes.
Cape May MAC Holiday House Tour
Step back in time and immerse yourself in festive holiday splendor during the beloved Christmas House Tour hosted annually by the Cape May MAC since 1974. This self-guided walking tour is a highlight of the season, allowing you to explore America’s only National Historic Landmark City dressed in its holiday best. Carolers serenade and lamps glow as you stroll the gaslit streets. Peek inside over a dozen beautifully-adorned homes, inns, B&Bs, churches, and hotels on this can’t-miss tour. From Victorian to modern, each space boasts stunning decorations sure to spark that Christmas spirit. For 48 years and counting, this has been Cape May’s most popular yuletide tradition – don’t miss it!
Where to Eat and Drink During Winters In Wildwood
Warm up inside these great restaurants and bars in Wildwood during winter:
Boathouse Restaurant & Marina Dock: Winter Waterside Wonders
Nestled by the serene waters, the Boathouse Restaurant & Marina Dock Restaurant offers a magical winter in Wildwood dining experience. Families can savor our delectable seafood dishes while enjoying panoramic views of Wildwood’s frosty marina. The restaurant’s nautical-themed decor, adorned with winter touches, creates a cozy haven from the cold. It’s the perfect spot to relish the tranquility of winter in Wildwood, with sumptuous meals and breathtaking views.
Dogtooth Bar & Grill: Winter Warmth for the Whole Family
Experience the cozy charm of winter in Wildwood at Dogtooth Bar & Grill. Families will love our heartwarming dishes, perfect for those chilly Wildwood evenings. With spacious seating and a festive winter ambiance, it’s the ideal spot for family gatherings during the colder months. Let our attentive staff serve you, making your winter dining truly memorable.
MudHen Brew: Winter Delights for Family Nights
MudHen Brew captures the essence of winter in Wildwood with its unique blend of craft beers and a menu tailored for the season. The rustic ambiance, reminiscent of a winter cabin, provides a snug setting for families to bond over hearty meals. Our outdoor seating area, adorned with winter decor, offers a picturesque view of Wildwood’s winter landscape. Gather your family and create winter memories over delightful brews and bites.
Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza: A Slice of Winter in Wildwood
Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza brings the flavors of Italy to winter in Wildwood. Families can indulge in our handcrafted pizzas and pasta dishes, perfect for warming up during the cold season. The inviting atmosphere, with subtle winter touches, makes it a top choice for family dinners in Wildwood’s winter months. Experience a culinary journey to Italy, right in the heart of a Wildwood winter.
Did you know that Dave Portny from BarStool Sports reviewed Poppi’s on One Bite Pizza Reviews? Yup!
Winter Lodging in Wildwood
These hotels offer indoor pools, hot tubs, and cozy amenities for winter getaways:
The Hen Houses: Your Cozy Winter Retreat in Wildwood
Experience the charm of winter in Wildwood with a stay at The Hen Houses. These beautifully crafted homes offer families a warm and inviting sanctuary from the winter chill. With spacious interiors, modern amenities, and a touch of rustic elegance, The Hen Houses provide the ideal backdrop for memorable family moments. Whether it’s sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace or watching the snowfall from the comfort of your porch, The Hen Houses make winter in Wildwood a magical family affair.
Don’t miss out on exclusive winter Wildwood hotel offers and experiences that are designed to enhance your stay this winter in Wildwood!
Starlux Boutique Hotel: A Winter Wonderland in Wildwood
Discover the enchantment of winter in Wildwood at the Starlux Boutique Hotel. This award-winning retro gem, just steps away from Wildwood’s iconic beach and boardwalk, offers families a cozy retreat with its nostalgic charm. With amenities like a 27-hole mini-golf course, an ice cream parlor, and exclusive offers on amusement rides and water slides, it’s the perfect winter escape. Experience the magic of the season while enjoying the comforts of a boutique hotel that captures the essence of Wildwood’s golden era.
Bolero Resort: A Winter Escape in the Heart of Wildwood
Nestled centrally in Wildwood, Bolero Resort offers families a winter retreat like no other. With unparalleled amenities, from our cozy rooms to our two inviting swimming pools, winter in Wildwood becomes a warm and memorable experience at Bolero. Just steps away from the beach and boardwalk, families can enjoy the serene beauty of the winter seascape while indulging in the comforts and services that make Bolero Resort a top choice for seasonal getaways.
FAQ About Visiting Wildwood in Winter
Head to indoor attractions like the Cape May County Zoo, aviation museum, mini golf courses, laser tag, bowling alley, movies, and Cape May MAC for performing arts shows. Many restaurants, shops, and bars also stay lively year-round.
Fireworks displays wrap up with the summer season. But you can catch special holiday fireworks on New Year’s Eve and around Christmas/New Year’s at events like the Holiday Light Spectacular.
It does occasionally snow in Wildwood during the winter, but large snow accumulations over a few inches are uncommon. Winters are generally milder near the ocean. Check forecasts for any expected winter storms.
Swimming in the ocean is allowed year-round, but water temps dip into the 30s-40s Fahrenheit so it’s not advisable! Chilly winter winds also make it feel much colder. Stick to heated indoor hotel pools for swimming.
Most major amusement piers like Morey’s Piers close after Labor Day and reopen in late spring. But you can still stroll along the piers and boardwalk all winter long.
Yes, Wildwood’s wide beaches are open year-round for walking, jogging, beachcombing, and relaxing. However, lifeguards are only on duty from mid-May through September. Swimming is at your own risk in the off season.
Experience Wildwood Like A Local During Winters In Wildwood
Wildwood offers a unique off-season experience for those willing to embrace cooler weather and smaller crowds. You’ll find festive holiday events, nature escapes, delicious restaurants, and family-friendly indoor activities perfect for winters in Wildwood.
So next time you plan a trip to this iconic Jersey Shore town, consider the magical allure of its beaches and boardwalk in winter. Wildwood delivers seaside fun all year long!
About the Author: Robin Sciarra
