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The holiday spirit is coming to Ventnor Avenue! The Margate Business Association invites residents and visitors to celebrate the Shop Small Extravaganza, presented by Bocca Coal Fired Bistro, on Saturday, November 28, from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping, special sales, discounts, contests, family-friendly entertainment and festive surprises as Margate’s business district transforms into a lively holiday destination.
ASL SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!
Santa is arriving in true Margate style aboard his traditional Beach Patrol sleigh boat, pulled by the Margate City Fire Department’s F-29 vehicle and accompanied by his trusty elf and unicorn! At approximately 12:30 p.m., the Mainland Cheerleading Squad will kick off the festivities with a special performance in front of Bocca.
USA DJ will keep the holiday spirit going with seasonal favorites, interactive games and giveaways. Guests can also enjoy appearances by an inflatable Lucy the Elephant and everyone’s favorite holiday mischief-maker, the Grinch!
The holiday magic continues inside Bocca Coal Fired Bistro, where guests can meet Miss New Jersey 2026, Kylie Gene Wright of Egg Harbor Township. Children can take photos with Santa, talk or sign with him, and share their holiday wish lists. Bocca will treat children to a complimentary slice of pizza and soda. East Coast Fairy Hair will also be on hand offering festive hair creations for a fee.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
There’s something for everyone along Ventnor Avenue! Enjoy activities with Hot Bagels & More, spin Sustainable Margate’s popular prize wheel, visit a caricature artist, play cornhole and stop by the Margate Business Association tent for Wawa and Bocca coupons.
Try your luck in the MBA tricky tray raffle featuring exciting prizes, including Philadelphia 76ers tickets, a beach cruiser courtesy of Margate Bike Shop, a JCC package and more.
SCAVENGER HUNT, CONTEST, TOY DRIVE & MORE
The holiday fun continues throughout Margate with a festive scavenger hunt featuring small holiday boxes filled with coupons to local businesses, hidden in outdoor locations throughout the business districts. Limit one box per person; no boxes will be hidden inside businesses. Guests are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program and drop it off at the donation box next to USA DJ’s tent. Want another chance to win? Snap a selfie in front of your favorite Margate business and email it to info@margatehasmore.com for a chance to win! Winners will be selected and announced on Tuesday, December 1.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Can’t make it to Santa in person? Children can drop their holiday wish lists into the special Letters to Santa mailbox located in Bocca’s foyer. The mailbox will be available from November 28 through December 4.
MARGATE FIELDS WINTER WONDERLIGHTS
Sustainable Margate will showcase environmental displays and offer interactive games with prizes at Bocca. New Jersey Fairy Hair will add a touch of sparkle to your locks with sparkly strand extensions. There will also be Wawa giveaways and you can drop your letters to Santa off in the lobby of Bocca!
What is Shop Small?
In the midst of the recession in 2010 — Small Business Saturday® was created by American Express on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day, and officials in all 50 states participate. It even gets a shout-out from the president of the United States. Who knew that in 2020 we’d face one of the most devastating national health crises in our lifetime. Small Businesses were once again thrown a curve ball as our nation battled the after effects of a national “shut down” during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Small Movement is more relevant then ever. If you cannot shop in person, please consider purchasing virtual gift cards by contacting your favorite local retailers, professionals or restaurants.
