The Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show runs 7 to 9 p.m., starring The Duprees with Wildwood’s own Joey M, hosted by Tommy Cono. It’s the second year for the show, put on by the Bobby Rydell Foundation, and tickets are sold through Ticketmaster. Here’s what to know, what else is happening in the Wildwoods that weekend, and our hotel that’s open about a quarter mile away.
The show at a glance
| Date | Saturday, December 5, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | Doors 6 p.m.; show 7 to 9 p.m. |
| Where | Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood |
| Lineup | The Duprees, Joey M; host Tommy Cono |
| Presented by | The Bobby Rydell Foundation |
| Tickets | Ticketmaster, linked from thebobbyrydellfoundation.org |
Details are from the Bobby Rydell Foundation’s event page, checked November 2, 2026. Ticket prices are set by the seller, so check Ticketmaster for current prices and seating.
What the night is
The foundation bills it as a night of holiday favorites and timeless classics. The Duprees are the doo-wop group behind “You Belong to Me,” and Joey M is a Wildwood performer. There are 50/50 raffles through the evening, and the foundation says a few “special holiday friends” may stop by for photos. It’s billed as a family show.
The foundation is named for Bobby Rydell, who sang the 1963 hit “Wildwood Days.”
The rest of that weekend
Plenty else is on that weekend, and many of the events are free:
- Friday, December 4: the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade steps off at 16th Avenue in North Wildwood at 6 p.m. and follows Central and Pacific Avenues to Byrne Plaza, where the downtown tree is lit at about 7 p.m. Christmas in the Plaza (free carnival rides and vendors) runs Friday 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5, daytime: Santa Paws, a dog-friendly walk through North Wildwood’s Olde New Jersey Avenue district starting at 1 p.m., and MudHen Brewing Company’s HenVille holiday market at 127 W. Rio Grande Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5, 5 p.m.: North Wildwood lights its tree at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, two hours before the show.
- Sunday, December 6: the Gingerbread House Community Contest at the Crest Arts Pavilion in Wildwood Crest, 10 a.m. to noon, and the last day of December Restaurant Week.
Times are from the Wildwoods island-wide holiday listings. For the whole season, see Christmas in the Wildwoods 2026; for the prix fixe menus, see December Restaurant Week. The Winter Wonderland light show at Holly Beach Park follows on December 11 and 12.
Where to stay
Coastal Sands Inn, 4110 Atlantic Ave, is the Coastal Collection hotel open from mid-October through April. The Convention Center is about a quarter mile away, so you can walk to the show. Bundle up for the walk back along the Boardwalk. Book Coastal Sands
Planning summer 2027? Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, Sunrise Inn and Paradise Inn reopen in April. Compare all five on the hotels in Wildwood page.
Quick answers
When is the Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7 to 9 p.m., with doors at 6 p.m., at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Who is performing?
The Duprees and Joey M, hosted by Tommy Cono.
Where do I buy tickets?
Through Ticketmaster; the Bobby Rydell Foundation’s event page links to the sale.
Is there a hotel near the Convention Center open in December?
Yes. Coastal Sands Inn, 4110 Atlantic Ave, is open from mid-October through April, about a quarter mile from the Convention Center.
