Winter Magic on the Jersey Shore at ICONA Avalon

The New Jersey shore brings instant thoughts of sun-soaked beaches, bustling boardwalks, and classic summertime memories. But, I’ll let you in on a secret – winter along the Jersey shore holds its own special magic, especially at ICONA Avalon Resort.

During what they’ve dubbed “Cozy Season,” the Winter Wonderland celebration at ICONA Avalon transforms this popular beach hotel into an enchanting holiday escape that proves the shore isn’t just for summer.

The ICONA Avalon entrance at dusk featuring a glowing green neon sign, stone facade, and holiday decorations including wreaths with red bows and white string lights

ICONA Avalon’s welcoming entrance transforms for Cozy Season with elegant holiday lighting and decor. | Photo: Better Living

Picture this: Twinkling lights all round, the sound of holiday music mixing with crashing waves, and the warmth of fire pits glowing against the crisp evening air.

When we arrived at ICONA Avalon, we weren’t sure what to expect. But within moments of seeing their beautifully decorated entrance – where illuminated wreaths and colorful lights greeted us into their holiday wonderland – I knew this wouldn’t be your typical beach getaway. And that’s exactly what we were looking for.

Winter Wonderland at ICONA Avalon Resort

A nighttime view of the ICONA Winter Wonderland skating rink with LED lighting, holiday wreaths, and festive ornament-shaped cocktails displayed along the rink's edge. A girl is skating and smiling.

The synthetic ice skating rink comes alive at night with holiday decorations and signature cocktails served in ornament glasses | Photo: Better Living

ICONA Avalon Winter Wonderland at the Sandbar Village captures everything magical about the season while adding an unexpected coastal twist. During the holiday season the space transforms into a merry seaside celebration that feels like you’re stepping into a holiday Hallmark movie.

The synthetic ice skating rink forms the heart of the festivities, glowing under strings of lights as skaters glide across its surface. While different from traditional ice, it’s still a lot of fun, and there’s definitely something special about skating with the sound of waves in the background. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary skating (a nice perk!), while visitors pay just $10 for a 90-minute session including skate rental.

Beachside lounge area with gray wicker sofas with navy cushions, white fire pits, and string lights overhead. Large lit wreaths with red bows decorate the posts at sunset

The comfortable fire pit lounge area at Winter Wonderland offers perfect sunset views and cozy gathering spaces | Photo: Better Living

The attention to detail in the Winter Wonderland setup is impressive. Large brightly lit wreaths with red bows dot the pathways, while strands of twinkling lights create a starry canopy overhead. Plush sectional sofas surround modern fire pits, offering cozy spots to warm up after skating with a cocktail.

Acoustic musician Dean Dunlevy performing by a fire pit at night, his guitar covered in stickers, flames visible in the foreground

Dean Dunlevy provides live entertainment fireside at Winter Wonderland | Photo: Better Living

The evening entertainment adds another layer of magic. We were lucky enough to catch acoustic performer Dean Dunlevy, whose guitar-driven melodies perfectly matched the fun atmosphere. He was even taking requests and hosted some impromptu karaoke. Sitting fireside and listening to his set captured the unique blend of beach town charm and winter wonderland vibes that make this place so special.

Close-up of two illuminated cocktail glasses shaped like Christmas ornaments - one blue and one red - with decorative straws, set against a backdrop of twinkling holiday lights

ICONA’s signature winter cocktails come served in festive ornament cups | Photo: Better Living

The winter cocktail menu at ICONA Avalon also deserves special mention. Drinks arrive in Instagram-worthy ornament-shaped glasses that capture the surrounding lights. The Cider Mule became my quick favorite, blending vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer for a seasonal spin on the classic. We also tried the Spiked Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Rumchata – the perfect fireside warmer. There’s also Mulled Wine that combines red wine, brandy, honey, and mulling spices.

If you’re craving some delicious bites during your visit, you’re in for a treat. Their onsite restaurant, Avalon Brew Pub, offers a full take-out menu and their team will deliver your order right to your spot in Winter Wonderland. You can enjoy their culinary creations alongside a drink from the bar, which features bottled and canned beers, hot cocoa, coffee (both regular and spiked), and a signature winter cocktail guaranteed to warm you up. It’s the perfect way to indulge while soaking up the festivities.

Winter Wonderland Hours of Operation

Fridays: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturdays: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Photos with Santa

On 12/7 and 12/14, Santa Claus himself will be stopping by Winter Wonderland! From 1 PM – 3 PM, families can enjoy complimentary photos with the man in red. ICONA’s team will help capture a magical moment with your little ones and email the photo directly to you—perfect for preserving holiday memories.

Live Music at Winter Wonderland

On select Saturdays, from 2 PM – 6 PM, enjoy live music at ICONA’s Winter Wonderland in the Sandbar Village. Weather permitting, these performances create the perfect soundtrack to your festive experience.

Dining at Avalon Brew Pub

Interior of Avalon Brew Pub showing a ceiling decorated with beer kegs and Edison bulbs, leather chairs, and an illuminated yellow wall feature

Avalon Brew Pub’s distinctive ceiling made from beer kegs creates a unique dining atmosphere | Photo: Better Living

When it comes to dining, you don’t even need to leave the resort. The onsite Avalon Brew Pub is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering creative comfort food and house-brewed beers. Prices are reasonable too, and the service here is outstanding. See their menus.

The dining area features an artistic ceiling made entirely of beer kegs, complemented by Edison bulbs that cast a warm glow over the dining room. Rich leather seating and wood tones create an inviting atmosphere for every meal.

Breakfast here strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, with a presentation that’s as impressive as the flavors.

Avocado toast on ancient grain bread topped with roasted colorful cherry tomatoes and chili flakes, served with a side salad and coffee

The Avalon Brew Pub’s Avocado Toast features fresh avocado and blistered tomatoes on artisanal bread | Photo: Better Living

The Avocado Toast is served on grilled ancient grain bread, topped with thick slices of avocado, roasted heirloom tomatoes, and a hint of chili flakes for a subtle kick. Garnished with blistered tomatoes, it’s a vibrant dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

The Aloha Pineapple Bowl is a tropical delight, featuring a halved fresh pineapple filled with creamy Greek yogurt, juicy berries, and honey-drizzled granola for the perfect crunchy finish.

A cheese pull shot of a pepperoni pizza showing melted mozzarella stretching from a lifted slice, with perfectly crispy pepperoni cups

The artisan pepperoni pizza showcases Jersey fresh tomato sauce and a blend of melted cheeses | Photo: Better Living

Lunch was equally impressive, with artisan pizzas that show the pub’s dedication to even the classics. The pepperoni pizza features a perfectly charred crust, topped with Jersey fresh tomato sauce, generous slices of Bellese pepperoni, and a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and grana padano that creates those coveted cheese pulls with every slice. Craving something heartier? The Avalon Burger is sure to hit the spot.

Their house-brewed beer selection deserves special mention and their beer flight is a must-order for any craft beer enthusiast (or the craft beer curious).

A wooden flight board with four beer samples ranging from light golden to dark amber, with a tasting menu card

A flight of Avalon Brew Pub’s house-made beers | Photo: Better Living

Served on a wooden paddle, the flight features four 5-ounce pours that showcase the variety and quality of their brews.

We sampled the crisp Chill Pils pilsner, the refreshing Belgian Beach Bum witbier, the smooth and malty Healing Sun amber, and the bold, hoppy We Don’t Play IPA. Each brew is expertly crafted and pairs beautifully with the pub’s menu offerings.

Giant Bavarian pretzel displayed vertically on a metal stand, dusted with coarse salt against a backdrop of twinkling Christmas tree lights, served with beer cheese and grain mustard aioli in white ceramic bowls on a navy blue napkin

The Giant Bavarian Pretzel with house-made dipping sauces | Photo: Better Living

Dinner also exceeded our expectations. We kicked things off with the Giant Bavarian Pretzel—a true showstopper. Presented on a custom stand, it’s dusted with salt and served with house-made beer cheese and grain mustard aioli.

The Fried Calamari elevated the classic appetizer with tender, lightly crispy rings, complemented by fried banana peppers and a lemon caper aioli.

Close-up of perfectly seared jumbo shrimp atop bucatini pasta in a spicy calabrian vodka sauce, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on a white ceramic plate

Shrimp Bucatini with Calabrian vodka sauce and fresh crabmeat | Photo: Better Living

For mains, the Shrimp Bucatini was a standout, combining a generous portion of seared shrimp, a spicy Calabrian vodka sauce, fresh crab meat, and a topping of crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs.

Half roasted chicken glazed with honey sriracha sauce and topped with white sesame seeds, served in a cast iron skillet with crispy brussels sprouts, the chicken skin perfectly lacquered and glistening

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken with crispy brussels sprouts | Photo: Better Living

The Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken features a roasted half chicken glazed with a tangy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. The crispy skin holds the glaze perfectly, while the meat stays tender and juicy. Served with crispy brussels sprouts and applewood bacon, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.

Layered cheesecake dessert served in an elegant glass goblet featuring whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and graham cracker crumbs, topped with a maraschino cherry, photographed against soft holiday lights

Cheesecake Goblet: A festive finish to dinner | Photo: Better Living

Save room for dessert! Their Cheesecake Goblet layers creamy cheesecake with graham cracker pieces and fresh whipped cream in a large glass goblet. It’s a perfect sweet ending to any meal.

Accommodations at ICONA Avalon Resort

Luxurious oceanfront studio featuring a white king bed, matching sleeper sofa, and floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a balcony with Atlantic Ocean views. A charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and a purple orchid garnish sits beside champagne flutes on a marble side table

Oceanfront Luxury King Studio with panoramic views at ICONA Avalon | Photo: Better Living

Our Oceanfront Luxury King Studio on the third floor instantly transported us into a world of coastal sophistication. ICONA has mastered the art of beach-inspired luxury without falling into kitschy coastal clichés.

The studio’s bright white interiors mirror the serene winter beach scene outside, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views of the Atlantic.

Oceanfront balcony featuring gray wicker furniture with navy cushions, glass coffee table, and two coffee mugs, overlooking winter beach dunes and the Atlantic Ocean through white railings on a clear day

The private oceanfront balcony offers the perfect spot for morning coffee and bird watching | Photo: Better Living

The balcony was our favorite morning spot. Each day started with ICONA’s signature coffee blend (provided with the in-room Keurig) while watching the brilliant sunrise.

Dramatic winter sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, with orange and gold clouds illuminated by the rising sun, casting golden reflections on the water and silhouetting the dune grass in the foreground

Spectacular winter sunrises over the Atlantic, viewed right from your balcony | Photo: Better Living

Even in November, the balcony offered a prime spot for birding – we watched beach cardinals eating berries along the dunes, dark-eyed juncos hopping along the sand, and yellow-rumped warblers darting past. And of course there were plenty of gulls in the distance, enjoying the crisp ocean breeze.

A bright red male cardinal perched among winter branches near white berries and green leaves, photographed in sharp detail against a natural background showing its distinctive black face mask and crest

A beach cardinal enjoying berries at ICONA Avalon | Photo: Better Living

The studio strikes that perfect balance between luxury and livability. Our plush king bed was incredibly comfortable, while the living area featured a large sleeper sofa perfect for afternoon reading and movie watching.

The galley kitchen proved more useful than we expected – having a cooktop, microwave, and refrigerator meant we could enjoy leftovers from Avalon Brew Pub and keep our favorite beverages chilled.

Modern white galley kitchen with beachy artwork featuring blue and white striped umbrellas, stainless steel appliances, subway tile backsplash, Keurig coffee maker, and quartz countertops with coordinated light wood flooring

The well-equipped galley kitchen makes morning coffee and leftovers a breeze | Photo: Better Living

After evenings spent at Winter Wonderland, the room transformed into our own cozy retreat. We’d make some tea, sink into the sofa, and watch Christmas movies on the huge widescreen TV.

We didn’t want to leave.

Cozy Season at ICONA Avalon

Elegant coastal-style lobby with roaring fireplace, nautical artwork and model ship above mantle, ornate white mirror, cream upholstered sofas, black coffee table, and blue patterned rug, accented with white hydrangea bouquet

The inviting lobby combines nautical charm with cozy elegance for perfect winter relaxation | Photo: Better Living

What makes ICONA’s Cozy Season special is how it balances activity with relaxation. One moment you’re gliding around the ice rink or singing along with live music by the fire pits, the next you’re cozied up in the elegant lobby where a roaring fireplace and plush sofas invite you to linger with a good book.

Winter beach landscape showing sand dunes with golden beach grass, wooden fence, and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean under a bright winter sky

Winter transforms Avalon’s beaches into a serene escape of dunes, sea grass, and endless ocean views | Photo: Better Living

The resort’s location puts you steps from everything – the beach for morning walks, the town for shopping and exploring, and their Winter Wonderland festivities for evening entertainment. Yet it never feels busy or rushed the way summer visits can.

Winter Activities in Avalon, NJ

Large bronze dolphin statue wearing a Santa hat in front of a lit Christmas tree and light-up reindeer decorations in Avalon's town center, with blue lampposts and American flag visible against a bright winter sky

Avalon embraces winter charm with its iconic dolphin mascot dressed for the holidays | Photo: Better Living

The town of Avalon, NJ fully embraces the holiday spirit. A towering Christmas tree stands proud in the town center, while a whimsical dolphin statue sporting a Santa hat adds that perfect touch of beach town charm to the holiday decorations.

During the afternoon, we ventured to the Avalon Seawatch – a unique initiative by the New Jersey Audubon research department. It’s the only ongoing autumn seabird census on the East Coast, and from October through December, the beach becomes a front-row seat to an impressive parade of migrating birds.

Person walking along the rocky Avalon Seawatch jetty on a clear winter day, with coastal homes and the blue Atlantic Ocean visible in the background

The Avalon Seawatch offers peaceful winter walks with stunning views of boats and coastal homes | Photo: Better Living

The views here took our breath away. Crystal clear blue-green waters stretched to the horizon under a blue winter sky. Local fishermen cast their lines as boats zipped across the water. To see the birds, try to arrive around sunrise and sunset.

Final Thoughts on Winter Wonderland at ICONA Avalon

Illuminated synthetic ice skating rink at ICONA Avalon's Winter Wonderland, featuring a decorated Christmas tree with multicolored lights in the foreground, string lights overhead with white fabric canopies, and skaters enjoying the rink at dusk. A lit wreath with red bow hangs near the tree

ICONA Avalon’s Winter Wonderland transforms their outdoor space into a magical skating experience | Photo: Better Living

ICONA Avalon’s Cozy Season and Winter Wonderland proves that beach vacations aren’t just for summer.

For couples seeking a romantic winter getaway or families looking for holiday fun, ICONA Avalon delivers a cozy and magical experience that might just change how you think about a trip to the shore.

We’ve been home for days now, and I’m still dreaming about morning coffees on that balcony and evenings spent by the fire at Winter Wonderland.

Beachside lounge area at dusk with illuminated Christmas wreaths with red bows, string lights overhead, boardwalk path, and a colorfully lit Christmas tree beside fire pit seating

Winter Wonderland comes alive at dusk with festive lights and cozy fire pit lounges | Photo: Better Living

After experiencing the magic of Cozy Season firsthand, I can confidently say that ICONA Avalon has created something special here – a winter beach escape that captures all the warmth and wonder of the holidays that feels both festive and peaceful.

Don’t be surprised if one visit turns into an annual tradition.

The Jersey Shore’s winter magic has a way of calling you back.

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Winter Magic on the Jersey Shore at ICONA Avalon