Winter Magic on the Jersey Shore at ICONA Avalon

The New Jersey shore brings on the spot ideas of sun-soaked seashores, bustling boardwalks, and basic summertime reminiscences. However, I’ll allow you to in on a secret – winter alongside the Jersey shore holds its personal particular magic, particularly at ICONA Avalon Resort.

Throughout what they’ve dubbed “Cozy Season,” the Winter Wonderland celebration at ICONA Avalon transforms this common seashore lodge into a fascinating vacation escape that proves the shore isn’t only for summer season.

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 vacation lighting and decor. | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Image this: Twinkling lights all spherical, the sound of vacation music mixing with crashing waves, and the heat of fireside pits glowing towards the crisp night air.

After we arrived at ICONA Avalon, we weren’t positive what to anticipate. However inside moments of seeing their superbly adorned entrance – the place illuminated wreaths and colourful lights greeted us into their vacation wonderland – I knew this wouldn’t be your typical seashore getaway. And that’s precisely what we have been in search of.

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 artificial ice skating rink comes alive at night time with vacation decorations and signature cocktails served in decoration glasses | Picture: Higher Dwelling

ICONA Avalon Winter Wonderland on the Sandbar Village captures every part magical in regards to the season whereas including an sudden coastal twist. Through the vacation season the area transforms right into a merry seaside celebration that feels such as you’re getting into a vacation Hallmark film.

The artificial ice skating rink types the center of the festivities, glowing beneath strings of lights as skaters glide throughout its floor. Whereas totally different from conventional ice, it’s nonetheless numerous enjoyable, and there’s positively one thing particular about skating with the sound of waves within the background. Resort visitors get pleasure from complimentary skating (a pleasant perk!), whereas guests pay simply $10 for a 90-minute session together with 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 comfy fireplace pit lounge space at Winter Wonderland affords excellent sundown views and comfortable gathering areas | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The eye to element within the Winter Wonderland setup is spectacular. Massive brightly lit wreaths with purple bows dot the pathways, whereas strands of twinkling lights create a starry cover overhead. Plush sectional sofas encompass fashionable fireplace pits, providing cozy spots to heat 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 gives reside leisure fireplace at Winter Wonderland | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The night leisure provides one other layer of magic. We have been fortunate sufficient to catch acoustic performer Dean Dunlevy, whose guitar-driven melodies completely matched the enjoyable environment. He was even taking requests and hosted some impromptu karaoke. Sitting fireplace and listening to his set captured the distinctive mix of seashore city appeal and winter wonderland vibes that make this place so particular.

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 decoration cups | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The winter cocktail menu at ICONA Avalon additionally deserves particular point out. Drinks arrive in Instagram-worthy ornament-shaped glasses that seize the encircling lights. The Cider Mule turned my fast favourite, mixing vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer for a seasonal spin on the basic. We additionally tried the Spiked Scorching Chocolate with Peppermint Rumchata – the right fireplace hotter. There’s additionally Mulled Wine that mixes purple wine, brandy, honey, and mulling spices.

In the event you’re craving some scrumptious bites throughout your go to, you’re in for a deal with. Their onsite restaurant, Avalon Brew Pub, affords a full take-out menu and their crew will ship your order proper to your spot in Winter Wonderland. You may get pleasure from their culinary creations alongside a drink from the bar, which options bottled and canned beers, scorching cocoa, espresso (each common and spiked), and a signature winter cocktail assured to heat you up. It’s the right technique to indulge whereas absorbing 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

Photographs with Santa

On 12/7 and 12/14, Santa Claus himself can be stopping by Winter Wonderland! From 1 PM – 3 PM, households can get pleasure from complimentary pictures with the person in purple. ICONA’s crew will assist seize a magical second along with your little ones and e mail the picture on to you—excellent for preserving vacation reminiscences.

Reside Music at Winter Wonderland

On choose Saturdays, from 2 PM – 6 PM, get pleasure from reside music at ICONA’s Winter Wonderland within the Sandbar Village. Climate allowing, these performances create the right soundtrack to your festive expertise.

Eating 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 out of beer kegs creates a novel eating environment | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Relating to eating, you don’t even want to depart the resort. The onsite Avalon Brew Pub is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing artistic consolation meals and house-brewed beers. Costs are cheap too, and the service right here is excellent. See their menus.

The eating space options a creative ceiling made totally of beer kegs, complemented by Edison bulbs that solid a heat glow over the eating room. Wealthy leather-based seating and wooden tones create an inviting environment for each meal.

Breakfast right here strikes the right stability between wholesome and indulgent, with a presentation that’s as spectacular because 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 options contemporary avocado and blistered tomatoes on artisanal bread | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The Avocado Toast is served on grilled historical grain bread, topped with thick slices of avocado, roasted heirloom tomatoes, and a touch of chili flakes for a refined kick. Garnished with blistered tomatoes, it’s a vibrant dish that’s as visually interesting as it’s scrumptious.

The Aloha Pineapple Bowl is a tropical delight, that includes a halved contemporary pineapple full of creamy Greek yogurt, juicy berries, and honey-drizzled granola for the right crunchy end.

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 contemporary tomato sauce and a mix of melted cheeses | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Lunch was equally spectacular, with artisan pizzas that present the pub’s dedication to even the classics. The pepperoni pizza encompasses a completely charred crust, topped with Jersey contemporary tomato sauce, beneficiant slices of Bellese pepperoni, and a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and grana padano that creates these coveted cheese pulls with each slice. Craving one thing heartier? The Avalon Burger is bound to hit the spot.

Their house-brewed beer choice deserves particular point out and their beer flight is a must-order for any craft beer fanatic (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 | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Served on a picket paddle, the flight options 4 5-ounce pours that showcase the range and high quality of their brews.

We sampled the crisp Chill Pils pilsner, the refreshing Belgian Seashore Bum witbier, the sleek and malty Therapeutic Solar amber, and the daring, hoppy We Don’t Play IPA. Every brew is expertly crafted and pairs superbly with the pub’s menu choices.

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 Big Bavarian Pretzel with house-made dipping sauces | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Dinner additionally exceeded our expectations. We kicked issues off with the Big Bavarian Pretzel—a real showstopper. Offered on a customized stand, it’s dusted with salt and served with house-made beer cheese and grain mustard aioli.

The Fried Calamari elevated the basic appetizer with tender, flippantly 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 contemporary crabmeat | Picture: Higher Dwelling

For mains, the Shrimp Bucatini was a standout, combining a beneficiant portion of seared shrimp, a spicy Calabrian vodka sauce, contemporary 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 Hen with crispy brussels sprouts | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The Honey Sriracha Glazed Hen encompasses a roasted half hen glazed with a tangy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. The crispy pores and skin holds the glaze completely, whereas the meat stays tender and juicy. Served with crispy brussels sprouts and applewood bacon, this dish is the right stability of candy, 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 end to dinner | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Save room for dessert! Their Cheesecake Goblet layers creamy cheesecake with graham cracker items and contemporary whipped cream in a big glass goblet. It’s an ideal candy ending to any meal.

Lodging 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 Luxurious King Studio with panoramic views at ICONA Avalon | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Our Oceanfront Luxurious King Studio on the third flooring immediately transported us right into a world of coastal sophistication. ICONA has mastered the artwork of beach-inspired luxurious with out falling into kitschy coastal clichés.

The studio’s vibrant white interiors mirror the serene winter seashore scene outdoors, whereas floor-to-ceiling home windows body beautiful 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 non-public oceanfront balcony affords the right spot for morning espresso and chook watching | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The balcony was our favourite morning spot. Every day began with ICONA’s signature espresso mix (supplied with the in-room Keurig) whereas watching the good dawn.

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, considered proper out of your balcony | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Even in November, the balcony provided a primary spot for birding – we watched seashore cardinals consuming berries alongside the dunes, dark-eyed juncos hopping alongside the sand, and yellow-rumped warblers darting previous. And naturally there have been loads of gulls within the distance, having fun with 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 seashore cardinal having fun with berries at ICONA Avalon | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The studio strikes that excellent stability between luxurious and livability. Our plush king mattress was extremely comfy, whereas the residing space featured a big sleeper couch excellent for afternoon studying and film watching.

The galley kitchen proved extra helpful than we anticipated – having a cooktop, microwave, and fridge meant we may get pleasure from leftovers from Avalon Brew Pub and maintain our favourite drinks 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 espresso and leftovers a breeze | Picture: Higher Dwelling

After evenings spent at Winter Wonderland, the room reworked into our personal cozy retreat. We’d make some tea, sink into the couch, and watch Christmas motion pictures on the large widescreen TV.

We didn’t need to depart.

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 foyer combines nautical appeal with cozy class for excellent winter rest | Picture: Higher Dwelling

What makes ICONA’s Cozy Season particular is the way it balances exercise with rest. One second you’re gliding across the ice rink or singing together with reside music by the fireplace pits, the following you’re cozied up within the elegant foyer the place a roaring fire and plush sofas invite you to linger with a very good e-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 seashores right into a serene escape of dunes, sea grass, and infinite ocean views | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The resort’s location places you steps from every part – the seashore for morning walks, the city for procuring and exploring, and their Winter Wonderland festivities for night leisure. But it by no means feels busy or rushed the best way summer season visits can.

Winter Actions 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 appeal with its iconic dolphin mascot dressed for the vacations | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The city of Avalon, NJ absolutely embraces the vacation spirit. A towering Christmas tree stands proud within the city heart, whereas a whimsical dolphin statue sporting a Santa hat provides that excellent contact of seashore city appeal to the vacation decorations.

Through the afternoon, we ventured to the Avalon Seawatch – a novel initiative by the New Jersey Audubon analysis division. It’s the one ongoing autumn seabird census on the East Coast, and from October by way of December, the seashore turns into a front-row seat to a formidable 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 affords peaceable winter walks with beautiful views of boats and coastal properties | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The views right here took our breath away. Crystal clear blue-green waters stretched to the horizon beneath a blue winter sky. Native fishermen solid their traces as boats zipped throughout the water. To see the birds, attempt to arrive round dawn and sundown.

Last Ideas 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 outside area right into a magical skating expertise | Picture: Higher Dwelling

ICONA Avalon’s Cozy Season and Winter Wonderland proves that seashore holidays aren’t only for summer season.

For {couples} in search of a romantic winter getaway or households in search of vacation enjoyable, ICONA Avalon delivers a comfortable and magical expertise which may simply change how you consider a visit to the shore.

We’ve been dwelling for days now, and I’m nonetheless dreaming about morning coffees on that balcony and evenings spent by the fireplace 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 nightfall with festive lights and comfortable fireplace pit lounges | Picture: Higher Dwelling

After experiencing the magic of Cozy Season firsthand, I can confidently say that ICONA Avalon has created one thing particular right here – a winter seashore escape that captures all the heat and marvel of the vacations that feels each festive and peaceable.

Don’t be shocked if one go to turns into an annual custom.

The Jersey Shore’s winter magic has a approach of calling you again.

Winter Magic on the Jersey Shore at ICONA Avalon