This Jersey Shore town has a strong Victorian streak—its easily recognized by its quaint architecture—and the holiday season pushes it a little further on the Dickensian scale. The walkable Washington Street Mall gets draped in greenery and hosts its annual Hospitality Nights, when merchants hand out treats (in 2015, December 10–11). Angle for samples from the Original Fudge Kitchen, which also offers great fudge-and-saltwater-taffy gift boxes. If you have kids, check in to Congress Hall, where the Grand Lawn across from the beach turns into a beachy winter wonderland complete with a train, concerts, gingerbread decorating, and breakfast or brunch with Santa.