As the holiday season arrives, The Flanders Hotel is once again preparing to welcome guests into its elaborately decorated lobby, a tradition that has become part of Ocean City’s winter landscape. Throughout December, the landmark property hosts seasonal events including Santa’s annual visit, breakfast gatherings and its Holiday High Tea, which features roaming carolers and Victorian-style service.
The celebrations are a continuation of a long history. When The Flanders opened in 1923, it was introduced to the public as “The Jewel of the Southern Jersey Shore,” a title reflecting both its size and its prominence along the Boardwalk. Now entering its second century, the hotel remains one of Ocean City’s most recognizable buildings, standing at 11th Street next to Playland’s Castaway Cove.
Much of the hotel’s original character is still visible. Its hallways feature photographs depicting Ocean City in earlier eras — beachgoers, lifeguards and summer traditions captured in black-and-white. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and retains artifacts such as its original switchboard, early-20th-century phone booths and a Victrola record player.
Visitors can also explore the Terrace Room, which showcases elements of the hotel’s early construction, and the Hall of Mirrors, known for its chandeliers and marble steps. The spaces offer a glimpse into the property’s evolution while maintaining its historic style.
Emily’s Ocean Room Cafe, located on the main level, was recently renovated and includes a fireplace that becomes a focal point during the colder months. The café displays a copy of its 1923 menu and photographs of dishes served across decades and holiday weekends. Throughout December, the kitchen will offer a seasonal menu that includes themed breakfasts and festive drinks.
Retail shops on the first floor feature women’s apparel and accessories, while the Divine Images Spa provides massage, facial and salon services. Guest suites have been updated with contemporary amenities, and complimentary off-season parking is available — often a convenience for visitors attending year-round Boardwalk events.
Holiday programming remains a major draw. Santa will visit the hotel on Dec. 20 for a breakfast event, followed by the Annual Holiday High Tea on Dec. 21. The tea includes performances by carolers and a small gift for attendees. The hotel’s dining promotions — including an advertised 10 percent discount in Emily’s Ocean Room — continue through the season.
Beyond the holidays, The Flanders hosts events throughout the year, including celebrations for Valentine’s Day, Easter and Thanksgiving. Its spaces serve as venues for weddings, corporate meetings and community gatherings.
“The Flanders Hotel has a variety of annual events that are open to the community and add to the allure of visiting Ocean City from season to season,” said Dana Angelucci, the hotel’s hospitality marketing manager.
The hotel also maintains close ties with local organizations. Partnerships include collaborations with the Ocean City Historical Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean City Pops and Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, as well as theater groups that have used the hotel’s facilities for performances and events.
Its 20,000-square-foot ballroom and banquet center reflect both the building’s age and its adaptability. The rooms retain architectural elements from the early 1900s while supporting modern-day functions and technology.
As The Flanders begins its second century, it continues to blend historic preservation with ongoing community involvement — a combination that has helped the hotel remain a fixture of Ocean City’s Boardwalk and a gathering place in every season, including the one now underway.
