Ocean City will welcome the holiday season with shopping, family entertainment and festive traditions, beginning with the sixth annual Winterfest by the Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Presented by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Winterfest will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Civic Center, located just off the Boardwalk between Fifth and Sixth streets.
The indoor marketplace will feature local artisans, crafts, food vendors and seasonal gifts. Santa Claus will stroll through the event, with additional appearances by popular characters. Free parking is available nearby, with access from Fifth Street.
Holiday shopping and downtown traditions
Earlier Than the Bird — Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-noon: Downtown merchants along Asbury Avenue will offer early shopping specials, and visitors are encouraged to shop in their pajamas.
Horse-drawn carriage rides — Beginning Saturday, Nov. 21: Free rides will depart from Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. Additional rides are scheduled for Nov. 27-29 and weekends in December.
Christmas in the Downtown — Friday, Nov. 27, 2-5:30 p.m.: The annual “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” celebration will bring an old-fashioned holiday atmosphere to downtown Ocean City. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 5 p.m.
Thanksgiving week events
Community Thanksgiving Service — Tuesday, Nov. 24, noon: St. Frances Cabrini Church, 114 Atlantic Ave., will host the annual service sponsored by the Ocean City Ministerium and Ecumenical Council. The gathering will include hymns, reflections, the presidential Thanksgiving proclamation and participation by local clergy. A dessert fellowship will follow. Offerings will support the Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet.
Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot — Thursday, Nov. 26: The Ocean City Humane Society will hold its annual Thanksgiving morning run on the Boardwalk. For registration information, call 609-398-9500, ext. 4, or visit hsocnj.com.
Christmas music, Santa visits and parade
Ocean City Pops Holiday Show — Saturday, Nov. 28, 2 and 6 p.m.: Conductor Vince Lee will lead the orchestra in traditional Christmas favorites and contemporary holiday music at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are available through Showpass, Ocean City Welcome Centers or 609-399-6111.
Santa visits — Beginning Nov. 28-29: Santa will greet children and pose for photographs on weekends, appearing at Mark Soifer Park, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue, from 9 to 11 a.m., and outside the Music Pier in a lifeguard boat from 1 to 3 p.m.
Ocean City Christmas Parade — Friday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m.: The annual parade will travel along Asbury Avenue. Walking groups, floats, musical acts, vehicles and dance or cheer teams may register through Nov. 27 at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
First Night admission buttons available
Ocean City’s family-friendly First Night celebration returns Thursday, Dec. 31, for its 34th year. A single admission button provides access to an evening of entertainment and activities at venues throughout the city as families welcome 2027.
Buttons can be purchased at firstnightocnj.com, by calling 609-399-6111, or in person at the City Hall Welcome Center, 861 Asbury Ave. (Ninth Street entrance); the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Ninth Street causeway; and the 46th Street Welcome Center in the 4500 block of West Avenue.
Scenes from Winterfest by the Sea
Information provided by the City of Ocean City.
