By Steffen Klenk
It is no secret that Ocean City goes all-out when it comes to celebrating the holiday season. Whether it’s the splendor of City Hall draped in dazzling lights, to the festive décor at Stainton’s and neighboring Shoppes on Asbury, even the gigantic Ferris wheels illuminate festive colors across the Great Egg Harbor Inlet. The city is a Hallmark movie come to life.
In recent years, residents and visitors alike have embraced what has quickly become one of the newest island traditions. Thousands are flocking to Ocean City to see the uniquely decorated Christmas trees on the beach.
In a recent edition of Shore Local, we placed a spotlight on North Street Tree and its caretaker, Sue McElwee (known as MotherGypsea on Instagram). She and her family began the tradition in 2019, placing an evergreen tree on the beach and surrounding it with clamshells.
What sparked from North Street has grown island-wide. This past Friday, Ocean City resident Dave Darrow and his family planted a huge tree at 11th Street beach, directly down the street from the Flanders. In a tradition that began with Dave and his late wife, Kathy Darrow, the tree honors all individuals, past and present, who have served in our nation’s military. “She was always about helping others, and the tree reaches out to a lot of people.” Assisting Darrow were his four adult children: sons Dan, Noah, and Jesse, and daughter Grace. Noah is a current member of the National Guard.
As you travel down the island, be sure to stop by the tree at 34th Street beach. The tree was placed by the DeChristopher Family as an honor for their mother, Rose Ann. According to signs placed around the tree, beachgoers are invited to decorate a shell in the memory of a loved one. For each shell that is decorated, a donation will be made to the St. Jude memorial fund, RDStrong.
There, you will also find a conveniently placed mailbox for children to drop off their letter to Santa. If you forgot to bring stamps or an envelope, you will find stationary equipment in a bin below the mailbox.
On the South End of the island at 59th Street, dozens waited for their turn to take a picture with Santa Claus. Among those in line for a photo included Danielle Palatano and Chris Schneekloth, who celebrated their recent engagement, while Rider the Golden Retriever brought smiles all around. This year’s South End tree was donated by Ponderosa Tree Farm.
Because of ongoing beach replenishment projects at 55th Street, this year’s tree can be found just four blocks south. While you are there, be sure to bring nonperishable food items for our local food pantry. You can also place an earth-friendly ornament or create your own decorated shell.
On Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m., a special tree decorating and lighting ceremony will be held at 9th Street Beach to honor all whales that have washed ashore over the last year. Hosted by Friends of Protect Our Coast NJ, attendees of all ages are invited to bring their own clam shell, or sea life ornaments. The festivities will include Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies, and treats.
While you are in town, be sure to do a Christmas Tree Tour and visit all the trees in town as you enjoy a wonderful holiday season in America’s Greatest Family Resort. Below is a complete guide of all the Ocean City Beach Trees so far this season:
- North Street Tree
- 11th Street Beach Military Tree
- 34th Street Tree
- South End Tree at 59th Street
This list is up to date as of Nov. 29, 2023. If there are any trees we have missed, send an email to shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com with a brief description and approximate location.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
