The Trail of Two Cities 5-kilometer run/walk will be held for the 31st time on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. The popular 5K (3.1-mile) race offers spectacular views over the length of a point-to-point course from Ocean City to Somers Point. The route travels the length of the Route 52 causeway in the lanes usually reserved for cars.
Buses will be available at the finish line in Somers Point to transport runners to the start in Ocean City before the race and to transport runners back to Ocean City from Somers Point after the race.
Registration is open now, and discounted pre-registration fees are available through 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Online registration and further information are available at www.ocnj.us/race-events.
The Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) will present the legendary Broadway musical “Cabaret” on Nov. 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The show will feature a talented cast of local high school performers in grades 9 to 12.
For this special production, the Music Pier will take on a new atmosphere. The traditional general seating area will be transformed with cabaret-style seating, inviting audiences into the world of Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub and creating an immersive setting for one of musical theatre’s most powerful and thought-provoking works.
“Cabaret is an extraordinary piece of theater because it entertains, while also challenging us to think,” OCTC Artistic Director Michael Hartman said. “For our students, this production is an opportunity to develop as performers and as humans.”
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 7), and 2 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 8). Tickets are $15 and are available through oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Ocean City getting ready for holiday events
The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to get in the spirit of the holidays at the sixth annual Winterfest By The Sea from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Ocean City Civic Center. The event includes festive local craft and food vendors and an opportunity to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
The “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 21, invites everyone to shop in their pajamas for early bird shopping specials along downtown Asbury Avenue on the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides will start from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. They will continue during the same hours on Nov. 27, 28 and 29, then on weekends in December.
The Ocean City Humane Society’s annual Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot is set for Thanksgiving morning on the Ocean City Boardwalk. For more information and registration details, call 609-398-9500 ext. 4 or visit hsocnj.org
Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” will give everyone a chance to celebrate “Black Friday” Ocean City-style from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 27. Join the local merchants and the Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned downtown Christmas, culminating at 5 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus.
The annual Ocean City Pops Holiday Show at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, will feature classic Christmas song favorites and modern hits, led by conductor Vince Lee. The show is at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by visiting any Welcome Center or by calling 609-399-6111.
Santa Claus will visit with children and be available for photos on weekends starting Nov. 28 and 29. He will be downtown at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then outside the Music Pier in a lifeguard boat from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mark your calendars for the annual Christmas Parade on Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Registration information for participants is available at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
