The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to get into the holiday spirit at the sixth annual Winterfest by the Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Ocean City Civic Center.
The event will feature local craft and food vendors, offering shoppers an opportunity to find unique holiday gifts. Santa Claus will stroll through the marketplace, along with special appearances by other popular characters.
The Civic Center is located just off the Boardwalk between Fifth and Sixth streets, with plenty of free parking nearby. The parking lot entrance is on Fifth Street.
Registration open for Christmas Parade participants
Registration is now open for Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.
Individuals and groups interested in entering a walking unit, float, musical act, vehicle or dance or cheer team can register through Nov. 27 at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
More holiday events coming up
Earlier Than the Bird Downtown Shopping Extravaganza: From 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 21, shoppers are invited to wear their pajamas and take advantage of early-bird specials at downtown businesses along Asbury Avenue.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides: Rides will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Rides will continue during the same hours Nov. 27-29 and on weekends in December.
Community Thanksgiving Service: St. Frances Cabrini Church will host the annual Ocean City Ecumenical Council Community Thanksgiving Service at noon Tuesday, Nov. 24.
Sponsored by the Ocean City Ministerium and the Ecumenical Council, the service will include Thanksgiving hymns, reflections and the presidential Thanksgiving proclamation. Clergy members from several Ocean City churches will participate.
The public is invited to attend, and a dessert fellowship will follow. Offerings collected during the service will benefit the Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet.
St. Frances Cabrini Church is located at 114 Atlantic Ave.
Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot: The Ocean City Humane Society will hold its annual Thanksgiving morning 5K on the Ocean City Boardwalk. For registration information, call 609-398-9500, ext. 4, or visit hsocnj.com.
Christmas in the Downtown — Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue: Ocean City will celebrate Black Friday with an old-fashioned downtown Christmas celebration from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27.
Local merchants and the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce will welcome visitors for an afternoon of holiday festivities, highlighted by Santa Claus’ arrival at 5 p.m.
Ocean City Pops Holiday Show: The Ocean City Pops will perform holiday favorites and contemporary hits at 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Conductor Vince Lee will lead the orchestra. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, at Ocean City Welcome Centers or by calling 609-399-6111.
Visits with Santa Claus: Santa will be available for visits and photos on weekends beginning Nov. 28-29.
He will appear at Mark Soifer Park, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue, from 9 to 11 a.m., then outside the Ocean City Music Pier in a lifeguard boat from 1 to 3 p.m.
Ocean City Christmas Parade: The annual parade will travel along Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Participant registration information is available at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
First Night admission buttons on sale now
Ocean City is preparing to welcome 2027 with its annual family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve celebration, and all-inclusive admission buttons are now available.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 31, will mark the 34th year of the popular tradition, featuring an evening of entertainment and activities at venues throughout Ocean City.
One admission button provides access to the full lineup of First Night entertainment.
Admission buttons are available:
Online: firstnightocnj.com
By phone: 609-399-6111
City Hall Welcome Center: 861 Asbury Ave., Ninth Street entrance
Roy Gillian Welcome Center: Ninth Street causeway
46th Street Welcome Center: 4500 block of West Avenue
