Christmas Parade Returns on Friday Evening
Train Show at the Music Pier Highlights the Weekend
Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. Lights, garland, wreaths and bows adorn “The Avenue” for the season, and the parade will bring a variety of bands, floats and other entries to add a little warmth to the winter.
The event gives spectators time to shop and dine on downtown Asbury Avenue before and after the 6 p.m. start time. The parade starts at Sixth Street and proceeds to 11th Street.
This year’s Christmas parade will feature more than 60 entries, including the Ocean City High School Marching Band, the Pleasantville High School Marching Band, and the Absegami High School Marching Braves. Characters from “Frozen” will have their own float. Two cold-air balloons – the Nutcracker and an elf – will be part of the fun. The Upper Township Elementary and Middle School Choir will be part of the parade and sing in front of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue after the event.
As part of the annual tradition, Santa Claus provides a finale to the Christmas Parade, greeting boys and girls from a horse-drawn carriage.
Model trains will be on display and for sale at the annual Train Show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 4 and 5) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Admission is free. For more information, call 609-399-6111.
COMING UP
Free Horse and Carriage Rides (weekends through Dec. 18-19): Noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Please be aware that riders may have to queue up well in advance of 3 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Visits With Santa (weekends through Dec. 18-19): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue). For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Photos With Santa in an OCBP Lifeguard Boat (weekends through Dec. 18-19): Noon to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Cape Shore Chorale Holiday Concert (Dec. 5): Cape Shore Chorale under the direction of Scott J. Breiner will present a free concert and sing-along of holiday favorites at 3 p.m. Sunday at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (2998 Bay Avenue). The nearly 50-member chorus will be accompanied by pianist Gae Finch and instrumentalist Andrew Ehrhardt. Light refreshments will be served after the concert. Free will donations are welcomed.
Swingin’ Through the Holidays (Dec. 10-12): Ocean City Theatre Company’s annual Holiday Extravaganza is back. A cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family–oriented song-and-dance tribute to the holidays. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10); 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $15 and $18. Call 609-399-6111, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, or stop by the Music Pier Box Office on the days of the shows.
Elf: The Musical Jr. (Dec. 17-18): The Ocean City Theatre Company Junior Company will perform a musical based on the beloved holiday comedy film. (Please be advised that cast members may be wearing transparent face coverings during the performance.) Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $15. Call 609-399-6111, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, or stop by the Music Pier Box Office on the days of the shows.
First Night (Dec. 31): Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the family in Ocean City. The annual event features more than 70 shows and activities and venues throughout town. Fireworks ring in the new year at midnight. For admission buttons, schedules and more information, visit firstnightocnj.com or call 609-399-6111.
First Day Shopping Extravaganza (Jan. 1): Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in downtown Ocean City, Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 14th Street. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Free Horse & Carriage Rides (Jan. 1): Noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
First Day Boardwalk 5K (Jan. 1): Race starts at 1 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Pre-register at ocnj.us/race-events. Race-day registration opens at 11 a.m. at the Music Pier.
First Day at the Beach (Jan. 1): Featuring Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year at 2 p.m. On the beach adjacent to the Music Pier. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.