Ocean City will be host to an array of special events throughout December and the First Day celebration on Jan. 1, 2015. Here are some of the highlights:
Friday, Dec. 12
OCEAN CITY COMMUNITY CENTER ASSOCIATION’S AFTERNOON OF APPRECIATION: The public event will recognize the contributors who have made the Ocean City Community Center possible. The program will feature Donor Wall Unveiling in the lobby of the Center at 4 p.m. and a Community Gathering in the Ocean City Senior Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. that will include Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, light fare, refreshments and holiday entertainment. Admission to the gathering is a voluntary donation to the Ocean City Community Center Association. The Center is located at 1735 Simpson Ave. Read more
CHRISTMAS TROLLEY TOUR AND CAROL SING: The Ocean City Historical Museum hosts a ride through decorated neighborhoods and downtown Ocean City accompanied by the singing of carols and learning about historic architecture. Two tours leave at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets required. Call (609) 399-1801 or visit the Historical Museum, 1735 Simpson Ave. Read more
HOLIDAY CONCERT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL: The Ocean City High School Vocal Music Department presents a holiday concert with its choir at the Hughes Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.The concert will be directed by Ricardo Valle and feature Dianna Donat on piano and Amy Anderson, director of the Ocean City High School American Sign Language Club. Admission $5 adults, $3 grade level students.
HOLIDAY COOKIE SALE: Prior to the choir performance, the Ocean City High School Interact Club will hold a cookie sale ($5 a pound) 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room near the Hughes Auditorium. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12 to 14
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company has assembled a cast of professional singers and dancers presenting a high-energy, family-oriented, song-and-dance tribute to the holidays directed and choreographed by Michael Hartman. Featuring dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects, this holiday extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us as the magic of the season comes to life at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. See a sneak video preview
Saturday, Dec. 13
CHRISTMAS MUSIC WITH THE ANGELUS CHOIR: Tapestry Strings Quartet and tenor John Taylor at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., 4 p.m., admission free. For information, call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. Read more
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14
FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES: Tour downtown Asbury Avenue the old-fashioned way. The free rides are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with pickup at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA IN A LIFEGUARD BOAT: Photos with Santa, Ocean City-style are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday outside the Ocean City Music Pier, fee $10.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: See full schedule
Sunday, Dec. 14
FREE HOLIDAY HEALTH FAIR: Our friends from the Adventist University of the Philippines Alumni Health Dept. will bring its physicians, technicians and nurses back for its comprehensive Health Fair to include free 15 minute Massage (back and shoulders) for stress relief; Health Screening: Blood Glucose Test, Blood Cholesterol Test, Harvard Step Cholesterol Test, Harvard Test Body Mass Index, Lung Capacity and Blood Pressure. Health Fair will be held on Sun., Dec. 14th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Senior Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. Call (609) 399-6111, Ext. 9300 for information and copies of flier that can be distributed to groups. Read more
REJOICING SPIRITS SERVICE: St. John Lutheran Church, 1001 Central Avenue in Ocean City, will celebrate a Christmas Rejoicing Spirits worship service on Sunday, December 14th at 2PM. The service will include a Christmas Carol Sing-Along and a Living Nativity that all are invited to join. St. John is the first church in New Jersey to host monthly Rejoicing Spirits worship services. Rejoicing Spirits is an innovative ministry created to enrich the spiritual lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends and other supportive community members.
Thursday, Dec. 18 through Saturday, Dec. 20
EBENEZER SCROOGE: The Ocean City High School Drama Club will present “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” Thurs. Dec. 18th at 7:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.and Sat., Dec.20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The shows will be held at the High School’s Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Aves. and will be directed by Don Toal, Jr. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens. For tickets, call (609) 399-1290 ext. 1442.
Friday, Dec. 19
THE DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY DASH: A new one-mile race travels downtown Asbury Avenue at night under the holiday lights. The Avenue will become a race course from 5th St. to just beyond 14th St. (Kid’s race 5th to 9th St.). Read more and print a registration form
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21
FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES: Tour downtown Asbury Avenue the old-fashioned way. The free rides are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with pickup at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA IN A LIFEGUARD BOAT: Photos with Santa, Ocean City-style are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday outside the Ocean City Music Pier, fee $10.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE FLANDERS: Enjoy a breakfast buffet, a visit with Santa and treats for kids from Santa at the historic Flanders Hotel 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: See full schedule
Saturday, Dec. 20
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS: All are invited to a Christmas party for the king of kings 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle (Fifth and Wesley) hosted by St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. The event includes activities, a large group lesson, craft, and, of course, a birthday party with cake. No cost. A love offering will be accepted. Register online at stpoc.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
2015 FIRST NIGHT: First Night New Year’s Eve admission buttons are now on sale for $20 online at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com or by calling (609) 399-1412. They are also available at the Causeway-Bridge Welcome Center, 7 days a week, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and at Gillian’s Downtown Stainton’s Square starting 10 a.m. 7 days a week. First Night offers eight hours of family entertainment on New Years Eve from 4 p.m. till midnight capped by a colorful fireworks display. First Night has an ANGEL FUND to help those who can’t afford admission buttons. Call (609) 399-6111, ext. 9300 to request buttons or to support the fund. Read more
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Past events:
Friday, Dec. 5
CHRISTMAS PARADE: The annual event travels a route on Asbury Avenue between Sixth and 11th streets and starts at 6:30 p.m. The parade includes floats, bands, community groups and, of course, Santa. He’ll be in the park across from City Hall (at Ninth and Asbury) after the parade to greet kids. Read more
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6
HOLIDAY BOOK SALE: Great prices on used books and CDs in the atrium outside the Ocean City Free Public Library. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5); and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 6). Read more
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7
JAY EGGLY TRAIN SHOW: The popular annual event takes place on the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The event features large Garden Railroad and Lionel Operating displays plus many vendors exhibiting and selling trains, train parts, holiday decorations and memorabilia. Repairs are done on site by technician Dick Yard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. For information, call (609) 399-6111, Ext. 9300.
FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES: Tour downtown Asbury Avenue the old-fashioned way. The free rides are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with pickup at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA IN A LIFEGUARD BOAT: Photos with Santa, Ocean City-style are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday outside the Ocean City Music Pier, fee $10.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: See full schedule
Saturday, Dec. 6
MESSIAH SING-IN: The audience joins the Atlantic Youth Orchestra to sing Christmas portions of Handel’s oratorio, “Messiah.” Scores provided or bring your own. Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., 4 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org.
OCEAN CITY POPS CONCERT, JOY TO THE WORLD: A symphonic and choral celebration of the joyous sounds of Christmas. Heraldic trumpets, dazzling bells and triumphant choirs. Join the Pops at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15, children 12 and under are free, available at www.ocnj/boxoffice or by calling (609) 399-6111 Ext. 9300.
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: The South Jersey Chapter of Amnesty International will feature author and activist Dr. Linda Rabben to help commemorate International Human Rights Day from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave., in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall. Each year this grassroots group celebrates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Dr. Rabben will discuss her most recent book, “Give Refuge to the Stranger: the Past, Present and Future Sanctuary.” The program is free and open to the public.
CAPE MAY COUNTY POSTAL FOOD DRIVE: The Postal Service initiative benefits the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard. Please leave any non-perishable foods by your mailbox and your mail carrier will pick it up. You can also drop off food at the Ocean City Post Office, 9th and Ocean Ave., Mon,-Fri. from 8:30 to 5 p.m., Sat. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or at the Food Cupboard, 501 E. 8th St., Mon.-Fri., 1-3 p.m.
