The Queen tribute band Killer Queen is scheduled to perform July 15 at the Music Pier.
Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade will travel down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. 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 parade features the Ocean City High School Band, Pitman High School Band, Mainland Regional High School Band and the Pennsport String Band. Miss New Jersey Jaime Gialloreto will participate. The cast of Ocean City Theatre Company’s “Annie” also will join the lineup, singing selections from the popular musical. Mays Landing Dance Works, Starstruck Dance Academy and the Ocean City Junior Raiders Cheer squad also will provide entertainment. The combined choirs of the Upper Township Elementary and Middle Schools will be in 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 parade, greeting boys and girls by horse-and-carriage. For more information, call 609-399-6111. “ANNIE” OPENS ON SATURDAY The Ocean City Theatre Company will proudly present the beloved musical in five shows on the Ocean City Music Pier. “Annie” has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 2 p.m. Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets are $18 to $20. Call 609-399-6111 or visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, “Annie” is directed by Shannon Agnew, choreographed by Elizabeth Worley and music-directed by Erin Whitcomb. The show will feature local youth, as well as a cast of professional actors from New York City. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow,” the show is perfect for the holiday season. TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2019 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: The lineup for the 26th annual Summer Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier is already taking shape. The series brings a wide variety of contemporary performers to the stage in Ocean City with most concerts on Monday nights. Tickets are on sale for the following: · HAPPY TOGETHER 2019: 10-Year Anniversary Tour starring The Turtles, Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV and The Cowsills. Sunday, June 30 – 7 p.m. · BOZ SCAGGS: Out of The Blues Tour 2019. Monday, July 1 – 7 p.m. · KILLER QUEEN: The Premier Tribute to Queen. Monday, July 15 – 7 p.m. Tickets for Buddy Guy at 7 p.m. Monday, June 24 will go on sale Friday, Dec. 7. A pre-sale is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 (use code BRE). For more information and ticket links, visit www.ocnj.us/SummerConcerts.
The Queen tribute band Killer Queen is scheduled to perform July 15 at the Music Pier.
ALSO COMING UP:
HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES: Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available noon to 3 p.m. on downtown Asbury Avenue on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Santa will travel to different Ocean City restaurants to visit with children 8 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. See www.oceancityvacation.com for the full schedule and locations.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA: Santa will be available for photos in an Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguard boat noon to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. Cost is $10 per photo.
CHRISTMAS MARKET (through Dec. 15): The Ocean City Arts Center’s talented pottery and mosaic students will host a “Christmas Market” through December 15. The one-of-a-kind pottery and mosaic art pieces make great Christmas gifts. The pottery group’s theme is “A Holiday Table” and they have created all pieces necessary to dress your dining table this season. Included in the show is jewelry, all dinnerware, Christmas decorations, home décor, garden décor and much more. The Ocean City Arts Center is located in the Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For further information, call (609) 399-7628.
BOOK SALE AT OCEAN CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Dec. 7 and 8): Shop for used books, audio items and more for holiday gifts. Hours are 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 7) and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 8) in the atrium outside the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Avenue). Hosted by Friends and Volunteers of Ocean City Free Public Library. For information, visit www.friendsvolunteersocfpl.com.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT (Dec. 8): A traditional Christmas concert starts at 4 p.m. and features the 60-voice Angelus Chorus with tenor John Taylor and the Tapestry String Quartet, directed by Richard Stanislaw. The concert is at St. Peter's United Methodist Church (501 East 8th Street). For more information, please call 609-399-2988.
ST. DAMIEN PARISH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT (Dec. 14): The St. Damien Parish Choir with musical guests, under the direction of Debra Roland, will perform its annual Concert of Traditional Christmas Music. The concert is at 4 p.m. at St. Augustine Church (13th Street and Wesley Avenue).
“A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS” CONCERT (Dec. 16): The Ocean City Free Public Library will present a free event at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 featuring Pamela Whitman and her award-winning Peace Concert. Flutes for Peace promote peace and understanding through flute choir music. The ensemble performs classical, pop, inspirational, sacred and holiday music.
FIRST NIGHT (Dec. 31): All-inclusive admission buttons for Ocean City’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration are on sale now. For complete information, visit firstnightocnj.com.
FIRST DAY (Jan. 1, 2019): Events include the First Day Shopping Extravaganza in downtown Ocean City on Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 14th Street. Registration for a 5-kilometer Boardwalk run starts at 11 a.m. at the Music Pier, and the run starts at 1 p.m. (Pre-register at runsignup.com). The traditional First Dip in the ocean starts at 2 p.m. adjacent to the Music Pier.
The traditional First Dip plunge in the chilly ocean is a wacky way to celebrate New Year's Day.
