The stage of the Music Pier is the setting for several large displays of model trains.
Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. 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 will feature 75 entries, including the Ocean City High School Marching Band, the Interboro High School Marching Band of Prospect Park, Pa., and the Absegami High School Marching Braves.
Characters from “Frozen,” Frosty the Snowman and Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be on floats. Two cold-air balloons – a snowman and the Grinch – will be part of the fun.
The Upper Township Elementary and Middle School Choir will 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 from a horse-drawn carriage.
The stage of the Music Pier is the setting for several large displays of model trains.
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. 3 and 4, 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. 17-18): Noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Visits With Santa (weekends through Dec. 17-18): 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. 17-18): 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Holiday Book Sale (Dec. 2-3): The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library will hold a used book sale in the atrium of the library (1735 Simpson Avenue) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Shop for books, audiobooks and more.
Horses take passengers for a carriage ride along Asbury Avenue.
Ocean City Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 16-18): A cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family–oriented, song-and-dance tribute to the holidays. The Ocean City Theatre Company show will feature dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects in a musical journey through seasonal favorites.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Ocean City Music Pier. More information and online ticket sales are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or by calling 609-399-6111.
First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec. 31): Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the entire family. The 30th anniversary of this Ocean City event will feature traditional favorites like rides, ice-skating and magicians, along with headline entertainment including the Chicago tribute band Brass Transit and the Bee Gees tribute band Stayin’ Alive. For a complete schedule and to purchase all-inclusive admission buttons, please visit firstnightocnj.com.
First Day Celebration (Jan. 1, 2023): Activities include a 1 p.m. 5K run on the Boardwalk (pre-register at www.ocnj.us/race-events), a 2 p.m. First Dip polar plunge, and an all-day Shopping Extravaganza. Visit firstnightocnj.com for more information.
