Santa Claus waves to parade spectators from a horse-drawn carriage. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)
Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade will roll down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, with Santa making a special appearance in a horse-drawn carriage.
Lights, garland, wreaths and bows adorn “The Avenue” for the season. 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 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, Buddy the Elf and Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be on floats. Cold-air balloons – including the Grinch – will also be part of the fun.
Three string bands, the Hobo Band, Snoopy, Martin and Mollie Mollusk and a variety of dance teams also will participate.
Float sponsors include McMahon Insurance, Pete Madden of Gold Coast Sotheby’s, OCNJ Entertainment and the Stainton’s family of stores.
As part of the annual tradition, Santa Claus provides a finale to the parade, greeting boys and girls from a horse-drawn carriage
A holiday drone show will then light the skies over Asbury Avenue to cap off the evening. After the Christmas Parade, spectators will be able to see the display as they look to the skies toward Sixth Street.
Model trains will be on display this weekend at the Ocean City Music Pier. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)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. 6 and 7) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Admission is free. For more information, call (609) 399-6111.
The Ocean City Free Public Library and Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue) will host their annual Holiday Festival from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.
The celebration will include holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, refreshments, a visit with Santa, and live music with the Package Goods Orchestra.
The Ocean City Historical Museum will be open for tours, and their winter exhibit will feature a complete train platform. The Ocean City Arts Center will hold its annual winter pottery sale and gift shop with beautiful hand-made items.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST
Registration is now open for the annual Ocean City Holiday House Decorating Contest. The contest awards prizes based on creativity, special effects, lighting, theme and overall appearance. A list of all contest participants will be posted, so everybody can enjoy the holiday displays. The deadline to register is at noon Dec. 11. For more information and to register, visit ocnj.us/HolidayHouse.
ALSO COMING UP IN DECEMBER:
DEC. 5-6 — Winter Book Sale: The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library will hold their Winter Book Sale in the atrium of the library (1735 Simpson Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 6). There will be a large collection of audio books available at this sale. Please bring a tote bag for your purchases.
City Hall is adorned with wreaths for the holiday season.DEC. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 — Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Free rides available from noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
DEC. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 — Santa Claus: St. Nick will visit with children and be available for photos on weekends. He will be downtown at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then outside the Music Pier from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
DEC. 13-14 — Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition: The Ocean City Theatre Company will present “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The shows will feature colorful costumes, iconic songs and a talented cast of students in grades 3 to 8. Tickets ($15) are available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
DEC. 14-22 — Lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah: At nightfall on each night of Hanukkah, a candle will be lit on the on the menorah displayed on the front lawn of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue) to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
DEC. 31 — First Night: Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Ocean City’s family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve celebration. All-inclusive admission buttons will be on sale at firstnightocnj.com, by calling 609-399-6111 or at welcome centers in town. First Night offers more than 70 entertain programs at 20 different venues throughout town on Dec. 31. One $25 button is good for all programs.
JAN. 1 — First Day: Start the new year with a 5K run on the Boardwalk (register now) and a first dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
