From left, Tia Riendeau, Rachel Riendeau, Teresa Riendeau and Nicole Caputo show off their gaudy pink pajamas while hitting the downtown shops during the Earlier Than the Bird celebration in 2024.
Shoppers will kick off the holiday season along downtown Asbury Avenue during the annual “Earlier Than the Bird” celebration.
The shopping extravaganza takes place 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In keeping with the event’s whimsical tradition, many shoppers will be dressed in their pajamas.
Anyone (pajama-clad or not) can take advantage of early-bird shopping specials at stores on Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14th Street.
Free turkeys will be awarded to the best-dressed shoppers. They can also text in to win gift certificates and prizes from downtown merchants.
Free coffee will be available at Jon & Patty’s (637 Asbury Avenue) and Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Avenue).
Downtown Asbury Avenue will be decorated for the season.
Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available later that day from noon to 3 p.m. It’s a chance to ride the downtown the old-fashioned way with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
Old-fashioned carriage rides will add to the festive spirit of the holiday season. The downtown will be celebrating the holidays throughout the rest of the year. The fun will continue on Nov. 28 with Ocean City’s traditional Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue.”
This Black Friday event includes shopping, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainment and carolers.
The celebration will continue around 5 p.m. when Santa Claus emerges on the rooftop of City Hall. With the help of an Ocean City Fire Department ladder truck, Santa will descend and help light the Christmas tree and illuminate City Hall.
A holiday drone show will then light the skies over Asbury Avenue to cap off the holiday event.
The family fun will continue on Dec. 5 with the annual Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street.
Santa waves to the crowd from the roof of City Hall while preparing to climb down the steps of an Ocean City Fire Department ladder truck for the Christmas in the Downtown celebration in 2024.REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST AND CHRISTMAS PARADE:
Registration is 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 everyone can enjoy the holiday displays. For more information and to register, visit ocnj.us/HolidayHouse.
Registration is also open for the annual Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Anyone who would like to enter a walking unit, float, musical act, car or dance/cheer team, can register by Nov. 28 at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
