Holiday Event Schedule Shared In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City is rolling out its 2026 holiday calendar, starting with the sixth annual Winterfest By The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Ocean City Civic Center.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to the event, which will include local craft and food vendors, Santa strolling through the marketplace and appearances by other characters.

The Civic Center is just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street, with free adjacent parking and an entrance from Fifth Street, according to the announcement. The Chamber described Winterfest as a chance to shop for holiday gifts while kicking off the season in town.

Registration is also open for the annual Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Anybody who would like to enter a walking unit, float, musical act, car or dance or cheer team can register by Nov. 27 at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.

Ocean City also released details on several shopping and community events planned for November and December. The “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza is set for 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 21, along downtown Asbury Avenue. The event invites shoppers to wear pajamas while taking advantage of early bird specials before Thanksgiving.

Free horse-drawn carriage rides will run from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. The rides will continue during the same hours on Nov. 27, 28 and 29, then on weekends in December.

St. Frances Cabrini Church will host the annual Ocean City Ecumenical Council Community Thanksgiving Service at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026, at 114 Atlantic Ave. According to the announcement, the service is sponsored by the Ocean City Ministerium and the Ecumenical Council and will include hymns, reflections and the Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation. The offering will support the Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet, and a dessert fellowship will follow.

Other events on the calendar include the Ocean City Humane Society’s Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning on the Boardwalk and the Ocean City Pops Holiday Show at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Music Pier. Santa will also be available for visits and photos on weekends starting Nov. 28 and 29 at Mark Soifer Park and outside the Music Pier.

Looking ahead to the end of the year, all-inclusive admission buttons are now on sale for First Night Ocean City on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration will mark its 34th year, with entertainment and activities scheduled at venues throughout town.