Christmastime in Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City, NJ, transforms into a winter wonderland every December. There is always so much to do around to get you into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas town when you stroll through the streets of OCNJ.
In addition to the festive decorations adorning the streets, OCNJ hosts Christmas events every weekend through the month of December. After the holiday, the season concludes with the annual First Night and First Day celebrations to ring in the new year.
Christmas Events in December
Christmas Parade
Bundle up, grab your hot cocoa, and get ready for the most magical evening of the season! Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade is sleighing its way down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Picture this: twinkling lights, festive garland, cheerful wreaths, and bright red bows transforming “The Avenue” into a winter wonderland – with a parade that’ll warm your heart even on a chilly night!
Arrive early to soak up the holiday spirit – browse the shops, grab a cozy bite to eat, and claim your perfect viewing spot before the fun kicks off at 6 p.m.! Watch as the parade winds its way down Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street all the way to 11th Street, packed with entertainment from start to finish. Santa Claus himself closes out the celebration in grand style, rolling through in a classic horse-drawn carriage to wave at all the good boys and girls. Don’t miss this magical tradition!
Horse and Carriage Rides
Step back in time for a magical journey straight out of a storybook! Feel like you’ve wandered into the pages of a Charles Dickens novel as you clip-clop through a winter wonderland on a charming horse-drawn carriage – and it’s absolutely FREE!
Mark your calendars for the first three Saturdays and Sundays of December, then head to Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue from noon to 3 PM to hop aboard. It’s the perfect way to make memories that’ll last a lifetime!
Santa in the Downtown
Visit Santa and let him know what you want for Christmas during “Santa in the Downtown,” happening the first three Saturdays and Sundays of December. From 9 AM to 11 AM at Soifer Park, and then from 1 PM to 3 PM outside the Music Pier, Santa will be available to take photos with the good boys and girls!
Train Show
There is nothing quite like an old-fashioned train to get you into the Christmas spirit! Model trains will be on display at the Music Pier during the annual, free show from 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th. The show will feature running displays, model trains of all gauges, and vendors selling various scale model trains.
Lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah
Happy Hanukkah! At nightfall on each night of Hanukkah, a candle will be lit on the menorah displayed on the front lawn of City Hall to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
First Night and First Day Celebrations
To conclude the holiday season, join the Ocean City community by celebrating the new year! First Night offers more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town on Dec. 31 and is perfect for the whole family. Headline entertainment at the Ocean City Music Pier this year will include a tribute to the music of Journey and “Motor City: the Motown Revue.” Also enjoy outdoor ice-skating, a magic show, a mentalist, the Harlem Wizards, and a variety of other shows.
The Port-O-Call Hotel’s New Year’s Eve package includes everything you need to have a fun and memorable night. Admission to the First Night Celebration is included in this package, so no need to buy your own button! Stay two nights – arrive on December 30th or 31st – and receive two nights’ deluxe accommodations, two First Night admission buttons, and breakfast for two daily at the Adelene Restaurant.
Interested in taking advantage of this special? Please call our Reservation Department at 800-334-4546 to learn more and book your stay!
Staying at the Port-O-Call Hotel in Ocean City, NJ
Make your holidays happy and bright at the Port-O-Call Hotel in Ocean City, NJ. Whether you’re looking for a romantic holiday getaway, a solo retreat, or a family vacation, December in OCNJ is unbeatable.
Experience the magic of Christmas with us! Book your stay now on our website or take advantage of our First Night Celebration Special by calling us at 800-334-4546.
