Christmas in Ocean City NJ Events 2024

The holiday season is officially underway in Ocean City, New Jersey, and there’s no shortage of festive events to bring the community together.

As always, we say that Christmas at the Jersey Shore is magical. Seeing all our beach-related things like lifeguard stands, boardwalks and rides covers in snow makes for the perfect Hallmark movie.

Ocean City will be kicking things off into overdrive this weekend.

Highlighting the celebrations is a special holiday performance by the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, scheduled for Saturday, November 30th at 6 p.m.

Under the baton of conductor Vince Lee, the orchestra will perform a mix of beloved Christmas classics and modern holiday hits at the Ocean City Music Pier. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Pops or discovering them for the first time, this concert promises to be a highlight of the season. Tickets are available online at OceanCityVacation.com/BoxOffice.

A Full Weekend of Holiday Fun

The Ocean City Pops concert is just one part of a festive weekend that kicks off with the town’s own version of “Black Friday.” On Friday, November 29th, Asbury Avenue transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual Christmas in the Downtown – Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue. From noon to 5 p.m., enjoy carolers, live performances, and exclusive shopping discounts at participating stores.

Santa Claus himself will make a dramatic appearance atop City Hall at 5 p.m., descending via an Ocean City Fire Department ladder truck to light the town’s Christmas tree.

Also See: ICONA Resorts’ Plan for Wonderland Pier Sparks Heated Debate in Ocean City

Small Business Saturday

On Saturday, November 30th, celebrate Small Business Saturday with even more holiday magic. Shoppers can enjoy great deals from local merchants, and kids can visit Santa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park or snap a photo with him in a lifeguard boat outside the Music Pier from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Free horse-and-carriage rides will also be available from noon to 3 p.m., with boarding at 6th and Asbury.

Upcoming Events to Mark on Your Calendar

Ocean City continues the festivities throughout November and December with a packed schedule of holiday events:

Christmas Parade (Dec. 6): Catch the parade on Asbury Avenue, from 6th to 11th Street, starting at 6 p.m.
Train Show (Dec. 7-8): Free admission to this family-favorite event at the Ocean City Music Pier, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Festive Fridays (Dec. 13 and 20): Late-night shopping and carriage rides through a downtown decked out in thousands of twinkling lights.
Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) (Dec. 14-15): A family-friendly Broadway adaptation performed by the Ocean City Theatre Company’s Junior Company.
First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec. 31): Ring in the New Year with a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the city.

A Holiday Tradition You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether you’re planning to shop local, enjoy the sights and sounds of Asbury Avenue, or take in a world-class musical performance from the Ocean City Pops, there’s something for everyone this holiday season.

The Wildwood Video Archive will be stopping by soon to film what things look like in Ocean City. Be sure to keep an eye on our Youtube Channel

See our latest video on Cape May below.