Ocean City is a bustling summer destination in New Jersey. That’s mainly because it’s known for its family-friendly beaches, two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk, and amusement park attractions.
However, once winter arrives, it gets too cold for most of the area’s most popular water activities. Despite that, many tourists continue to make the trip to this seaside city, especially during the holiday season.
Why Visit Ocean City This Holiday Season
Escape the ordinary this Yuletide season and discover the magic of Ocean City, where coastal charm meets festive cheer.
Imagine strolling along a quieter boardwalk, the crisp sea air laced with the scent of holiday treats and the twinkling lights reflecting on the waves of the ocean. It’s a more peaceful and unique experience when compared to other typical inland festivities.
Plus, this intriguing coastal city maintains its commitment to family-friendly fun throughout the holidays. So, from mid-November to December, it offers different events and activities designed to create lasting memories for people of all ages.
How to Make the Most of These Holiday Events in New Jersey
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you can fully enjoy the festivities. Consider these tips while planning your seaside holiday trip:
- Book your accommodations early: Although there may be fewer tourists when compared to the summer season, the holidays are still a popular time for visitors. Book rentals weeks or months in advance for the best selection and location.
- Check the official calendar regularly: Event dates and times can sometimes change due to bad weather and various other factors. Before the day of an event, always double-check details on the official calendar.
- Pack for the cold weather: Coastal weather in winter can be unpredictable. It can include everything from light snowfall to storms. So, bring thick, warm coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. It’s also helpful to dress in layers. Additionally, expect it to be windy and colder near the water, especially in the evenings.
- Arrive early: If you’re traveling by car, finding a parking spot for popular events, such as the Christmas Parade and First Night, can be challenging. Arrive early to avoid parking issues. Most of the city is walkable. So, finding a great parking spot and then exploring on foot is a great strategy.
- Buy tickets in advance: For ticketed events, such as Holidays With the Ocean City POPS, purchase tickets in advance because they can sell out quickly. Most of them are available online. Buying tickets early also gives you more options when it comes to seating.
- Embrace the downtown experience: The fun doesn’t start and end with a festive event. Set aside some time to explore the areas around the venue. You’ll love exploring local shops and tasting delicious cuisine to get the full Ocean City experience.
Must-See Holiday Events in Ocean City
If you’re planning an Ocean City getaway for the Yuletide season, here are some of the best holiday events in New Jersey.
1. Winterfest by the Sea
Ocean City marks the beginning of the festive season with the Winterfest by the Sea, a holiday market and celebration. It turns the Ocean City Civic Center into a seaside winter wonderland and brings together local vendors, artisans, and entertainers.
Shop for unique, handmade gifts and enjoy seasonal food while listening to live holiday music. It’s a great way to support local businesses while finding unique gifts for your loved ones and embracing the festive spirit. Winterfest by the Sea will take place on November 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. “Earlier Than the Bird” Shopping Extravaganza
Here’s another holiday event in New Jersey that can help you finish your Yuletide shopping early. “Earlier Than the Bird” Shopping Extravaganza is a quirky and beloved tradition in Ocean City that’s held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Waking up early and hitting the shops downtown between 8 a.m. and noon on this day can score you major discounts. There’s no need to change out of your pajamas. Some shops on Asbury Avenue even offer free coffee, gift certificates, special deals, and other fun prizes to deal hunters wearing sleepwear.
3. Christmas in the Downtown: “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”
Embrace the holiday spirit with the rest of the community at the annual Christmas in the Downtown event.
It’s not a single celebration, but a season-long festive experience that transforms Asbury Avenue into a sparkling, Christmas wonderland starting on November 28th.
Locals and visitors alike gather along the heart of Ocean City’s shopping district for an evening of joy and old-fashioned Yuletide cheer.
Expect beautifully decorated storefronts, the sound of carolers filling the air, and friendly, local merchants selling everything from hot chocolate and roasted nuts to handmade Christmas presents. Children can also meet and take pictures with Santa.
On weekend afternoons, you can also go on horse-drawn carriage rides with your loved ones. They’re a charming way to view the festive lights and decorations along Asbury Avenue. Going on a carriage ride can be an unforgettable experience for families or a romantic activity for couples.
4. Holidays With the Ocean City Pops
If you’re a music lover, don’t miss out on this annual show. The Ocean City Pops is the city’s renowned professional orchestra, and every year, its musicians perform timeless Christmas carols and modern holiday hits. It’s one of the standout cultural events of the season.
Holidays with the Ocean City Pops will be held at the iconic Ocean City Music Pier on November 29th, starting at 6 p.m.
It’s the perfect evening for anyone looking for a more formal holiday tradition. Listening to the beautiful music in the unique seaside venue creates an unforgettable festive experience.
5. Meeting and Dining With Santa
Starting November 29th and 30th, and continuing on weekends in December, you can take your children to see Santa at the Music Pier.
With the Atlantic Ocean in the background, Photos with Santa is one of the most scenic opportunities for a traditional holiday picture. It’s a more relaxed setup compared to crowded mall settings.
Various restaurants and venues also offer kids the opportunity to eat breakfast with Santa on select weekend mornings as part of the Santa in the Downtown event.
This is a great core memory for young children, but note that these events are popular, so you’ll need to buy tickets in advance.
6. Christmas Parade
Here’s another holiday event in New Jersey that kids love. Ocean City’s Christmas Parade is a highly anticipated evening parade that takes place on the first Friday of December. It travels down Asbury Avenue.
It includes dazzling floats from local businesses and groups, lively high school marching bands, and costumed characters, with Santa Claus as the grand finale. It’s a must-see event for families and anyone who enjoys a traditional community parade.
7. First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
If you’re celebrating the New Year in Ocean City, why not attend the massive, family-friendly, and alcohol-free First Night festival?
It runs from 4 p.m. to midnight on December 31st, ending with a spectacular fireworks display. The event takes place across multiple venues throughout the city.
To join the First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration, you’ll need to buy an admission button. It’ll give you access to dozens of performances across Ocean City, including bands, magicians, ice sculptors, and theatrical shows.
First Night is one of the largest and safest New Year’s celebrations in the region, offering a full evening of entertainment for one price.
Why Are These Events Considered the Best?
This list isn’t arbitrary. Rather, it was carefully curated from the official 2025 events calendar of the coastal city.
These festive events represent the most popular, long-standing and family-friendly traditions that define the holiday season in this coastal city.
Here are some of the criteria used to choose which ones to include:
- Tradition and popularity: Is the event a long-standing community tradition with high attendance year after year?
- Visitor appeal: Do the event activities appeal to a broad range of visitors, including families with young children, couples, and solo travelers?
- Festive uniqueness: Does the event capture the unique coastal Christmas spirit of Ocean City?
Comparing Ocean City’s 2025 Holiday Events
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key details about the festivities to help you plan your days in this coastal city:
| Event | Type | Best For | Typical Dates |
| Winterfest by the Sea | Holiday Market | Shoppers, Families | Select weekends in November or December |
| “Earlier Than a Bird” | Shopping Event | Early Shoppers, Bargain Hunters | Saturday before Thanksgiving |
| Christmas in the Downtown | Season-long Celebration | Families, Couples, and Choppers | Late November to late December |
| Holidays with the Ocean City POPs | Concert Performance | Music Lovers, Couples | Late November |
| Meeting Santa | Family Activity | Families with Young Children | Weekends in December |
| Christmas Parade | Community Parade | Families with Children | First Friday in December |
| First Night Celebration | New Year’s Eve Festival | All Ages | December 31st |
Plan Your Perfect Holiday Trip to Ocean City
Whether you’re taking a vacation solo or with your family, friends, or significant other, you won’t run out of ways to celebrate the season with these holiday events in New Jersey.
From the festive kickoff of the Winterfest by the Sea to the grand finale of the New Year’s Eve celebration, there’s something for everyone in Ocean City.
Determine which events you want to attend, and add them to your itinerary to avoid missing out. Plan your trip to make the most of the festivities.