Top 10 Things to Do from Halloween thru New Year’s Day in Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City, New Jersey, known as America’s greatest family resort, is like a breath of fresh sea air, during the holiday season. It’s the place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoying eight miles of pristine beachfront, boardwalk fun for the entire family, the quaint small town shopping and dining experience of Asbury Ave. There’s plenty of room for exploring, wandering, or simply finding a peaceful spot to watch the tide roll in.

Like the rest of the Jersey Shore, the off-season months in Ocean City are quiet and peaceful. Travelers enjoy less crowds, cooler weather, and more affordable accommodations. Browse Shore Summer Rentals for your perfect Ocean City, New Jersey vacation rental here.

We’re kicking off the cooler holiday months by sharing the Top 10 Things to Do from Halloween through New Year’s Day in Ocean City, NJ that are perfect for the entire family.

Saturday, October 23, 2021 | 9:00 AM
#1 – Dog Day on Boardwalk and Howl-O-Ween Parade
The dogs will get their day at a new event on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Dog Day and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s Howl-O-Ween Parade will invite dogs and their owners to enjoy a day of fun on the Boardwalk, where pets are prohibited during the rest of the year. Details here.

Saturday, November 13, 202 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#2 – Winterfest By the Sea
The Chamber of Commerce presents their Second Annual Winterfest By The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The event takes place inside the Civic Center this year. Craft vendors, food vendors and strolling Santa and the Grinch will be present. Shopping hours are 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Details here.

Saturday, November 20, 2021, 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM
#3 – “Earlier than the Bird” DOWNTOWN Shopping Extravaganza
Get out earlier than the bird and jump start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas for early bird shopping specials. Details here.

Thursday, November 25, 2021 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
#4 – Annual Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot
Run, walk, or jog down the OC Boardwalk. This event is sponsored by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Details here.

Friday, November 26, 2021 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
#5 – Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”
Join the merchants & Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas. Details here.

Saturdays and Sundays starting 11/27/2021 through 12/19/21 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
#6 – Visits with Santa at Soifer Park located at 9th & Asbury Avenue
Dates include:
Saturday, 11/27/2021 | Sunday, 11/28/2021
Saturday, 12/04/2021 | Sunday, 12/05/2021
Saturday, 12/11/2021 | Sunday, 12/12/2021
Saturday, 12/18/2021 | Sunday, 12/19/2021
Details here.

Saturdays and Sundays starting November 27, 2021 through December 19, 2021 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
#7 – Photos with Santa at the Ocean City, NJ Music Pier located at 8^th & Boardwalk
Dates include:
Saturday, 11/27/2021 | Sunday, 11/28/2021
Saturday, 12/04/2021 | Sunday, 12/05/2021
Saturday, 12/11/2021 | Sunday, 12/12/2021
Saturday, 12/18/2021 | Sunday, 12/19/2021
Details here.

Friday, December 3, 2021, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
#8 – Christmas Parade located at Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street.
Details here.

Friday, December 10, 2021 thru Sunday, December 12, 2021
#9 – OCTC Presents Swingin’ Through The Holidays at Ocean City Music Pier
Ocean City’s annual Holiday Extravaganza is back! Join us at the Music Pier as an enchanting cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family–oriented song and dance tribute to the holidays. Through dazzling costumes, familiar songs, toe-tapping numbers, and special effects, this extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us as the magic of the season comes to life in a brand new musical journey through seasonal favorites.
Show times:
12/10/2021 | 7:30pm
12/11/2021 | 2:00pm and 7:30pm
12/12/2021 | 2:00pm
Details here.

Friday, December 31, 2021, 4:00 PM – 11:59 PM
#10 – First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration | Ocean City Music Pier
A complete schedule of entertainment leading up to fireworks at midnight. The headliner for First Night 2022 is the Grammy-winning group Tavares. Top hits from Tavares include “It Only Takes a Minute,” “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” “Don’t Take Away the Music” and “More Than a Woman”. The rides at Wonderland Pier will return this year, and other returning favorites include the ice-skating rink, inflatables, the Harlem Wizards, Dan Cain Mentalist, a karaoke party, magician Chad Juros, a Country Line Dance Experience and the Legacy Band. Details here.

What are you waiting for? Call your family, pick the events you plan to attend, and book your Ocean City, New Jersey beach rental here.