Ocean City’s Seaside Holiday Kicks-Off with Winterfest By The Sea!
Ocean City, New Jersey, officially kicks off the holiday season with its beloved annual event, the Winterfest By The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. This festive, one-day market, hosted by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, transforms the Ocean City Civic Center into a lively seaside winter wonderland, providing the perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping.
The fifth annual Winterfest By The Sea is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Ocean City Civic Center (located at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk). It is recognized as a community-focused event that encourages shoppers to support local artisans and small businesses before the major Black Friday rush.
- Unique Holiday Shopping: Visitors can browse dozens of booths featuring festive local crafts and food vendors. The market is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted ornaments, holiday décor, coastal-themed items, gourmet treats, and much more.
- Festive Family Fun: The event is very family-friendly, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages.
- Strolling Santa: Santa Claus himself will be walking the aisles, greeting families and posing for photos.
- “Frozen” Guests: Special “Frozen” characters will be on hand to spread holiday magic.
- Free Admission & Parking: To make the outing easy and accessible, both admission to the Extravaganza and parking are free. Parking is available in the Boardwalk lot next to the Civic Center, accessible from Fifth Street.
More than just a market, Winterfest By The Sea is seen as the unofficial start to Ocean City’s holiday season. It unites the community in a warm, festive atmosphere, highlighting the town’s lively, year-round charm even after summer beach days are over. For many local artisans and small businesses, the event offers valuable off-season exposure and an opportunity to reconnect with residents and visitors alike.