Your Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend and the Holiday Traditions in Ocean City
Ocean City is ready to trade beach towels for sleigh bells this weekend as the island officially kicks the holiday season into high gear. From turkey trots on the boardwalk to a spectacular light show over downtown, the schedule is packed with events designed to bring the community together for Thanksgiving and beyond.
The centerpiece of the weekend is on Friday, November 28, with the return of Christmas in the Downtown, Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue. This annual tradition transforms the downtown district into an old-fashioned holiday festival, offering a festive alternative to the typical “Black Friday” rush. The celebration runs from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., inviting families to stroll Asbury Avenue, shop with local merchants, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. The excitement builds toward 5:00 p.m., when Santa Claus makes his grand arrival to officiate the City Hall tree lighting ceremony. Immediately following the lighting—at approximately 5:15 p.m.—all eyes will turn upward for a holiday-themed drone light show illuminating the sky over Asbury Avenue to cap off the night.
Stop the shop at 31st and Asbury for great Black Friday Deals
Before the lights go up downtown, the holiday weekend begins on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27. Active residents and visitors will head to the Boardwalk for the Ocean City Humane Society’s “Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot.”
The festivities continue well past Friday. Starting Friday, Nov. 28, and continuing through the weekend, visitors can enjoy Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides. Boarding takes place at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This marks the start of a season-long tradition, with rides continuing on weekends throughout December.
Music lovers should mark their calendars for Saturday, November 29, when the Ocean City Pops Holiday Show takes over the Music Pier at 6:00 p.m. Conductor Vince Lee will lead the Pops and the Festival Chorus in a performance blending classic carols with modern holiday hits. Tickets are available at the Music Pier box office or online.
Finally, for those seeking the man in red, Santa Claus begins his regular weekend visits on Saturday, November 29. He will be greeting children at Mark Soifer Park (9th & Asbury) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., before moving to the Music Pier from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and head downtown this Friday. There is no better place to ignite your holiday cheer than right here in Ocean City. Don’t miss the magic!