Ocean City’s downtown sparkles in holiday charm

As the holiday season begins to unfold this month, Asbury Avenue has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with garlands, sparkling lights, tinsel, ribbons and wreaths adorning the downtown street in cheerful and festive decor. 

Wreaths and garland, twinkling with lights, gracefully hang over Asbury Avenue from Sixth to 14th streets. Light posts also are wrapped in rich green pine garland and vibrant red bows.

City Hall is decorated with wreaths on each window and a large Christmas tree on its lawn facing the corner of Ninth Street. 

“Ocean City’s holiday decorations have truly made it a standout destination for the Christmas season,” said Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The magical festive displays bring Downtown O.C. to life, creating the perfect backdrop for shopping, dining, and seasonal activities.” 

    Shoppers are greeted along Asbury Avenue by the classic-style decorations.
  

Karen Flaherty, who lives in West Chester, N.Y., came down to visit her vacation home in Ocean City. She said she always makes it a point to walk down Asbury Avenue and shop this time of year to check out the holiday decorations and browse stores for gifts. 

“The Christmas decorations are beautiful, just like every year,” Flaherty said. “You can notice them as you’re coming in over the Ninth Street bridge. You can see the decorations are up, which is always exciting.” 

Robert McCarthy, an Ocean City resident, said he enjoys walking down the avenue each holiday season to view the street decorations, since it reminds him of his childhood neighborhood.  

“I grew up in Brooklyn, and it was tradition for all of the store owners to decorate the entire streets downtown, not just their own storefronts,” McCarthy said. “I really appreciate that Ocean City does this. I think it’s a great thing for the community.” 

    Ted D’Alessio enjoys his walks downtown while admiring the festive decor.
  

Ted D’Alessio, an adjunct professor at Rowan University, was on his way back home in Ocean City from work and stopped to take a walk on Asbury Avenue to buy sandwiches for his family. He said he always enjoys walking through the downtown area this time of year due to the festive decor.  

“I’m impressed,” D’Alessio said. “Every year they seem to be coming up a little earlier, but that’s fine with me. I think what they do on Asbury is wonderful. They’ll have the Christmas parade next month, which is something everybody looks forward to as well.” 

Asbury Avenue has a calendar full of special events this holiday season. They include the “Earlier Than the Bird” shopping extravaganza Saturday, with free weekend horse and carriage rides beginning the same day.

Also coming up are the “Miracle on Asbury Avenue” celebration on Nov. 29, highlighted by Santa’s appearance on the roof of City Hall, and the beloved annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.  

“These events offer visitors a chance to shop in person, soak in the holiday spirit, and enjoy unique experiences like carriage rides, Santa visits, and carolers,” Gillian said. “The decorations are the hallmark of Ocean City’s holiday festivities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to celebrate the season.”

    Light posts are wrapped in garland and topped with red bows.
  

    Ocean City resident Robert McCarthy says the decorations remind him of his childhood neighborhood.
  

    Stainton's gets into the holiday spirit with a colorful display of lights.
  

    Asbury Avenue sparkles at night under the festive decorations.
  

    Strands of garland and red bows hang gracefully above Asbury Avenue.
  

    Lights make the garland come alive at night.

    The Ninth Street side of City Hall also is dressed up for the holidays.
  

    At night, City Hall gives off a festive glow.