What’s Happening in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY — Wonderland Amusement Pier has installed a mini amusement park for kids at 901 Asbury Ave. It’s a main feature of the City’s Old Fashioned Christmas in the Downtown that kicks off the holiday season Fri., Nov. 26.
The free rides will open 1 p.m. and be available till 5 p.m. That’s when Santa arrives dramatically from City Hall roof with assistance from a fire department ladder truck.
The day’s schedule includes free photos with Santa in a lifeboat from 1 to 3 p.m. on City Hall Lawn and holiday readings and face painting at Stainton’s Square, 8th and Asbury Ave. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served at Stainton’s. There will be also free gift wrapping.
Free horse drawn carriage rides with Santa are scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. starting at City Hall, 9th and Asbury Ave. Local carolers will brighten the day with holiday selections beginning 1 p.m. The Philly Phanatic and the Ocean City Theatre Company will entertain between 4 and 5 p.m. Shop keepers will feature specials and restaurants will be open, some offering free refreshments.
On Sat. Nov. 27 and Sun., Nov. 28, there will be photos with Santa in an Ocean City lifeboat from noon till 3 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. On Sun., Nov. 28 Breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Yummy Stuff, 825A Asbury Ave. There will be free horse drawn carriage rides from noon till
3 p.m. at 9th and Asbury Ave.
The Weekend of Dec. 4-5 is also busy with Holiday Events. The City’s popular Train Show will be at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The show features colorful working exhibits of Lionel’s and Garden Railroads. Train accessories and memorabilia will be for sale There will be repairs while you wait by Dick Yard.
Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children with proceeds benefiting City recreation programs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sun. Free parking is available at City lots near the Boardwalk. For information call, 609-525-9300.
Ocean City’s Christmas Parade will be held on Sat., Dec.4 starting 10:30 a.m. Route is from 6th to 11th Streets on Asbury Ave. The Parade ushers Santa into town and features bands, floats and costumed characters. Following the Parade, Santa will greet children, pose for photos and distribute treats at Stainton’s Square, 8th and Asbury Ave.
The Ocean City Pops Orchestra will present Joy to the World, a symphonic and choral celebration of the glorious sounds of Christmas 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 4 at the Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Ave.
The program will feature a varied selection of traditional and popular holiday favorites. Tickets are $15, available at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave., 609-525-9300, on line at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or at the door.
The Ocean City Historical Museum will hold its annual Sindia Day on Sat., Dec. 4 and the Ocean City Arts Center will present a Craft Show on that same date. Both events will be held in the Community Center Complex, 17th and Simpson Ave., 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.
Stop in at the Museum to hear stories and learn about Ocean City’s famous shipwreck, The Sindia. See vintage photographs and additional Sindia objects from the Museum’s archives that are not usually on display. Children and families will be given a special tour and take part in an art making activity. Call 399-1801 for information.
The Arts Center’s Craft Show is set for the Atrium of the Community Center. The work of local artists will be for sale including paintings, scarves, jewelry, photographs, books, specialized and artistic note cards, pottery and holiday décor. Music will be provided by local piano students. Call 399-7628 for information.
Fund Raisers: The Ocean City PTA will sponsor a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Dec. 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ocean City Intermediate School, 18th and Bay Ave. Twenty local vendors will participate. Features include a chair massage, concession stand, PTA Charity Pin Sale and free gift wrapping. Purchase holiday cookies by the pound.
Free admission, open to public.
The Movay-Miley Post of the American Legion holds its Pancake Breakfast, Sun., Dec.5 from 8 a.m. till noon at the Masonic Hall, 10th and Wesley Ave. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea, milk, juice. Adults $5, children $3. Proceeds benefit veteran’s projects.
First Night Buffet: A Taste of the Jersey Shore will be provided by the Ocean City Restaurant Assn. during the First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration. The dinner will be available in the cafeteria of Ocean City High School with first seating at 4 p.m. and final seating at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children. Reservations may be made at Downtown Gillian’s 838B Asbury Ave. when purchasing First Night Admission buttons. Call 609-391-0060 or access www.firstnightocnj.com. The extensive menu includes soups, salads, a variety of main courses, assorted freshly baked sweets and beverages. Full details are provided in the First Night program book.
First Night has an Angel Fund for those who can’t afford admission. To receive buttons or support the fund, call 609-525-9300.
Reminders: The Ocean City Theatre Company’s holiday spectacular of song and dance, A Christmas Wonderland will be held Dec.17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec.19 at 2 p.m. in the Music Pier. General admission is $12, Children $10. For tickets, call 609-525-9300, access www.ocnj.us or stop at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave.
The Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th and Wesley Ave., will present a free Christmas Concert on Sat., Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. with John Taylor, the Angelus Choir and The Tapestry Strings.
Musical Mondays, a cabaret series by the Ocean City Repertory Theater, is now underway at the Black Box Theater, 813 Asbury Ave. through Dec. 20. Show time is 7 p.m., tickets $10 at the door or call 609-457-6686.