Ocean City’s downtown sparkles in holiday splendor

Downtown Ocean City is dressed up for the holidays, with wreaths, garland and twinkling lights bringing a festive glow to the start of the season.

Holiday decorations line Asbury Avenue from 6th through 14th streets, where light posts are wrapped with sparkling garland and bright red bows. Pine-green wreaths and garland hang gracefully over the street throughout the stretch.

City Hall is adorned with wreaths hanging from each window and garland wrapped along the railings.

A towering, illuminated tree stands at the corner of 9th Street and Asbury on City Hall’s front lawn. It will serve as the setting for the city’s tree-lighting ceremony during the “Christmas in the Downtown – Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” celebration on Nov. 28.

“Ocean City’s holiday decorations have transformed the town into a true Christmas destination,” said Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The dazzling displays bring downtown OC to life, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere perfect for shopping, dining, and seasonal fun.”

    Collingswood residents Jimmy and Emily Perry, with their son, Calihan, visit Ocean City each year to enjoy the holiday decorations.
  

Jimmy and Emily Perry were visiting from Collingswood with their young son, Calihan, walking and shopping on Asbury Avenue. They visit Ocean City this time each year to enjoy the holiday decor downtown.

“We came down today to check out the shops and the holiday decorations,” Jimmy Perry said. “They look great as usual. The wreaths always make it feel like Christmas right away.”

Emily Perry said this is Calihan’s first holiday season. His parents were excited for him to see the scenery for his first time.

“We have a tradition of coming down to shop and enjoy the decorations each year, so we’re bringing him along for his first time.” Emily Perry said. “They always feel very traditional and homey, and we always like to celebrate Christmas early.”

Virginia and Rich Bottaro were visiting Ocean City from Bucks County, Pa., this weekend. Virginia said as they drove over the 9th Street bridge into town, they noticed the festive decorations immediately.

“It puts you in the holiday spirit right away,” she said.

    Sparkling decorations strung above Asbury Avenue give the downtown festive charm at night.
  

The Bottaros said they always love seeing Ocean City’s decorations and especially appreciate the decorated scaffolding at The Shoppes on Asbury at 8th Street, which is covered in wreaths, garland, bows and “Nutcracker” statues.

“It reminds me of New York City around Christmas,” Virginia Bottaro said. “I really appreciate how they made that look so pretty for the holidays.”

Linda and Joe Demarco were visiting from the Cherry Hill area and decided to walk down Asbury Avenue to view the decor.

“It’s nice to see the holiday decorations. They look really festive, very pretty,” Linda Demarco said.

    Victorian-style lampposts downtown are wrapped with garland and red bows.
  

The Demarcos said they are excited to visit downtown again for some of the upcoming holiday events, such as the Earlier Than the Bird shopping extravaganza on Asbury Avenue on Nov. 22, the weekend before Thanksgiving.

“The downtown district is alive with holiday cheer and a full lineup of beloved events – from Earlier Than the Bird and Miracle on Asbury Avenue to the Christmas Parade and our First Night New Year’s celebration,” Gillian said.

Other upcoming holiday festivities downtown include carriage rides, Santa visits, and carolers singing in the streets.

“With its charming decorations and joyful celebrations, Ocean City truly shines as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the wonder of the holidays,” Gillian said.

    The Shoppes at Asbury retail complex sparkles with holiday lights and decorations.
  

    Toy soldiers from "The Nutcracker" greet shoppers along Asbury Avenue.
  

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