1. First Day in the Downtown
Friday, Jan. 1 at 11 a.m.
Asbury Ave., Downtown Ocean City
Shoppers will be able to kick-off the New Year with First Day in the Downtown along the Asbury Avenue Shopping District. Most stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., some earlier at 10 a.m. Asbury Avenue was recently voted “Number one Downtown in South Jersey” and is noted for its over 100 unusual specialty stores, galleries and restaurants. For information, call (609) 399-6111 or 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
2. HERO Campaign Pledge, Run & Plunge
Friday, Jan. 1 at 11 a.m.
Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City
The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign® for Designated Drivers challenges individuals and groups to plunge into the ocean on New Year’s Day to raise donations for the HERO Campaign’s mission of promoting safe and sober designated drivers. Participants can pre-register at HEROCampaign.org, where they can create their own team or donate to someone who is taking the HERO Plunge. A 5K run on the Boardwalk begins at 1 p.m. with the plunge at 2 p.m. Registration begins at 11 a.m. for the run and 12 noon for the plunge. Commemorative long-sleeved T-shirts are available for purchase. For more information, call (609) 626-3880.
3. First Dip
Friday, Jan. 1 at 12 p.m.
9th St. Beach, Ocean City
The City presents its popular First Dip in the Ocean starting 2 p.m. near the 9th St. Beach. Plungers should register in front of Music Pier from 12 to 2 p.m. Participants receive a Beach Nut Certificate signifying that they have taken the plunge on New Year’s Day. The Plunge is free to all. Event includes the popular HERO Campaign challenge. For information, call (609) 399-6111 or 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
4. Holiday Lights Trolley Rides
Friday, Jan. 1 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 2 at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m
Washington Street Mall, Cape May
Take a ride through Cape May’s Historic District and see cheerfully decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs, and play Christmas music. $12 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12). Trolley rides leave from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street at Ocean. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
5. A Cape May Christmas
Saturday, Jan. 2 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Lafayette St. & Bank St., Cape May
Cape May Stage presents “A Cape May Christmas.” This world premiere, family-friendly holiday production combines fireside storytelling with the holiday classics. Intertwining tales of Saint Nicholas and Cape May’s historic hero Captain Mey, we lovingly celebrate the warmth of a contemporary Santa and Mrs. Claus on a secret visit to our seaside resort. Admission is $38 for adults, $33 for seniors (62+), $18 for active duty and $18 for students. Presented by Cape May Stage in association with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
To see all the ways you can Do The Shore this weekend, visit our events calendar at dotheshore.com/events.