Ocean City’s small-town version of “Black Friday” takes place on Friday, Nov. 24. Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” – will be celebrated from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature carolers and performers along downtown Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14th Street.
Downtown stores will offer discount shopping for gifts, and many Asbury Avenue restaurants will be open. Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available from noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Santa will visit with children 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue). Entertainment and Christmas carols will begin at 4 p.m. on the steps of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
The event culminates around 5 p.m. when Santa Claus will emerge on the rooftop of City Hall. With the help of an Ocean City Fire Department ladder truck, Santa will descend and help light the Christmas Tree and illuminate City Hall.
The shopping discounts will continue on Nov. 25 as downtown merchants celebrate Small Business Saturday.
Music lovers can enjoy a special holiday performance of the Ocean City Pops Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 25. Led by conductor Vince Lee, the Pops will perform classic holiday favorites and modern hits featuring soloist Sara Maimone of Ocean City. The show starts at 6 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. For tickets, visit OceanCityVacation.com/BoxOffice.