Ocean City’s Winterfest by the Sea Brings Holiday Spirit to the Boardwalk

Every November, the Ocean City Civic Center at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk turns into a festive marketplace as Winterfest by the Sea welcomes shoppers and neighbors eager to start the holiday season. Presented by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, the one-day event features dozens of craft and gift vendors, holiday décor, and the unmistakable sound of carols echoing through the Boardwalk pavilion.

A Local Tradition for Holiday Shoppers

Scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Winterfest by the Sea has become one of the town’s signature early-season events. The Chamber’s goal is simple — to create a welcoming space for local artisans and small businesses to meet shoppers before Black Friday crowds descend on the malls. Parking and admission are free, making it an easy family outing for residents and visitors alike.

Inside the Civic Center

Past years’ lineups included jewelry makers, coastal-themed woodworkers, bakeries, and candle shops — and 2025 promises a similar mix. Visitors can expect everything from handcrafted ornaments and gourmet treats to children’s clothing and Ocean City branded goods. Santa typically strolls the aisles for photos while vendors offer small giveaways and raffle baskets.

According to the official city event calendar, the fair occupies the entire Civic Center floor. Food concessions and warm beverages line the lobby area so guests can linger between vendor booths without leaving the building.

Why the Community Shows Up

Ocean City thrives on year-round civic engagement, even after beach season ends. Events like Winterfest remind both residents and second-home owners that the Boardwalk community stays active long after Labor Day. The Chamber emphasizes supporting local makers, helping to circulate holiday spending within Cape May County.

For many small businesses, Winterfest provides valuable off-season exposure. A candle vendor who relies on summer visitors can reconnect with locals; a jewelry artist can debut new pieces before craft-show season ramps up. That combination keeps Ocean City’s creative economy visible during colder months.

Local Voices

As one Chamber volunteer explained during a previous Winterfest setup, “It’s the unofficial kickoff to the holidays. You see everyone from your street come through — it feels like a reunion more than a market.”

That sentiment captures why the event resonates: it’s less about shopping lists and more about neighborhood connection.

Tips for Attending

• Arrive early for parking near Sixth Street and the Boardwalk.
  
  
  

• Bring reusable bags; several vendors offer discounts for eco-friendly shoppers.
  
  
  

• Plan to spend at least an hour — the vendor count averages 40–50 booths.
  
  
  

• Check the Chamber’s website for updates on entertainment or schedule changes.
  
  
  

OCNJ Traditions

There’s something comforting about browsing hand-made gifts while hearing waves crash outside the Civic Center. For long-time residents, that mix of seaside air and peppermint cocoa signals the start of another Ocean City holiday season. The festival embodies the town’s ability to blend small-town warmth with its year-round Boardwalk charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will parking be free? Yes — both admission and parking are free near the Civic Center.

Are pets allowed inside? Only service animals per city event rules.

Who organizes the event? The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce coordinates vendors and schedules each year.

Sources: Ocean City Chamber of Commerce; OCNJ.us Calendar of Events (2025)

Ocean City, NJ