Shop and celebrate the season this weekend in Ocean City

Written by Claire Lowe Thursday, December 20, 2012 01:00 am

Shop and celebrate the season this weekend in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY — It’s time to get all your last minute shopping done before Christmas is upon us. If Ocean City is your destination, then there are still plenty of opportunities to shop, dine and celebrate the holidays.

Friday night, Dec. 21, is hospitality night 5-8 p.m. in downtown Ocean City. There will be free horse and carriage rides, shopping specials, music and carolers, a visit from Santa and more along Asbury Avenue.

Santa will be visiting for some eggs and bacon this weekend in Ocean City through Christmas. From 8:30-11:30 a.m. eat breakfast with Santa Claus Saturday at Yianni’s, 841 Asbury Ave., and Sunday at Arlene’s, 624 Asbury Ave. 

Then, from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Ocean City Music Pier, take your picture with Santa or enjoy free horse and carriage rides at Ninth and Asbury.

For those who are planning on taking the along the kids, Ocean City Tabernacle, Sixth and Wesley, will provide the movie “The Polar Express” along with popcorn for children in first through eighth grade while parents shop downtown 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. This is a gift to the local stores and there is no charge. Eric Hitchner is in charge, with help from the staff of the after-school program and members of Coastal Christian Church.

After all the shopping, relax and enjoy a show as the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company will present “Yours Truly, Jack Frost” 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. All tickets are $10 and are available at www.ocnj.us or in City Hall, Ninth and Asbury. Jack Frost, who decorates windowpanes during the Christmas season, has his office atop the Smiles Department Store. When Evilina attempts to ruin Christmas, Jack Frost rushes to the rescue and continues to bring goodwill to the world.

On Sunday, Dec. 23 the St. Peter's United Methodist Church praise band presents “A Christian Carol” 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Stainton room at St. Peter’s, Eighth Street and Central Avenue in Ocean City. With parallels to Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” St. Peter’s offers a time to learn the meaning of Christmas by way of story, songs and sight. There will be a free will offering.

And if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate Christmas, all are invited to the 23rd annual buffet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 at St. Peter’s Methodist Church, Eighth Street and Central Avenue in Ocean City. No reservations are required and the home-cooked meal is free to all who need company, a good meal and some cheer. There will be live entertainment and all the food you can eat. Take-outs and deliveries are available. Transportation to and from dinner can be provided. This is not a soup-kitchen, it’s a festive celebration. For more information call 398-8781.