Celebrate the Season: Winterfest By The Sea and Early Bird Holiday Shopping in Ocean City, NJ

As the autumn breeze gives way to the crisp chill of winter, Ocean City, NJ transforms into a festive paradise. Locals and visitors alike are welcomed with open arms into a town brimming with holiday cheer, coastal charm, and unforgettable family traditions. At Gloria Vare Properties, we believe the holiday season is one of the most magical times to visit our beloved shore town. Whether you’re a returning guest or planning your first winter escape, two must-attend events stand out on the seasonal calendar: Winterfest By The Sea and the “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza. These Ocean City holiday events 2025 offer the perfect blend of festive fun, unique shopping, and small-town hospitality. Best of all, our cozy Seaside Victorian Cottage places you right in the heart of the excitement.

A Festive Kickoff with Winterfest By The Sea

On November 15, the Ocean City Civic Center plays host to the fifth annual Winterfest By The Sea, presented by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this indoor holiday shopping extravaganza welcomes visitors into a winter wonderland filled with handcrafted goods, delicious food, and heartwarming holiday moments. With dozens of local artisans and craft vendors, it’s a one-stop-shop for finding unique holiday gifts while supporting small businesses.

Children will be delighted to see Santa Claus himself strolling through the venue, adding a magical touch to the day’s events. Families can enjoy holiday-themed treats, admire festive displays, and even pose for seasonal photos. Winterfest By The Sea is more than a shopping event; it’s a celebration of community spirit and the joyous start of the winter season in Ocean City, NJ.

For those staying at Gloria Vare Properties, attending Winterfest couldn’t be easier. Located just a short walk or quick drive from the Civic Center, our beach house rental offers the perfect home base for families and couples looking to immerse themselves in all the festivities without the hassle of travel or parking. After a full day of browsing artisan booths and enjoying holiday treats, come back to our warm and inviting Victorian cottage to relax by the indoor fireplace or gather in the private backyard for a cozy evening.

Early Bird Gets the Deals: “Earlier than the Bird” Shopping in Pajamas

If you love holiday shopping with a twist, then mark your calendar for November 22 and be prepared to rise and shine early. The beloved “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza kicks off at 8 a.m., encouraging shoppers to show up in their pajamas and take advantage of incredible early-bird specials. Until noon, Asbury Avenue transforms into a bustling winter marketplace where local retailers open their doors with exclusive deals, warm beverages, and festive surprises.

This whimsical Ocean City tradition is a favorite among both locals and visitors. Shoppers wearing pajamas are rewarded with discounts and sometimes even prizes, making it one of the most fun and relaxed ways to tackle your holiday list. The event offers the charm of downtown shopping, Ocean City, NJ-style, where friendly faces, holiday music, and twinkling storefronts create an atmosphere of merriment and connection.

For guests of Gloria Vare Properties, attending “Earlier than the Bird” is not only easy but truly enjoyable. You can roll out of bed, throw on your coziest flannel PJs, and head straight to the heart of downtown without missing a beat. Our central location means you’re minutes away from the best shops, cafés, and bakeries. After snagging deals and sipping coffee on Asbury Avenue, return to your beachside retreat for a rejuvenating nap or a stroll along the boardwalk.

Family Fun and Holiday Cheer by the Ocean

Ocean City, NJ is well-known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and the holiday season is no exception. Winterfest By The Sea and “Earlier than the Bird” are just two highlights in a season full of family events, Ocean City, NJ-style. With its safe, walkable streets and festive atmosphere, the town invites families to create traditions that span generations.

Staying with Gloria Vare Properties enhances the entire experience. Our beautifully restored Seaside Victorian Cottage is designed with comfort, convenience, and coastal elegance in mind. With a fully equipped kitchen perfect for preparing holiday meals, an indoor fireplace for storytelling or watching classic Christmas movies, and a private patio for sipping hot cocoa under the stars, our rental creates a warm holiday haven.

For families visiting during these seasonal events, our vacation rental provides all the comforts of home with the added bonus of being close to all the action. Whether you’re attending a festive event at the Civic Center or taking advantage of downtown shopping, Ocean City, NJ welcomes you with open arms and our rental ensures your stay is seamless and memorable.

Shop Local, Stay Local: Supporting Ocean City’s Small Businesses

Both Winterfest By The Sea and “Earlier than the Bird” offer more than just fun; they also give back to the community by supporting Ocean City’s thriving network of small businesses and artisans. As a local business ourselves, Gloria Vare Properties understands the importance of shopping and staying local, especially during the holiday season.

By choosing to stay in our vacation rental, guests are already contributing to the local economy while enjoying a personalized and charming experience that hotels simply can’t match. The vendors and shop owners you’ll meet during these events are our neighbors and friends, many of whom have been serving Ocean City for decades. Your purchases help sustain this vibrant community and keep the spirit of the holidays alive year after year.

Plus, the convenience of staying local means less stress and more time for what really matters: making memories. From grabbing breakfast at a nearby café to exploring decorated storefronts and attending family events, Ocean City, NJ offers a rich holiday experience that’s best enjoyed without the rush of long drives or crowded hotels. Gloria Vare Properties provides that local connection with the comfort of home.

Why Gloria Vare Properties Is Your Holiday Home Away from Home

What sets Gloria Vare Properties apart is our deep-rooted love for Ocean City and our commitment to sharing it with others. Our Seaside Victorian Cottage isn’t just a rental; it’s part of our family tradition, lovingly updated to include modern comforts while retaining its timeless charm. Perfect for small groups, couples, or families, the cottage invites guests to slow down, savor the season, and experience Ocean City at its finest.

From our WiFi-equipped home base to the rain shower and BBQ-ready patio, every detail is curated for comfort and convenience. Imagine returning from Winterfest with handmade holiday gifts and warming up by the fire. Or coming home from “Earlier than the Bird” with your shopping bags full and slipping back into bed for a well-earned nap. Whether you’re here for the events, the shopping, or simply the sea breeze, we provide the perfect place to unwind.

Gloria Vare Properties offers not just a stay, but a story; your story. One filled with sandy strolls, festive lights, and laughter echoing through a cottage by the sea.

Conclusion

The holidays in Ocean City, NJ are unlike anywhere else. With the cheerful buzz of Winterfest By The Sea, the whimsical charm of the “Earlier than the Bird” shopping event, and a town bursting with community spirit, there’s no better place to welcome the season. Gloria Vare Properties invites you to experience these Ocean City holiday events 2025 from the comfort of our charming Seaside Victorian Cottage. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, building sandcastles before the snow falls, or just looking for a cozy retreat to enjoy winter’s quiet beauty, our vacation rental is ready to be your holiday home away from home.

Need a Vacation Rental Near You?

We’d love to welcome you to Gloria Vare Properties and share our Seaside Victorian Cottage with you! As a locally owned vacation home rental agency in Ocean City, NJ, we help plan family trips, a romantic retreat, or a peaceful off-season getaway, our Ocean City home offers the perfect mix of charm, comfort, and convenience just steps from the beach and boardwalk. Reach out to us today to book your stay;we can’t wait to help you create lasting memories by the shore.