There’s something wonderfully unexpected about celebrating Thanksgiving by the beach. When you trade the familiar backdrop of home for the gentle crash of waves and a beach breeze in the air, the holiday takes on a fresh, relaxed rhythm. Here in Ocean City, New Jersey, the weekend after Thanksgiving invites time to linger — with family, friends, and the shoreline.
Whether you’ve booked one of our beautiful rentals or are still deciding where to stay, this is your invitation to make your holiday a little more “getaway” and a lot more memorable.
Why Ocean City for Thanksgiving Weekend?
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Space & ease. Skip the crowded home-kitchen scramble and settle into a fully-equipped rental home — where prepping the turkey and sides happens in a kitchen designed for gathering.
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Off-season calm with seaside charm. The boardwalk is quieter, the air is crisp, and the pace feels more thoughtful. It’s the same shoreline you adore — only now there’s room to breathe.
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Family time + tradition, re-imagined. You can still honour favorite dishes, share the football game (or a board-game), and then finish the evening with a moonlit walk on the sand or hot cocoa on the patio.
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Events to supplement the holiday. You don’t need to fill every minute, but Ocean City teams its off-season quiet with just enough local happenings to sprinkle in some fun.
What to Do Over Holiday Weekend in Ocean City
Here are a few of the events you can plan around — perfect for a stay at one of our rentals:
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“Earlier-than-the-Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, downtown Asbury Avenue comes alive early (starting around 8 a.m.) with pajama-friendly shopping specials and holiday-shopping energy. OCNJ Daily+2dotheshore.com+2 -
Free Horse & Carriage Rides
From around that same weekend onward, enjoy horse-and-carriage rides along 6th & Asbury Avenue, noon to 3 p.m. on select days — adding a festive, relaxed stroll into your holiday plan. OCNJ Daily+1 -
“Christmas in the Downtown – Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”
On Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) there’s a celebration from about 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., when the downtown merchants and community come together — caroling, lights, Santa’s arrival, and the official kickoff of the holiday-season magic. dotheshore.com+1 -
Annual 5K Turkey Trot
Want to burn some calories before pie? The annual “Fast & Furriest” 5K Turkey Trot on the boardwalk is one way to mix movement with the holiday spirit. OCNJ Daily+1
Why Book with OCNJ Beach Rentals This Holiday
At OCNJ Beach Rentals, we understand that Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey — it’s about connection, comfort, and making memories. That’s why our homes:
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Are steps (or minutes) from the sand and boardwalk
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Feature well-equipped kitchens, so you can bring the best of home to the shore
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Sleep entire families comfortably — without feeling cramped
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Include thoughtful extras like beach gear, so you’re beach-ready from day one
This year, let the ocean breeze and shoreline views become your holiday backdrop. Make this Thanksgiving one that your family will refer to for years. Book the rental. Pack the pie. Bring the gratitude.
Ready to reserve your spot? Browse our homes and select the one that fits your family’s style and size at www.ocnjbeachrental.com.