Jessica Norton 
During the holiday season, Ocean Grove, New Jersey, transforms into a storybook destination, where Victorian charm meets festive coastal cheer. Its historic streets and iconic boardwalk sparkle with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and events that bring families and friends together. During the town’s annual Christmas in Ocean Grove celebration — which takes place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 — visitors can experience a live nativity in the Great Auditorium, take a trolley ride to visit beautifully decorated Victorian homes, or gather for the annual Christmas tree lighting. Even if you can’t make it to the December 6th events, Ocean Grove’s quaint shops, cozy cafes, and welcoming, nostalgic atmosphere provide a magical coastal retreat throughout the entire holiday season. Read on to learn more about all there is to do in Ocean Grove, New Jersey at Christmas time.
Go on Ocean Grove’s Victorian Holiday House Tour
Ocean Grove’s Victorian Holiday House & Inn Tour is an annual, self-guided tour that invites visitors to explore beautifully decorated private homes, charming inns, the historic Centennial House, the Historical Society Museum, and one of the town’s iconic tent houses. A complimentary trolley service shuttles guests between stops throughout town, making it easy to take in the holiday decorations and OG’s historic architecture. The tour is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 10AM to 4PM. Tickets can be purchased on the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce website.
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Shop + Stroll Down Main Avenue
During the holiday season, Main Avenue in Ocean Grove transforms into a festive shopping destination, perfect for finding unique gifts and seasonal treats. Lined with charming boutiques, specialty shops, and cafes, the street exudes old-fashioned holiday charm with twinkling lights and cheerful window displays. Shoppers can browse handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and local treasures in a short three-block long area.
JSG’s favorite shops on Main Avenue in Ocean Grove:
- Serenity By The Sea is a boutique that sells handcrafted, fair-trade, and eco-friendly items such as jewelry, soaps, candles, potholders, sage, incense, and yoga-inspired spa and home gifts. Fun gifts for all ages plus a ton of handmade Jersey Shore inspired creations.
- Ocean Grove Kitchen Co. has a really cool selection of retro-inspired kitchenware, vintage gadgets, and useful home tools. Shoppers will find great gifts for new homeowners, college kids, foodies, and cooking enthusiasts. Plus, practical stocking stuffers like pizza cutters, oven pulls, quirky sponges, and aprons.
- Comfort Zone is a gift shop with specialty bath and body care, skincare, home accessories, books, toys, baby products, and stationery.
- The Emporium at Ocean Grove is a boutique connected to Comfort Zone that specializes in resort wear and special occasion attire. Shoppers can find a range of clothing items such as tops, pants, dresses, and jackets, all designed to provide both style and comfort at the beach. Additionally, the store offers t-shirts, sweatshirts, and souvenirs specifically for Ocean Grove.
- The Main Ave Collective is a boutique with trendy, elevated women’s fashion mainly for Gen Z and millennials, but really anyone could rock the sweaters, dresses, sets, and hats they have.
- Ocean Grove Trading has a curated selection of apparel and accessories that blend comfort, practicality, and beachside flair. They have everything from beachwear and outerwear to hats, sunglasses, and scarves.
- Gifts by Tina is a quaint and quirky shop with a wide assortment of items, including women’s and children’s clothing, unique jewelry pieces, elegant home decor, pet accessories, and Ocean Grove memorabilia.
- Main Avenue Galleria – which recently relocated to 35 Pilgrim Pathway, just off of Main Avenue – is a creative hub for both artists and art enthusiasts. The gallery has fine art, photography, pottery, sculpture, art glass, mosaics, jewelry, and decorative furniture for sale as well as art supplies.
- The Mermaid Haberdashery at 45 Pilgrim Pathway is a boutique with jewelry, vintage-inspired clothing, and eclectic and kitschy accessories. Shop here for hats, sunglasses, and statement pieces.
Peruse the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Marketplace
The Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Marketplace in Ocean Grove is a festive shopping event that will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 9AM to 3PM at the Ocean Grove Youth Temple located at 21 Pilgrim Pathway. This seasonal marketplace features a variety of vendors offering handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, baked goods, and unique treasures ideal for gift-giving.
See The Live Nativity in The Great Auditorium
The annual live nativity in Ocean Grove is organized by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA). The event begins with a procession featuring costumed characters portraying Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, and various animals, followed by a reenactment of the birth of Jesus. The Great Auditorium, located at 21 Pilgrim Pathway, serves as the central venue for the event, which is free and open to the public. The live nativity will take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 from 5PM to 6PM. More information about the live nativity can be found on the OGCMA website.
Attend the Christmas Tree Lighting
After the nativity, the community gathers right outside of The Great Auditorium at 21 Pilgrim Pathway, for a festive Christmas tree lighting, accompanied by caroling, hot cider, and treats. Visitors can enjoy holiday music and a visit from Santa Claus while mingling with neighbors and visitors. The Christmas Tree Lighting is set to take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 from 6PM to 7PM in Auditorium Square Park. Information about the Christmas Tree lighting in Ocean Grove can be found on the OGCMA website.
Eat, Drink, + Be Merry
Dining in Ocean Grove, is a charming blend of coastal flavors, quaint cafes, and casual eateries that reflect the town’s historic and relaxed vibe. Stroll along Main Avenue and you’ll find everything from bagel and cheese shops to fresh seafood restaurants and family-friendly bistros.
JSG’s fave eateries on Main Avenue in Ocean Grove:
- Odyssey Coffee has freshly brewed coffee, specialty teas, and a selection of light bites.
- Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe is a family-owned bakery with a charming pink storefront and a delicious selection of freshly baked goods, including muffins, pastries, cakes, artisan breads, and specialty puddings. They also serve specialty beverages such as espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and chai.
- Tino’s Artisan Pizza is known for its thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas. Its menu features antipasti, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, and has gluten-free and vegan options.
Ocean Grove has a unique history when it comes to alcohol. The town was founded as a Methodist camp meeting site in 1869, and because of that heritage, it historically has had strict rules about alcohol. Ocean Grove is considered a “dry town,” meaning that the sale of alcohol is prohibited, so restaurants in Ocean Grove are BYOB (bring your own bottle).
Stay at the Hotel Albatross
During the holiday season, staying at the Hotel Albatross, located at 34 Ocean Pathway in Ocean Grove, offers a cozy and festive escape just steps from the town’s historic streets and sparkling boardwalk. The charming boutique hotel, known for its elegant Victorian-inspired decor and warm hospitality, becomes an ideal home base for holiday adventures. Guests can enjoy beautifully decorated rooms, relax by the fireplace in the common areas, and easily stroll to seasonal events and local shops.
See More: The Hoboken Girl’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Deals Guide
Go For A Walk On The Boardwalk
A walk along the Ocean Grove boardwalk during the Christmas season offers a quiet, scenic way to take in the town’s holiday atmosphere. The ocean air is brisk, and the boardwalk is lined with simple seasonal touches like garlands, wreaths, and the glow of lights from nearby inns and homes. It’s also easy to walk to the neighboring towns of Asbury Park and Bradley Beach from the Ocean Grove Boardwalk. And a huge plus: sunsets during the holiday season are especially gorgeous with purple and blue ombre tones.
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