The Jersey Shore doesn’t pack up when summer crowds leave. Come late November, beaches are quiet, the Boardwalk is humming and shore towns trade sunscreen for twinkle lights. If you’re searching for things to do on the Jersey Shore for Thanksgiving, Ocean City, NJ, is an easy pick. From a Thanksgiving morning 5K to Santa’s arrival downtown, there’s enough to fill the long weekend.
Thanksgiving weekend 2026 at a glance:
Thursday, Nov. 26: Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot on the Boardwalk
Friday, Nov. 27: Christmas in the Downtown, 2 to 5 p.m. on Asbury Avenue, with Santa’s arrival at 5 p.m.; carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28 and 29: Santa at Soifer Park, 9 to 11 a.m.; carriage rides, noon to 3 p.m.; Santa photos at the Music Pier in the early afternoon
Family-Friendly Fun on Thanksgiving Day in Ocean City
In Ocean City, NJ, two of the easiest ways to fill the holiday both start on the Boardwalk.
Run or Stroll the Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot
Start your morning with a Thanksgiving morning 5K on the Boardwalk. The Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot runs on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and is hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. The route welcomes runners and walkers alike, which is perfect for families with mixed fitness levels.
If you are planning to jog or walk it, dress in layers you can shed, and consider following a few holiday fitness tips so the day feels energizing rather than exhausting.
Explore the Year-Round Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is open 24 hours year-round, making it a guaranteed holiday activity when other destinations may be closed. November through March marks the slower season, but many restaurants and boutiques stay open. You get ocean views and room to walk without summer crowds. Individual businesses set their own Thanksgiving Day hours, so check ahead.
The Boardwalk is open 24 hours year-round, a guaranteed holiday activity when other destinations may be closed.
Budget-Friendly Ways to Enjoy the Beach and Outdoors
Some of the best parts of a Thanksgiving weekend in Ocean City don’t come with a price tag. Once summer ends, the beach and the island’s wild southern tip are yours to explore at an easy pace.
Free Beach Access Along Eight Miles of Shoreline
Beach tags are required from early June through Labor Day only, so walking the beach over Thanksgiving is free. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from October 1 to April 30, which is a real perk for families who travel with pets. Ocean City has eight miles of oceanfront beaches, and the city describes them as a year-round destination.
Dog-Friendly Walks at Corson’s Inlet State Park
Corson’s Inlet State Park sits at the south end of Ocean City. The park was established in 1969 to protect one of the last undeveloped stretches of oceanfront in the state. It’s popular for hiking, fishing, crabbing and boating. Dogs aren’t allowed from April 1 through September 15, while late November is open to dogs on leashes
