November 26, 2025
With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know how thankful I am to be mayor of this great community. I appreciate all the hard work of our wonderful volunteers, guests, churches, non-profit groups, business owners, City Council, our city team, and our residents in making Ocean City “America’s Greatest Family Resort."
I want remind everyone that there will be no trash pickup on Thursday. Trash pickup will be pushed back from Thursday to Friday for residents on the south side of 3rd to north side of 9th Street, and pushed back from Friday to Saturday for residents from the Longport Bridge to the north side of 3rd Street.
I look forward to seeing you on Friday for our Miracle on Asbury Avenue celebration. Festivities starting at noon will feature horse and carriage rides, carolers and Santa’s City Hall arrival at 5 p.m. A new addition of a drone light show will follow. Spectators can best view it by looking to the sky towards 6th Street. The fun continues with Small Business Saturday. Santa will greet children in Mark Soifer Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, then he will be heading up to the Music Pier for pictures from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The day will conclude at 6 p.m. with the Ocean City Pops Holiday Show at the Music Pier.
In the spirit of giving, the Ocean City Food Cupboard will be holding its Santa’s Food Drive from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30. During the Miracle on Asbury Avenue celebration on Black Friday, they will challenge the community to fill an Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguard stand (outside City Hall) with donations. Please bring non-perishable food items to help them meet their goal. Donations will be accepted inside the City Hall Welcome Center on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 29 and 30).
Our newest episode of the “Inside City Hall” video series is now available here.
Michele and I want to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
Sign up to receive email alerts about this weekly mayor's update.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
Jay Gillian, Mayor
Phone: 609-525-9333
Email: mayor@ocnj.us
