The early forecast calls for clear and cool weather on Saturday – ideal conditions to kick off the holiday season along downtown Asbury Avenue. In Ocean City, that means shopping in your pajamas for the Earlier Than the Bird celebration.

The annual downtown shopping extravaganza takes place 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 19 – the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Anybody (pajama-clad or not) can take advantage of early-bird shopping specials at stores on Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14^th Street. But free turkeys will be awarded to the best-dressed, and shoppers can text in to win gift certificates and prizes from downtown merchants. Free coffee will be available at Jon & Patty’s (637 Asbury Avenue) and Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Avenue). Downtown Asbury Avenue will be decorated for the season.

Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available starting on the weekend of Nov. 19 and 20. Ride the downtown the old-fashioned way noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Board at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.