Night in Venice to Celebrate 71st Anniversary on July 25th
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Night in Venice Planning Committee Chairman Dave Winslow and Mayor Jay Gillian announced the theme for the 2026 event: “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights.”
Ocean City will celebrate the 71st anniversary of Night in Venice at 6:30 p.m. July 25 this year, and the dual theme will invite more creativity as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and “Christmas in July,” the day that falls exactly six months before the winter holiday. “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights” will invite all participants to decorate their boats and houses in festive colors and lights for the grand event.
“We want this year’s celebration to be bright and beautiful” Mayor Gillian said. “Combining two great themes will really give our participants more flexibility and more reasons to celebrate.”
The committee also announced the addition of two new pageants to support the Night in Venice event. Little Miss Night in Venice and Junior Miss Night in Venice will make their debut with a crowning at the Music Pier on July 15, and the queens and their courts will preside over the Night In Venice boat parade on July 25. Registration for pageant participants (Little Miss NIV ages 8 to 11; and Junior Miss NIV ages 12 to 15) is open now at ocnj.recdesk.com. The pageant will feature an interview portion, evening gown, boat wear and on-stage questions.
Gillian and Winslow also announced that this year’s presenting sponsors will include ACME and OCNJ Watersports.
Look for an unveiling of the 4th edition commemorative Night in Venice poster created by local artist Aaron “Bogy” Bogushefsky and information about this year’s grand marshal shortly.
Randy Quaid Named 2026 Night in Venice Grand Marshal
Actor will hold Q&A after special screening of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’
The Night in Venice Committee is excited to announce that actor Randy Quaid, beloved for his unforgettable portrayal of Cousin Eddie in “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,” will serve as the grand marshal for the 2026 Night in Venice celebration on Saturday, July 25, 2026. This year's Night in Venice theme, "Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights,” celebrates America's 250th anniversary while bringing the magic of Christmas in July to Ocean City's spectacular annual boat parade. Quaid's appearance is the perfect addition to this one-of-a-kind patriotic and holiday-themed celebration. Before leading the evening’s Night in Venice festivities, Quaid will appear at a special screening of “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” at 12 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Ocean City Tabernacle. Following the screening, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a live Q&A with Quaid, where he will share stories from his career and discuss the making of the holiday classic. Guests may also purchase exclusive VIP meet-and-greet tickets, which include a commemorative digital photo with Randy Quaid and an autographed commemorative movie poster. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in their best Cousin Eddie-inspired attire. “Night in Venice is one of Ocean City's signature traditions, and we're thrilled to welcome Randy Quaid to help us celebrate this year's unique theme,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “His iconic role in one of America's favorite holiday movies makes him the perfect grand marshal for a celebration that combines patriotism, Christmas spirit, and one of the country's most spectacular boat parades.” Night in Venice is one of the largest boat parades in the country, featuring decorated boats, themed bayfront homes, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. This year's “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights” theme promises a memorable celebration honoring both the nation's 250th anniversary and the joy of the holiday season. Movie screening sponsors include the Stainton’s Family of Stores. Tickets for the movie screening featuring a live Q&A with Quaid and VIP tickets are now available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Phillies Legend John Kruk Named 2026 Night in Venice Grand Marshal
Kruk will join actor Randy Quaid in leading the 2026 Ocean City boat parade
Ocean City Night in Venice Chairman, David Winslow announced today that former Philadelphia Phillies all-star John Kruk will be another grand marshal at the 2026 Night in Venice celebration on Saturday, July 25, 2026. This year's theme, “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary while bringing together two of the nation's favoritetraditions: patriotism and Christmas in July. Few things are more American than baseball, making Kruk the perfect addition to this year's celebration. For generations of fans throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond, Kruk has represented the passion, grit, and hometown pride that have made baseball America’s pastime. His appearance at Night in Venice recognizes the enduring connection between baseball and the values that have united Americans for 250 years. “John Kruk has been a fan favorite for decades and remains one of the most recognizable personalities in baseball,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with this year’s ‘Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights’ theme, we’re excited to welcome someone who represents one of our nation’s greatest traditions. Baseball has always brought families and communities together, just as Night in Venice has done for generations.” Kruk’s appearance complements a full day of entertainment celebrating Night in Venice with patriotic displays, festive holiday decorations and the unique charm that has made Night in Venice one of Ocean City’s signature events.
Entries are currently being accepted from all those who want to participate in the annual bayfront celebration. The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contests provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City. Thousands of spectators line the bayfront, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. The theme is always optional, and entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online or by calling 609-399-6111.
A spectacular fireworks display over the bayfront will be launched after the boat parade.
