Ship Bottom holds its 47th annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5, from 1 to 4 p.m., along Long Beach Boulevard between 5th and 25th Streets. That is a 20-block stretch of the main road through the borough, the same road every Long Beach Island visitor drives after crossing the Causeway.

A week earlier, on Saturday, November 28, the borough lights its Christmas tree at the Ship Bottom Municipal Ramp on West 10th Street from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Both dates are posted on the borough's own events calendar.

The parade: Saturday, December 5

The borough lists the parade for 1 to 4 p.m. on the Boulevard from 5th Street to 25th Street. The borough bills the 2026 parade as its 47th annual.

Because the route runs on the Boulevard itself, expect the road to be closed or slowed for the afternoon between those streets. Anyone heading to Surf City, Harvey Cedars or Barnegat Light that day should plan around the parade window, or travel before 1 p.m.

The tree lighting: Saturday, November 28

Ship Bottom's annual Christmas Tree Lighting is set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Ship Bottom Municipal Ramp, on West 10th Street on the bay side. The borough describes it as the start of its Christmas season. It falls on a busy weekend on the island: the same day, Barnegat Light holds its Viking Christmas Village at the north end, so a family could spend the afternoon up there and drive back down the Boulevard for the lighting.

Where to watch the parade

  • The route: Long Beach Boulevard, 5th Street to 25th Street. The borough has not posted a direction of travel, so pick a spot in the middle of the route if you are unsure which end it starts from.
  • Parking: side streets off the Boulevard are the practical choice. Leave the Boulevard itself clear, since it is the route.
  • Weather: the island is exposed in December, and wind off the ocean and the bay makes it feel colder than the mainland. Dress for an hour or more outside.

Getting to Ship Bottom

Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 63 and follow Route 72 east over the Manahawkin Bay bridges. The Causeway lands in Ship Bottom, at the center of Long Beach Island in Ocean County, so the parade route is minutes from the bridge.

The dates at a glance

  • Christmas Tree Lighting: Saturday, November 28, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Ship Bottom Municipal Ramp, West 10th Street.
  • 47th Annual Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 5, 1 to 4 p.m., Long Beach Boulevard from 5th to 25th Streets.
  • More information: the Borough of Ship Bottom's events calendar at shipbottom.org.

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