This New Night in Venice Theme Might Be the Best One Ocean City Has Ever Had

For almost 130 years, one of the most popular Vacation Destinations at the Jersey Shore is located in New Jersey's southernmost county.

Ocean City is well-known for its classic boardwalk, family-friendly amenities, and for being a Dry Town (no alcohol is served or sold on the island). OC being accessible via Garden State Parkway Exits 25, 29, and 30 makes this popular Shore Town easy to get to for South Jersey Locals and Regional Vacationers.

The premier event of the summer season in Ocean City is the annual Night in Venice. For 70 years, this boat parade is a spectacle combining Philadelphia regional pop culture with South Jersey Traditional Themes.

Each year, the Night in Venice parade starts near the Ocean City-Longport Toll Bridge, weaves through the lagoons on the north end of the island before heading south to Tennessee Avenue. The boat parade circles back north along the same route each year.

Theme For Ocean City's 2025 Night In Venice Announced

As part of Ocean City's celebration of the 70th Night in Venice, the theme for this year's event is “70 Years of Champions.” They will be honoring the Super Bowl 59 Champion Philadelphia Eagles along with other local and regional champions from the last 70 years.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian gave the following statement as part of the official announcement from the Night in Venice Planning Committee:

“From our own high school to professional sports, we’ve been lucky to have seen so many champions; This will be a fun year for Night in Venice.”

The 2023 Ocean City Night in Venice theme was “It’s a Philly Thing”, which was a celebration of Philadelphia history and culture. This summer's theme will be more sports focused compared to two years ago.

When looking at regional championship history, among the teams that could be honored this summer in Ocean City includes:

-2024 and 2017 Philadelphia Eagles (Super Bowls 59 and 52)
-2019 Ocean City High School Girls Soccer Group III state championship
-2013 Ocean City HS Girls Basketball Group III state title
-2008 Philadelphia Phillies World Series
-Ocean City HS Boys Soccer Group III state championships (2013, 2014, 2003, and 2005)
-Ocean City HS Field Hockey team Group III state championships ( 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2016)
-1989 Ocean City HS Softball Group III state championship
-Ocean City HS Football NJSIAA South Jersey state sectional championships: 1984 (Group III), 1996 (Group IV), 1998 (Group III), 1999 (Group III)
-1983 Philadelphia 76ers NBA Championship
-1974 and 1975 Philadelphia Flyers Stanley Cups