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GULF SHORES, Ala. (December 19, 2023) It is with great honor that the publishers of ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, present the DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Hilton Oceanfront Suites, and Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel with 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“ConventionSouth readers and fans have once again voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it is no surprise to us that the DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Hilton Oceanfront Suites, and Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel have been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said ConventionSouth Associate Publisher Tiffany Burtnett. “This prestigious recognition comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. These planners demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have determined that these Harrison Group Hotels indeed display the commitment to professionalism, creativity, and service that they require.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Hilton Oceanfront Suites, and Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel are among 446 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), meeting facilities, hotels, and unique venues located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. Throughout the year, meeting professionals nominated the meeting sites they believe provide exemplary service for group events. The nominated sites are then compiled onto an online ballot where meeting professionals and fans are asked to vote for the best of the best. With over 8,000 voters participating in the selection process and the highest social media interaction to date, this has been the most successful and engaging year yet!

Since creation in 2001, this is the fourth time that the Hilton Oceanfront Suites and the Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel and the second time the DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront received the award, making it an even greater honor to present the properties with a 2023 Readers’ Choice Award. The hotels will be featured as an award recipient in the December 2023 Awards Issue of ConventionSouth magazine.

“As meeting and planning experts we take great pride in our products and teams. It is our mission to exceed our customers’ expectations, bringing professional and local experiences to every event we touch” said Harrison Group’s Corporate Director of Sales Sara Simon. “From small retreats and board meetings, receptions and large parties, to conferences and conventions we are elated to bring your vision to life, uniting people through hospitality while offering a stunning backdrop of the beautiful beaches our resort portfolio provides.”

This exciting issue will also showcase some of the most talented meeting professionals in the nation as ConventionSouth also presents planners with its annual “Meeting Professionals To Watch” designation. “Featuring peer advice and trade secrets from our Meeting Professionals to Watch in 2023, our Awards Issue is one of the most popular must-read resources within the meetings industry,” Burtnett said. Celebrating 40 years as a leading meeting planning resource for Southern destinations, ConventionSouth is based in Gulf Shores, Ala., and is distributed to more than 18,000 meeting professionals located across the country who book events held within the South.

The Harrison Group is a 3rd generation family business that has been owned and operated in Ocean City, Maryland since 1951. They have grown into a premier hospitality company that owns and operates a portfolio of oceanfront destination hotels and restaurants that are in Ocean City, MD, Virginia Beach, VA, Corolla, NC and Jacksonville, FL. More information can be found at HarrisonGroupHotels.com.

Looking for the perfect way to welcome the new year with a bang? Look no further than Holiday Inn Oceanfront where an unforgettable oceanfront stay and a New Year’s Eve celebration awaits you when you book their New Year’s Eve hotel package!

Choose between a two or three night stay in either oceanfront pool view or ocean view rooms.

Two Night Package:
Oceanview Room – $289/night + tax
Oceanfront Pool view Room – $302/night + tax

Three Night Package:
Oceanview Room – $224/night + tax
Oceanfront Pool view Room – $239/night + tax

And then, prepare your taste buds for a feast with a menu featuring flounder with crab imperial, top round Brisket, Chicken Marsala and more, as well as delicious desserts like German Chocolate cake and eclairs. And if you’re feeling a little hungry after the countdown, there will be a Midnight Sandwich Bar with a variety of 6 foot heroes for you to sample. The package also comes with champagne to toast the new year with and an open bar featuring beer, wine and rail drinks with mixers and soda.

But that’s not all. Dance the night away with a DJ or enjoy table side magic by Brian Curry from Dickens Parlour Theatre.

This NYE package promises an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, lively entertainment, and fantastic memories. So, gather your friends and family and join us at Holiday Inn Oceanfront to welcome the New Year in style.

For more information, check out our specials page.
To book this package, call 800-837-3578!

Get in the Holiday spirit with the winter train garden at the Ocean City Library!
For the rest of December and ending on January 5th this beautiful train garden will be on display at the Worcester County Library’s Ocean City Branch and open during library business hours. This display features interactive buttons that allow visitors of all ages to play different sounds and activate accessories.

The display was generously provided by local Ocean City resident and model train collector Dennis Moore.

But that’s not the only festive train display in town. Located at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center’s Welcome Center is the newest addition to the beloved Winterfest of Lights event, a “Holiday Model Railroad Display.” Admission is free, and the display is open to the public from 5:30-9:00pm Thursday through Sundays in December. The display was designed and constructed by supporters and members of Ocean City’s Beach Patrol.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend or want a fun holiday activity, add checking out these two holiday train displays to your Christmas to-do list. It’s festive fun for the whole family!

Join the festive fun at Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, MD!

We’ve decked out our Christmas tree for a dazzling display in the pavillion. Help us shine by voting for our tree in the decorating contest (here’s the voting page). It’s just $1 per vote, and all proceeds go to support the Ocean City Art League. Your vote makes a difference!

Let’s light up Winterfest together with holiday cheer. Thank you for your support!

As the holiday season approaches, Ocean City transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive events for all ages. From the enchanting Winterfest of Lights to the spirited SantaCon, there’s something magical happening nearly every weekend.

Join us as we unwrap the joy of the season, discovering the many merry events that make Ocean City a prime holiday destination. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and let us guide you through the holiday celebrations at the beach this season.

Winterfest of Light

November 16-December 31 5:30-9:30pm
Winterfest at Northside Park has become a holiday tradition for locals and tourists alike! Hundreds of light displays are placed across 58 acre park for visitors to walk through (and this year ride through again) and enjoy. There are plenty of places to stop and get picture, purchase light up souvenirs and more through the half mile trail. It’s fun for the whole family (including your pets on Wednesday nights), and you’re sure to make lots of memories for many years to come.

Tickets are $6/person 12 and older, and free for kids 11 and under. Tickets can be purchased online or in person.

And if you want to make a weekend out of seeing the lights Hilton on 33rd Street has a great Winterfest package that comes with two tickets to Winterfest, a $25 dining credit to 32 Palm, and a beautiful standard suite.

Schellville’s Enchanted Winter Celebration

November 18-December 31 5:00-9:00pm
Step into a winter wonderland in Rehoboth! From a roller skating rink and a miniature train ride to delicious food and local vendors and even a miniature town that the kids will love, Schellville is a Christmas event you don’t want to miss.

Even better this event is free admission, but reservations are strongly encouraged to make sure you don’t have to wait too long. Get your tickets here.

Ice Ice Berlin

November 24 6:00 pm
Kick off the holiday season with Ice Ice Berlin! This event features over 30 beautifully carved ice sculptures sponsored by Berlin businesses, as well as the town tree lighting. The kids can say hi to Santa at the Kringle Kottage at the Taylor House Museum, and the downtown shops will be open later, so shop to your hearts content.

It’s going to be a fun night, so get in the festive spirit and check it out!

Holiday Shoppers Fair

November 24-26 10:00am-5:00pm
Thanksgiving and Black Friday are the official start of the holiday shopping season, so start it right by checking out the Holiday Shoppers Fair at the Ocean City Convention Center! Explore countless vendors selling unique products, artisanal goods, and beautiful home decor. Plus while you’re shopping, keep the kids busy with special kids activities and face painting. There is also free parking, a non-shopper’s lounge and more.

Berlin Merry Marketplace

November 25, December 2, 9, 16 11:00am-3:00pm
Support your favorite Berlin businesses this holiday season! On Saturdays in December several downtown Berlin shops and other vendors will be setting up in the Berlin Commons to sell their wares. It’s a great way to get some holiday shopping done while support local businesses.

Trimper Rides Christmas Carnival

November 25-26 & December 2-3 12:00-5:00pm
Get ready for festive thrills at Trimper Rides Christmas Carnival! Enjoy $2 indoor rides, snag Black Friday deals on 2024 Summer Passes, and don’t miss a chance to meet Santa (pictures at no charge). Get in the holiday groove with live music, a Christmas tree auction, a life-size Trimper Land board game, Elf Land snowball brawl, and some holiday treats!

Don’t miss out on these two weekends of holiday fun!

Local Christmas Parades

Enjoying a Christmas parade is a great way to get in the holiday spirit, and our area has no shortage of holiday parades! Ocean City is hosting their Christmas parade on December 2nd at 11:00am. The parade will run from 100th Street to 120th. Also, for the first time, there will be a Christmas boat parade in Ocean City – also on December 2nd but at 5:00pm. Harpoon Hanna’s in West Ocean City is putting on the event and is hosting a watch party.

But if you can’t make the OC parades, here are a few close by ones:

Selbyville, DE
December 1 7:00pm
Lewes, DE
December 2 5:00pm
Rehoboth, DE
December 4th 6:00pm
Berlin, MD
December 7th 7:00pm

Berlin Carriage Rides

Saturdays and Sundays in December 11:00am-3:00pm
What’s more festive than a horse drawn carriage ride through the quaint historic downtown of Berlin. At 11am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays in December, Berlin is offering free carriage rides; as well as Kringle Kottage where kids can meet Santa!

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Joy

December 3 3:00pm
As the only professional symphony orchestra on Delmarva, the Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra brings classical music to our region, often coming to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center in the convention center to perform orchestral music, and during this holiday season they are putting on a concert full of your favorite festive tunes and iconic Christmas melodies.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Winterfest Jingle Bell 5K Run

December 3 5:00pm
Get in the holiday spirit with a unique 5K at Northside Park. Winterfest of Lights is hosting a race where participants can go through the lights before opening. This event is perfect for athletic and festive types, so grab your running shoes and a Santa hat and sign up for this race here.

Santa Con

December 8-9
During SantaCon, hundreds of Santa look-alikes descend on Ocean City for a weekend of food, drinks, and donations to charitable causes. This year the event will benefit two local charities: Assateague Coastal Trust and Kenille’s Kupboard Pet Pantry & Rescue.

Marlin Moon’s Breakfast with Santa

December 10 9:00-11:30am
Santa and his elves are stopping by Marlin Moon for breakfast on December 11th. The restaurant is offering specials of $15 Pancake & Eggs with a choice of breakfast meat or fresh fruit (juice, coffee, & soda included). But if you bring a new unwrapped toy for Santa’s gift bag, then your breakfast is $10!

Children under 5 eat free with a paying adult. The proceeds from this event will be donated to Diakonia. Call 410-289-1201 to make your reservations!


With Christmas only five weeks away, the holiday season is coming quickly. Don’t let the busyness of the season keep you from having some festive fun. Bring the whole family to Ocean City for an unforgettable Christmas adventure!

Nestled along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Assateague Island National Seashore is a pristine haven for nature enthusiasts, beach lovers, and wildlife admirers alike. This barrier island, known for its untouched beauty and unique blend of sandy shores and untamed wilderness, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the wonders of Assateague Island National Seashore, from its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife to its rich history and recreational opportunities. Close to all of our hotels in Ocean City, read why Assateague Island is must stop on your trip to OCMD!

Assateague Island National Seashore: A Natural Jewel on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Nestled along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Assateague Island National Seashore is a pristine haven for nature enthusiasts, beach lovers, and wildlife admirers alike. This barrier island, known for its untouched beauty and unique blend of sandy shores and untamed wilderness, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the wonders of Assateague Island National Seashore, from its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife to its rich history and recreational opportunities. Close to all of our hotels in Ocean City, read why Assateague Island is must stop on your trip to OCMD!

Natural Beauty:

1.    Untamed Beaches: Assateague Island is renowned for its pristine beaches. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, go for a swim, or take a leisurely stroll, the island’s sandy shores offer the perfect setting. The Atlantic Ocean on one side and the peaceful waters of the Sinepuxent Bay on the other provide a stunning backdrop.

2.    Breathtaking Landscapes: The island boasts diverse ecosystems, including dunes, marshes, and forests, each with its unique flora and fauna. The views from the elevated dune areas, like the Assateague Overlook, are simply breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera; you’ll want to capture the island’s natural beauty.

Wildlife:

3.    Famous Wild Horses: The wild horses of Assateague are perhaps the island’s most iconic residents. These hardy Chincoteague ponies have adapted to the island’s unique environment over hundreds of years. Visitors are advised to admire them from a respectful distance, as they are wild animals.

4.    Birdwatching Paradise: Assateague Island is a prime spot for birdwatchers. With its marshes and proximity to the Atlantic Flyway, it’s a haven for migratory birds. Whether you’re an avid birder or just enjoy spotting birds in their natural habitat, Assateague will not disappoint.

Recreational Opportunities:

5.    Camping: Assateague offers both oceanfront and bayside campsites for a truly immersive experience. The sound of the waves lulling you to sleep is a memory you won’t soon forget. Make sure to book your campsite in advance, as they fill up quickly.

6.    Hiking and Biking: The island features several trails that lead you through its diverse landscapes. Biking is especially popular, and you can rent bikes on the island if you don’t bring your own.

7.    Boating and Fishing: The Sinepuxent Bay provides a serene setting for boating and fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking to cast a line for the first time, you can enjoy the peaceful waters.

History and Conservation:

8.    Lighthouse: The Assateague Island Lighthouse, dating back to 1833, is a significant historical landmark on the island. Climb to the top for panoramic views and an understanding of the island’s maritime history.

Nothing is worse than when you get a craving, only to find out your favorite spot is closed for the season. Because Ocean City slows down in the fall and winter, many places close or have limited hours during the off-season, and as a result, we see many people wondering whether their favorite spots around town are open. 

Well, look no further than this guide for who’s open, closed–or somewhere in between–during the off season!

As always though, don’t forget to check with each location to make sure they are open or what their hours are. We hope this helps you plan your visit to Ocean City! 




Closings as of November 1st

This Friday, November 3rd, from 5pm to 7 pm meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see the new exhibits by a variety of local and regional artists. FREE. All are welcome. Beverages sponsored by PKS Investments, hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Ocean City Development Corporation. Featuring:

Delaware Watercolor Society
“Eastern Shore Heritage” group show, sponsored by the Beach to Bay Heritage Area. Click here for more info.
Helen Smith & Natalie Falk in Studio E
Marla Robertson & “The Dude” Bill Todd in the Spotlight Gallery
Kate Hammen in the Artisan Showcase
Special additions this month, in conjunction with November’s “Eastern Shore Heritage” exhibition:

Learn more about the Beach to Bay Heritage Area
Displays from other cultural organizations in our community: Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, Delmarva Discovery Museum, and Germantown School.
Live music by Stephen Harvey!
And a first look at proposed mural designs for Ocean City Development Corporation’s Ocean Bowl Skate Park Mural.

The Ocean City Development Corp. (OCDC) will present a first look at proposed mural designs for the Ocean Bowl Skate Park Mural and invites the public to give their feedback. Artists Marc Emond of Stinky Beach Studio, Jeff Huntington of JAHRU Studio, and Cita Sadeli, aka MISS CHELOVE, were commissioned from a pool of 60 applicants to design mural proposals, and their designs will be on display for public comment. This project is presented by the OCDC in conjunction with the Town of Ocean City’s Recreation & Parks Department and is supported by grant funding through the Maryland State Arts Council.
Event Navigation

As the leaves are beginning to fall and the air is getting cooler, it can only mean one thing; November is here, and Ocean City surely is embracing the fall time! While the summer crowds are tapering off making way for a quieter off season, our town is just as inviting as ever.
In this blog post, we are going to share all the fantastic November events happening in town that’ll get you in a festive, fall spirit and keep your calendars packed. From the iconic Winterfest of Lights and an art yard sale to a symphony orchestra and a Fleetwood Mac tribute and even 5k race or two, this month has got something for everyone, so grab a pumpkin spice latte (we recommend at our Starbucks on 17th Street), and join us as we explore the amazing events happening this November.

Winterfest of Lights

November 16th-December 31st 5:30-9:30pm
Get in the festive spirit with Ocean City’s iconic Winterfest of Light event! Starting November 16th, this holiday event features thousands of Christmas lights and unique displays.
This event that runs until New Year’s Eve has become a holiday tradition for locals and tourists alike, bringing many to the Northside Park on 125th Street!
After a few years of being a walking only tour, this year they are bringing back the tram ride to help visitors check out the 58 acres of lights around the park. There will be multiple stops, you can walk through the lights where you want to and ride when you need a break.
Entry is $6 per person with kids under 11 free, but if you go on November 16th, it’s free to walk through.
The event is running Wednesday to Sunday from November 16th to Christmas and then Monday to Sunday until New Year’s Eve, and don’t forget Wednesdays are ‘Bring Your Pet’ day!
Tickets can be purchased online or in person! Or, if you are looking to make a weekend of seeing the lights, check out our Winterfest Package with Hilton on 32nd Street which includes 2 Winterfest tickets, a $25 dining credit for 32 Palm, and a beautiful, spacious suite!

Winterfest Holiday Train Garden

November 16th-December 31st 5:30-9:30pm
The newest feature of Ocean City’s iconic Winterfest of Lights is the Holiday Train Garden Display! The beautiful model train display was designed and constructed by supporters and members of OC Beach Patrol and is located at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. All proceeds benefit the OC Beach Patrol.

STOMP

November 1st 7:00pm
You’ve never seen a show like this! From brooms and trash can lids to pipes and matchboxes, this show makes the most of objects you’d never consider to create beats you can’t help but groove along to. This unique and inventive show is something you don’t want to miss!
To purchase tickets, check out their event page.

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra

November 4th 3:00pm
Join the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center on November 4th for an extraordinary musical experience. Led by Grammy Award-winning conductor, Michael Repper, this concert promises a captivating blend of classical and symphonic pieces.
The program features the Overture by Elfrida Andrée, followed by Samuel Coleridge Taylor’s “Symphonic Variations on African Air.” To conclude the performance, Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 will be a treat for any classical music enthusiasts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience world-class music in our very own Ocean City! You can purchase tickets at ococean.com.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

November 8th 7:30pm
Get ready for a night of nostalgia with Rumors of Fleetwood Mac on November 8th at Ocean the City Performing Arts Center. This tribute to the famous Fleetwood Mac, personally endorsed by founding member Mike Fleetwood, is not to be missed.
For an even more unforgettable experience, check out their VIP packages, where you can meet the band and sit in on soundcheck.
Tickets can be purchased at ococean.com.

Autumn Home and Condo & Arts, Crafts, and Critters Show

November 10th-12th 10:30am-5:00pm
The Autumn Home & Condo Show is your one-stop shop for all things home improvement, landscaping, and decor. From product demonstrations to expert advice, this event has it all. Discover innovative products and gather inspiration to enhance your home’s comfort, style and value.
But that’s not all – this event isn’t just about homes; it’s about your pets too! The Arts, Crafts, and Critters Fair is entirely pet-friendly. Talented artisans and vendors will be showcasing creative gifts and decor, including pet related products. Join the fun with your furry friend in the pet contests and don’t miss the chance to capture a ‘paw-some’ holiday photo with Santa.
Admission is $6 and free for children 13 and under, as well as military, police, and firemen with an ID. For more information, check out their event page.

OC Art League’s Art Yard Sale

November 11th 8:00-12:00pm
Score amazing deals on art supplies, materials, and unique artworks at the OC Art Leagues Annual Art Yard Sale on November 11th. Artists are cleaning out their studios, offering you deep discounts on their surplus. The sale will be held both indoors and outdoors (weather-permitting), and even if it rains, don’t worry – all vendors will be moved indoors.
This event is an art lover’s dream come true!

Storm Warrior 5K Run/Walk

November 11th 9:00am
Run along the beautiful Ocean City Boardwalk in the Storm Warrior 5K Run/Walk. Awards await the faster runners.
Join us on November 11th for this out-and-back course. Registration opens at 8:00am, rain or shine. This event benefits the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum who are dedicated to preserving the cultural and natural history of Ocean City.
Parking is available in the Inlet. Check out their Run Sign-Up or call 410-289-4991 for more information.

Heritage Day

November 12th 1:00-4:00pm
Mark your calendar for Heritage Day on November 12th! Join us for a celebration of the Eastern Shore featuring music, storytelling, and captivating film screenings by Fioin O’Brien. Charles Paparella will enchant event goers with his storytelling and music. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about our local cultural organizations like Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and Furnace Town Historic Site. Plus, join in a community weaving project by Beth Deeley. This event is free, and open to the public, including complimentary refreshments.
Discover the rich heritage of the Eastern Shore!

Diakonia’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

November 23rd 9:00am
Gear up for the 2nd Annual Diakonia Thanksgiving Turkey Trot on November 23rd! Registration starts at 8:00am, the event begins at 9:00am.
Prepare for your Thanksgiving feast by lace up your running shoes and heading down to the Boardwalk! Enjoy a morning of fun, fitness, and community spirit. Register early for the best rates and a chance to snag a free T-shirt. And don’t forget to create or join a team for a shot at prizes based on donations raised. With music, costume contests, and activities, it’s more than just a run – it’s a Thanksgiving tradition.
For more information check out diakoniaoc.org

Ice Ice Berlin

November 24th 6:00pm
Feel the Christmas magic at the Ice Ice Berlin holiday event. Witness the lighting of the beautiful town tree at 6:00pm, surrounded by more than 30 dazzling holiday-themed ice sculptures sponsored by local businesses. Santa himself will be there at the Kringle Kottage that the Taylor House Museum. Groove to festive beats provided by DJ Big Al Reno, and don’t forget to check out all Berlin’s shops and boutiques – they are staying open late.

Holiday Shoppers Fair

November 24th-26th 10:00am-5:00pm
Kick off your holiday shopping right at the Holiday Shoppers Fair, starting on November 24th, located at the convention center. Explore a treasure trove of unique products, from gourmet treats to nautical decor, candles, jewelry, and more.
With over 120 vendors, you’re sure to find the perfect gifts and accessories. Plus, you can keep the little ones entertained with kids activities and face painting. Enjoy free parking, a food court, and even a non-shopper’s lounge. For more information, check out ococean.com.


From the enchanting Winterfest of Lights to the rhythmic STOMP, and the mesmerizing performances of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on unique shopping opportunities like the Art Yard Sale, Autumn Home & Condo Show, and the Holiday Shoppers Fair, perfect for finding those one-of-a-kind gifts. Plus, get active during the holidays with the Storm Warrior 5K and the Diakonia Turkey Trot. Ocean City is definitely the place to be this November.

On Halloween, Ocean City and nearby towns come alive with a bewitching array of events that cater to every member of the family. From spirited parades to haunted houses and a howling good time for the adults, it’s a great time to be in OC. So, let’s dive into the ghoulish fun awaiting you in our corner of the world!

Family-friendly Fun

Halloween Spook Out at Northside Park in Ocean City, MD
Prepare for a Halloween Spook Out at Northside Park in Ocean City. On Sunday, October 29th from 1-3pm, bring the family out to enjoy games, crafts, hayrides, and more.

And the price of admission? Just one full bag of individually wrapped candy per child. It’s a sweet deal that offers fun for kids and parents alike.

Historical Figure Costume Contest at OC Life-Saving Station Museum, Ocean City, MD
On Halloween, step back in time by dressing as a historical figure for a chance to win a museum gift basket. What’s even better is that this contest is free to enter with paid admission to the museum. Show off your costumes from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Museum.

Truck N Treat at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin, MD
On October 28th, from 10 am to 1 pm at Stephen Decatur Park, bring the whole family to learn about the various trucks used in Berlin. Kids can get up close to fire trucks, garbage trucks, utility trucks, and more, all while dressed in their spookiest Halloween costumes. Best of all, it’s absolutely free!

Berlin Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Berlin, MD
Halloween night in Berlin is something to behold. The entire town gets into the spooky spirit with enchanting and frightful decorations. Even the Burbage Funeral Home joins in on the fun with a haunted house that promises chills and thrills.

Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth, DE
Rehoboth comes alive Halloween Weekend for the Sea Witch Festival. Enjoy a costume parade with giant balloons, parade floats, and marching bands, a festival with artisans and vendors, live music, trick-or-treating, and so much more. It’s an extravaganza that promises fun for the whole family.

Wags, Witches & Warlocks Halloween Festival in Bethany Beach, DE
On October 28th, Bethany Beach transforms into a haven for families and their furry friends. The day kicks off with Puppy Yoga, followed by a parade, Costume Contest, and Trick-or-Treating. What’s more, your participation supports the Brandywine Valley SPCA. With a donation of $20 for individuals, $10 for your four-legged companions, or $40 for a family or group, you’ll be making a contribution to a great cause.

Exclusively for Grown-Ups

Pumpkin Decorating Contest at Ocean Downs in Ocean City, MD
Club Ocean members can showcase their creative side by dropping off decorated pumpkins at the Player’s Club by 6 PM on Halloween for a chance to win a share of $1,000 in free play! Drop offs are from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Halloween.

Halloween Party Costume Contest at Seacrets in Ocean City, MD
If you’re looking to leave the kids behind this Halloween, head to Seacrets on October 28th and show off your best costume. You might even win a trip for two to Jamaica. With live music and cash prizes, it’s an event that’s not to be missed.

Halloween Film Fest Event at Dickenson Parlour in Millville, DE
Get ready for a Halloween film fest to remember at the Dickens Parlour Theatre. The evening includes a delicious buffet dinner, a costume contest, a trivia contest, a door prize, and a full film screening of Rocky Horror. Plus, they’ll provide a “Rocky Horror Movie kit” (which you can also purchase for a $10 donation as a souvenir). With a cash bar and tickets priced at $99 per person, it’s a unique and thrilling Halloween experience.
Check out dickensparlourtheatre.com to reserve your table.

Locals Halloween Party/Costume Contest at Seacrets in Ocean City, MD
On October 31st, at the Tiki Stage in Seacrets, locals get their own Halloween party. There’s no cover charge, and the top three costumes will be awarded prizes.

Boos & Brews in Lewes, DE
The Lewes Historical Society is hosting the Boos & Brews festival, on the evening of October 27th. The event is offering food from Bethany Blues, drink from Dogfish Head, and entertainment by the Hot Sauce Band. It begins at 7 pm and the party will continue until 10 pm. Revelers are encouraged to come in costume, as they will be judged in the categories of Scariest, Most Historic, Most Original, and Best Group Costume. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes music, food, two drink tickets, and an experience you won’t forget! The event is scheduled to occur rain or shine, and proceeds will benefit educational and preservation programs at the Lewes Historical Society.

Howl-O-Ween Costumes & Cocktails at Seacrets in Ocean City, MD
Have a spooktacular good time at “Howl-O-Ween Costumes & Cocktails” at Seacrets on Friday, October 27, 2023! The event starts at 6pm and features a buffet, open bar, live music, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Costumes are encouraged! Tickets are $90 and all proceeds will benefit the Life Crisis Center of Salisbury, MD, which serves victims of abuse throughout Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset Counties.

Spine-Chilling Haunts

The Nightmares Haunted House in Laurel, DE
For those seeking a spine-tingling experience, Nightmares Haunted House in Laurel, DE, is the place to be. Open this weekend to Halloween Night, this haunted house promises to deliver some serious scares. It’s been voted “#1 Top Overall Attraction” by DelawareHauntedHouses.com for three years, so you can bet on a hair-raising experience.

The Cemetery House in Laurel, DE
The Cemetery House offers a heart-pounding experience. It’s the longest continuously running and one of the most exciting haunted house on the Eastern Shore. If you’ve been here before, rest assured, they change things up every year. It’s a frightfully fun time you won’t forget.

FrontFear Town Haunted Trail at Frontier Town in Berlin, MD
Beware the return of the FrontFear Town Haunted Trail, where Dr. Wulfenstein has set loose his eerie creations deep within the woods. Can you escape before falling victim to his sinister experiments? Guests staying at Sun Outdoors Frontier Town and Ocean City Gateway campgrounds can enjoy the trail for free with their wristbands. As for the general public, admission is $10 in cash per person. Keep in mind that this spine-tingling experience is only available on Friday, running from 7 pm to 10 pm.

With Halloween almost here, Ocean City and local towns offer a plethora of spooktacular events for everyone to enjoy. So, don your costumes, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a hauntingly good time! Whether you’re seeking family-friendly festivities or adult chills, it’s all here at the beach.