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Get ready for an incredible three-day celebration happening in Ocean City, Maryland, from January 12th to 14th, 2024. This event is all about music, history, and honoring the inspiring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The event begins with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on January 12th at 8:00am. This breakfast is about encouraging everyone to follow their dreams and make them a reality. You’ll hear from Colonel Gregory D. Gadsona, a veteran who served our country for over 26 years, enjoy music from the Morgan State University Choir, and listen to Mayor Meehan and other community figures talk about turning dreams into actions.

Later that evening, there’s a fantastic tribute to Michael Jackson called “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience.” It’s a show that brings alive the music and magic of Michael Jackson, and it’s something you won’t want to miss!

The show begins at 7:00pm on January 12th. Get your tickets here. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the show starts at 7:00pm!

And to wrap it all up on January 14th, there’s a special concert by the Grammy award-winning, Take 6, a group known for their incredible acapella tunes. Their harmonies and music styles blend together to create something truly special.

Get your tickets here! Show starts at 7:00pm.

Apart from the music, there are also other things to enjoy during Dreamfest. There will be art events showcasing talented young artists, performances by Jay Konzciouz, and even film showcases at the Ocean City Art League. Plus, there are discussions and tours focusing on local Black history in nearby Berlin and Pocomoke City, allowing everyone to learn and appreciate the past.

Dreamfest is about celebrating unity, creativity, and honoring important history. It’s a time to enjoy great music, learn new things, and come together as a community. Join us as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s vision and create a brighter future together, so treat yourself to a weekend away with us. Check out our hotels and book your stay today!

As the year winds down and the excitement for a fresh start builds up, what better way to ring in the New Year than in Ocean City, Maryland? The town is full of exciting New Year’s Eve events, so whatever you’re feeling there is probably a party or dinner for you.

Getaway This New Year’s Eve

Imagine treating yourself to an oceanfront getaway while counting down to the New Year. Holiday Inn Oceanfront has you covered with an amazing New Year’s Eve hotel package that promises fun as well as relaxation.
Choose between two or three-night stays in ocean view or oceanfront pool view rooms, ensuring you kickstart 2024 with the best view.

But that’s not all. Prepare your taste buds for a feast featuring a buffet menu of flounder with crab imperial, top round brisket, and delectable desserts like German Chocolate cake and eclairs. And fear not, for the Midnight Sandwich Bar, offering a variety of six-foot heroes, ensures you won’t ring in the new year on an empty stomach.

As the clock strikes midnight, raise a toast with champagne provided in the package, and revel in an open bar boasting an assortment of beer, wine, and rail drinks. Dance away the night with a lively DJ or be enthralled by table-side magic courtesy of Brian Curry from Dickens Parlour Theatre. It’s an experience designed to create cherished memories with loved ones as you step into a promising New Year. For more info about the package and rates, check out our specials page. Call 800-837-3578 to book their NYE package.

New Year’s Dining Done Right

If you aren’t into partying into the early hours of New Year’s Day, an indulgent dinner out might just be the thing for you. Many restaurants have special menus just for the holiday.

Marlin Moon on 33rd Street tantalizes with a mouthwatering menu featuring dishes like stuffed mushrooms with crab imperial and succulent lamb chops and more! Meanwhile, Captain’s Table offers a sumptuous array, including a delicious Bourbon Hanger Steak and the Ultimate Surf & Turf for Two featuring their 48 oz bone-in tomahawk steak and 18 oz colossal lobster tail. Or hit up 32 Palm for their great holiday drink specials featuring whiskey flights, specialty cocktails, and wine.
Or you can grab food at Coral Reef like their Island Barbecued Pork Ribeye or New York Strip or you could even get your black eyed Peas serving for good luck in the New Year and then live it up with their DJ from 8pm-12:30am.

Party the Night Away

But for those seeking more lively entertainment, Seacrets beckons with music until 4am from favorites like Full Circle Band, Screaming Monkeys, Garden State Radio, and Band of Make Believe as well 3 live DJs, ensuring you’ll dance until your feet hurt. If you’re looking to dress up a little, you don’t want to miss Seacret’s Area 51 party for an exclusive experience including cocktails, a four-hour open bar, and hors d’oeuvres, all in elegant cocktail attire.
Or try out Purple Moose Saloon where Thunderball will be playing starting at 10pm.
If you want to test your luck, Ocean Downs Casino is also hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring treats, cocktails, $15 in freeplay, party favors, music by DJ Wax and performances by magicians and stilt walkers. Tickets are $50 for one or $85 per couple. You can get your tickets at here.

Or ring in the new year with a BANG. The town of Ocean City is celebrating 2024 downtown at the Caroline Street Stage with music starting at 9pm and countdown and an amazing fireworks display at midnight. If you don’t want to head downtown, Winterfest of Lights in Northside Park on 125th Street is also hosting a celebration with fireworks at midnight.

In Ocean City, New Year’s Eve isn’t just a night; it’s a grand celebration that encompasses delicious dinners, electrifying entertainment, and mesmerizing fireworks. Whether you’re reveling in the festivities at our hotels or partying the night away, Ocean City promises an unforgettable start to a promising New Year.

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.
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