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!
