Not every day can be sunny and 75, but don’t let that stop you from getting the most out of what the beautiful town of Ocean City has to offer during the holiday season. With your families and closest friends, spend this time of thankfulness and cheer exploring light shows, enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet with an ocean view, or taking horse and carriage ride along the boardwalk!
Although the summer months are its busiest, Ocean City is a happening place for the holidays!
25th annual Winterfest of Lights
Hop on the tram for a ride throughout 58 acres of lights and decorations, sip on some warm hot cocoa or get a picture with Santa! It’s free to wander through this transformation of Northside Park into a winter wonderland, and only $5 admission for adults and children over the age of 12 to ride the tram! This year’s widely-known Winterfest will be from Nov. 16-Dec. 31. Click here for more information.
Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides
Travel along the boardwalk in a heated carriage the old fashioned way, by horse! Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm board near Thrasher’s French fries and ride around the pier, down to 4th St. and back for only $10 per person! Children 3 and under ride free. While the rides are weather dependent, maybe you can time it just right to get a glimpse of the beach lightly covered in snow for that perfect winter scenery.
Make sure to check the Today’s Specials page on Explore.com for new deals daily! Restaurants will host special events throughout the holidays, such as the Ocean 98 & Seacrets’ Christmas party on Dec. 15, offering complimentary appetizers and food and drink specials. One of our favorites is the Thanksgiving Buffet at Horizons Oceanfront Restaurant in the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel.
On Saturday, December 2nd the town’s 34th annual Christmas Parade will flood Coastal Highway with bright colors and decorative floats, high school bands, horses and antiques automobiles, and authentic holiday cheer.
The parade starts on Old Landing Rd. at 11am and will stretch all the way to the judges’ stands at 120th St. Here, the judges will critique the bands and other performances, awarding trophies to the winners at the Carousel Hotel presentation following the parade. During this time, the Carousel will be offering half-priced skating, photos with Santa, continuous Christmas tunes with a live DJ, and complimentary holiday seasonal refreshments!
New Year’s Eve
There’s no better place to ring in the new year than at the beach! Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park will extend until midnight for the fireworks display. Additionally, big restaurants and bars throughout town host special celebrations, including but not limited to Fager’s Island and Seacrets’ New Years Eve Bash!
After you’ve rung in the new year and celebrated with fireworks, drinks and cheer, take a dip in the ice cold Atlantic! The 24th annual Penguin Swim will take place on Jan. 1 at 1pm in front of the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel on 92st St. Aside from plunging into the chilling water, there will be carnival games and other fundraising efforts. Registration is only $25 per person, and all swimmers are eligible to receive the custom t-shirt. There will be rewards for the highest fundraisers and most creative costumes! Visit their website for more information.