The Ocean comes alive with magic during the holidays! Whether visiting or a year round resident, Ocean City and surrounding areas hold a special holiday treat for everyone. I compiled a list of fun, festive activities for the young and young at heart.
Holiday Lights and Villages
Winterfest of Lights
- November 15 – January 1, 5:30-9:30PM
- Northside Park, Ocean City, MD
Come out to Northside Park and get into the Holiday spirit from November 15th – December 31, 2018. See the dazzling lights on winter nights! Ride the tram through the park and see the wonderful light display. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with sweet treats and take a picture on Santa’s lap to tell him what you want for Christmas! Santa is available every day until the 23rd of December!
Kick off this event on November 15th with the tree lighting and a special choir performance by OC Stars! End the Annual Winterfest of Lights event on New Year’s Eve with DJ Kutt and Coca-Cola giveaways and fireworks at midnight! Admission is $5.00 per person. It is FREE for people 11 years old and younger.
Christmas Village Winter Wonderfest
- November 17 – December 31, 5:00PM
- Cape Henlopen State Park and the Cape May Lewes Ferry Ground
Winter Wonderfest’s Christmas Village is back, featuring the Schellville Christmas Lane, Hudson Fields Midway, Crooked Hammock Lodge, Santa’s Craft Workshop, and the Highway One Main Stage – there’s a merry good time waiting for the entire family!
For full pricing, visit wonderfestde.org! Don’t forget to purchase your Light Spectacular tickets and reserve your public skating session at the Visit Delaware Ice Rink at wonderfestde.org
Berlin Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House
- Friday, November 23, 5:30-8:00PM
- 10 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811
One of the locals’ favorite holiday events, the beautiful downtown Berlin tree lighting begins the Holiday Season for many! Tree Lighting will be at 6pm. Ice carving, Santa carriage rides and shops are open late.
8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
- Saturday, November 24, 6:30-9:00PM
- 239 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
The Ocean Pines community comes together and decorates trees for the lighting. Enjoy trees decorated by community clubs, businesses and families.
Weekend Wonderland in Bethany
- Saturdays, December 1-22, 10:00AM-5:30PM
- Bethany Beach, DE
Get in the holiday spirit with tax-free holiday shopping, carriage rides, photos with Santa, caroling around the tree, and more. For the second year in a row, search for the Elf on the Shelf throughout businesses in Bethany for a chance to win great prizes donated by participating business!
Berlin Christmas Parade
- Thursday, December 6, 7:00PM
- 10 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811
Berlin’s annual Christmas Parade is celebrating its 150th Anniversary. This well-loved parade starts at the south end of Main Street and travels through the heart of Berlin.
New Years Eve in Berlin
- 10 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811
- Monday December 31, 5:00PM
Downtown Berlin celebrates the New Year twice. The Kids Party starts at 5:00PM with a ball drop at 6:00PM, sponsored by Heart of Gold Kids. Then at 10:00PM, dance the night away with DJs Big Al Reno & Schwab from Ocean98. Plus, outdoor bars & food!
Local Holiday Shops
Little Local Things Holiday Market
- November 6th – January 3rd
- The Globe – 12 Broad Street, Berlin, MD 21811
Local Artists Patti Backer, Kathy Denk, Wendy Helmuth, Kristin Hooks, Molly Pratt, Dawn Tarr & Heather Layton bring you “Little Local Things, Holiday Market”. Held in the Balcony Gallery of The Globe, the walls will be filled with original Art & Handcrafted Goods such as Painted Mermaids, Driftwood Santas, Wonderful Whimsy, found Hearts photography, Stained Glass, Knits & more.
The Britt’s Sip & Shop
- Monday, November 12, 6:00PM
- ish Boutique – 3408 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
Kick off the holidays with the Britt’s while checking out all the latest jewelry, fashions and beauty at ISH BOUTIQUE. Relax, Sip & Shop with 20% Off
Glass Blowing Ornament
- Tuesday, November 27, 6:00PM
- Jeffrey Auxer Designs 19 Jefferson St, Berlin, MD 21811
Create a unique gift for that special someone. $30 Blow your own glass Christmas tree ornament. Pick your favorite color or your favorite sports team colors. Call Krista to reserve your spot 443-880-4944. Will do groups up to 8 people at one time. Behind the Atlantic Hotel.
Open House at Valiant Works
- Sunday, December 2, 12:00-5:00PM
- 32634 Gum Road, Frankford, De 19945
Join Valiant Works for their 4th annual open house and enjoy drinks, art and coffee from Local Coffee Roasting Co. right next door. Take some time to check out the unique things they make from local wood, including pens, cheeseboards, bowls, furniture, bottle-stoppers and more. Featuring artists: Skip Valliant Josh Valliant Tyler Valliant Krista Valliant and Danny Johnson.
Charity Events
Flannel Formal
- Hosted by Lower Shore Land Trust
- Saturday, November 17, 5:30-9:00PM
Merry Sherwood Plantation, 8009 Worcester Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811
The 2018 Flannel Formal is a fun festive event benefiting the Lower Shore Land Trust, to be held at the legendary Merry Sherwood Plantation. This event will feature live music from the Resto Tribe, craft beers, a pig roast, shucked oysters, a silent auction, raffle and much more! Tickets are $75 each and event sponsorships are available now. For more information, please call 443-234-5587 or email kpatton@lowershorelandtrust.org.
Classical Christmas
- Hosted by Calvin B. Taylor House Museum
- Monday, December 3, 6:00PM
- 208 N Main St, Berlin, MD 21811
Featuring a Candlelight Concert in the historic Taylor House Museum & Gourmet Dinner at the Atlantic Hotel, enjoy period Classical Music presented by a string trio. $60.00 per Person For reservations and payment contact the Museum at 410-641-1019 or email taylorhousemuseum@verizon.net.
Santa’s Open Charity Golf Tournament
- Hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore
- Saturday, December 1, 9:00AM-4:00PM
- Ocean Pines Golf Club 100 Clubhouse Dr, Berlin, MD 21811
Join in the local golf tradition that has taken place for over 25 years. With more excitement than ever before with thrilling friendly competition supporting a good cause and celebration. This annual event has provided thousands of gifts for children in need during the holiday season.
Registration includes 1 Holiday Gift for a Child and either $75 in advance or $85 at the door which includes breakfast, full round of golf with cart, golfer gift & post tournament reception. Visit shorebiglittle.org/events to register or for more information.
Children’s Events
Breakfast with Santa and Reindeer Lane
- Saturday, December 1, 8:00-11:00AM
- 239 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811
Have a delicious pancake breakfast with Santa and get your list ready! He’ll be at the Ocean Pines Community Center to hear it. Kids under 3 are free, ages 4-10: $5, anyone over age 11: $7. Please bring an unwrapped toy for donation to local family. After breakfast, kids can head on over to Reindeer Lane. Kids can shop for their loved ones-nothing is over $2. Donations for Reindeer Lane are needed. Volunteers for Reindeer Lane and Breakfast with Santa are needed. For info, call (410) 641-7052.
Swim with Santa
- Saturday, December 8, 11:00AM-1:00PM
- Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 1144 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
The ho- ho- ho-lidays are approaching, which means it’s almost time for the annual Swim with Santa! While the weather outside may be frightful, inside the Sports Core Pool it’s delightful, so bring the whole family. The Jolly Old Elf himself has swapped his red suit for a Hawaiian shirt, swim trunks and flip-flops. Join Santa in the tropical setting while he floats in the pool. Waterproof your Christmas list and jump in! $6 for swimmers, $3 for non-swimmers. Call Ocean Pines Aquatics at 410-641-5255 for more information.
7th Annual Gingerbread House Party
- Saturday, December 8, 5:30-8:00PM
- Ocean City Elementary, 12828 Center Dr, Ocean City, MD 21842
For the 7th year, Shore Community Church invites your family to celebrate the Holidays with them and build a gingerbread house together. All needed materials will be provided, including a simple meal along with drinks and snacks, and (best of all!) they will clean up afterward.
To learn more about waterfront living and concierge level secrets of the Eastern Shore, contact Mechelle Nichols, Luxury Collection Specialist, at 410.430.1575 (cell) or mnichols@LuxuryShoreLiving.com.
Leave a Reply