Winterfest activities light up Ocean City this holiday season

Ocean City, Maryland – ‘Tis the season to enjoy dazzling lights on winter nights as Ocean City celebrates the holiday season with the 12th annual Winterfest of Lights shining nightly Nov. 18 through Jan. 2.

The East Coast’s premier beach resort destination takes on a festive look when Ocean City sparkles with thousands of twinkling, glittering lights covering animated and stationary displays. There’s plenty to see and do all around the town during this special time of year. Winterfest of Lights offers a festive train ride, holiday shows at the Ocean City Convention Center, a shopper’s fair, Christmas parade, train garden and more.

Head to Northside Park at 127th Street and the bayside to enjoy a ride on the Winterfest Express tour, a train ride through a fantasyland of colorful lights and glittering displays. The scenes include animated magic genies, Santa and his sleigh and eight flying reindeer, toy soldiers, the 12 days of Christmas, crabs, marlins and a host of other dancing lights. Admission is just $3 for anyone 12 and older, and for children under 12 admission is free.

The Winterfest Express train ride operates nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

While at Northside Park, visit the Winterfest Village for a cup of hot chocolate, browse Yukon Cornelius’ Gift Shop for holiday presents and have your photo taken with Santa. The Winterfest Village is located inside a huge heated tent decorated for the holidays.

Then head to the southern end of Ocean City and pass through the Tunnel of Lights at the Inlet Parking Lot, where you will find the beach filled with magical lights. See the beautiful displays as you drive along the Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Avenue from 15th to 32nd Streets where festive trees decorate the median along the way.

A special tree lighting ceremony will kick off Winterfest on Thursday, Nov. 18 at Northside Park, featuring a magical night of colorful lights, carols and a visit from the man in red.

Winterfest of Lights is a great opportunity to visit the beach during the winter season when the resort’s many fine restaurants showcase their specials and the hotels and motels reduce rates for a bargain getaway. Take a brisk walk on uncrowded beaches. You can also pack a swimsuit and enjoy one of the many indoor swimming pools. Warm up in a Jacuzzi and enjoy a leisurely pace in Ocean City.

For more information about Winterfest of Lights, call the Ocean City Dept. of Recreation and Parks at 410-250-0125, Ocean City Public Relations at 410-289-2800 or toll-free 1-800-OCOCEAN.