Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City: Where to Eat Before, During, and After

There’s nothing like a stroll through a winter wonderland by the beach. Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights transforms Northside Park into a glowing holiday paradise every year, and 2025 is no exception. With thousands of sparkling lights, a 50-foot Christmas tree, interactive photo spots, firepits, and family-friendly charm, it’s the perfect off-season outing for locals and visitors alike.

Whether you’re planning a pre-light bite, a post-stroll dessert, or stopping by the new Fire & Ice days, we’ve rounded up the best local eats to make your Winterfest experience extra delicious.

Before the Lights: Fuel Up

A crisp winter evening calls for a hearty meal before heading into the glow.

• Dumser’s Dairyland – Fueling families since 1939, enjoy a diner feel with options to warm you up, like onion rings, open faced turkey sandwich with gravy, and ending with a traditional ice cream sundae. Dumser's will be sure to fuel you for your enchanted evening at Winterfest.

• Tailchasers – With their off season dinner specials, Tailchasers is the perfect spot to grab a bite before walking around the park. Dine dockside in their family friendly atmosphere and a enjoy a menu curated just for the season.
   

• Bourbon Street on the Beach – New Orleans style food but with an Eastern Shore Flair, and conveniently located right across the street from North Side Park! Park your car, grab a delicious meal at Bourbon Street, then walk over to Winterfest. Check out their Wednesday - Sunday dinner specials.
   

Tip: Grab your meal a little early to enjoy the dusk lighting and beat the lines at Winterfest.

Introducing Fire & Ice Days

This year, Winterfest adds a tasty twist with Fire & Ice days, featuring local food trucks and sampling stations. You’ll find:

• Coastal Catering – Family-friendly plates and hearty options served right from the Coastal food truck.

• Street Kitchen – Fresh, locally sourced street-food style dishes like tacos, sliders, and seasonal sides. The Street Kitchen food truck is perfect for a handheld, mid-light meal.

• ​The Modern Graze – Upscale, shareable grazing boards and curated snacks, The Modern Graze is perfect for sampling while gazing at the lights.

It’s a great way to experience new flavors while staying part of the Winterfest fun. Think of it as the perfect mix of fire (warm eats!) and ice (crisp winter evenings and sparkling displays). Be sure to check out the Winterfest Website to see which truck is set up which nights!

Sweet Endings: Warm Up After the Lights

No Winterfest visit is complete without a little indulgence after your walk. Here are three spots that continue your fun enchanted evening and late-night treats to the table:

• Alley Oops - Kids still have lots of energy to burn after walking around the lights and visiting with Santa? Head to Alley Oops for late night arcade games, bowling, and bites that will be sure to entertain the whole family. They have off season specials that will be sure to keep your family night out that much more enjoyable. 

• The Original Greene Turtle -  Warm up your fingers, toes, and bellies with a bowl of their homemade Chili and Pub Fries, a Greene Turtle staple for years. Open late, even in the off season, to treat you after your enchanted evening at Winterfest. 

• Liberatore’s OC - After sipping hot cocoa on your Enchanted Evening Carriage ride, end your romantic date night with a night cap from Liberatores. Grab your favorite red wine and enjoy some tapas in uptown’s newest elevated intimate restaurants.

Wrap-Up

Winterfest of Lights is more than just a stroll through sparkling displays — it’s a full sensory experience. From the crisp winter air and twinkling lights to the flavors of local food trucks, grazing boards, and indulgent desserts, there’s something to delight every visitor. Be sure to check out the new Fire & Ice days, grab a warm bite from Street Kitchen or Coastal Creations, sample treats from The Modern Graze, and cap the night with a cozy dessert or cocktail. Winter in Ocean City has never tasted — or felt — so good!