Feel the excitement of New Year's Eve in Ocean City, MD, as we bid adieu to 2023 and usher in the promise of 2024. From unforgettable dining experiences to lively dance parties and cozy accommodations, join us in embracing the emotions of hope and celebration, OCMD-style. Your guide to a heartfelt New Year's Eve awaits!

Be sure to check back! More events will be added as details become available.

NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS

Dorchester Street Beach & Northside Park

New Year's Eve Fireworks

Get ready for an awesome New Year's celebration in Ocean City, Maryland! Enjoy dazzling fireworks at two fantastic locations. The main show kicks off downtown on the beach near Dorchester Street at midnight, with music at the Caroline Street Stage starting at 9 p.m. For a more intimate display, head uptown to Northside Park.

And guess what? The Town has your ride covered with free bus service on New Year's Eve! Buses will be running every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on December 31 and every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. December 31 – 3 a.m. January 1. Plus, after 3:00 a.m., enjoy daily bus service from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m., running every 30 minutes for just $4 'ride-all-day' per person. Let's make it a New Year's to remember!

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

COCA-COLA Cheers: New Year's Weekend Giveaways Spree at Winterfest Scavenger Hunt! - Dec 29 - 31
Celebrate New Year's Weekend at Winterfest of Lights and enter our thrilling giveaways! Hunt for the hidden COCA-COLA bottle throughout Northside Park's Winterfest of Lights to win a share of $2,000 worth of Coca-Cola merchandise, including hot air popcorn machines, outdoor speakers, headphones, tumblers, sunglasses, games, blankets, caps, chairs, and more. Return to the main Winterfest entrance to claim your prize by exchanging Coca-Cola bottles with a winning messages inside, but hurry – all prizes must be claimed by 10:30 pm on December 31, 2023, and all transactions are final for this festive start to the New Year!

First Day Hikes in Worcester County - Jan 1
Kickstart your New Year with exciting adventures right in our backyard! Join us for family-friendly hikes along Worcester County's stunning trails. It's the perfect opportunity to try something new, connect with nature, and make lasting memories.

Assateague State Park

Hike #1:  First Day Family Hike  - Ranger-led Hike​

  • Registration: Not required
  • Date/Time: 1/1/24​ at 10 AM
  • Meeting Location: Assateague State Park Day-Use Area
  • Distance: ~1 mile
  • Address: 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin, MD 21811

Description:
Embark on a delightful beach adventure with the Assateague Coastkeeper and Assateague Coastal Trust staff! Gather at the Assateague State Park Day Use Boardwalk for a guided family-friendly beach walk. Uncover treasures as you meander along the Atlantic Ocean, identifying seashells and spotting shorebirds. Remember to dress warmly, as it tends to be 10-15 degrees colder along the water. After your exploration, swing by the Day-Use boardwalk for a cozy fireside chat with park staff. Share stories, ask questions, and forge a connection in the crisp sea breeze. And to top it off, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate provided by ACT. It's a perfect blend of nature, warmth, and shared moments for the whole family!  Hike will start at 10:00am. State Park Staff will be available 10am-12pm at the Day-Use Boardwalk.

Additional Details:
Leashed pets are welcome in the State Park, not stroller/ wheelchair accessible, portable restrooms available at Day-Use parkng lot. Day-Use fees apply $5 per vehicle.

Additional Information:​
Contact Assateague State Park Office Number: 410.641.2120
Park email: assateague.statepark@maryland.gov


Hike #2:  First Day Beach​ Hike  - Ranger-led Hike​

  • Registration: Not required
  • Date/Time: 1/1/24​ at 11 AM
  • Meeting Location: Assateague State Park Day-Use Area
  • Distance: ~1 mile
  • Address: 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin, MD 21811

Description:
Join the Assateague State Park Staff for an intriguing exploration of the island's rich history, local wildlife, and the captivating world of the legendary horses that inhabit it. While the beach might not be your first choice in January, it harbors countless treasures waiting to be uncovered. Keep an eye out for winter waterfowl, raptors, sika deer, and, of course, the mesmerizing wild horses. Remember to dress for the weather, as the island can be 10-15 degrees colder along the water! After your adventure, gather at the Day-Use boardwalk for a cozy fireside chat with park staff. Share stories, ask questions, and forge meaningful connections while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate provided by ACT. It's a delightful mix of nature, history, and warmth for an unforgettable island experience!

Additional Details:
Leashed pets are welcome in the State Park, not stroller/ wheelchair accessible, portable restrooms available at Day-Use parkng lot. Day-Use fees apply $5 per vehicle.

Additional Information:​
Contact Assateague State Park Office Number: 410.641.2120
Park email: assateague.statepark@maryland.gov

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Rackliffe Trail - Self-Guided Hike

  • Date/Time: 1/1/24 - 8​ AM to 5 PM
  • ​Distance: 1 mile
  • Park Map/Trail
  • Address: 11800 Marsh View Ln, Berlin, MD 21811

Description:
Joining forces with Just Walk Berlin, Assateague presents an exciting 1st Day Scavenger Hunt Hike. Traverse the Rackliffe Trail behind the Assateague National Park Visitor Center and keep your eyes peeled for adorned quahog clam shells and oyster shells scattered along the path. Please, indulge in the joy of taking one shell per family as a memento from your inaugural hike at Assateague. Our friendly staff will be on hand from 10 am to 2 pm to enhance your experience.

Additional Details:
Leashed pets are welcome, not stroller/ wheelchair accessible, portable restrooms available at Marina.

Additional Information:
Assateague State Park Office Number: 410.641.2120
Park Email: assateague.statepark@maryland.gov

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Pocomoke River State Park

Trail of Change Trail Head  - Ranger-led Hike​

  • no registration required. Feel free to contact ashley.brown@maryland.gov with any questions prior to the hike.
  • Date/Time: 1/1/24​ at 1 ​​PM
  • Meeting Trail of Change Trail Head
  • Distance: 0.75 mile
  • Address: 3461 Worcester Hwy, Snow Hill MD 21863

Description:
Join a ranger-led hike down the Trail of Change, a cherished legacy trail at the north end of the park. Covering 0.75 miles, this trail offers the best experience when accessed from the marina parking lot. Wear footwear that you don't mind getting a little dirty or wet. The Trail of Change serves as a living testament to shifts in plant life, water levels, and alterations made by humans over time. Following the hike, treat yourself to a cozy session of hot tea and cookies at the camp store. It's a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the trail's fascinating transformations.

Additional Details:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Documents/PRSP-ShadLanding-TrailMap.pdf​

Additional Information:​
Contact: Ashley Brown (ashley.brown@maryland.gov)​​
Duty Ranger #: 443-614-2894

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NEW YEAR'S HOTEL PACKAGES

Hotels in Ocean City, MD

Ashore Resort - 101st St. (410) 524-3535 | Party starts at 9am  - All That Glitters NYE Party, $75/person at the Shoredeck.

Carousel Resort Hotel - 117th St. (410) 524-1000 | Party starts at 6pm Celebrate the New Year with food, music, & a champagne toast at midnight, $70/person.

Fenwick Inn - 138th St. (800) 641-0011 | Offering lodging specials & hosting an all night indoor pool party for guests.

Residence Inn - 61st St. (888) 236-2427 | Party starts at 6:30pm Annual Bayside Balcony Balldrop & live entertainment + DJ. Dining specials available.

Grand Hotel - 21st St. (410) 289-6191 | Offering 3 different lodging & dining packages.

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort - 91st St. (410) 524-7777 | Party starts at 7pm Midnight Masquerade NYE Party with live music, dinner, & dancing! Call to purchase tickets.

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RESTAURANTS OPEN NEW YEAR'S EVE

New Year's Eve

Inlet to 27th

Coral Reef - Holiday Inn & Suites 17th St. (410) 289-6388 | Open 11:30am - 11pm Special NYE menu till 9pm. Reservations available.

Happy Jack Pancake House - 25th St. (410) 289-7377 | Open 7am - 12pm Serving regular Breakfast menu.

Spain Wine Bar - Cambria Hotel 1st St. (410) 520-4541 | Open 11am - 1am Brunch till 3pm, Dinner at 4pm, & NYE extravaganza 10pm - 1am. Discounted hotel rates available.

28th - 90th

Alley Oops Midtown– 55th Street (410) 390-7398| Open 11:30am - 2am Kids ball drop at 8pm.

Bayview Bar & Grille - Residence Inn 61stSt. (410) 723-2222 | Open 4pm - 1am Serving regular menu plus plated NYE dinner specials.

Dead Freddies Island Grill - 64th St. (410) 524-3733 | Open 11:30am - 10pm. Serving regular menu.

Fager’s Island – 60th St. (410) 524-5500 | Open 11am - 4am Lunch at 11am, Dinner at 4:30pm, & live music 9pm to 4am. Reservations needed for Dinner & tickets needed for night club.

Little House of Pancakes – 73rd St. (410) 520-0407 | Open 8am – 1pm Offering much more than pancakes!

Longboard Cafe - 67th St. (443) 664-5639 | Open 11am - 9pm 3-course prix fix menu.

Ocean 13 - 32nd St. (410) 289-6213 | Open at 3pm Serving regular dinner till 9pm. NYE party with live starting at 7pm & open bar w/ buf et, tickets $75/person.

Ropewalk - 82nd Street (410) 524-1009 | Open 11:30am - 2am Special NYE menu.

Saltwater 75 - 75th Street (410) 524-7575| Open 11:30am - 2am Special NYE menu.

Seacrets - 49th St. (410) 524-4900 | Open 11am - 4am 3-course dinner (reservations required). NYE Bash party - pay at the door.

Seacrets Distillery - 49th St. (410) 524-2669 | Open 11am - 5pm

Skye Bar - 66th St. (410) 723-6762 | Open 12pm - 2am Two dinner seating's at 7:30 & 9:30PM, reservations recommended. Party till 2am with live music 4-8pm.

91st - 146th

Alley Oops Uptown - 131st St. (410) 390-7398 | Open 11:30am - 2am Kids ball drop at 8pm.

Harpoon Hanna's - 142nd St. Bayside (302) 539-3095 | Open at 10am Come for dinner & stay for the celebration. Live music 5-9pm & DJ 9pm dance party.

Nick's House of Ribs - 144th St. (410) 250-1984 | Open 4pm - 10pm

Tequila Mockingbird - 129th St. (410) 250-4424 | Open at 12pm Serving regular menu.

Tide Room - Ashore Resort and Beach Club 101 St. (410) 524-3535 | Open 5pm - 9pm 3-course NYE dinner $50/person, reservations available.

Vista Rooftop - Fenwick Inn 138th St. (410) 390-7905 | Open 8pm - 1am NYE Masquerade Bash, $129/person.

Don't stop here! Explore other itineraries that are great ways to explore Ocean City, MD.