Reasons to Ring in the New Year at the Beach

Ocean City was established in 1875, which means that 2025 marks a century and a half of coastal charm! We’re celebrating all year long, starting with New Year’s Eve. Join us as we ring in the town's 150th year with music, a spectacular larger-than-ever fireworks display, and more.

To kick off the New Year and start our 150th Anniversary with a BANG, we have partnered with select hotels to offer savings for your next stay in OCMD!  Learn more about how you can book early and SAVE. 

We hope to see you in 2025!
 

Choose between two fireworks locations to build your own New Year’s Eve experience! For an intimate and cozy celebration, head to Northside Park, where you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. If higher energy is your vibe, experience an event with music and more at the downtown location on the beach near Dorchester Street! Both displays promise to light up the night sky with plenty of sparkle and fun. 

Get ready to dance your way into the new year with live music at Caroline Street as part of the downtown celebration! Take part in the excitement as a DJ sets the perfect beat to end one year and begin the next. Don’t miss this exciting part of the festivities as we enjoy music by the sea!

Ocean City’s annual Winterfest of Lights adds an extra layer of magic to New Year’s! Wander through a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 50 acres of twinkling lights, a 50 foot Christmas tree, selfie stations, rides, games, hot cocoa, a gift shop, and more. Open through December 31st, Winterfest is a marvelous way to celebrate the season, and a can't-miss part of a weekend in town!

Whether you’re planning an elegant New Year’s Eve dinner or a laid-back New Year’s Day brunch, Ocean City’s dining scene has something for everyone. Indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, savor a romantic multi-course meal, or grab a quick bite from a grab-and-go cafe or coffee shop. From hearty brunches to seasonal specialties, there’s no better way to celebrate than by treating your taste buds to the best flavors the town has to offer.

If a chic, champagne-toast-style NYE celebration is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it and more at the Residence Inn Annual Bayside Balcony Balldrop! Watch the only balldrop in town as you enjoy live music, karaoke, and more. With no cover, it’s a great option for ringing in 2025! 

For foodies, Spain Wine Bar is sure to delight on New Year’s Eve. This all-inclusive event is a culinary experience like no other and will feature a crafted menu of tapas, charcuterie, paella, and desserts. Enjoy cash bars offering fine wines and artisanal spirits as you take in the celebratory ambiance, rooftop terrace views, and music by DJ PAPI. 

There’s something magical about welcoming the new year with the first sunrise over the ocean. On New Year’s Day, join fellow early risers on the beach to watch the sky transform into a canvas of pinks, oranges, and golds. Bring along a warm blanket and a steaming cup of coffee to greet the first morning of 2025.

Follow the sunrise with a refreshing stroll along the shore. After the hustle and bustle of New Year’s Eve, a serene walk on the morning of New Year’s Day is a great way to kick off the year on the right foot.

Finally, welcome the new year with the frigidly fun AGH 32nd Annual Penguin Swim! Taking place on the first day of the year, this exciting event brings together a brave crowd ready to take a quick dunk into the cold waters of the Atlantic. The invigorating event brings the community together to support our local hospital, Atlantic General. It’s a great way to raise proceeds while having fun and starting off the new year with a splash!