Travel Itinerary: Ring in the New Year by the Sea

Check In For Your Stay

When you arrive in Ocean City, head to your accommodations to check in, drop off your bags, and relax for a few minutes before heading back out! Whether you’re staying Downtown, Midtown, or Uptown, you’re sure to be surrounded by great activity and food options. Explore all of our accommodation recommendations!

Afternoon

Once you’re all settled and checked into your hotel, hit the town for some lunch and activities!

First up, grab a slice or two at the Dough Roller, one of Ocean City’s staples. Head to the 2nd Street on the Boardwalk for bites closer to the ocean, or if you’re Midtown, 41st Street is your spot!

Then, enjoy some activities! If you feel like relaxing with a massage or mani/pedi combo, Creative Day Spa is a great place to check out. It’s located in the Princess Royale hotel.

If something educational is more your style, head to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum (813 S Atlantic Ave) and the Museum of Ocean City (217 S Baltimore Ave) for some OC history!

Evening

The best way to spend a New Year’s Eve is with a delicious meal out, followed by a visit to Winterfest of Lights. This year, enjoy a meal Uptown near the park at Bourbon Street on the Beach, Liberatore’s, or Liquid Assets!

Winterfest of Lights brings so much holiday magic to Ocean City, and 12/31 is the last night of operation for the season! With nearly 1 million lights, Winterfest is truly something special!

Like year’s past, the last couple days of the event will include the Coca-Cola New Year’s Giveaways! Hunt for the Coca-Cola bottles throughout Winterfest to score a share of $2,000 worth of merchandise like a Coca-Cola Cruiser Bike, a 15K Grab N Go Cooler, and more!

Nighttime

Send off 2025 and welcome in 2026 by attending one of two fireworks shows taking place at midnight in Ocean City! Head downtown to Dorchester Street for the celebration, or catch the excitement uptown at Northside Park.

Morning

Kick off your 2026 with a scenic, active walk! Head to the boardwalk or beach (or both!) to get some relaxed steps in and welcome in the New Year. If walking the boardwalk, you could even pick up some coffee along your route! Be sure to “touch the spots” at either end of the path.

After your walk, refuel with some breakfast! Barn 34 and Crawl Street Tavern are both great options.

Midday

After breakfast, spend your midday shopping around town! There are some great places to find unique Ocean City treasures. Check out InnerBloom for one-of-a-kind gifts, K-Coast or Malibu’s for surf gear and apparel, or Candy Kitchen for something sweet!

Afternoon

Before you head out of town, grab a bite to eat at Longboard Cafe, 28th Street Pit & Pub, Annabelle’s BBQ, or Shotti’s Point. We’ll see you next time!

Enjoy the full itinerary list below:

Wednesday (New Year's Eve)

• Check in to your accommodations.
• Afternoon: Grab lunch at Dough Roller before a relaxing spa session at Creative Day Spa! Learn about Ocean City history at one of the museums.
• Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Bourbon Street on the Beach, Liberatore’s, or Liquid Assets before heading to Northside Park for Winterfest of Lights!
• Nighttime: Catch the midnight New Year’s fireworks at Northside Park or Dorchester Street!

Thursday (New Year's Day)

• Morning: Start your day with a beach or boardwalk stroll, and then grab breakfast Barn 34 or Crawl Street Tavern.
• Midday: Shopping time! Stop all around town at spots like InnerBloom, K-Coast, Malibu’s, and Candy Kitchen.
• Afternoon: Grab some lunch before heading out of town! We recommend Longboard Cafe, 28th Street Pit & Pub, Annabelle’s BBQ, or Shotti’s Point.
• Head home & start planning your next trip to OC!