We Asked, You Answered: Your Favorite Ocean City Holiday Traditions

Over the past 33 years, Winterfest of Lights has grown to become an annual tradition looked forward to by both residents and visitors. During the festival, Northside Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with acres and acres of magical holiday lights, bonfires, rides, and so much more. Grab a cup of warm hot chocolate and sip while you stroll through the lights and experience the magic!

This year, enjoy new display configurations and the addition of Fire & Ice Nights! On Fridays & Saturdays during the festival, walk through the snow arch and take a photo in the ice throne before warming up by a bonfire and then heading into the tent for live music!

Learn more and get your tickets here!

Northside Park 200 125th Street
Wed-Sun: Nov 20 - Dec 21
Daily: Dec 22 - 31
5:30 - 9:30pm

Experience Winterfest in a new and magical way with Enchanted Evenings! On select evenings, hop aboard a buggy for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the lights! During these nights, the park will be open to carriage riders only. Enjoy exclusive gift shop browsing, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy the festival with smaller crowds.

Reserve a 2 or 6 person carriage, or reserve individual seats on the 12 seat carriage. Available nights include December 1st, 8th, 9th, and 15th!

Learn more and reserve your carriage here!

The annual Ocean City Christmas Parade is a longstanding tradition that will take place for the 42nd year on Saturday, December 6th! During the parade, businesses and residents showcase their floats as they make their way north from Old Landing Rd. to 120th Street. Expect to see the most incredible float displays, and maybe even a classic Christmas character or two! Sometimes, Santa even makes his way from the North Pole to take part in the festivities.

After the parade concludes, awards and family-friendly fun will take place at the Carousel.

Want to participate? Learn more here!

Old Landing Rd to 120th Street
Sat, Dec 6
11:00am

As soon as Thanksgiving wraps up, the Ocean City Convention Center comes alive for holiday shopping with the weekend long Holiday Shopper’s Fair! Over 120 vendors will be present to showcase everything from jewelry, photography, and candles to nautical pieces, household decor, and more. It’s the perfect place to kick start your holiday shopping! Learn more.

Ocean City Convention Center
Fri, Nov 28: 10am-5pm
Sat, Nov 29: 10am-5pm
Sun, Nov 30: 10am-3pm

The Holiday Character Breakfast will return for its second year on Saturday, November 29th! Last year, kiddos loved getting to meet their favorite characters. They’ll have the opportunity again this year, with characters like Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Paw Patrol, Stitch, Minion, and more! Kick off the holiday season with a morning full of magic, laughter, crafts, and unforgettable memories as kids wear their coziest PJs and enjoy a festive breakfast alongside their favorite characters.

Learn more and get your tickets here!

Ocean City Convention Center
Sat, Nov 29
9-11am

The Winterfest Train Garden will return this year, but in a new location! This year, the gardens will be taken Uptown and displayed inside the Winterfest of Lights tent in sheds provided by Woodland Sheds of Bishopville! Enjoy the magical villages complete with Interactive HO, S, and BIG O Gauge displays from the Ocean City Beach Patrol & Delaware Seaside Railroad Club. Learn more here!

Wed-Sun Winterfest nights except 11/27, 12/24, & 12/25.
6-8:30pm

On December 12th, join us at the Ocean City Convention Center for the grand finale to the year’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. The 150th Anniversary Gala will take place upstairs in the grand ballroom and feature a carving station, crab cakes, a buffet, and music from Cherry Crush band! There will be a number of breakout experiences offering live music, delicious bites, drinks, and more. Join us in celebrating 150 years of Ocean City! Learn more here.

Ocean City Convention Center
Friday, December 12th
6-10:30pm