Winter Activities & Holiday Celebrations in Ocean City, Maryland (2025 Guide)
❄️ Winter Activities & Holiday Celebrations in Ocean City, Maryland (2025 Guide)
Ocean City, Maryland isn’t just a summer destination — it’s a hidden gem for winter travelers, offering sparkling lights, cozy seaside strolls, and festive holiday events. From the magical Winterfest of Lights to New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Boardwalk, there’s plenty to see and do in Ocean City this winter season.
If you’re planning a coastal getaway, here’s your complete 2025 guide to winter activities and holiday celebrations in Ocean City, MD.
🎄 Winterfest of Lights 2025
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Location: Northside Park, 125th Street and Bay
Ocean City’s most beloved holiday tradition, Winterfest of Lights, returns for its 33rd year! Stroll through over a million glittering lights set against the bay, featuring animated displays, Christmas trees, and festive music. Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s House for photos, hot cocoa, and souvenirs.
Local tip: Visit on a weekday evening to avoid crowds and catch the best reflections of lights on the water at dusk.
🎅 Light Up Downtown Celebration
When: Late November 2025
Where: Inlet Parking Lot & Boardwalk Arch
Kick off the holiday season at Ocean City’s Light Up Downtown Celebration, featuring the official tree lighting, live music, food trucks, and fun family activities. The Boardwalk comes alive with holiday cheer and local vendors.
🛍️ Ocean City Christmas Shoppers Fair 2025
Dates: November 29 – December 1, 2025
Location: Roland E. Powell Convention Center
Shop ‘til you drop at this massive indoor fair featuring local artisans, handmade crafts, and holiday décor. With hundreds of vendors, this event is perfect for finding unique gifts. Enjoy live entertainment, free parking, and a chance to meet Santa himself!
🏘️ Explore Berlin’s Victorian Christmas
Just 10 minutes from Ocean City, the charming town of Berlin, Maryland transforms into a Dickens-style village each December. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, and beautifully decorated shops.
🌊 Outdoor Winter Fun in Ocean City
Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk
The famous Ocean City Boardwalk stays open year-round, offering peaceful seaside walks, perfect for sunrise photos and quiet reflection. Grab a hot drink from a local café and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Beach Bonfires
Yes — you can still have a bonfire on the beach! Apply for a permit from the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office and enjoy a cozy night under the stars with friends, blankets, and s’mores.
Birdwatching at Assateague Island
Head to nearby Assateague Island National Seashore to see wild ponies and wintering birds like snow geese and even the occasional snowy owl.
🏨 Cozy Winter Getaways
Enjoy off-season vacation rental deals and quieter stays at some of Ocean City’s top spots with OCMD Getaways:
- Downtown/Inlet/Boardwalk -- Beachfront and boardwalk views hit differently in the winter!
- Oceanfront condos with INDOOR pools – Enjoy ocean views while lounging in a heated indoor pool
- Host your holiday – Entire homes available for rentals, enjoy Thanksgiving or Christmas in a fully stocked kitchen overlooking the water
🎆 New Year’s Eve 2025 in Ocean City
Northside Park Fireworks
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks over the Winterfest of Lights! This family-friendly event features live music, festive drinks, and a stunning midnight display.
Downtown Countdown on the Boardwalk
Ring in 2026 by the ocean with Ocean City’s Downtown Countdown, complete with live entertainment, a light show, and a beachfront countdown.
🏊♂️ January 2026: The Penguin Swim
Date: January 1, 2026
Location: Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel Beach
Join hundreds of brave swimmers who take the Penguin Swim plunge into the icy Atlantic to support Atlantic General Hospital. Costumes are encouraged — and so is hot chocolate afterward!
🍴 Best Winter Dining in Ocean City
Warm up at these popular local restaurants:
- Fager’s Island – Famous for sunset views and holiday brunch
- Seacrets Jamaica USA – Year-round entertainment and tropical drinks
- The Hobbit Restaurant – Fine dining with breathtaking bay views
🌅 Tips for Visiting Ocean City in Winter 2025
- Dress for coastal chill: It’s breezy by the water, even when sunny.
- Free parking: Most meters are off November–April.
- Off-season perks: Less traffic, better hotel rates, and peaceful beaches.
- Bring your camera: The sunsets and light displays are stunning in winter.
❤️ Why Visit Ocean City in Winter?
Winter in Ocean City offers a totally different kind of beach magic — one filled with festive lights, community spirit, and the calming sound of waves without the summer crowds. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays, a cozy weekend escape, or a peaceful coastal retreat, Ocean City, Maryland is a perfect destination to celebrate the 2025 winter season.
Discover the best winter activities and holiday celebrations in Ocean City, Maryland for 2025! Explore Winterfest of Lights, Christmas fairs, New Year’s Eve fireworks, and cozy off-season getaways on the beach. Whatever you decide, OCMD Getaways is here to help you find your perfect stay!