How to Spend the Perfect Christmas in Ocean City

As the song goes, Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year,” and Ocean City is no exception. Nothing can quite beat waking up in a comfy hotel bed and then spending the day enjoying the beach, good eats, and festive treats. Christmas is a unique time in Ocean City as much of the town is quiet because it’s the middle of the off-season; however, despite the quiet, the town comes alive with Christmas cheer and festive traditions.

Stroll through the Winterfest of Lights. 

Starting in mid-November, the Northside Park up near 125th street transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of light displays strewn across the park for guests to walk through.  On your way through the park you can see different light displays inspired by holiday movies like Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer and songs like The Twelve Days of Christmas as well as displays sponsored by local businesses. Throughout the park there are photo-ops, glow shops with souvenirs, and hot chocolate; even Santa is there to meet all the children and hear what’s on their wishlist. It’s fun for the whole family, and during its 30 year run, it’s become a holiday tradition for locals and tourists alike.

Rent a Igloo at Windmill Creek Vineyard

Nothing quite gets you in the holiday spirit like renting one of Windmill Creek’s iconic Igloos! The igloos glow in the night with twinkling lights creating a cozy ambiance. With their special igloo menu of fondue, charcuterie, or entrees, it’s an incredible experience that just sets the festive scene! Also, if you go on one of their event nights, you can enjoy some wine and a holiday craft.

Stroll through a town right out of a Hallmark movie 

If you’ve ever wanted to walk around a Hallmark movie set, Berlin’s got you covered! The historic downtown at Christmas feels like you walked right into a movie set with small shops, an ice cream shop, a retro diner, and more. The residents’ houses are lit up with Christmas lights and the streets are lined with lights and decorations. If the town itself wasn’t enough to feel like a Hallmark movie, the town offers free carriage rides every weekend in December. 

Indulge in the OC’s favorite french fries 

No trip to Ocean City would be complete without a trip to Thrasher’s. The delicious bucket of fries are an Ocean City tradition for almost one hundred years. Started in 1929, when the original owner, J.T. Thrasher, created an entire business around the french fry, he focused his efforts on using the highest quality ingredients to create the best fries his customer ever tasted, and since his founding – through years of changing technology and ownership – the original recipe and cooking procedures are still being used.

Despite being such a simple concept, millions of tourists and locals alike make special trips to the Inlet and the other locations for the iconic Thrasher’s fries – but don’t forget they don’t serve ketchup. During the Christmas season, the Thrasher’s Inlet location is open Saturdays and Sundays at 10am. 

Settle into bed at the festive Holiday Inn & Suites 

After a long day of sightseeing and activities, Holiday Inn on 17th Street’s beautiful Christmas decor is the perfect end to a great day. The festive trees, santas, nutcrackers, and more greet guests with holiday cheer, and after you are all “christmas-ed” out you can settle into a comfortable bed and relax in a spacious, stylish suite with a gorgeous ocean view. 

Even with the cold weather and off-season, Ocean City is a wonderful place to be at Christmas! We hope you spend some of your holiday season in our town.