As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves getting busier and busier, not to mention more and more inundated with holiday madness. The Christmas trees are already out at local grocery stores, area towns are already decorated with their seasonal finest, and Christmas songs are already infiltrating the airwaves. Whether you are ready for it or not, the holidays are coming, and with them comes many fantastic local events. The festive fun kicks off this week with Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, but also includes some non-holiday fun, like the return of Brown Box Theatre and the 1st Annual KickPAWS Tournament.

Winterfest of Lights

When: Thursday, November 19-Monday, January 3

Where: Northside Park, Ocean City

What: Hundreds of animated, lighted displays and over one million holiday lights will illuminate Northside Park in OCMD for the annual (and much beloved) Winterfest of Lights. This year’s holiday fun begins on Thursday, November 19 with the tree lighting and kickoff event. Winterfest of Lights is open on Sunday through Thursday from 5:30pm until 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday from 5:30pm until 10:30pm.

Brown Box Theatre Presents “Lab Rats”

When: November 19 (Salisbury) & November 20-23 (Ocean City)

Where: Headquarters Live and Ocean City Center for the Arts

What: Our friends from the Brown Box Theatre Company are back on Delmarva this month (you might remember them from Shakespeare in the Park a few months ago). This time, the traveling theatre group will present “Lab Rats,” a world premiere production by Patrick Gabridge. Tickets are on sale now at brownboxtheatre.org.

Light Up Downtown Festival

When: Saturday, November 21, 3pm-6pm

Where: Downtown Ocean City, Boardwalk at the Inlet

What: Bring the family to Downtown Ocean City for some FREE holiday family fun, including holiday shopping, vendors, tree lighting, kids’ crafts, games, prizes, gift drawings and visits from Santa. Live music with One Night Stand.

Naylor Mill Forest 5K Fun Run & Nature Walk

When: Saturday, November 21, 10am

Where: Naylor Mill Forest, Salisbury

What: The City of Salisbury recently held a public hearing regarding the development of the Naylor Mill Forest; fortunately, the local forest was saved from being cut down thanks to the efforts of local community members and SU students. This Saturday, the community will hold a 5K fun run and one-mile family nature walk in an effort to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the beautiful forest, which includes 4-6 miles of trails. This is a FREE event and a great opportunity to get outside with friends and family.

1st Annual KickPAW Tournament

When: Saturday, November 21, 10am

Where: 2316 Goddard Parkway, Salisbury

What: The Salisbury Social Sports Club  presents their 1st Annual KickPAW Tournament – a charity kickball tournament benefiting the Wicomico County Humane Society. The co-ed tournament is $200 per team with an 8-team minimum (must be 18 to play). Prizes will be awarded to the winners along with a free buy-in to any future, non-charity SSSC event.

Surfin’ Santa & Children’s Candy Walk

When: Saturday, November 21, 11:45am-2pm

Where: Town Center, 67th Street Midtown Boardwalk in OCMD

What: Town Center will transform into Santa’s Workshop this Saturday for their 3rd Annual Surfin’ Santa & Children’s Candy Walk. Bring the whole family out to visit with Santa while shopping local. The event will feature holiday specials along with a ‘candywalk’ for the kids to enjoy.

5th Annual Oyster Week

When: November 21-29

Where: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Cambridge

What: The Hyatt in Cambridge is celebrating oysters all week long with specials, entertainment, and educational activities. Oyster cookouts, oyster aquaculture and daily cooking demos will round-out the week, along with ornament making, Wine and Canvas, and the Choptank Arcade. We will be attending the oyster cookout on Wednesday, November 25th so stay tuned for some delicious pictures!

For a full list of local events, visit our calendar!