Santa is a busy, busy man, especially on the Eastern Shore. Mr. Claus will be attending several parades, parties, and celebrations on the coast this weekend. Socially Speaking, it’s officially the holiday season. Welcome the winter spirit with these magical events…
Berlin, MD:
Santa Visits Berlin – The world-famous man with a long white beard, a deep laugh, and a jolly sense of humor will be visiting the little town of Berlin on Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th. Bring your own camera and pose with Santa Claus from 12 – 2 pm for a seasonal photograph. Santa’s house is located in the courtyard behind the Atlantic Hotel and next to The Globe Theater. Visits with Santa are free. Santa will also be home on December 11th, 12th, and 18th.
Horse & Carriage Rides – Do you hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling? It’s lovely weather for a carriage ride through historic Berlin. Enjoy a scenic horse and carriage ride this Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm or on Sunday from 12 – 4 pm. The old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage will pick riders up in front of the Atlantic Hotel (2 N. Main Street) and travel around town for a few minutes before returning to the hotel. Horse and carriage rides are free and weather permitting. The rides will also take place on December 11th, 12th, and 18th.
Taylor House Tours – Take an enriching tour through one of Berlin’s most famous homes on Saturday or Sunday this weekend. The Taylor House Museum (208 N. Main Street), a restored early 19th century house, will be open for free tours from 1 – 4 pm. The house, built in 1832 by Isaac Covington, will be decked out for the holidays with traditional Eastern Shore style. The main block of the house is considered an educational museum while the west wing has become a gallery of local memorabilia.
Atlantic Hotel Tours –After touring the historic Taylor House and it's museum walk down the street to the Atlantic Hotel (2 N. Main Street). The Atlantic Hotel was built in 1895 and is beautifully decorated with Victorian finishes. There are approximately 17 guest rooms at the hotel. Tours are free and based on hotel occupancy. A working blacksmith will be demonstrating practices in the front yard to the hotel from 11 am – 3 pm on Saturday.
Christmas Concert – On Monday, December 5th, a classic Christmas Concert will take place at the Taylor House Museum (208 N. Main Street). A dinner will follow the concert and will benefit the Berlin Heritage Foundation. The candlelit evening of classical Christmas music and dinner at the Atlantic Hotel (2 N. Main Street) costs $50 per person and is by reservation only. To make a reservation, call 410-641-1019.There are two separate seatings for the dinner, 6 or 8 pm.
Arts 4 Clean Bays – Arts 4 Clean Bays is a fundraiser sponsored by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program to provide a venue for artists and crafters to display and sell their work throughout the month of December, just in time for holiday shopping. 30% of proceeds will go toward the Coastal Bays Program’s efforts to protect the estuaries and habitats of our bays. Pieces will be for sale through December 31st at the Berlin Chamber’s Art Studio (103 S. Main Street). The event will feature a variety of locally-created artwork and includes acrylic paintings, prints, jewelry, wearable fiber art, fresh greenery, dog treats, and stocking stuffers.
Ocean City, MD:
Christmas Parade – The Ocean City Christmas parade will hit the streets of north Ocean City on Saturday, December 3rd. Starting at 11 am, dozens of floats, local high school bands, businesses, and organizations will march from 100th Street to 115th Street. The family friendly event will conclude at the Gold Coast Mall on 115th Street. There will be several holiday related and family-friendly activities inside the mall.
Winterfest of Lights –Hop aboard the Winterfest Express train and cruise through Northside Park (127th Street, Bayside) to check out the colorful animated holiday displays made of glistening lights. Join the Winterfest helpers while they sing and enjoy Christmas carols and drink hot cocoa. A refreshment stand offers steamy hot chocolate–perfect for warming up after the chilly November train ride. Santa will be stationed in his workshop so children can drop off their Christmas lists early and parents can prepare for photos will the jolly old soul. The Winterfest of Lights tour costs $5 per person and children under the age of 11 are free.
Snow Hill, MD:
Nutcracker Celebration – An event inspired by the Nutcracker ballet will take place at the Julia A. Purnell Museum (208 W. Market Street) on Saturday, December 3rd. The famous Christmas ballet sets the theme for the weekend at the museum that highlights local history. A large display of traditional nutcrackers will be center stage and artwork by Julia Purnell will be displayed alongside. Refreshments will be served and children will be able to work on a nutcracker craft that they may take home and display. The event runs from 10 am – 4 pm.
Pocomoke, MD:
Old Fashioned Christmas – Gather your friends and huddle in front of City Hall in Pocomoke on Friday, December 2nd for an Old Fashioned Christmas evening. From 5:30 – 8 pm, Santa will be in his miniature house, the giant holiday tree will be lit, historic home tour will take place, and a choral group will perform. Carriage rides will pick guests up in front of the Hall, complete a small loop through town, and then return to pick up the next group. S’mores, wine, and hot cocoa will be served at Santa’s house. A window decorating contest will occur and the winners will be announced before 8 pm.
Bethany Beach, DE:
Holiday Happening – The annual Bethany Beach Holiday Happening takes place at Town Hall (214 Garfield Parkway) on Saturday, December 3rd from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Get in the holiday mood while watching a musical presentation by the Lord Baltimore Elementary School’s Holiday Ensemble. Sunshine the Clown will be present to paint holiday-themed items on children’s faces. Take a trip through town on the trolley, a horse-drawn carriage, or the tractor-drawn hayride. An outdoor train display, created by the Delaware Seaside Railroad Club, will be setup outside. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served while Santa visits the crowd at 4 pm. All events are free and open to families.
Rehoboth Beach, DE:
Christmas Parade – The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company has sponsored the annual Hometown Christmas Parade that will take place on Tuesday, December 6th from 6:30 – 8 pm. The parade will sail down Rehoboth Avenue towards the boardwalk. Santa will be the spectacle of the show and riding on the final float in the yearly parade. All attendees are invited to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Hall after the parade for refreshments and a spirited visit with Santa Claus. Trophies will be awarded for different categories as the parade concludes.
Millsboro, DE:
Christmas Parade – The Millsboro Chamber of Commerce will kick off the holiday season by filling the streets with a big parade. On Saturday, December3rd, business and groups from the Millsboro area will march from the M&T Bank parking lot on Mitchell Street, zigzag through town, and end at the Millsboro Middle School. Awards will be announced at the Santa Shop afterwards. The parade starts at 10 am. The Santa Shop is located at the Millsboro Civic Center. The Santa Shop is open from 10 am -1 pm. Mediacom will present free hot chocolate and cookies to those who visit Santa at his shop. Gifts and snacks will be available for purchase.
