We’re sure that the Eastern Shore will be quiet and peaceful on Christmas Sunday, but what about Christmas Eve? Does anyone have plans to bar hop on Saturday night with friends and family who have ventured back home to celebrate the holiday, or is everyone laying low?

After trying to conjure up a list of social events peeking this weekend, it seemed like most of the area is lying low. ‘Tis the season to spend time with beloved family members, old friends, and bundle up inside next to the fire and the Christmas tree (which seems rather odd considering it’s 65 degrees outside right now).

This weekend will probably be spent running around, fighting a mob of crazy shoppers at the Salisbury Mall, standing in line at the ‘free gift wrapping’ booth at the Rehoboth Outlets, or combing over the shelves at Marshalls in Ocean City for last minute gifts. Monday will be sale shopping central – hopefully not as bad as Black Friday, but still pretty bad.

With all of that said, socially speaking, here’s what’s left to do this weekend:

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. Winterfest of Lights will be closed on Christmas Day.

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 art. The Chamber will be closed on Christmas Day.

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.

Now, kick back, chill out, drink some egg nog, and enjoy being with your loved ones. Stay tuned to Shorebread for if you’re thinking about making New Year’s plans for next weekend. We’ll be featuring both ticketed events, ones that require reservations, and non-ticketed events around the area. Happy holidays!