The chilly weather is setting in quickly over the Eastern Shore and the busy month of December is making an appearance. Based on our event-filled calendars, December is always filled with events, things to do, and visits with those we enjoy spending time with. What happened to the 100-degree days of July? How did the daily highs become 40-something degrees? It’s baffling. Anyways, join in on the December fun by participating in any of the following events this weekend…
Smithsonian Traveling Show
The Smithsonian Exhibit, “Journey Stories”, comes to the Eastern Shore this weekend. “Journey Stories” is an exhibit that uses images, audio, and artifacts to tell how our ancestors came to America or pursued a new life in another state or across the continent. The traveling exhibit will be on display at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Mosely Gallery until November 30th. The gallery is open from 9 to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is located in Princess Anne, MD.
Ocean City Christmas Parade
The 30th Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade marches along Coastal Highway on Saturday, December 1 at 11 a.m. The holiday parade, which starts at 100th Street and marches northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway to the Gold Coast Mall at 115th Street, will feature more than 80 units, including high school bands, horses, llamas, antique cars and colorful holiday floats.
Professional judges will be on hand to review bands and other marching units in nine categories and trophies will be awarded inside the mall following the parade for first, second and third places in each category.
For those simply wishing to spectate, plenty of seating will be located in the parking lot of the Gold Coast Mall. Spectators will not be permitted to watch the parade from the median area of Coastal Highway. The parade is expected to last approximately two hours. Motorists traveling in the area are reminded that traffic pattern changes will occur starting at approximately 9 a.m.
Light Up Downtown OC
Downtown Ocean City, MD will be covered in holiday lights all weekend long. Spirited music and dance performances are scheduled to take place every Friday and Saturday night throughout the holiday season at 5:30 pm. Join in on the seasonal fun at South Division Street for the The Light Up Downtown Celebration in Sunset Pak.
Winterfest of Lights
Winterfest of lights kicked off earlier this week and will remain open nightly for the rest of the holiday season! Take a ride through the animated wonderland of lights known as the ‘Winterfest Express’. The giant lighted displays include the 12 Days of Christmas and favorite fairy tales. The Winterfest Village offers warm beverages and Ocean City gifts. Santa is available for photos ever night until December 23rd. Winterfest of Lights is located in Northside Park on 125th Street, bayside. Hours of operation are 5:30 to 10:30 pm.
For more information about Winterfest of Lights, check out this ShoreBread article: Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights Celebrates 20 Years
Christmas at Furnace Town
The historic Furnace Town museum will be open on Saturday and Sunday (December 1st and 2nd) for their annual Christmas at Furnace Town experience. From noon to 5 pm the old villiage will be very active preparing for the holiday season. Resident artisans will weave, make broom products, pound iron at the forge, and assemble floral arrangements. The Paul Leifer Nature Trail will be open so guests can tour the Nassawango Cypress swamp. Mulled cider and cookies will be served in the museum while kids take part in arts and craft projects. Visit the Furnace Town website for more information.
Check out these ShoreBread articles to learn more about Furnace Town:
Jingle Bell 5K
Runners, joggers, and speed walkers will meet in Ocean City’s Northside Park on Sunday to participate in the Jingle Bell 5K. All runners will receive an event t-shirt, hot cocoa and cookies, and a fun ride on the Winterfest Express. The event begins at 5 pm on 127th Street, bayside. Prizes will be awaded for top finishers. All participants are asked to bring one new, unopened toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Call 410-251-0125 for more information.
