The Town of Ocean City is ready to say goodbye to 2013 and ring in the New Year with a bang – quite literally – with their New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show. The Town of Ocean City will be hosting a New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Northside Park Tuesday night, with the show set to begin at the stroke of midnight. The fireworks display will also be accompanied by live entertainment, hot chocolate, and of course, the Winterfest of Lights. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to ride through the display that features over one million sparkling lights, then now’s your chance.

After ringing in the New Year in the northern end of Ocean City, get an early start on 2014 by taking a swim. That’s right, it may be January, and the waters will undoubtedly be chilly, but what better way to support a good cause than by starting out 2014 with the annual Penguin Swim. Each year, hundreds of brave souls dip into the ocean to benefit our local hospital, Atlantic General. Registration begins at 11:30am, with the swim set to start at 1pm. In addition to the swim, awards will be given to Best Costume and Recognition of Oldest and Youngest Penguins. Holly Ridge Farm will also be on the beach with a trick pony. For more information, visit www.penguinswim.atlanticgeneral.org.

After the Penguin Swim, warm up with a visit to the 18th Annual Ocean City Mayor and City Council’s Open House. Join Mayor Rick Meehan and the town council from 1pm to 3pm at City Hall, located at 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue. This year’s theme is “Come Walk All Over Us: The Ocean City Downtown Association.” The event features exhibits from various town departments including the Ocean City Police Department, Fire, Emergency Services and Beach Patrol. As always, City Hall will be beautifully decorated for the holiday season. While there, enjoy light refreshments and musical entertainment.