It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and one of our favorite pastimes is driving around the shore to visit area holiday displays. We love seeing the colorful lights bring objects to life as they illuminate the freezing winter nights. Shorebread has put together your guide for the BEST local holiday displays, from lights festivals to traditional train gardens. Before we know it, Christmas will be over so make sure you’re taking advantage of all the fun activities the holidays have to offer!

1.)  Winterfest of Lights

Northside Park, 125th Street & Bayside

Now until January 1st

This spectacular display of lights has been a holiday staple for Ocean City residents and visitors for years. Sit back and enjoy the ride as the Winterfest Express takes participants on a magically illuminated ride. The venue hosts over one million twinkling lights, arrayed in different formations such as fairy tale creatures and jumping sharks. The Winterfest heated pavilion is a great place to cuddle up with your hot chocolate as you explore Yukon Cornelius’ gift shop. Don’t forget to take a picture with Santa!

2.)   19th Annual Holiday of Lights

 Beebe Medical Center

December 4th, 5:30PM

Beebe Medical Foundation hosts the 19th Annual Holiday of Lights at 5:30PM. The voices of children singing carols as the Christmas tree is lit with colorful lights representing friends and loved ones who are being honored and remembered is truly an event to behold. Following the tree lighting, refreshments will be served and Santa Claus will make a special appearance.

3.)   Windows at the Firehouse

 Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Dept

December 14th, 4PM

Santa arrives at 4:00 PM by helicopter! Enchanting decorated windows and train display along with pictures with Santa. Drop off your Christmas list in Santa’s mailbox. Enjoy cookies & hot chocolate served by Mrs. Claus and the Elves. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

4.)   Christmas Garden of Trains

 Downtown Cambridge

Until December 30th

Gaze in wonder at this holiday-themed train display at the Cambridge Rescue and Fire Company in historic downtown Cambridge. Perfect for all ages! The Train Garden features little towns, industrial areas, rural areas, scenic areas and several emergency rescue displays. The display, now in its 80th year, is created each year by the volunteers with the Cambridge Rescue Fire Company. It takes the volunteers several weeks to create the Train Garden. This display runs Dec. 1-30. Hours of operation are: Monday through Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. FREE Admission. Refreshments are sold. They accept donations and non-perishable food items for our Christmas Drive.

5.)   Winter Wonderland of Lights

Salisbury City Park

Now until January 1st

The walk through City Park in downtown Salisbury is transformed into a winter wonderland this time of year as it is colorfully illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Displays such as penguins and nativity scenes add extra brilliance as their lights are reflected in Beaver Dam Creek. Make extra time to take a trip to the zoo before you tour the lights!