Each year when December rolls around, our little town is transformed into a winter wonderland. Wreathes, trees, Christmas lights and more transform desolate Coastal Highway into an holiday oasis.

1.) Winterfest of Lights:

It’s the event that shows locals around Ocean City the holidays are here… Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park is the event of the winter. More than one million holiday lights sparkle throughout your favorite beach resort; Northside Park will have hundreds of animated, lighted displays for your viewing pleasure. One of our favorite childhood pastimes consist of bundling up in whatever we could find, scarves, blankets, and heading into the heated tent to grab hot chocolate and hopping on the tram where we head into a winter wonderland.

2.) Tanger Outlets:

Our favorite outlet mall is all ready for the Christmas shopping season. Their hours are extended during the month of December: Monday-Thursday 9AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 9AM-10PM and Sunday 11AM-8PM. With tons of great stores to find your loved ones the perfect gift, the extended hours are just an added bonus. Some of our favorite stores: Bass, J.Crew, Gap, Under Armor, Brooks Brother and Tommy Hilfiger.

3.) Holiday specials:

The yummy restaurants around our little town are offering up some really great holiday specials! During this time of year, our favorites start serving up cheap specials with their high-quality food, resulting in a low priced check but a high quality experience. Some of these specials include: Sunset Grille’s Seafood & Italian night, Hooked Ladies Night, OC Wasabi’s 3 roll special on Wednesdays and so many more. We recommend check out their Facebook pages!

4.) Holiday movies at The Globe:

It’s a season favorite for locals all around town! The Globe in Berlin, MD shows our holiday favorites on the big screen while enjoying their delicious food. There’s only one left so make sure to attend! December 23rd, Charlie Brown Christmas, 6PM & 7:30PM.

5.) Carriage Rides around the Town of Berlin and along the Ocean City Boardwalk

Step back in time when you ride in a carriage drawn by horses on Main Street in Berlin, MD and along the Boardwalk in Ocean City. This is an experience you won’t soon forget. Take a quick ride while you’re out shopping for gifts, or at dusk… with the twinkly lights above you. This is a magical holiday ride you are sure to enjoy.

6.) Beachin’ it in the Winter

Spring/ Summer is not the only time to enjoy our white, sandy beaches and crashing waves. There is nothing more relaxing than taking a long walk with the crisp ocean wind. During the month of December, we always make a point to enjoy the beach on a cold day, the beauty of it is simply undeniable. Try: Stinky Beach.

7.) Participating in the local charity drives

The holidays are a time to give rather than receive, and our area makes a point of doing this to the fullest extent. Dropping old coats off at local churches, participating in the canned food drives and volunteering at Diakonia are just a few of the ways Shorebread plans to give back.

8.) Have a bonfire on Assateague

ONE OF OUR FAVORITES! December is the perfect month to plan a bonfire on Assateague, maybe even make it a “Christmas Bonfire”, invite your closest friends and join in the fun. The chilly temps and warm fire create a cozy atmosphere for you to ring in the Christmas season.

9.) Brunch!

Many of our fabulous restaurants around the area offer unbelievable Sunday brunches. There’s nothing better than being inside a warm restaurant, bloody mary in hand, with a big plate of eggs benedict coming your way. Some of our places to indulge: The Globe, Sunset Grille, The Shark, and Lighthouse Sound. You can’t go wrong with anyone of them!

10.) Attend a New Eve’s Party

Ring in 2015 with Berlin’s Ball Drop. America’s Coolest Small Town celebrates hard with great food specials, hot drinks and music. The party starts at 10PM and lasts until 12:30PM. Or make a night (or weekend) of it in Ocean City with a hotel reservation, dinner, and a night out on the town! We hear Seacrets is having another fabulous party to ring in 2015;)