“It’s the Holiday season…” and one of our favorite things to do this time of year is to enjoy all of our local holiday light displays. We love seeing the colorful lights bring different animals and objects to life as they illuminate the winter night. As a low cost activity, it’s a perfect excuse to get out of the house with the whole family. It’s also a perfect date night. Take a peek at some of the lights displays across the Shore…
WinterFest of Lights
Northside Park, 125th St & Bayside Ocean City, MD
November 19 – January 2
Sunday–Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
1-800-626-2326
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! It’s still not too early to give him your wish list.
Lights on the Bay
Sandy Point State Park
Route 50, at exit 32, near the Bay Bridge in Annapolis, Maryland
November 23, 2013 – January 1, 2014, 5-10 p.m.
(410) 481-3161
If you’re making your way from the other side of the bridge after visiting family during the holidays, you can stop and enjoy the Christmas display at Sandy Point Park. Located on the western bank of the Bay Bridge, this holiday lights show provides viewers with over 60 displays while taking you through a scenic route along the shores. One of the most convenient parts about this tour is that you don’t even have to leave your car. Crank up the heat as high as you like, throw on some Christmas tunes and drive through at your own leisure.
Lights in the Park
City Park, Salisbury
November 28- January 1
5:00 p.m.-12:00a.m.
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 zoo before you tour the lights!
101 E Dover St, Easton, MD 21601
November 29- December 3
(410) 822-1300
The 28th annual Festival of Trees will celebrate “The Beauty of the Earth” this year with a four-day holiday event in the historic Tidewater Hotel in Easton. Enjoy holiday shopping, dancing, a post-Thanksgiving walk/run, and all sorts of merriment and holiday fun. All proceeds go to the Talbot Hospice Foundation so be sure to get your tickets online today.
Christmas Garden of Trains
307 Gay St. Cambridge, MD
December 1 -30
Monday through Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
410-228-1211
Join in the magic at the 78th annual Christmas Garden of Trains at Cambridge’s old fire house. The enchanting train garden is beautifully constructed over several weeks by the Cambridge Rescue Fire Company and is now available for public viewing. Make sure to stop by to see their beautiful work with a donation of non-perishable food for their Christmas drive. Refreshments are also available.
Holiday Boat Parade
November 30
The Wicomico Yacht Club proudly presents the 26th Annual Christmas Boat Parade. Eastern Shore natives have been enjoying the time-honored tradition for years, gathering along the shores of the Wicomico River to view the spectacular parade of lighted boats. The boats depart from the Wicomico Yacht Club at 5pm, reaching the Upper Ferry by 6pm and arriving at the Port of Salisbury by 7pm. Brew River is the perfect place to post up and watch as over 20 decorated boats pass by in all their holiday glory.
Winterfest officially opened last night and we were on the scene to take in all of the holiday fun. Here’s a sneak peak at what to expect this year…
