Ocean City, Maryland is an Atlantic resort town in Worcester County, Maryland. Ocean City is quite popular in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and is one of the favorite holiday destinations for vacationers here. Each year we dig around for ways to help you keep busy when visiting, but spending Christmas in Ocean City is a thing unto itself. Here are tips on how to plan your Ocean City vacation this Christmas-

1. There always is something “Christmasy” going on-

The Winterfest lights are shining bright; they’re a beacon for all things Christmas, and the holiday relly takes Ocean City over. Leading the charge in holiday goodness and cheer are the people at The Pour House, schedules Scarves in the Park for on Sunday. Join them in Sunset Park at 1pm for some hot cocoa, snacks, and delightful conversation while preparing to get warm and cozy for the rest of Winter. It is their goal to provide Winter supplies (including hats, scarves, gloves, and sleeping bags) to those of our community who need them. The folks at The Pour House will also provide information on “cold weather shelters”, food pantries, and meal services. All are welcome!

-The group with perhaps the most festive members has got to be the annual Santacon, happening the second Saturday in December! Check it out if you’re the spontaneous type. We hear Santa will be there, but no word on Rudolph.

-Christmas doesn’t stop there – it’s taken over the Ward Museum! On December 19th from 10am to 2pm, visit the museum for a seasonal celebration, where you’ll find snacks, crafts, and plenty of entertainment for you and the kids. The Santa’s making an appearance here, too. What a popular guy!

2. There are plenty of great restaurants open all year-

Christmas in a resort town can be lots of fun. After all, there’s no reason you have to stay in all the holiday long. Getting out and about on Christmas Eve is very Christmas Carol-y. See some friends make some new ones and while away those heavy hours waiting for Santa. Similarly, a nice family Christmas dinner can be had at any of the Ocean City Restaurants open for Christmas. Whether you’re an empty nester or young couple looking to shake things up from the old traditions, or you’re part of a large family looking to establish new traditions.

3. You don’t have to take our word for it, ask your fellow readers-

Most of those hundreds of things-to-do we’ve written about over the years are from the perspective of us locals. To shake things up a bit, here are some favorite winter activities as told by Ocean City visitors who shared their secrets on our past and present forum threads-

• Walk the Boardwalk – Even when it’s cold, there’s no better place to be. And, as long as it’s not raining, there’s still plenty of places open during the day.
• Ripley’s – If the chill coming off the water is too much, you must go here. Since it’s a little less crowded than the summer months, you can look around more.
• Explore Coastal Highway – Stay in West OC in the summer months can at times be a pain in the neck to venture too far north on Coastal. But, in the winter, you can anytime drive up that way and check out the OCBC, BJs, Roses at the ruins of the Ocean Plaza Mall, and the Gold Coast Mall.
• Bowling – The Ocean Lanes around 71st street offers bowling for a decent price. Cheap beers are nice too.
• Take Ocean City at a much slower pace – In the summertime, we tend to move more swiftly to try to get a spot on the beach or by the pool, but the off-season tends to be a bit slower, more leisurely.
• Have a drink – There’s plenty of watering holes still open. Some of which still offer great views, such as the 45th St. Tap House. Plus, if it’s chilly, they have the heat on, so you can sit down and enjoy some friendly service and good libations at choices that include The Cork Bar, The Bearded Clam, Backshore (if it’s not too cold), Fager’s, the OCBC, etc.
• Get some takeout and watch a movie – Sure, you can do that at home. But, at home, you can’t spend a day on the Boardwalk looking at the Atlantic Ocean, having some Thrasher’s or Pollock Johnny’s for lunch, then grabbing some food from Lombardi’s, putting on comfy clothes, and enjoying a DVD.

A big relief on your traveling expense- use hotwire promo code and get up to 40% off on your flight bookings! Rush, the deal should not be missed! And if you are all set to check these in your to do list, we have got you an amazing deal!

4. Did we mention Winterfest? It’s an intergenerational delight-

A cold night as you will drive along the Route 90 into Ocean City. Right from the bridge, you can see the array of shining lights set across the coastline, illuminating the buildings all around town. The parking as a large Christmas tree towered over the entrance to the tent in which you would to await the tram. Purchase you tickets and walk into the tent. You would hardly smell anything other than the coffee and the sweets that were being carried around.

The whole ride was narrated and a recorded song played depending on what part of the display we were passing. You will see all sorts of the typical Christmas allusions—Elves, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and fun lights like sharks and jungle animals and much more. So do pay a visit here.

5. And even MORE things to do-

o    See a show- Art is everything here!

o    Get in touch with your artistic side- A little experiment works!

o    Treat yourself to a holiday light spectacle- Cute!

o    Watch the Ocean City Christmas Parade- It is beyond beautiful!

o    Ring in the New Year- That’s what you are here for!

o    Engage in some retail therapy- A great deal of fun!

o    Bring the whole family to the boardwalk- Of course!

o    Explore the indoors- A walk on the street maybe?

o    Soak in the silence- It is so peaceful in here!

o    Take advantage of off-season deals- Needless to say!

The Life Saving Station museum is always a treat. The old “Laughing Sally” is in there and she’s still just as funny as ever. The Art League on 94th St. is worth a trip to see. Beautiful artwork inside on display and some available to buy, plus you’ll often find area artists working on projects and they’ve always been happy to answer questions about their work. Hope you liked it. Have a wonderful vacation. All the best!