The highlight of the event is the Winterfest Express, which takes guests on a ride through a mile-long animated wonderland of dazzling lights and spectacular displays, including the Twelve Days of Christmas and additional fairytale favorites. Christmas carols float through the air and throughout the Winterfest Village, which is located inside a festive and heated pavilion.
After the trip on the Winterfest Express, visitors can celebrate the spirit of the season by sipping hot chocolate from The OC Recreation Boosters Café or browse the Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop for that special stocking stuffer or OC souvenir. In addition, the traditional Boardwalk Tram, which celebrates more than 50 years in Ocean City, will be on display for guests to take their very own Winterfest Instagram photo, with a classic Winterfest Express tram car photo spot.
Kids of all ages can also visit Santa with a holiday wish list and meet Mrs. Claus, who makes her second appearance at Winterfest. Whereas Santa is all about giving to others as a sign of appreciation, Mrs. Claus is here to spread her wisdom on staying healthy and lending a helping hand. This iconic couple will be on site to delight adults and kids alike through December 23.
The special opening ceremony, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, at Northside Park’s Winterfest Village at 127th Street and the bay, is free and open to the public. The ceremony features Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars” performing holiday songs and dance. In addition, Mayor Rick Meehan will “flip the switch” to light the Christmas tree and officially open the Winterfest of Lights. Even Santa will make a surprise appearance for the opening ceremony, which will feature free rides on the Winterfest Express train for the remainder of the evening.
Adding to the excitement of Winterfest of Lights, the Jingle Bell Run and the New Year’s Eve Fireworks show will both be returning for a fourth year. The Winterfest of Lights Jingle Bell Run, which will take place on Sunday, December 6, is sponsored by the Town of Ocean City’s Recreation and Parks Department and OC TriRunning. The race takes runners through an animated course of dazzling lights and spectacular displays at Northside Park. The New Year’s Eve celebration, which also takes place at Northside Park, will celebrate the beginning of 2016 with live entertainment, free give-always, warm hot chocolate, and the opportunity to ride the Winterfest of Lights.
Winterfest of Lights is located at Northside Park, 125th Street & the Bay. Beginning November 19, the hours of operation will be Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Winterfest tickets are available and can be purchased in advance at the Ocean City Community Center and the Convention Center. Admission is $5.00 for those 12 years & older and FREE for those 11 years and younger.
With more than one million holiday lights sparkling throughout the town, Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights will create a long lasting holiday memory for you and your family. For more information, visit http://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/special-events/winterfest/
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