Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights returning for 31st year: All to know on dazzling display

Olivia Minzola, Salisbury Daily Times
Updated ·5 min read

Ocean City will soon be decorated from head-to-toe in dazzling Christmas lights, as the resort town's special holiday-themed festival is set to kick off later this month.

Winterfest of Lights is back and better than ever this year with all new family-friendly fun, a special appearance by jolly Saint Nicholas and the grand return of the beloved tram ride through the 58-acre Northside Park.

Here's everything you need to know about the 31st Annual Winterfest of Lights.

When is Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights for 2023?

Ocean City will celebrate the opening night of the 31st annual Winterfest of Lights on Thursday, Nov. 16. The opening ceremony will return with a magical display, a special performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars" and tree lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Following opening night, Winterfest will be open to the public from Nov. 16 through Dec. 24 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays, and Dec. 25 through Dec. 31 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. every day.

Opening night is free to the public for just that night only. Crowds are invited to gather at Northside Park, where Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan will “flip the switch” to light the holiday light displays and 50-foot Christmas tree, officially opening Winterfest to the public. Santa Claus is expected to make a special surprise appearance.

Arwen Bowen plays on glowing lights at Winterfest of Lights Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Northside Park in Ocean City, Maryland. See the lights from Nov. 16 - Dec. 24 Wednesday - Sunday at 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. and everyday Dec. 25 - 31 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Arwen Bowen plays on glowing lights at Winterfest of Lights Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Northside Park in Ocean City, Maryland. See the lights from Nov. 16 - Dec. 24 Wednesday - Sunday at 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. and everyday Dec. 25 - 31 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

What is there to see at Winterfest?

Winterfest attendees can grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the Boosters concession window and enjoy the spectacular light displays with many loyal favorites, including the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Toy Factory.

The animated, 50-foot Winterfest Christmas tree will perform its show throughout each evening. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to snap a photo with the one and only Santa Claus and at other holiday-themed photo hotspots along the way.

Families can listen to holiday music throughout the park provided by Radio Ocean City or download the Radio Ocean City App for a more personal high-fidelity music experience. Also, guests who have leashed pets may bring them on Wednesdays for Furry Friends Day.

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After riding the tram, cold visitors line up for hot chocolate at 2014's Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park in Ocean City.
After riding the tram, cold visitors line up for hot chocolate at 2014's Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park in Ocean City.

To add to the Winterfest experience, the Winterfest Train Garden will make a grand return this year. Visit the Welcome Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to view the spectacular model railroad displays and trains and learn about the history of the train station and railroad in Ocean City.

Starting Nov. 16 through Dec. 31, the train garden can be viewed Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Admission to the Winterfest Train Garden is free to the public. However, donations are accepted and benefit the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

Festival attendees may also vote for their favorite tree decorated by the Art League of Ocean City with the Trees for the Arts Program. Guests can view the trees inside the Winterfest tent and vote for their favorite tree for $1 per vote. The tree with the most votes will win a $500 cash prize.

What's different at Winterfest in 2023?

Winterfest of Lights brought in many to see Christmas displays on opening night Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at Northside Park in Ocean City, Maryland.
Winterfest of Lights brought in many to see Christmas displays on opening night Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at Northside Park in Ocean City, Maryland.

Following a successful 2022 holiday season, Ocean City has expanded upon Winterfest in 2023.

In years past, attendees rode the Boardwalk tram through the glittering display of lights. Due to COVID-19 and ongoing health concerns, the tram was removed and the event was modified to become walk-through only, Delmarva Now previously reported.

Now, this year's Winterfest of Lights walking event will bring back the beloved "Winterfest Express" tram ride with multiple stops throughout Northside Park to see the thousands of sparkling holiday lights and animated displays.

The tram ride will now be more of a trolley experience, allowing passengers to get on and off as they please at numerous stops. These mini destinations may include fun features such as craft stations, light displays, music and more.

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Give and get with Toys for Tots

Winterfest will partner with The Marine Corps League, OC Jeep Club, Sugar Planet and Toys for Tots for a special opportunity to “give and get.” The Marine’s Toys for Tots “Stuff the Jeep” Toy Drive, taking place Nov. 18 and 19, will offer guests the opportunity to enter Winterfest for free with the donation of a new toy.

According to the town of Ocean City, a special parade of Jeeps by the OC Jeep Club will highlight this charitable opportunity. On Saturday, Nov. 18, holiday-themed Jeeps will parade north from 6th Street on the beach to 130th Street, where they will make their way to Winterfest of Lights and display their creative holiday décor from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Ocean City’s Transportation Department will add to the fun with three colorful boardwalk jeeps placed inside the Winterfest Pavilion. Guests can deliver their toy donations to the boardwalk tram jeep display upon entering. Donations are one admission per person and up to four per group entry.

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How much are Winterfest tickets?

Admission for this year's Winterfest of Lights is $6 for guests aged 12 years and older and free for those 11 years and younger. Those interested in purchasing their tickets in advance can do so online.

Mobility devices, including scooters and powered wheelchairs, will be available for rent on festival grounds, and will cost guests $10 per two hours. Standard wheel chairs will also be available for use.

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If you go:

WHAT: Winterfest of Lights

WHERE: Northside Park – 200 125th Street, Ocean City, Md.

WHEN: Nov. 16 – Dec. 24: 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays; Dec. 25 – 31: 5:30-9:30 p.m. every day

INFO: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/special-events/winterfest/

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City Winterfest is back, and bigger and better for 2023