Ocean City, MD – (November 12, 2024): The Winterfest of Lights returns this year with dazzling displays, new features, and exciting additions that promise to make the holiday season brighter than ever. Ocean City will celebrate the 32nd Annual Winterfest of Lights on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The opening ceremony will return with a magical display, a special performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars”, and the tree lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Opening night is FREE to the public this one night only. Mayor Rick Meehan will “flip the switch” to light the Winterfest holiday light displays and the 50-foot Christmas tree officially opening Winterfest of Lights to the public.
This year, visitors can stroll on the walking path through Winterfest, giving guests a chance to enjoy the lights at their own pace. The path is stroller-friendly and lets families take their time admiring the displays, snapping photos along the way. New and exciting features this year include firepits, amusement rides, augmented reality games, photo hotspots, and much more! To take a break from the walking path, Pemberton Appliance and Sharp Energy have provided cozy firepits at two locations this year. They are perfect for warming up with hot chocolate, sharing stories, and simply taking in the festive atmosphere between exploring the displays. Trimper’s Rides, one of Ocean City’s nostalgic amusement parks, joins Winterfest with select rides, including teacups and a slide. For a small charge, kids can get a wristband to have some extra holiday fun! Dive into the augmented reality world by downloading the PlayMagic App to discover five virtual holiday-themed games scattered throughout the light displays. Capture the perfect holiday photo with iconic photo spots set up by local partners. Visitors can pose with the Seacrets Bobsled, the Pizza Tugo’s North Pole Delivery Truck, the Metal Shop’s Monster Truck “Air Mail,” and Nick’s Mini Golf Hole in One, among others.
No holiday event is complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus! Winterfest offers opportunities to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in person, giving kids a chance to share their holiday wish lists and snap a festive photo with them.
Winterfest’s light displays continue to grow, with this season’s expanded displays set to impress visitors. Returning favorites include the iconic Twelve Days of Christmas scenes, which are a tradition at Winterfest. The Art League of Ocean City will be showcasing its “Trees for the Arts” exhibit, displaying beautifully decorated holiday trees by local organizations. On special Mondays and Tuesdays, Winterfest and Bike World will offer separate Surrey rides, a charming way for couples, families, or friends to take in a different holiday lights experience together. Surrey rides are limited and can be reserved in advance for specific dates.
On opening weekend, Winterfest is partnering with the Ocean City Jeep Club for the first weekend of Winterfest (November 23rd and 24th) to fundraise for Toys for Tots! Bring in a toy to earn free admission to Winterfest. Toss your toy up into the I. G. Burton display jeeps and enjoy your night at Winterfest while supporting a great cause!
To add to your holiday experience, the Winterfest Train Garden will return this year. Visit the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to view the spectacular model railroad displays and trains. Read and learn about the history of the train station and railroad in Ocean City. Starting November 21 through December 31, the train garden can be viewed Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Admission is free to the public; however, donations are accepted and benefit the Ocean City Beach Patrol.
If you have a leashed pet, bring them with you on Wednesday for Furry Friends Day! The hours of operation will be Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Winterfest tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Admission is $6 for those 12 years & older and FREE for those 11 years and younger. Trimper’s amusement rides and surrey rides are available at extra cost. With thousands of holiday lights, Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights will create long-lasting holiday memories for you and your family. For additional information, visit www.ococean.com/events.
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