Christmas in Ocean City MD 2025 | Holiday Events & Guide
Nothing says Christmas like Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, Maryland—and a cozy holiday getaway to the beach with your loved ones! While a beach town might not be your first thought for the holidays, we’re here to show you why Christmas in Ocean City could become your family’s next beloved tradition. Imagine swapping snowy sidewalks for sand, holiday cookies for boardwalk fries, and indoor fireplaces for seaside sunrises. If you’re dreaming of a holiday destination that blends winter wonderland vibes with beach-town charm, Ocean City is the perfect pick.
From magical light displays and holiday events to carriage rides, shopping, and a chance to meet Santa, this vacation getaway offers everything from peace and serenity to festive family fun.
If you’ve ever wanted a Christmas filled with sparkling Christmas trees, ocean views, and activities that create lasting memories, Ocean City’s got you covered. Our beloved beach town transforms into a winter wonderland full of holiday cheer and community-driven festive fun.
Why Choose Ocean City for Christmas?
Just like we said in our Thanksgiving in Ocean City guide—the answer is simple: why not?
Ocean City shines as a holiday destination because it offers a unique mix of cherished traditions, incredible winter activities, and memory-making entertainment. There’s something truly magical about being at the beach during the holidays.
Whether you’re booking a cozy vacation rental, enjoying a hot chocolate stroll along the boardwalk, or shopping under twinkling holiday lights, the festive holiday spirit in Ocean City is something you won’t forget.
Pro Tip: Planning ahead? Book your accommodations early! Christmas week fills up fast for vacation rentals, especially with ocean views and fully stocked kitchens.
If you’re looking ahead to 2025 or even considering an early trip in 2026, check out our most common holiday getaway check-in and check-out dates:
| Check In & Out Dates | Check Our Availability |
|---|---|
| Dec 20th/Dec 27th | View Availability |
| Dec 21st/Dec 28th | View Availability |
| Dec 22nd/Dec 27th | View Availability |
| Dec 22nd/Dec 26th | View Availability |
New Christmas Traditions on the Coast
Start your Christmas morning with a peaceful stroll on the boardwalk or beach. The salty air, winter breeze, and gentle waves set a calm, joyful tone for the day.
- Photos by the pier make for great holiday cards and create lasting memories
- Grab a cup of hot chocolate and watch the sunrise—a truly serene way to kick off your Christmas
- Host a coastal Christmas feast in one of our fully stocked vacation rentals with ocean views
Bonus: Many Ocean City Vacation Rentals have cozy living rooms perfect for opening gifts with the kids, and kitchens for cheffing up your holiday meals — all with the ocean just outside your window.
Dive into Holiday Events & Winter Activities
This is where Ocean City really shines! The town comes alive with holiday events, winter activities, and cheerful community traditions.
Winterfest of Lights: A must-see! Held at Northside Park, this spectacular light display features:
- A 50-ft Christmas tree
- Lighted walking trails
- Photos with Santa
- Hot chocolate, holiday tunes, and selfie spots
Ocean City Christmas Parade: December 6, 2025 — Enjoy holiday floats, marching bands, and community fun along the parade route. A festive family favorite!
SantaCon: December 12-13 — A lighthearted adult event featuring bar crawls, holiday cheer, and over-the-top costumes on the boardwalk.
Penguin Swim: January 1 — Ring in the New Year with a brisk splash for a cause! It’s the wildest (and chilliest) way to kick off your year at the beach.
Holiday Dining and Christmas Shopping
No holiday getaway is complete without a festive meal and a little holiday shopping.
While many restaurants close on Christmas Day, several stay open Christmas Eve or offer takeout options perfect for your holiday table. Enjoy locally inspired specials like seafood risotto, festive cocktails, and more.
Some favorites include:
Need last-minute gifts? Stop by the West Ocean City outlets—home to Under Armour, Coach, J. Crew, Aerie, and more.
Many shops in OC are decked out in holiday lights, offering ornaments, OCMD apparel, and stocking stuffers with local flair.
Where to Stay: Ocean City Holiday Accommodations
At Central Reservations, we specialize in curated vacation rentals perfect for the holiday season:
- Oceanfront condos with sunrise views
- Cozy rentals near Northside Park holiday events
- Spacious bayside rentals with room for the whole family
Our rentals feature fully equipped kitchens, comfy living rooms, ample bedrooms, and easy access to all the best activities, entertainment, and restaurants.
Whether you’re bringing the whole crew or escaping for a quiet couple’s holiday getaway, we’ve got the accommodations to match.
Contact us at (410) 723-4111 or info@centraloc.com to speak with our local team.
Holiday FAQs for Ocean City, MD
Q: Is Ocean City open during the holidays?
A: Yes! Ocean City stays open year-round, and during December, it transforms into a festive holiday destination with events like Winterfest of Lights, Santa visits, and a downtown Christmas parade.
Q: When is Winterfest of Lights happening this year?
A: Winterfest runs from November 20 to December 31, 2025. It’s held at Northside Park and features stunning light displays, a massive Christmas tree, and nightly visits from Santa.
Q: Are restaurants and hotels open on Christmas Day?
A: Many local restaurants close on Christmas Day, but most stay open on Christmas Eve and offer special menu options.
Q: What are the best accommodations for a holiday stay?
A: We recommend booking a vacation rental near Northside Park. Many offer ocean views and plenty of space for your whole crew. Explore your options at centraloc.com.
Q: Where can I see holiday fireworks or floats?
A: The Christmas Parade on December 6 features holiday floats, live music, and marching bands.
Have another question? Call us at (410) 723-4111 or email info@centraloc.com—our local team is here to help you plan the perfect holiday getaway.
Recap: Make Holiday Memories in Ocean City, MD
From the glow of holiday lights in Northside Park, to photos with Santa, and a walk along the boardwalk, Christmas in Ocean City offers all the elements for a one-of-a-kind holiday vacation.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute trip or building a new family tradition, our community invites you to make memories you’ll cherish long after the tree is packed away.
Plan ahead, pack the camera, bring your favorite holiday sweaters, and let the holiday cheer begin.
See you at the beach this Christmas!
Bonus: Thinking of Buying at the Beach?
If Ocean City steals your heart, maybe it’s time to start looking for your own beach property. Visit The Fritschle Barker Group’s YouTube Channel for local insights from Ocean City’s top real estate experts—Grant and Jon. Learn about investment properties, rental income, and making that second-home dream a reality.
Stay Connected with Central Reservations
Check out some of our other blogs for Ocean City vacation tips on places to stay, things to do, and great spots to eat!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Vacationing in Ocean City
Book your stay: www.centraloc.com
Call us: (410) 723-4111.
Email: info@centraloc.com
BOOK NOW
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Central Reservations
Ocean City’s Vacation Rental Leaders.
Qualifying Criteria
This blog was hand-written and published by the Central Reservations team, Ocean City’s most trusted vacation rental company. Our recommendations are based on firsthand experience, guest feedback, and local partnerships with businesses, restaurants, and community event organizers.
To ensure accuracy, we referenced:
- ococean.com – Event schedules and public resources
- oceancitymd.gov – Official Ocean City Information
- grantf.com – Ocean City MD Real Estate Insights
Human-Crafted Disclosure
This blog was hand-written, reviewed, and prepared by real people from our team at Central Reservations. AI was leveraged only for minor edits and formatting improvements.