From November 18 to January 2, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Ocean City, as its Winterfest of Lights transforms the sizzling summer resort into a wintertime paradise.
The centerpiece of this award-winning display—which spans the Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Avenue from 15th to 32nd streets—is a dazzling exhibit at Northside Park featuring a magnificent sand sculpture and the city’s glistening 60-foot Christmas tree.
For many visitors, though, Winterfest is all about the train.
The conductor calls, “All aboard,” and children climb onto the Winterfest Express, which travels through a spectacular outdoor light display.
A sea of flashing bulbs shines in the eyes of passengers as children chat excitedly—“I want to sit by Grandpa!” “Quick, pass me the camera!” “Can we go again?”—while snuggling into their seats and singing carols.
Awaiting them around each bend are themed exhibits that bring to life dragons, pirates, princesses, Bible characters, and more. This being Ocean City, there are animated sharks and jumping marlin, too, along with Santa alternately surfing and hooking a fish from a charter boat named The Ho-Ho-Ho.
Train riders hop off at the end of the line and warm up in the Winterfest Village, where they sip hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment in a heated tent. Patrons love the falling‑snow display that greets them at the front door of the Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop, where they can browse for toys or special gifts. Children can have their picture taken with Santa every night until December 23.
Anyone opting to skip the train should head down to the Ocean City Inlet, where several displays—including the Christmas Tree Forest—can be enjoyed by car. (Get the best views along the beach edge of the parking lot.) Along with other fun, glittery panoramas, you’ll see King Neptune, a family of whales playing in the water, and a fisherman hooking a marlin.
Winterfest of Lights has been named a Top 100 Event for 2010 and 2011 by the American Bus Association, and the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce reports that Ocean City has been named number two in the nation for Festive Holiday Lighting, just behind Disney.
But that must be a mistake: Mickey Mouse has nothing on Maryland.
For more information on Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights, call 1-800-626-2326 or visit www.ococean.com.
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