Lighting Up OC

It's hard to believe it's already that time of year, especially when it was 70 degrees and sunny this week, but Winterfest of Lights opens tomorrow!  This is Winterfest's 19th year lighting up the town, and boy are there alot of lights - over a million will start twinkling this week.

The 'Opening Night Celebration' will begin this Thursday at 5:30pm at Northside Park, where the majority of lights are displayed.  The Opening Night is by far the most 'electrifying' nights to visit the park.  The evening kicks off with holiday songs and dances performed by the OC Stars, our local elementary schools chorus.  Following the show, Mayor Meehan and the children will 'throw the switch.'  Imagine a completely dark park at night (except for the stage) .... and then it's just lights and lights and lights accompanied by sounds of awe from young and old alike.  As I said, it's electrifying.

Winterfest's 50 ft. lighted tree

Opening night is free to all visitors.  The park will stay open tomorrow until January 1st, so you'll have plenty of time to visit.  Sunday - Thursday it'll be open from 5:30 - 9:30 pm, and from 5:30 - 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.  Riding the Winterfest Train is just $5 for those over 12 years, and $3 for children.

Winterfest draws over 100,000 visitors each season, countless families make it an annual Holiday practice.  The event was named 'Maryland's Finest Holiday Tradition' by Maryland Life Magazie and is an ABA Top 100 Destination.  Each year Winterfest is a little different.  This year Winterfest has a few new additions, but there's been no release as to what because they want their visitors to have fun spotting them!

Although not apart of the main park, my favorite Winterfest display is the Avenue of Trees.  A large Winterfest marlin will be lighted on Thursday to greet all Ocean City visitors at the intersection of Rt. 50 and Philadelphia (there's also one at the North end of town).  Once visitors pass the large display there will be lights on every corner and an Avenue of Trees.  I just love driving through downtown while it's all lit up.  Each corner displays a different Holiday Light; I adore the starfish, marlin and mermaid.  There's also a free light display at the inlet that visitors can drive through.

Check out some pictures from last year
A few fun Winterfest Facts from last year