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COVID-19 Updates to Winterfest of Lights

COVID-19 Updates to Winterfest of Lights

Are you planning on visiting Ocean City’s classic Winterfest of Lights this year? This event is a yearly staple for many families living and visiting our favorite beach town, but due to COVID-19, the town of Ocean City is making some changes this year. 

Rather than cancel this annual event, the Ocean City Council approved changes that will allow the tradition to continue in 2020. While the event will still feature over one million Christmas lights and displays, the layout will be condensed this year. 

Check out some key changes that you’ll want to know about for the 28th Annual Winterfest of Lights. 

Winterfest Changes to Expect

1. No Boardwalk Tram

Instead of catching a ride on the Ocean City Boardwalk Tram, Winterfest guests will be able to walk around the half-mile attraction of lights and holiday-themed decorations. This is due to social distancing guidelines and avoiding extended wait times. 

 

2. New Event Hours

Winterfest 2020 will open on November 19th, and close January 2nd, 2021. The event will run Wednesday through Sunday and will have consistent hours of 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. 

 

3. New Layout

Instead of the traditional 1-mile loop around Northside Park, guests this year can expect at ½ mile walking trail, around the lagoons on the south end of the park. Visitors will be allowed to circle that loop as many times as they’d like, and sit on the benches and picnic tables. 

 

4. New Displays

While some of the larger displays that are typically at Winterfest won’t be up this year. The town is instead lighting up nearly 200 trees and illuminating the bridge over the lagoon to make up for the missing lights. 

 

5. Gift Shop Location

The gift shop and Santa area will still be indoors, however, instead of being inside the large tents, the town is moving this part of the event inside the community room in the Recreation and Parks Complex. 

 

Will you be attending the 28th Annual Winterfest of Lights this year? While you’re in town, don’t forget to check out our Super Deals to save BIG on your favorite Ocean City restaurants and food, things to do, and shopping! How do they work? It’s simple! Local businesses partner with Explore OC to offer you exclusive discounts that you won’t find anywhere else. Just choose your deal, enter your email, and be sure to click the "Claim" button, and your Super Deal with be emailed to you!