Missing the sound of the ocean as we approach the holidays? Maybe you should consider heading to the coast in Maryland or Delaware. Places like Ocean City, Md. have plenty of holiday and seaside fun over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Just because the summer crowds are gone, doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. You could go caroling on the boardwalk and enjoy holiday lights on the bay. And maybe eat steamed crabs instead of dry turkey. But if you need another reason to spend Thanksgiving at the shore, it’s miles of beach to yourself.
“It’s surprising to a lot of people how appealing fall is here,” says Jessica Waters, Ocean City communications manager. “The weather is often very temperate.”
Most afternoons, it’s warm enough to fly kites, ride bikes and look for shells. Many shops and restaurants are still open, including some along the boardwalk. Yet, traffic and crowds are much thinner.
“It’s really, really relaxing,” says Linda Parkowski, director of tourism for the state of Delaware. “The off-season is phenomenal.”
What to do at Maryland & Delaware Beaches
Change up your holiday tradition and take the family to beach. Don’t worry if Black Friday shopping is a family tradition. The outlets are all open during the holiday weekend. And you won’t miss out on welcoming the holiday season with several charming events to choose from.
Here are a few activities to enjoy down the ocean Thanksgiving weekend 2022.
Holiday Events
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
See how Ocean City, MD sparkles this winter and visit the Winterfest of Lights! This walking event will take you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays located along a paved path in Northside Park. Sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, visit the gift shop and walk through the array of holiday exhibits. Also see their 50-foot Christmas tree as it puts on a show.
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Where: Northside Park – 200 125th Street, Ocean City, MD, 21842
When: Open Wednesdays through Sundays (closed Monday and Tuesday) November 16, 2023-December 31, 2023; 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. $6 for ages 12 and up, FREE for children 11 years and younger.
Website: ococean.com
Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting & Hometown Sing-along
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Families gather around the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand to sing carols and watch the annual tree lighting.
Rehoboth boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue
Where: Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
When: Nov. 24, 2023
Website: cityofrehoboth.com
Santa’s House on the Rehoboth Boardwalk
Kids can climb on Santa’s lap and tell him their wishes at the Santa House on the Rehoboth Boardwalk at the end of Rehoboth Avenue. The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce sponsors the free opening, though donations are appreciated. Bring your camera.
Where: Rehoboth Boardwalk at the end of Rehoboth Avenue
When: November 24- 26, December 2 & 3, 9 & 10 and 16 & 17, 22 & 23. Hours vary per day
Website: Beach-fun.com/holiday-fun
Dewey Beach Tree Lighting
Enjoy a tree-lighting, music and refreshments.
Where: Fifer’s Farm Market Cafe, 200 Cullen St.
When: Nov. 25, 2023
Website: deweybusinesspartnership.com
Delaware Hospice Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees features a beautiful display of decorated trees and wreaths – all are sponsored and decorated by local businesses and individuals. This great fundraiser includes a Marketplace, Bake Shop, Musical entertainment and specialty trees such as the Remembrance Tree, Memorial Tree and New Hope Tree.
Where & When:
November 17-19 at Brantwyn Estates, Wilmington, Delaware
December 1-3 at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, Delaware.
Website: delawarehospice.org
A Holiday Tour of Lewes
Experience historic Lewes, Delaware as homeowners open their doors to the community during the Society’s “A Holiday Tour of Lewes”. There will be a LIVE outdoor Holiday Village & Market
Where:Lewes, Delaware
When: December 2
Website: historiclewes.org
Outdoor Fun
The Salisbury Zoo
The zoo is open everyday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. See over 100 animals at the “Best Little Free Zoo in North America.” Admission is free.
755 South Park Dr., Salisbury; salisburyzoo.org
Beaches
The beach is a great place to hang out and run around no matter what time of year. For a deserted feel, check out one of the state parks open during the off-season.
Rules on the beaches relax in the off-season. Kite-flying and other games not typically allowed in the summer are permitted. You can also walk dogs on many of the beaches in the off season.
Mini-golf
Kids always want to play mini-golf at the beach and it’s still possible in the off-season. There’s an under-the-sea themed indoor course and an outdoor course open weather permitting at Old Pro Golf, 68th Street Bayside, Ocean City; oldprogolf.com.
Other courses are often open if temperatures are above 50 degrees.
Bike rentals
Take the family for a spin on the boardwalk when there’s actually room to ride. Several bike rental shops open in the off-season include:
Other rentals on the boardwalk are open weather permitting.
Indoor Fun
Museums
Escape from the cold and check out two museums worth a look:
Ice skating
One of the quintessential shore holiday activities is ice skating at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City. The indoor ice rink and game room are open to the public.
118th Street, Ocean City
Open all week, various times.; $6 skating, $4 rental.
carouselhotel.com
Holiday shopping at the shore
Start your holiday shopping at these fairs and outlets while visiting the beach.
Where to Stay
Thanksgiving Dining at the Beach
Many family-friendly restaurants will be open Thanksgiving Day. Some will serve traditional meals, but others will offer their popular beach menus. Here are just a few of the options:
Article by: Laura Barnhardt Cech
Updated 2023