6 Fun Things to do in Ocean City, MD During Winter

This post is about 6 Fun Things to do in Ocean City, MD During Winter.

There are plenty of reasons why you should visit Ocean City, Maryland during the winter season. The beach town gets quieter at this time of year, but is still full of fun activities, especially for the holiday season. A great place to be with much fun to be had, in winter there are fewer crowds, average temperatures, live entertainment, fun events, fresh seafood, and the natural beauty of the ocean. If it is your first time visiting OC in the winter, prepare to have so much fun! Here are my favorite things to do in Ocean City, MD during winter.

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Why Visit Ocean City, MD During Winter?

• Less Crowds. OCMD is busy in the summer months. At some points, its difficult to just walk along the boardwalk with the mass amount of people. If you’re like me, dealing with such heavy crowds is exhausting. As winter calms the city, strolling the beaches and boardwalk is a dream. Sometimes you may have it all to yourself!
• Dogs Allowed on the Beach and Boardwalk. My dog LOVES the beach so we try to visit OCMD multiple times a year in the off season. He loves walking the boards and smelling all the fun sniffs along the way.
• Cheaper Prices. You can afford to live in luxury in Ocean City during the winter months. Expensive hotel prices drop significantly to fill the rooms and budget-friendly options go even lower. Restaurants also tend to have more specials and happy hour discounts during this time, and acitivies like mini golf have cheaper costs too.

What To Know

• Bring Layers. Obviously, winter is cold. You will need to dress warm when walking the beach or boardwalk. However, the weather is quite unpredictable in OC in both good and bad ways. There are times when it calls for sun and temperatures in the 50s but the wind is what makes you freeze! In addition, there are times when the forecast calls for rain and chilly temps but the sun is out and before you know it, you’re sweating!
• Lots of shops close. Most of the boardwalk shops close down in the winter. Keep this in mind if there’s a place you’ve been wanting to try or a favorite shop you want to visit. Check stores’ websites before going to see if they are open.
• Parking is free! In the summer, parking in the city can be a huge pain. Its hard to find free street parking so you typically need to pay at a metered spot or in a parking lot. Luckily, parking is free in the off-season, and usually much easier to find.

Accommodation Suggestions

Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites

Hilton owns a few properties in Ocean City that are worth checking out. This hotel is oceanfront located in a great location close to the boardwalk. While prices are high in the summer, in the winter it is a bargain! There is an indoor pool as well as a bar and restaurants. The rooms all have balconies overlooking the ocean and some have kitchenettes and spa tubs.

Click here to book.

Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront

The Hyatt is one of the nicest hotels in OC and winter is the perfect time to try it. With less demand, rooms are affordable. We love living in luxury at cheap prices! This hotel is pet friendly with a bar, indoor pool, restaurant, free breakfast, free wifi and a gym. The location of this hotel is hard to beat: on the boardwalk with oceanfront views.

Click here to book.

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Top Fun Things To Do In Ocean City, MD During Winter

Winterfest of Lights

One of the best things to do in OCMD during winter is see the Winterfest of Lights. Here you can walk around the park with some hot chocolate and see some beautiful holiday lights and fun animated light displays. This experience is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

This event takes place at Northside Park typically running from mid-November to January 1st. Admission is $6 for those 12 years and older while kids under 11 are free. Pets are welcome on Wednesdays. There are also light refreshments available like hot cocoa and you can even take a picture with Santa Claus!

To see the latest updates on Ocean City’s Winterfest and buy tickets in advance head to their website here.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating should be on everyone’s winter bucket list, and what better place to do it than at the beach? The Carousel Oceanfront Hotel has an indoor skating rink year-round in their hotel. You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to skate in their rink, anyone is welcome!

Walk the Boardwalk

There is nothing quite like walking the Ocean City boardwalk in peaceful quiet with the sound of waves crashing on the shore. There are not many shops open during the winter but just walking the boards is one of my favorite winter pastimes in OC. Not to mention, bikes are allowed all day during the off-season on the boardwalk as well as dogs! Going for a bike ride or walking your dog along the boards is a great off-season pastime.

Go Beachcombing

Now, obviously walking along the shore in the winter is going to be cold and windy. However the weather can surprise you and be milder than the forecast calls for, but nonetheless, dressing in layers is your best bet. Beachcombing in the off-season is the best time to find awesome large seashells and sea glass. With less people on the beach, you are certain to find hidden treasures walking the shoreline. Winter is my favorite time to go beachcombing in OCMD.

Ocean City Christmas Parade

In early December, Ocean City hosts a Christmas Parade full of cheer, smiles, candy, and prizes! This is a fun event for the whole family. Something fun about this event is anyone can join the parade. It’s free to register whether you have a float, a festively decorated car or just simply want to walk. If you’re interested in participating in the parade, check out this link here for more information. Bring a blanket and chair if you plan on sitting on the sidelines, and don’t forget a bag for some candy!

Check Out the Arts & Culture

There is more to OC than just the classic beach activities. The cultural arts scene is lively and exciting, and since outdoor activities are limited during the winter, visiting the Art League is one of the best indoor activities. Be sure to check their event calendar here to see upcoming events.

Explore the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts, where you can see numerous different exhibitions and talented regional artists’ work like painters, photographers, sculptors, and more.  There are also classes hosted here where you can make your own art piece. A great time for a cold wintery day!