25th annual 'Winterfest of Lights' kicks off Ocean City holiday season
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, has officially kicked off the holiday season for the resort town.
Extending through New Year’s Eve, the event will be centered at Winterfest Village at Northside Park at 127th Street and the bay.
Attendees can board the Winterfest Express on a mile-long journey accompanied by music for children and adults of all ages. The ride takes participants through 58 acres featuring thousands of lights, a 50-foot Christmas tree and "fairy tale themed exhibits," including the Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa’s Workshop and The Wizard of Oz.
Winterfest Village's opening ceremony included Ocean City Elementary School's "OC Stars" on Thursday, Nov. 16, holiday songs, and town Mayor Rick Meehan lighting the Christmas tree.
As manager of the Winterfest of Lights, Monty Jones said his objective with the event is to pass on a bit of the Christmas spirit to locals and visitors alike.
"We started this program 25 years ago to bring the festiveness of winter and Christmas to the town of Ocean City and the wonderful people who visit here," he said. "When they walk into our main tent, they get a shot of Christmas in a special way."
READ MORE: Tropical fish a rare catch off Ocean City
READ MORE: Ocean City: Coastal Highway pedestrian fence project will be worth it for safety
The event will culminate as the center stage for Ocean City’s New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a live DJ, giveaways and fireworks.
Lisa Schwartz, playing the role of "Mrs. Claus" at this year's Winterfest, said the event is one that brings happiness to all attendees.
"There’s a lot of love in Ocean City for everybody who comes to visit or lives here," she said. "But we’re here to get smiles, to be happy and make their children happy. I get lots of hugs and that’s what it’s about — spreading a bit of holiday joy."
Admission is $5 for attendees 12 years and older, and free for those 11 or younger if accompanied by an adult.
The event runs Sunday through Thursday from 5:30-9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Winterfest tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ocean City Community Center and the convention center.
Contact Reed Shelton at rshelton@delmarvanow.com, 302-344-1510 or @ReedAShelton
More:Hughes: Mock me for listening to Christmas music early all you want
More:How the Rehoboth Beach Christmas tree lighting ceremony began