The holidays are always a special time of year with the weather cooling down and lights filling corners of every town. In the Mid-Atlantic, you can feel the joy filling the air from November through January as locals and visitors alike take in all of the festivities to celebrate the past year and upcoming one. Start planning your trip today and find your perfect vacation rental to spread some Christmas cheer with these best holiday activities in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
New Jersey Holiday Activities
- Free Horse & Carriage Rides, Ocean City: Take a ride on a horse drawn carriage through the Ocean City streets every Saturday and Sunday through November, December, and early January. The rides are free and run from noon-3pm at 6th & Asbury Ave.
- Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony, Wildwood: On December 10th, join a free family-fun event at the Wildwoods Convention Center with face-painting, crafts, movies, and lots of holiday fun. Starting at 9am, there will be magicians, dancing performances, and more all topped off with a tree lighting ceremony at 4:30pm.Â
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Sea Isle City: What could be more amazing than a fantastic fireworks show right on the beach? Sea Isle City promises to show out and welcome in the New Year in style with an extravagant fireworks display. Pick a spot along JFK Blvd. Beach and enjoy the show on New Year’s Eve at midnight!
Delaware Holiday Events
- Holiday Happenings, Bethany Beach: Saturday, December 3rd will be filled with Christmas cheer and fun during Holiday Happenings in Bethany Beach. Join a children’s book signing in the morning and party with Santa in the afternoon. Local children’s author will sign their book and answer questions at 10:30am at the Nature Center followed by a party at Town Hall with Santa, trolley & tractor rides, and air brush body art from 1-4pm. Finally the event will be capped off with a tree lighting at 5pm to officially welcome in the holiday.
- Winter WonderFest, Rehoboth Beach: Drive over to this incredible drive-thru light show in the heart of Delaware. Tickets are $20 Monday-Wednesday and only $25 Thursday-Sunday and you’ll get to drive through an amazing light display to brighten your heart this Christmas season. The light show is available nightly through December 31st and it’s only a 30 minute drive from Rehoboth Beach in Milton, Delware.
- New Year’s Even Ball Drop, Dewey Beach: Start 2023 off on the right foot with a trip to the beach and watching the ball drop in Dewey Beach to welcome in the new year! Meet between New Orleans Street and Route One to countdown to the new year and watch the ball drop with the community!
Maryland Holiday Events
- Winterfest of Lights, Ocean City: This annual event is a walk-thru holiday light spectacle with a longer path route for 2022! Enjoy thousands of holiday lights along a paved path in Northside Park every Wednesday-Sunday through December 31st. Admission is only $6Â and free for children 11 and under, you can even bring your pet on Wednesday evenings!
- Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, Annapolis: Make your way to the Annapolis Harbor on Saturday, December 10th for a unique take on Christmas parades. The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade features boats trolling along the water all light up with incredible lights and displays to put you in the Christmas spirit. The event kicks off at 6pm so just find a spot along the waterfront and watch the lights sail by!
- NYE Fireworks, Ocean City: Kick of 2023 with fireworks erupting from Northside Park and celebrate new beginnings. The light show promises to amaze and dazzle and it’s free to join in on the fun! Just bring a chair, pick a spot, and enjoy.
Cozy Up & Enjoy the Holiday Season by Booking Your Vacation Rental Today!
There are so many things to love about holidays in the Mid-Atlantic and each state and city offers something unique and fun so you can find the perfect spot to enjoy a holiday getaway. With everything from large, private homes to bring your extended family or smaller accommodation for a romantic getaway, browse through our vacation rentals to find what works best for you. Vacation rentals come fully equipped with kitchens to cook your holiday favorites and high-speed internet to get some work done while you’re away, everything you need to unwind and relax in New Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland!
