Are you ringing in the New Year at Ocean City, Maryland? Then you may wonder about all the different celebrations you can get into happening all around town. From happy hour bar events to full-fledged dance parties and even kid-friendly follies, there’s plenty to partake in this year. Here are just eight great suggestions to consider this New Year’s Eve at Ocean City.
Watch Midnight Fireworks Displays
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys ringing in the new year with a lively and illuminating fireworks display at midnight then you’ll be happy to know that there are two locations in Ocean City officially offering such. The main attraction will take place downtown near Dorchester Street, directly on the beach. Preceding the fireworks, live music will begin on the Caroline Street Stage beginning at 11 p.m.
Northside Park will be the site of the other public fireworks display occurring in Ocean City at midnight. This is also the location where Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights is taking place, now in its final run for the year.
Click here to learn about Ocean City Fireworks and commuter information, including bus schedules.
Attend a Happy Hour Restaurant Event
Restaurants everywhere are known to feature New Year’s Eve food and drink specials. Ocean City is no exception, as many of the town’s best-loved locations will be offering featured menus and may even be open for extended hours. Several that double as bars or lounges will operate throughout the night, presenting lively parties for patrons to ring in the new year by attending. Each site will vary in what is being offered, some featuring live musical entertainment and complimentary party favors for celebrating 2024’s arrival at midnight.
While there are certainly many different locations where you can enjoy restaurant happy hour parties throughout Ocean City, here are some of the most popular ones. Bourbon Street is presenting its NYE Happy Hour (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and then NYE Party with Pistol Whipped. Fast Eddie’s will have an onsite party through the night. Purple Moose Saloon will be partying it up with Thunderball live on stage. Tequila Frogs O.C. is having a Chill Fiesta on location with Stevie Jay. Fager’s Island is presenting a New Year’s Eve on the Island celebration with live entertainment by DJ Greg, DJ Robcee, and Shake the Room.
Party It Up at Area Hotels
In addition to visiting your favorite restaurants/bars, you can join in one of many New Year’s Eve parties taking place at some of Ocean City’s favorite area hotels. Beginning at 6 p.m., Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos is presenting an all-out party that includes a dinner buffet, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight. The Shore Deck at Ashore Resort and Beach Resort will host their ‘All That Glitters’ New Year’s Eve Party beginning at 9 p.m., which will include an open bar, live entertainment, and a midnight toast. But what is arguably the most eagerly anticipated happening of all is the Midnight Masquerade at Princess Royale. Doors open at 7 p.m., beginning with a cocktail hour at Schooners before a lavish dinner in Palmetto Ballroom at 8 p.m. Live music, dancing, giveaways, a midnight champagne toast, balloon drop, and more are all part of the package. Due take note that this is a formal event, and the dress code does require all guests to wear a masquerade mask as part of the fun.
There are many other area hotels in addition to these examples offering up festive New Year’s celebrations.
See the Annual Bayside Balcony Ball Drop
Those looking to attend a traditional ball drop at midnight may do so by heading over to the Residence Inn by Marriott (Bayside). A newer tradition that’s only a few years old, here you get to watch the ball drop live from inside the resident Bayview Bar and Grille. Other onsite festivities happening on New Year’s Eve will begin early in the day, starting at 6:30 p.m. Live entertainment will be by the Reform School Band followed by a karaoke party and the main ball drop with DJ Donnie.
New Year’s Eve in Berlin
There are a lot of family-friendly happenings to take note of in the Town of Berlin as well, particularly in the heart of historic Main Street. The opportunities here can be considered twice as nice, with both kid and adult celebrations throughout the day.
All the good times for the kiddos get underway at 5 p.m. with music, cowbells, and more, including a laser show. Topping everything off will be a ball drop at 6 p.m., with festivities wrapping up at 5:30 p.m.
Live music will continue between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Then all the fun for adults will follow, beginning at 10 p.m. DJs Big Al Reno & Schwab will be on the scene, providing folks with ongoing music through midnight, at which time the second ball drop will occur. Other onsite fun before the grand event will include an additional laser show at 11:15 p.m. and plenty of restaurant/open bar fun. Click here to learn more about Berlin’s New Year’s Eve happenings.
The New Year’s Eve Party at SonRise Church
Here’s another venue in Berlin providing family-friendly fun throughout the evening. What’s more, all the festivities are free and open to the public. From food, entertainment, games, and more, doors open at 8 p.m. at which time the party will begin. The event will continue through the night and conclude shortly after midnight. Visit the SonRise Church website to learn more.
Howl at the Moon Bonfire and Ball Drop at Windmill Creek
Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery, also located in Berlin, has something special planned for New Year’s too. It’s their Howl at the Moon Bonfire and Ball Drop event. The party will get underway at 9 p.m. and feature live entertainment by Margot and Valerie throughout the evening. As the name suggests, a blazing bonfire will be located onsite to keep the evening warm and bright. Click here to learn more about this event.
New Year’s Eve Spectacular at Ocean Downs
Ocean Downs Casino is holding the ultimate New Year’s Eve extravaganza onsite. Doors will open at 9 p.m. with festivities lasting throughout the night, concluding at 1 a.m. Your admission will include indulging in tasty treats, enjoying two cocktails, getting $15 of free play, being provided with party favors, and getting to enjoy awe-inspiring entertainment by magicians, stilt walkers, acrobats, and more. Music will be presented by DJWAX to keep you dancing all night long. Click here to book your ticket or to read more.
This is just a sampling of what will be taking place throughout Ocean City on New Year’s Eve. Do note that some events require purchasing tickets or making reservations in advance, so plan accordingly. Also, as always, neighboring communities also have plenty of fun things planned for the evening. So, check things out for yourself, and then you decide the best way to ring in the new year at the beach.