A WEEK IN REVIEW OF OCEAN CITY PICTURES – Week 29^th of 2025

Ocean City is known for its vibrant summers, but this July, the coastal town is trading beach balls for jingle bells with a festive lineup of Christmas in July events sure to spread holiday cheer from boardwalk to bay.

St. Nick’s Mini Golf: 12 Days of Christmas

Kicking off the celebrations is St. Nick’s Mini Golf, where the “12 Days of Christmas” are in full swing. From now through July 25th, families can enjoy holiday-themed mini golf complete with lights, decorations, and surprise visits from Santa Claus himself. Write a letter to Santa, win prizes, and you might even see a flurry of snow! Whether you’re putting through candy cane arches or past snowman obstacles, it’s a whimsical way to celebrate summer and the spirit of giving.

Santa Claus Bike Ride – July 25 at 11 AM

The main event takes place Thursday, July 25 at 11:00 AM with the Santa Claus Bike Ride. Starting at the south end of the boardwalk, this joyful bike ride is led by Santa and Ocean City’s mayor, taking cyclists all the way to the north end and back.

Participants are encouraged to dress in festive holiday attire or even decorate their bikes with tinsel, lights, or bows. Most importantly, bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots, helping ensure every child has a merry Christmas, even in July. (Toy recommended but not required.)

The Christmas Bar Crawl – Cheers with Holiday Spirit

For those looking to celebrate with a little more cheer, the Christmas Bar Crawl promises a jolly good time. Featuring seven bars a slinging, this holiday-themed crawl includes:

• Caribbean Pool Bar
• Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill
• Purple Moose Saloon
• Cork Bar and Grill
• The Bearded Clam
• Crawl Street Tavern
• Wild Bill’s

Expect giveaways, drink specials, and plenty of holiday spirit—literally and figuratively. Holiday attire is encouraged, so grab your elf hat, don your ugly Christmas tank top, and bring your friends. As the event tagline goes, “The more, the merrier!” Registration is at Caribbean Pool Bar from 12-2. This fun event is free to all participants but you must be 21 to join. All registered participants will receive a wristband, a bucket of goodies and a chance to win various prizes from Eastern Shore Distributers and Diagio. 

July 20: Christmas Bash at Residence Inn by Marriott

The grand finale of Ocean City’s Christmas in July takes place on Monday, July 29 at the Residence Inn by Marriott (300 Seabay Lane). This all-out celebration includes:

• Live music by Lost Figures
• Photos with Santa
• Raffles and prizes
• Food included
• Cash bar
• Swimming available — bring a swimsuit!

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Every pre-purchased ticket also grants exclusive entry into a raffle for a two-night stay at the Oceanfront Hilton Garden Inn—a prize sure to warm your holiday heart.

Whether you’re enjoying a frosty drink in a Santa hat, biking the boards for a good cause, or teeing off with St. Nick, Christmas in July in Ocean City delivers beachside holiday fun for all ages. So, dig out your ornaments and flip-flops, and get ready to celebrate summer the merry way!

In the midst of towering rides, bustling boardwalk attractions, and expansive parking lots that dominated the southern tip of Ocean City, Maryland, there was a unique landmark that captured the imagination of visitors—Iceland Golf, a quirky miniature golf course that operated near the Ocean City inlet.

A Cool Concept by the Ocean

Iceland Golf opened during a period when Ocean City was transforming from a quiet fishing village into a booming vacation destination. At the time, amusement parks and mini-golf were gaining popularity nationwide, offering affordable entertainment for families flocking to the beach. Iceland Golf stood out because of its Arctic-themed design, which was an unusual but charming contrast to the summer heat and ocean breezes.

The course featured imaginative obstacles, painted icebergs, playful polar bear statues, and frozen-themed décor that delighted generations of visitors. With its quirky charm and prime location near the boardwalk’s southern end, Iceland Golf became a must-visit attraction for vacationers throughout the mid-20th century.

Years of Family Fun

For decades, Iceland Golf remained an Ocean City staple. It was part of a wave of mini-golf courses that gave Ocean City its reputation as a hub for family entertainment. While other courses popped up throughout town, Iceland’s location near the inlet and boardwalk gave it a unique edge—offering beachgoers an easy way to cool off with a game after a day in the sand.

The course was more than just a game; it was a piece of Ocean City nostalgia. Parents who played there as kids often returned with their own children to share the experience. Its brightly painted obstacles and fun, Arctic vibe made it a favorite spot for vacation photos and memories.

The Closing of an Era

As time went on Ocean City was rapidly expanding. The demand for larger, modern attractions and the need for additional parking at the inlet began to reshape the landscape. Sadly, Iceland Golf could not withstand the pressure of progress. The course closed permanently to make way for newer buildings and parking lots.

The melting of Iceland Golf was supporting the boardwalk’s growing popularity and events like Sunfest and Springfest. While the change was necessary to handle the town’s booming tourism, it marked the end of an iconic chapter in Ocean City history.

What Stands There Now

Today, if you stand at the southern end of the boardwalk, near the inlet, it’s hard to imagine the whimsical course that once drew laughter and competition. The space is now part of a bustling downtown serving as a practical but far less playful use of prime real estate.

Though Iceland Golf is gone, its memory lives on in the stories of those who played there and in the vintage postcards and photos that occasionally surface online—frozen in time like the Arctic theme it was.

Have you ever thought how it would be to just pick yourself up, fly across the world, and immerse yourself into a brand new country, work 12 hour days, and know no one along the way? Well that’s exactly what J1 students do here in Ocean City. We were lucky enough to meet an convince Viktoriya to write about her story. Thank you Viktoriya Moore for your insiders perspective!

Brave

“Back in 2021, I was in my third year of a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, frantically preparing to write my thesis in English. I was under pressure and painfully aware of how much I needed to improve my second language over the summer. At the time, it felt impossible.
I had always known about the Work & Travel program, but it seemed too far-fetched. Just
imagine: flying across the ocean, completely alone, to spend three months in a new culture and language, not knowing a single soul. The idea was terrifying. So I did it. Looking back, I still can’t believe how brave I was as a young student. The airport staff were the first native English speakers I ever spoke to in person. That alone was overwhelming. The flight to the U.S. lasted nearly fifteen hours with two layovers, giving me plenty of time to worry and second-guess everything. But once I landed, there was no turning back.

The Point of Exhaustion

Before arriving in Ocean City, I had no idea it was possible to work multiple jobs. I didn’t even know it was common, let alone encouraged as a smart way to make the program financially sustainable. But in no time, I joined the hustle – working as a barista in the mornings and a shop assistant in the afternoons. Most J1 students did the same. Despite the physical exhaustion, this period was full of life, fun and learning.

Why Do Americans Use So Much Ice?

We were all there chasing the same thing: experience, language fluency, and a summer we’d never forget. I was improving my English every day, making friends from all over the world, and immersing myself in American culture. I remember being surprised at how much ice Americans use in every drink, and I couldn’t believe how intense the air conditioning was indoors.

Down Time

On weekends, I traveled to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. Exploring the
East Coast became part of the adventure thanks to Ocean City’s convenient location. And
somewhere along the way I fell in love with the country.

I Forgot What?!

That summer didn’t come without challenges. I had to navigate a new country, work long hours and fix serious mistakes, like forgetting the original DS-2019 form, the most important document for the program. I panicked, but managed to resolve it on my own. Each setback taught me resilience, quick thinking, and how to trust myself under pressure.

An Ending to New Beginnings

When the summer ended, I flew home a different person: stronger, more confident, with a new perspective and life-long friends. I completed my degree, but more importantly, I reimagined my future. English was no longer just a subject, it had become a key. A key that unlocked real people, real places, and a version of myself I hadn’t known before.
That transformation inspired me to help others access the same kind of life-changing
experiences that the J1 program had given me. That’s how I became an English teacher.”