Time for the Countdown: Celebrating New Year's Eve in Ocean City, MD

As the year winds down and the promise of a fresh start shimmers on the horizon, there’s no better place to welcome the New Year than Ocean City, Maryland. With its sweeping 10-mile beach, peaceful boardwalk, and endless selection of hotels and restaurants, Ocean City offers a truly unforgettable way to ring in the year ahead.

Imagine standing on the sand, feeling the crisp ocean breeze as waves roll in beneath a star-studded sky. Our iconic boardwalk—open year-round—offers the perfect winter stroll or bike ride, all without the summer crowds.

As midnight approaches, make your way to Northside Park for one last walkthrough of Winterfest of Lights before the New Year’s Eve fireworks, or head to the beach near Dorchester Street to watch brilliant colors burst over the Atlantic Ocean. Prefer to stay cozy? Celebrate in style at one of Ocean City’s many hotels or restaurants hosting their own New Year’s festivities.

However you choose to celebrate, Ocean City is the perfect place to say farewell to the old and welcome the magic of the new.

Hotels offering NYE Dinner, Dancing and an Overnight Stay in Ocean City Md

Grand Hotel Ocean City

There's 2 different options at the Grand Hotel Ocean City:

MIDNIGHT AT THE BEACH CELEBRATION - One Night Accommodations December 31st starting at $355. Two Nights Accommodations starting at $414. 3 Course Dinner at the Grand Terrace Restaurant between 5-9PM. Open Bar at the Epic Bar and Grille between 9PM-1AM. Champagne Toast at Midnight, Music and Karaoke and Party Favors. Find out more here.
EPIC MIDNIGHT BASH - One Night Accommodations December 31st. Starting at $248 Two Nights Accommodations December 30th- December 31st. Starting at $307 Open Bar at the Epic Bar and Grille between 9PM-1AM. Champagne Toast at Midnight, Music and Karaoke and Party Favors. Find out more here.

Residence Inn

Annual Bayside Balcony Drop - Come out for Ocean City's ONLY live ball drop event on New Year's Eve! Our live ball drop gives guests and locals the opportunity to ring in the new year, in Times Square-fashion!

Watch the ball slowly drop before midnight from the Resident Inn's bayfront locale, from inside their Bayview Bar and Grille, OR from your private hotel balcony! Stay packages available and complimentary champagne toast at midnight!

Hotel stay packages are available on Marriott.com so you can guarantee a FRONT ROW bayview suite for the ball drop! Find out all the details here!

Howard Johnson® By Wyndham Oceanfront Plaza Hotel

Ring in the New Year at the Howard Johnson® By Wyndham Oceanfront Plaza Hotel. Celebrate with their New Year’s Eve Package. Package includes 2 or 3 nights accommodations, 4 course dinner, Live DJ starting at 7pm, cash bar, Champagne toast, New Year’s Day brunch, and 4PM late check out. More details here. Three Nights (Mon.-Thur.) Side View: $625 per couple, Oceanfront: $700 per couple Two Nights (Tue.-Thur.) Side View: $499 per couple, Oceanfront: $545 per couple

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

Join the Princess Royale for their NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY — AROUND THE WORLD! Travel the globe without leaving the dance floor! Doors open at 7PM December 31, Tickets: $169 per person (All-Inclusive) Call 1-800-476-9253 to reserve your party tickets only! Your Night Includes: 5 hours of premium open bar, Food stations from around the world, Live entertainment by Don’t Stop Band, Champagne toast at midnight, Prize: 2-night stay for Best Costume! Themed décor, signature cocktails & international flair. Room packages are also available. Call 1-800-476-9253 or 410-524-7777 ext. 2009 or find out more details here.

Fenwick Inn

Ring in 2026 the right way by booking the Fenwick Inn NYE Party Package. The party package includes 2 VIP Tickets to the 8th floor party, AYCE and drink from 8pm-1am at Vista Rooftop, live music from the Nola Band, views of the firework show at Northside Park, midnight champagne toast, and private room after the party! Book direct to SAVE 800-641-0011. More details here.

Holiday Inn Oceanfront

The Holiday Inn Oceanfront's Package includes two nights accommodations, dinner, dessert, DJ, and dancing! The Philly Keys will perform their Dueling Pianos show. Also included: bottle of champagne at check-in, $30 breakfast gift card, champagne toast at midnight, open bar, and midnight sandwich buffet. Full details here. Two Night Package

Ocean View Room $284 plus tax per night
Oceanfront Pool View Room $299 plus tax per night

One Night Package

Ocean View Room $459 plus tax per night
Oceanfront Pool View Room $474 plus tax per night

Restaurants offering NYE Dinner and celebrations in Ocean City Md

Seacrets

Kick off 2026 at Seacrets! They open at 11am on NYE with a huge live entertainment lineup, celebrating all night ’til 3AM, and reopening New Year’s Day at 11am with food specials and more live music! Make a reservation at seacretsevents.com to enjoy their special NYE menu. Pre-purchase cover + grab Line Skips now on LineLeap!

Click here for more info.

Longboard Cafe

Your New Year’s Eve plans? Officially handled. From lobster bisque and lamb lollipops to petite filet, duck, and tiramisu bites — Longboard Cafe's NYE menu is built to impress from first course to last toast. $110 per person | Table from 6PM–close, Champagne toast included, Reservations required: 443-664-5639

Spain Wine Bar

Spain Wine Bar's Rooftop New Year's Eve Event: Spain's tapas, charcuterie boards, paella, desserts, wines, and expertly handcrafted cocktails. Find out more here.

Beach Barrels

Spend New Years Eve at Beach Barrels on 132nd Street and watch your favorite southern rock band, Chesapeake Sons, play live at Beach Barrels! There's an Open Bar from 9pm-12:30am with beer, wine, and mixed drinks, party favors and light fare are included. Find out more here.

New Years Day in Ocean City Md

New Years Day has the 32nd Annual Penguin Swim which will take place on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street and the beach. Watch or take part, it's up to you! Spending New Year's Eve in Ocean City, MD, can be as peaceful or as exciting as you wish. Whether you choose to stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy a beachside bonfire, or dance the night away at a lively party, Ocean City provides a unique and memorable way to usher in the New Year. So, pack your warmest layers, grab your loved ones, and get ready for a countdown like no other, in our favorite beach resort.

Hotels offering NYE Dinner, Dancing and an Overnight Stay in Ocean City Md

MIDNIGHT AT THE BEACH CELEBRATION - One Night Accommodations December 31st starting at $355. Two Nights Accommodations starting at $414. 3 Course Dinner at the Grand Terrace Restaurant between 5-9PM. Open Bar at the Epic Bar and Grille between 9PM-1AM. Champagne Toast at Midnight, Music and Karaoke and Party Favors. Find out more here.

EPIC MIDNIGHT BASH - One Night Accommodations December 31st. Starting at $248 Two Nights Accommodations December 30th- December 31st. Starting at $307 Open Bar at the Epic Bar and Grille between 9PM-1AM. Champagne Toast at Midnight, Music and Karaoke and Party Favors. Find out more here.