DELAWARE/MARYLAND - The countdown is on to complete your holiday shopping and wrap those last-minute gifts. Many stores are adjusting their hours for the holiday weekend, providing ample time for those final purchases.
WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
The holiday season is not complete without dazzling light displays, and there's still a full week left to enjoy them along the coast. Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights, a popular attraction with its swirly, twirly lights and interactive displays, is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through New Year's Eve. Tickets cost 6 dollars. Admission is free for children 11-years-old or younger.Â
HOLIDAY TRAIN GARDEN
One display inside the Welcome Center at the Ocean City Convention Center keeps the festive fun on track. The Holiday Train Garden is delighting visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. until New Year's Eve. Admission is free, but donations for the Ocean City Beach Patrol are welcomed.
SCHELLVILLE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
The Schellville Christmas Village is open Friday and Saturday nights, though it will be closed on Christmas Eve and Day. Glide through the Christmas village while enjoying performances by South Penn Dixie on Friday and Kristen and the Noise on Saturday.
HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY
Lewes Lights closed earlier this week due to inclement weather and flooding, but the displays are illuminated for Christmas weekend. New this year, explore the whole tour map on the Jolly Trolley. Organizers say hot chocolate and cheer are included.
CAMPFIRE & S'MORES
Gather around a campfire at the Crooked Hammock in Lewes for s'mores and hot chocolate as the backyard fills with snow. The Campfire Experience continues Fridays through Sundays until Dec. 30.Â
SEAL WATCHING CRUISES
For a unique experience, the Cape Water Taxi is offering seal watching cruises on the Delaware Bay, showcasing a colony of seals from a safe distance. Cruises are available on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
MOVIES THEATERS OPENÂ
Several theaters in the area, including the Movies at Midway, the Cinema Art Theater in Lewes, Fox Gold Coast, and Flagship Premium Cinemas in Ocean City, as well as Milford Movies 9, are open all weekend with a variety of films. The Cinema Art Theater's special Christmas Day screening is Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas.
CHRISTMAS EVE & CANDLELIGHT SERVICES
Many churches are hosting special Christmas Eve and candlelight services. These include Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Conley's United Methodist Church in Lewes, Lighthouse Baptist Church on Route 24, St. Mary Star of the Sea/Holy Savior Parish in Ocean City among others which can be found on CoastTV.com.
Local restaurants say an increasing amount of customers come through their doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A list of those open can be found on CoastTV.com.Â