This holiday season, bundle up and take the family to the beach. Although it may seem strange to head to the beach in the wintertime, OceanCity is becoming quite the holiday destination. Visitors will marvel at how the Maryland shore town wakes up and transforms from summertime beach fun into a grand illumination of seaside holiday lights at its annual Winterfest of Lights.

A special tree lighting ceremony kicks off Winterfest on Nov. 15 at Northside Park at 125th Street. Enjoy this magical night of lights, carols and Santa Claus. This is a great way to begin the holiday season.

Enter a land of enchantment at Northside Park, 127th St. and the bay, where you can take a ride on the Winterfest Express as it makes its way along a mile-long path filled with delightful illuminated displays. This year, be sure to see the new Ski Jumping Bear and the Toy Soldier spectacular.

While at Northside Park, visit the Winterfest Village for a cup of hot chocolate, browse the new Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop for that special gift and have your photo taken with Santa. The Winterfest Village is located inside a huge heated tent decorated for the holidays.

Next, head to the southern end of town and take a drive through the Tunnel of Lights at the Inlet Lot where you will find the beach filled with magical lights boasting a nautical theme. You can see an animated “Jaws” swim in animation as the fins slowly cross the water until the giant shark thrusts its head and sharp teeth out of the water.

You can drive right through the middle of the forest and along the beach edge of the parking lot to get an up-close view of the other displays.

Be sure to see the new beautiful horse and carriage display. Then drive along the Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Ave. from 15th to 32nd streets.

There’s much more to do in the offseason in Ocean City during the holidays:

Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. The south end of Boardwalk at Inlet

Historic museum offers a glimpse into Ocean City’s past with exhibits of shipwrecks and beachwear. Also mermaid displays, sands from around the world, aquarium room and Davy Jones’ locker. Unique gift shop with interesting selection of nautical gifts and books. There is a small admission fee. The museum is open weekends during November and December, from, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for hours during the winter months at 410-289-4991, or visit www.ocmuseum.org.