Dine out for New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, MD

Now’s the time to make your plans for New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, Maryland. Looking for a big night out with friends? Or a romantic date night with a loved one? OCMD has you covered with plenty of fun and exciting opportunities. Lets take a few opportunities below.

Coral Reef

Located on 17th Street in Ocean City, inside the Holiday Inn & Suites and directly on the boardwalk, Coral Reef Restaurant is celebrating the season with a special holiday menu available December 24 through January 1, making it an ideal stop for a festive New Year’s Eve getaway.

Guests can begin their dining experience with flavorful starters such as garlic shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller, or BBQ chicken flatbread before moving on to an impressive lineup of holiday entrées. Highlights include twin filet medallions, blackened mahi, twin lobster tails, and the ever-popular crab imperial, each prepared to showcase classic coastal flavors with a seasonal touch.

Whether you’re visiting for Christmas week or planning a memorable New Year’s Eve dinner, Coral Reef offers a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with exceptional cuisine right on the Ocean City boardwalk. To learn more or to make reservations, visit them at CoralReefRestaurant.com.

The Captain’s Table

Captain’s Table invites guests to elevate their holiday dining with a seasonal menu that balances comfort, elegance, and indulgence. This festive experience begins at the bar, where handcrafted cocktails set the tone, think a decadent Chocolate Peppermint Martini or a crisp Sparkling Winter Sangria, each designed to capture the spirit of the season.

From there, the culinary journey continues with standout starters such as Jumbo Lump Crab Ravioli and savory Lamb Lollipop Chops, setting high expectations for what follows. The main courses deliver holiday classics with a refined twist, including the ever-popular Surf & Turf, a perfectly prepared Veal Loin Chop, and a beautifully executed Salmon Wellington. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to make your celebration feel both memorable and meaningful.

Whether you’re planning an intimate Christmas dinner or a festive gathering with family and friends, Captain’s Table offers a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with exceptional cuisine—making it a standout destination for holiday dining.

Reservations are highly recommended. Call 443-289-7192 or book online via OpenTable. Be sure to follow Captain’s Table on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on seasonal specials, events, and holiday offerings.

Marlin Moon

Marlin Moon Restaurant is ringing in the New Year with an elegant, indulgent menu designed to make New Year’s Eve in Ocean City truly memorable. Beginning at 4:00 PM, guests are invited to celebrate with a thoughtfully curated lineup of seasonal dishes that highlight bold flavors and elevated coastal cuisine.

The evening starts strong with irresistible starters, including a classic Charcuterie Board, Roasted Oysters finished with hot honey butter, crispy prosciutto, and chives, and perfectly Seared Scallops paired with carrot purée, bacon, and a maple glaze. Each appetizer sets the tone for a festive and refined dining experience.

For the main course, Marlin Moon delivers standout entrées worthy of the occasion. Guests can enjoy Roasted Duck Breast with bourbon cranberry sauce, sweet potato purée, and shaved Brussels sprouts, or indulge in rich comfort with Lobster & Truffle Mac and Cheese. Traditionalists will appreciate the Prime Rib served with mashed potatoes and asparagus, an iconic New Year’s Eve favorite done right.

Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or a special someone, Marlin Moon’s New Year’s Eve menu offers the perfect blend of luxury, warmth, and celebration. Reservations are recommended to close out the year with exceptional food and unforgettable ambiance in the heart of Ocean City, Maryland.

32 Palm

32 Palm is welcoming the New Year in refined style with a thoughtfully crafted New Year’s Eve menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and bold, sophisticated flavors. Served on December 31 from 4:00 to 10:00 PM, this special menu offers guests an elevated dining experience to close out the year in Ocean City, Maryland.

The evening begins with inspired starters designed to bring both comfort and tradition to the table. Guests can enjoy the Good Luck Soup, featuring black-eyed peas, collards, and sausage, alongside a Mushroom and Brussels Flatbread topped with whipped goat cheese and hot honey. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Seared Rare Tuna, served with a warm black-eyed pea salad for a fresh yet hearty start.

For the main course, 32 Palm delivers standout entrées that showcase culinary creativity and finesse. Highlights include Venison Osso Bucco paired with creamy polenta, asparagus, and a blueberry demi, as well as Dijon-grilled Lamb T-Bone accompanied by corn pudding and warm fig and morel chutney. Rounding out the menu is Seared Flounder, beautifully prepared with clams, fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, pearl onions, and a rich clam chowder sauce.

Whether you’re celebrating with friends or planning an intimate New Year’s Eve dinner, 32 Palm’s NYE menu offers a polished and memorable way to ring in the year with exceptional food and an inviting atmosphere in the heart of Ocean City. Reservations are strongly recommended for this special evening.

Holiday Inn Oceanfront

The Holiday Inn Oceanfront in Ocean City, Maryland rang in the New Year with a high-energy Oceanfront NYE Party & Stay that delivered an unforgettable way to celebrate. Set along Coastal Highway, this 21+ event combined overnight accommodations with a full evening of entertainment, dining, and festive touches designed to keep the celebration going well past midnight.

Guests enjoyed a dinner buffet followed by dessert, an open bar, and nonstop music and dancing throughout the night. The highlight of the evening was a live performance by The Philly Keys, whose dueling pianos kept the crowd engaged with an interactive, sing-along experience. Additional perks, including a bottle of champagne at check-in, a champagne toast at midnight, a late-night sandwich buffet, and a breakfast gift card, added to the all-inclusive feel of the event.

With oceanfront accommodations, lively entertainment, and thoughtful details from start to finish, the Holiday Inn Oceanfront once again proved to be a premier destination for New Year’s Eve in Ocean City. The event’s strong turnout and festive atmosphere made it a standout way to welcome the new year by the ocean. Learn more by clicking here.

Wherever you choose to go this New Years Eve in Ocean City, you’re sure to have a great time! Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Specialty Holiday Cocktails at Marlin Moon

This holiday season, Marlin Moon is setting the bar with a lineup of holiday cocktails that are as stylish as they are festive. Featuring bold seasonal flavors and eye-catching presentation, each drink offers a modern, on-trend twist on classic holiday sipping. Beautifully crafted and undeniably photogenic, these holiday cocktails are designed to stand out—whether enjoyed during a night out with friends or captured in the perfect photo. From the first pour to the final garnish, Marlin Moon’s holiday cocktail specials celebrate flavor, creativity, and seasonal flair.

Mimosa Flight $22

Marlin Moon always has a seasonal rotating Mimosa Flight. This one brings a festive twist to a brunch favorite, featuring three holiday-inspired creations that are as eye-catching as they are flavorful. The Mistletoe Mimosa blends pomegranate and cranberry juices with prosecco and a splash of lemon juice. It is then finished with a garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary for a bright, seasonal touch. The Candy Cane Mimosa adds a playful holiday flair with peppermint schnapps and prosecco, served with a crushed candy cane rim and a classic candy cane garnish. Rounding out the flight is the Jack Frost Mimosa, a tropical-meets-winter cocktail made with Bacardi rum, pineapple juice, blue curaçao, and prosecco, complete with a snowy coconut-flaked rim. Together, these three sips offer a festive, photo-ready way to celebrate the season.

Sugar Cookie Martini $14

The Sugar Cookie Martini captures the nostalgic flavors of the season in a smooth, dessert-inspired cocktail. Made with Baileys, amaretto, and vanilla vodka, this martini delivers a rich, creamy sip with just the right touch of sweetness. Can’t forget that it’s finished with a marshmallow fluff–coated rim and festive sprinkles. It truly is as indulgent as it is eye-catching—perfect for anyone craving a holiday treat in cocktail form.

White Christmas Margarita $15

The White Christmas Margarita is a festive, winter-white spin on a classic margarita, blending Casamigos tequila and Cointreau with creamy coconut milk, coconut water, and fresh lime juice. It is then finished with a gold and white sugar-rimmed glass and garnished with sugar-dusted rosemary and cranberries. This cocktail balances bright citrus, smooth coconut, and seasonal elegance. It’s as beautiful on the bar as it is refreshing to sip!

Holiday Aperol Spritz $12

The Holiday Aperol Spritz delivers a festive twist on the beloved classic! It combines Aperol with orange juice, cranberry juice, prosecco, and a splash of soda water for a bright, bubbly sip. It is then garnished with a fragrant rosemary sprig and a dried orange wheel. This cocktail strikes the perfect balance between refreshing citrus and subtle holiday warmth. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing choice for seasonal celebrations!


As always, make sure you’re following them on Facebook & Instagram for all their latest specials and cocktails!

Where To Eat Christmas Dinner in Ocean City, Maryland

The holiday season in Ocean City, Maryland, is about more than just sandy beaches and boardwalk strolls — it’s a magical time where the town transforms into a festive haven, perfect for celebrating Christmas and the week surrounding it. Whether you’re a local looking to make new traditions, a family visiting for a winter getaway, or a couple craving a cozy holiday meal with an ocean view, OCMD offers a delicious array of dining experiences to make your Christmas celebration truly special. From classic sit-down feasts with all the trimmings to creative, seasonal menus crafted by local chefs, there’s a spot to satisfy every taste and occasion. Join us as we explore the best places to enjoy Christmas dinner (and festive meals throughout the week) in Ocean City — where good food, warm ambiance, and holiday cheer come together by the shore.

Captain’s Table

Captain’s Table brings elevated holiday dining with a festive menu that feels both cozy and indulgent. Start the celebration with seasonal cocktails like a rich Chocolate Peppermint Martini or refreshing Sparkling Winter Sangria, then enjoy appetizers such as Jumbo Lump Crab Ravioli or savory Lamb Lollipop Chops. For the main event, holiday favorites shine with refined flair — including classic Surf & Turf, tender Veal Loin Chop, and a beautifully prepared Salmon Wellington. It’s a perfect choice for a Christmas dinner that feels special and celebratory.

Call the restaurant for reservations 443-289-7192, or visit them on OpenTable! Don’t forget to follow along on Facebook & Instagram for all of their latest specials and events.

Marlin Moon

Marlin Moon offers a festive dining experience with bold flavors and elevated comfort dishes perfect for the holiday season. Start with warming starters like clams and andouille in a Cajun beer broth or a shareable flatbread topped with whipped goat cheese, prosciutto, caramelized onions, arugula, and a balsamic drizzle. For the main course, choose from a perfectly seared pork chop with bourbon mushroom cream sauce, baby carrots, and smashed potatoes, a roasted lamb chop with mint chimichurri, polenta, and sautéed spinach, or indulge in lemon butter–poached lobster tails served over mushroom risotto. It’s a standout choice for a Christmas dinner that feels both festive and refined.

You can make your reservations today by calling the restaurant 410-289-1201, or visiting their Open Table.

Also check out their seasonal drinks in this blog post here. Sure to be tasty + photogenic for all those ‘grams!

32 Palm

32 Palm serves up a festive holiday menu that’s both playful and indulgent, perfect for celebrating Christmas in style. Start with shareable appetizers like crab dip or delicate tuna carpaccio, then move on to hearty mains such as a grilled boneless pork chop or rich duck cassoulet. End the meal on a sweet note with seasonal desserts like eggnog cake or Santa’s Naughty List — a fun twist on homemade Christmas cookies served with an eggnog milkshake and hot chocolate dipping sauce. It’s a holiday dining experience that’s sure to delight every palate.

Make your reservations today by calling the restaurant 410-289-2525, or visiting their OpenTable online.

Coral Reef

Coral Reef is celebrating the season with a special holiday menu, available December 24th through January 1st, perfect for a festive getaway. Kick off your meal with flavorful appetizers like garlic shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller, or BBQ chicken flatbread. For the main course, indulge in twin filet medallions, blackened mahi, twin lobster tails, or classic crab imperial. It’s a holiday dining experience designed to make your Christmas week in Ocean City truly memorable.


Breakfast With Santa at Marlin Moon

The magic of the season comes alive at Marlin Moon as we welcome families, friends, and holiday-lovers of all ages to our annual Breakfast with Santa! Join us on Sunday, December 14th from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM for a morning filled with festive cheer, delicious breakfast favorites, and a chance for little ones to meet the big man in red himself.

We’ll be serving a warm and hearty morning meal that feels just like home. Guests can choose between fluffy pancakes or classic eggs, paired with a choice of breakfast meat, fresh seasonal fruit, and your favorite morning beverages. Juice, coffee, and soft drinks are all included. Breakfast is just $15 per person.

This year, we’re embracing the true spirit of the holidays. Donate one unwrapped toy, and you’ll enjoy breakfast for only $10. Every donated toy and event proceed will benefit Diakonia, a local organization dedicated to providing food, housing, and essential services to individuals and families in need. Your breakfast doesn’t just taste good—it helps make the season brighter for someone right here in our community.

Whether you’re bringing little ones for their first Santa encounter, gathering with friends, or simply taking time to slow down and enjoy the season, our Breakfast with Santa is the perfect way to connect, celebrate, and give back.

📅 Save the date: Sunday, December 14th | 10 AM–1 PM
📍 Marlin Moon

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